Category: health
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Galt Sand Stickers and Zummi Strollers Recalled in New Zealand
Two recalls have been announced in New Zealand. Modern Brands is recalling Galt-branded Mini Makes Sand Stickers after testing revealed the presence of naturally occurring Chrysotile asbestos in some samples. Although no respirable asbestos was detected, and the risk of…
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New Zealand Police Launch Roadside Drug Testing in Wellington
Starting December 15, 2025, police in Wellington will begin roadside drug testing, a first for New Zealand. The initiative aims to detect and deter drug-impaired drivers. Roadside screening will target four key drugs: THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine.…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementHealthSocial IssuesLegal Roadside Drug TestingWellingtonNew Zealand PoliceSteve GreallyDrug-Impaired DrivingPublic Safety
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Recall Issued for Earrings and Glass Meal Prep Sets
Two recalls have been issued for separate products. Handmade Gummy Worm and Salted Pretzel earrings sold at Joy's Handmade Boutique are being recalled due to potential asbestos contamination. The craft sand used on the earrings has been independently recalled by…
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Akaroa King Salmon Brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices and Trim Recalled
New Zealand Food Safety has issued a recall for Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices and Trim due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. According to Charles Fergusson, affected products should not be consumed. The recall was…
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Kmart Recalls Licensed Sensory Activity Sets Due to Asbestos Risk
Kmart has issued a recall of licensed sensory activity sets, including Frozen, Bluey, and Paw Patrol, due to the potential presence of asbestos in the sand. The recall was initiated after laboratory testing revealed asbestos in some samples. While respirable…
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports rising nitrate levels in South Canterbury town
Radio New Zealand is reporting that nitrate levels are rising in a small South Canterbury town. It said some council water supplies in the town were previously off limits for extended periods due to breaches of drinking water standards.
HealthPolitics and GovernmentEntertainmentWeatherSocial IssuesGeneral PoliticsFilm and TVGeneral Weather RNZSouth Canterburynitrate levelswater supplydrinking waterenvironmentRNZ News
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ on Retirement Village Changes
Consumer NZ is reporting that changes to retirement village rules will give more certainty to future residents but not to those who fought for them. It said the changes are a blow to current residents. Consumer NZ also provided a…
BusinessHealthScience & TechnologyWeatherSocial IssuesReal EstateMedical ScienceComputers and InternetEnvironmentGeneral Weather
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports Watercare delays plant opening
Radio New Zealand is reporting that Watercare has delayed the opening of the Onehunga treatment plant by two years. The facility was shut three years ago, after the detection of substances linked to cancer and immune problems, RNZ said. In…
Politics and GovernmentSportWeatherHealthAustralasiaAustraliaGeneral PoliticsLegalMedical ScienceAgricultureGeneral Weather WatercareOnehungaMariameno Kapa-KingiTe Pāti MāoriFIFA World CupAll WhitesTangihau AngusRNZ News
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Kmart Sand Castle Set Recall: Asbestos Contamination
Kmart has issued a recall for its 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set, originally published on November 15, 2025, due to the detection of tremolite asbestos in samples. This is an update to a previous recall, with some products removed from…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologySocial IssuesAustralasiaMedical ScienceLegal
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Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs Recalled Due to Plastic Contamination
Smartfoods Limited has issued a recall of Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs due to the potential presence of foreign matter, specifically hard plastic. The recall, initiated on December 4, 2025, affects several varieties of the snack product. The recalled…
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Kmart Recalls Unicorn Sand Ornaments Due to Asbestos Risk
Kmart has issued a recall for its Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments in New Zealand due to the potential presence of asbestos in the sand. The product is being recalled because the sand may include asbestos, which is a…
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Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony Recalled Due to Asbestos Contamination
Gems Wedding Supplies is recalling its Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony (200-gram bags) due to asbestos contamination. Some samples of the product have tested positive for asbestos, prompting the voluntary recall. Health officials advise that exposure to asbestos does not…
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Stats NZ Corrects 2024 Work-Related Fatality Data
Stats NZ has issued a correction to the 'Serious injury outcome indicators: 2000–2024', initially published on 26 November 2025. The provisional number for work-related fatalities in 2024 has been updated in table 13 of the ‘Serious injury outcome indicators: 2000–2024…
HealthBusinessMediaEmployment and LaborSocial IssuesMedia CrisisAustralasia
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Mecca Heated Towel Rails Recalled Due to Burn Hazard
Nero Tapware NZ has issued a recall for Mecca 240V Single Vertical Heated Towel Rails (NRV902H) due to a potential burn hazard. Testing revealed that when installed vertically, the upper section of the rail can reach excessively high temperatures, up…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaMedical ScienceProduct Recall
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Navigating New Saliva Testing Rules in New Zealand
Following the roadside testing announcement in New Zealand, Alternaleaf has reported a surge in patients seeking guidance. The new law utilizes the Securetec DrugWipe 3 S test kit, detecting THC at a 5 ng/mL saliva cutoff, which can result in…
HealthPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementSocial IssuesLegal Alternaleafsaliva testingTHCdriving banmedicinal cannabisCBD
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports freshwater fish at risk, Omaha Beach death
Radio New Zealand is reporting that a new freshwater fish report has found 28 percent of species are facing extinction and 32 percent are at risk of becoming threatened. It said the report highlights the declining state of waterways. Separately,…
Science & TechnologyHealthWeatherEnvironmentMedical ScienceAgricultureGeneral Weather Radio New Zealandfreshwater fishextinctionOmaha BeachdrowningHawke's BayEmployment Relations AuthorityRNZ News
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Creative Sand Recalls Coloured Sand Due to Asbestos Concerns
Creative Sand has initiated a voluntary recall of its coloured sand product after initial testing revealed the presence of mineral fibres consistent with asbestos. While exposure to asbestos does not cause immediate health problems, long-term exposure can lead to health…
HealthBusinessSocial IssuesAustralasiaMedical ScienceEmployment and LaborEducation
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Multiple Product Recalls Announced Due to Asbestos Risk, Fire Hazard, and Choking Hazards
Several products have been recalled due to safety concerns, including the presence of asbestos, potential fire hazards, and choking risks. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and follow the provided safety guidelines. Two sand art sets,…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaMedical ScienceEnergyLegal Product RecallAsbestosFire HazardChoking HazardSand Art SetAir Purifying RespiratorConsumer ProtectionProduct Safety NZ
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Multiple Product Recalls Announced Due to Asbestos Risk, Fire Hazard, and Choking Hazards
Several products have been recalled due to safety concerns, including the presence of asbestos, potential fire hazards, and choking risks. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and follow the provided safety guidelines. Two sand art sets,…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaMedical ScienceEmployment and LaborEnergyLegal
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Three Charged with Illegal Cannabis Distribution in Canterbury
Three people have been arrested and charged after an investigation into the illegal sale of cannabis in Canterbury. Police executed a search warrant in the Middle Christchurch area, revealing that a group, under the guise of a medicinal cannabis license,…
Law EnforcementLegalHealthSocial Issues Canterburycannabisillegal distributionChristchurcharrestorganised crimeNew Zealand Police
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Woop Limited Recalls Pistachio Dukkah Due to Undeclared Peanut Allergen
Woop Limited has initiated a recall of a specific batch of its Woop brand Pistachio Dukkah due to the presence of an undeclared peanut allergen. The affected product is the Woop brand Pistachio Dukkah with a best before date of…
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New Zealand's Serious Injury Outcome Indicators for 2000-2024 Released
Stats NZ released its serious injury outcome indicators for 2000–2024, presenting the annual number and rate of serious injury outcomes in New Zealand, using indicators for fatal and non-fatal injuries. However, the release of the work-related injury targets at a…
HealthPolitics and GovernmentAustralasiaSocial IssuesFederal Government
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Media Monitor: ABC News reports on Cyclone Fina, Greene's resignation, and more
ABC News is reporting that Tropical Cyclone Fina has intensified to a category three system as it moves towards Darwin. In other news, Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she is resigning from Congress after a falling out with Donald…
WeatherPolitics and GovernmentWorldHealthSportAustralasiaEuropeMedical ScienceGeneral PoliticsRepublican PartyCongressSocial Issues Cyclone FinaMarjorie Taylor GreeneDonald TrumpGarbage DumpFood FraudRFK Jr.ABC News Australia
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Media Monitor: ABC News reports on Cyclone Fina, Greene's resignation, and more
ABC News is reporting that Tropical Cyclone Fina has intensified to a category three system as it moves towards Darwin. In other news, Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she is resigning from Congress after a falling out with Donald…
WeatherPolitics and GovernmentWorldHealthSportAustralasiaEuropeMedical ScienceGeneral PoliticsRepublican PartyCongressSocial Issues Cyclone FinaMarjorie Taylor GreeneDonald TrumpGarbage DumpFood FraudRFK Jr.ABC News
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Bondi Sands Sunscreen SPF 50+ Recall Due to Quality Concerns
Bondi Sands has issued a recall for its Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml and Body Lotion 120ml. The recall affects specific batch numbers sold between December 2023 and November 2025 at…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaTradeMedical ScienceSocial Issues
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Media Monitor: ABC News reports on visa cancellation, hospital funding, and more
ABC News is reporting that the federal government has revoked the visa of a man who attended a far-right National Socialist Network protest at NSW's parliament house. It said health ministers are in disagreement with the prime minister, who is…
Politics and GovernmentHealthWorldBusinessEntertainmentAustraliaWhite HouseRepublican PartyFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsEconomyTradeMedical ScienceSocial IssuesLegal Neo-NaziNational Socialist NetworkHospital FundingJeffrey EpsteinPaige GrecoAsbestosAustralian beefABC News Australia
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NZ Police and Health NZ Launch Phase Three of Mental Health Response Programme
The New Zealand Police and Health New Zealand have initiated Phase Three of the Mental Health Response Change Programme, building on the groundwork laid by the successful implementation of Phases One and Two. This programme seeks to prioritize a health-led…
HealthPolitics and GovernmentSocial Issues NZ PoliceHealth New ZealandMental Health Response Change ProgrammeMike JohnsonKarla Bergquistmental healthlaw enforcementNew Zealand Police
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New Zealand Births Decline, Infant Mortality Rate Rises
Provisional figures released by Stats NZ show a decrease in registered births and deaths in New Zealand for the year ended September 2025. There were 57,393 live births registered, down from 58,047 in the previous year. Registered deaths also decreased,…
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports on police report, fatal fire, sports results
RNZ is reporting that former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster was placed on leave from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, following the release of a report on Tuesday. It said Coster is unsure if he's 'free…
Politics and GovernmentSportHealthWeatherMediaLaw EnforcementSocial IssuesMedical ScienceDigital and Print PublishingGeneral Weather Andrew CosterSanson fireAll BlacksSilver FernsEnglandSocial Investment AgencyPolice CommissionerRNZ News
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Kmart Sand Toy Recall Due to Asbestos Contamination
Kmart has issued a recall for its 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand after samples tested positive for tremolite asbestos. Although respirable asbestos was not detected in tested samples, the presence of asbestos poses…
HealthScience & TechnologyAustralasiaSocial IssuesMedical ScienceEnvironmentLegal