Latest Health Headlines
Drug Checking Service Continues To Grow
Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 11:04 am | NZ Drug Foundation
The Foundation’s Executive Director Sarah Helm says that drug checking is a vital
harm reduction initiative and is especially important in light of surging consumption.
More >>
Health Warning – Unsafe Recreational Water Quality At Otaio River And Waihao River
Monday, 30 March 2026, 5:50 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Other popular swimming sites in South Canterbury may also have high levels of contamination
after recent rainfall.People should avoid all rivers, lakes and beaches within 48
hours of significant rain.More >>
Te Whatu Ora Must Come Clean Over New Uniforms
Monday, 30 March 2026, 5:17 pm | NZNO
Te Whatu Ora should reveal how much the new uniforms are costing and explain why
they are being prioritised over employing more nurses and health care assistants
and fixing our crumbling hospitals.More >>
Draft Education Curriculum Reverses Over 30 Years Of Progress, Says The MHF
Monday, 30 March 2026, 11:55 am | Mental Health Foundation
While the MHF acknowledges the government’s intention to simplify and clarify the
curriculum, it says the changes have ‘gone too far’ and could cause harm.
More >>
New Poll Shows More Than 8 Out Of 10 People Support Bringing Dental Into Public Healthcare System
Monday, 30 March 2026, 9:26 am | ActionStation
Dental for All will shortly release, later in April 2026, a costed plan for an integrated oral health service for children and adults.More >>
Communities Push Back Against Proposed Alcohol Reforms
Sunday, 29 March 2026, 8:18 pm | RNZ
The government says it wants to reduce red tape, make it easier for businesses to
obtain licences, and trust adults to make their own choices.
More >>
Epidemiologist Says Influeneza Vaccine Can Reduce Risk Of Heart Attacks
Sunday, 29 March 2026, 8:13 pm | RNZ
The vaccine can be as effective as heart attack medication for those infected by
influenza, epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker says.
More >>
Managing Medical Waste Safely
Saturday, 28 March 2026, 6:31 am | Hugh Grant
Ensuring that all medical waste is managed responsibly is critical not only for protecting
healthcare workers, but also for safeguarding communities and reducing environmental
harm.More >>
Private Healthcare Provider Intracare Hit By Cyber Breach
Friday, 27 March 2026, 5:16 pm | RNZ
IntraCare says it’s “taking all possible steps to prevent any misuse of information”.
More >>
Leading Respiratory Charity Calls For Urgent Action On Child Respiratory Health Following Stark New Report
Friday, 27 March 2026, 2:54 pm | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
The Government needs to urgently fund nirsevimab (a monoclonal antibody against RSV),
fund free flu vaccinations, and provide sustained investment in warm, dry, and affordable
housing, she says.More >>
Surgical Robot Gets $500,000 Nod Of Approval By Private Donor
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 3:45 pm | Little and Loud
Able to be used across a range of disciplines, having this cutting-edge technology
at Palmerston North Regional Hospital is expected to significantly improve surgery
and cancer care for the central North Island.
More >>
Statement Following High Court Decision On Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) Midwives
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 3:41 pm | Ministry of Health
The claim was brought by the College and two representative plaintiffs against the
Attorney-General on behalf of 1,473 LMC midwives.
More >>
The New Zealand Psychological Society Highlights Psychological Impact Of Global Warfare
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 2:17 pm | New Zealand Psychological Society
War is harmful to all people.
Armed conflict inflicts immediate trauma, loss, and
displacement.It also deepens intergenerational harm, social fragmentation, and ecological
damage.More >>
Pharmac Proposal To Procure Drug-Eluting Stents Will Mean Savings For Public Hospitals
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 2:05 pm | PHARMAC
The proposed deal would award Principal Supply Status for permanent coronary drug-eluting
stents for public hospitals to Medtronic New Zealand.Hospitals would be able to
invest the proposed savings into new and emerging technologies.
More >>
Threats Won’t Fix Health NZ’s AI Problem, Investment Will.
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 10:43 am | PSA
A “Health workers are turning to AI tools because they are under enormous pressure
and looking for ways to manage their workloads,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National
Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.More >>
New Zealand Healthcare Chaplains Association Celebrates 60 Years Of Service
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 10:04 pm | NZHCA
As NZHCA celebrates this 60-year milestone, the association remains committed to
supporting chaplains, strengthening professional standards, and advocating for the
vital role of spiritual care in the healthcare system.
More >>
Myeloma Action Month 2026 Shines Light On One Of Our Most Common Blood Cancers
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 9:11 pm | Myeloma New Zealand
While multiple myeloma is still incurable, great progress has been made in terms
of survival over the last two decades.The disease is more common in Māori and Pasifika.
More >>
Child Protection Workers Are Under Pressure In NZ.
Can Predictive Modelling Help?
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 8:41 pm | The Conversation
Overseas experience suggests predictive tools can improve child protection, if used
carefully.Should NZ reconsider its stance?
More >>
2024 Medicines Budget Boost A Good Start But Over 600,000 Kiwi Patients Are Still Waiting
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 6:34 pm | Medicines New Zealand
The report shows that the 2024 funding boost allowed a record number of applications
to be funded.
More >>
NZ’s Rejection Of Amendments To WHO’s International Health Regulations Ill-Advised And Against National Interest
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 5:56 pm | NZ College of Public Health Medicine
New Zealand is one of only twelve nations which have formally rejected the amendments,
and one of only five that have done so without indicating they still intended to
accept them at a later date.More >>
GenPro Chair Pushes Back On “Catastrophising” Around New PHO
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 1:56 pm | General Practice Owners Association
“The new PHO has undertaken detailed mapping of services and contracts across the
system.The reality is that very little will change in the next 12 to 18 months,”
he said.
More >>
Bringing Homegrown Doctors Back The Key To Strengthening Regional Healthcare
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 10:44 am | Little and Loud
When we invest in local doctors and bring junior ones into the fold, it means we’re
investing in continuity of care, and in the lasting health of our region.
More >>
Health Targets Still “Well Short” Despite Improvements
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 9:39 am | Kaitiaki Hauora
Kaitiaki Hauora says the focus on a small number of targets risks masking wider system
issues, including workforce shortages, access to primary care, and growing demand.
More >>
Diabetes NZ Backs National Diabetes Roadmap
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 5:17 pm | Diabetes New Zealand
Having been involved in its development since inception, Diabetes NZ supports the
roadmap’s aim to reduce the burden of diabetes on patients and whānau and the
wider health system.More >>
Health Warning Lifted For Algal Bloom In Lake Hood
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 1:20 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Dr Claire Salter, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service,
says “the public will be informed if testing shows that concentrations have increased
and there is a risk to public health again.” More >>
From ‘Greenwashing’ To ‘Lungwashing’: How Tobacco Giant Uses Imagery To Stub Out The Truth
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 1:15 pm | Auckland University of Technology
New AUT research exposes the steps a major tobacco company takes to look like it
cares about your health.
More >>
Alarming Increase In Low-Level Drug Prosecutions Undermining Health Efforts
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 1:00 pm | NZ Drug Foundation
Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the current approach is clearly
not reducing drug use, but it is undermining efforts to reduce harm.
More >>
NZNO Apologises For Abuses In State Care
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 10:49 am | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
The apology was made in a video by NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and published today
on the organisation’s website.It has already been shared with survivors and their
whānau.More >>
Auckland Perfusionists Kept National Services Pumping In 2025
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 10:18 am | APEX
New data from Health New Zealand underscores the critical role of the twenty clinical
perfusionists at Auckland City and Starship Hospital who are responsible for three
national services.
More >>
Health Warning Lifted For Algal Bloom In Pegasus Lake
Monday, 23 March 2026, 3:28 pm | Health New Zealand
Recent water testing at Pegasus Lake has shown the quantity of potentially toxic
harmful blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) in the lake has reduced and concentrations
are now below levels that are of concern to public health.More >>
Mental Health Services Adapt To Rising Demand In Australia
Monday, 23 March 2026, 3:01 pm | True Self Space
Statista projects that the mental health market in Australia will grow by 1.54% between
2024 and 2029, reaching a market volume of US$608.90 million (approximately NZ$1.04
billion) by 2029.More >>
ACT Should Leave Nursing To Professionals And Medical Evidence
Monday, 23 March 2026, 2:56 pm | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Without culturally safe health care, Māori will continue to suffer poorer health
outcomes and lead sicker and shorter lives than other New Zealanders.
More >>
New Partnership Targets Long-Term GP Workforce Sustainability Through International Recruitment
Monday, 23 March 2026, 10:25 am | Royal NZ College of General Practitioners
The campaign, launched today, includes a new suite of resources and video testimonial
stories aimed at attracting international doctors to work in Aotearoa.
More >>
NZ Risks Australia-Style Tobacco Crime Surge If Harm Reduction Is Ignored
Monday, 23 March 2026, 8:13 am | CAPHRA
CAPHRA says safer nicotine products are not risk-free, but they should be regulated
according to their relative risk compared with cigarettes.
More >>
NZ Imports Of Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Foods Have Risen Sharply Since 1990 – New Study
Sunday, 22 March 2026, 7:11 pm | The Conversation
Diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to many serious diseases, but without
recent nutritional surveys there are gaps in understanding the health impacts.
More >>
World Oral Health Day 2026: Oral Health Saves Lives
Friday, 20 March 2026, 5:29 pm | Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
The Trust provides support packs, peer support, and practical advice to help survivors
and their whānau manage oral health during and after treatment.
More >>
Health Warning Lifted For Harmful Algal Bloom In Selwyn River | Waikirikiri At Whitecliffs And Glentunnel
Friday, 20 March 2026, 4:05 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Dr Annabel Begg, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service,
says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Selwyn River | Waikirikiri will resume
in November.More >>
Too Expensive To Smile: Calls Grow For Universal, Te Tiriti-Consistent Dental Care
Friday, 20 March 2026, 3:44 pm | RNZ
Nearly half of adults in Aotearoa are avoiding dental care because they cannot afford
it, leaving many in chronic pain, at risk of serious infection, or in need of hospital
treatment.
More >>
Harmful Algal Bloom In Ōpihi River At SH1 Bridge
Friday, 20 March 2026, 1:05 pm | Health New Zealand
People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed
near the water until the health warning has been lifted.
More >>
New Air Pollution Report Prompts Renewed Calls For Action
Friday, 20 March 2026, 9:58 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
According to the World Bank, the global health cost of mortality and morbidity attributed
to air pollution was $8.1 trillion in 2019.
More >>
Health NZ Warned Financial Control ‘One Of The Thorniest’ Aspects Of Decentralisation
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 4:02 pm | RNZ
The government blamed loss of financial control when it sacked the central agency’s
board two years ago.
More >>
Ngāti Kahungunu And Māori Health Partners Unite To Shape New Iwi Health Authority
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 3:33 pm | Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc
Since an initial announcement in September 2025, these parties have collaborated
to bring clarity to how the KHA could operate as a separate, independent body designed
to achieve better outcomes for whānau.More >>
Wellington Hospital MRI Team Reduce Waiting List 60%
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 2:40 pm | APEX
Wellington Hospital has two MRI scanners which are used to diagnose and guide treatment
for musculoskletal injuries, neurological conditions, oncology, cardiac and chronic
pain conditions.More >>
HPV Self-Test Boosts Cervical Cancer Screening ‘Across The Board’, New Study Confirms
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 1:34 pm | Victoria University of Wellington
The study, which took place before HPV self-testing was rolled out nationwide in
September 2023, included 22,511 people enrolled in 14 GP practices in Te Tai Tokerau
Northland.More >>
Youth Happiness In NZ Is Falling Fast
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 1:09 pm | AUT
Although happiness in New Zealand remains comparatively high internationally –
we rank 11 out of 147 countries in the report – the continued decline among those
aged 15-24 is extremely concerning, says AUT Associate Professor Stephanie Rossouw.
More >>
First-Ever Substance Harm Action Plan Unveiled
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 2:51 pm | RNZ
The NZ Drug Foundation is welcoming the plan, saying it has many interventions the
sector has long called for.
More >>
Drug Foundation Welcomes Substance Harm Action Plan
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 12:46 pm | NZ Drug Foundation
The government’s Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026 – 2029
was announced by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey this morning.
More >>
Guidance To Keep People Safe From Life-Threatening Listeriosis
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 11:39 am | New Zealand Food Safety
“Although listeriosis is rare in New Zealand, vulnerable people die of this preventable disease every year, so we want to share some practical steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.More >>
Te Taumata Hauora O Te Kahu O Taonui Launched Landmark Māmā & Pēpi Health Report
Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 10:53 am | Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui
The report draws on extensive hui with Māmā and whānau in both rural and urban
settings, as well as wānanga with Māori providers who walk alongside these whānau
daily.More >>
Urgent Action On Covid In Schools Needed, Says Advocacy Group
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 8:05 pm | Aotearoa Covid Action
ACA is calling on the government to take action again to mitigate the spread of COVID
and other airborne diseases in schools.
More >>
Emergency Doctors Estimate AI Scribe ‘Heidi’ Saving Up To 10 Minutes Per Patient
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 4:36 pm | RNZ
The tool, known as Heidi, was trialled in Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s ED, before the government
announced it was being rolled out to all hospitals earlier this month.
More >>
Papers Show ‘Extreme Risk’ Around Health NZ Decentralisation
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 4:12 pm | RNZ
The government two years ago castigated Health NZ for loose finances and started
a $2 billion savings plan.
More >>
Survey Suggests More Than 400,000 Kiwis May Have Had Long Covid
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 4:04 pm | Long Covid Support Aotearoa
By June 2025, the survey estimates more than 400,000 Kiwi adults may have developed
Long Covid at some point – including about 185,000 still experiencing symptoms.
More >>
Health Warning Lifted At Ashley River | Rakahuri At SH1
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 3:58 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels at this site are now below
guideline values and the health warning has been removed with the water at this site
now suitable for recreational use.
More >>
Hospital Capacity Boost Highlights Critical Role Of Aged Care Sector
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 12:18 pm | Aged Care Association
Chief Executive Tracey Martin said aged residential care providers stand ready to
support the initiative, but success will depend on how the programme is implemented.
More >>
Minister’s Winter Spin Can’t Mask Health NZ’s Staffing Crisis
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 11:53 am | PSA
New Zealand’s hospitals were already under severe pressure, with 600 nurses short
per shift, before this Government began its cuts programme, said Fleur Fitzsimons.
More >>
Pharmac Seeks Feedback To Make Access To Medicines Clearer & Simpler For People With Exceptional Clinical Circumstances
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 11:21 am | PHARMAC
The Framework is used when a person’s clinical situation is unusual or complex
and existing funded medicines or standard funding rules are not suitable.
More >>
PSA Members In Vital Health Roles Ratify New Collective
Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 9:50 am | PSA
The PAKS agreement covers those working in digital services, infrastructure, operations,
communications, finance, people and capability, procurement, service design and planning,
analytics and research, and policy.
More >>
Largest Ever Parkinson’s Study Shows How Symptoms Differ Between Men And Women
Monday, 16 March 2026, 2:10 pm | The Conversation
Parkinson’s disease doesn’t only mean a tremor and falls.It can cause insomnia,
memory issues and impulsive behaviour.And it affects men and women differently.
More >>
Video Helps Parents Of Fussy Eaters
Monday, 16 March 2026, 11:39 am | University of Auckland
A short evidence-based video helps parents of fussy eaters steer their kids towards
healthy eating, new research shows.
More >>.
