Christchurch Hospital's paediatric wards received a special visit from Dora the Explorer and her friends last week.

Hospital Play Specialist Dorothy Lavelle says the children were really excited about the visit as it also came as a welcomed relief after the past few weeks.

Labour MP Lianne Dalziel will make her submission to the Justice and Electoral select committee, via teleconference, on the Alcohol Reform Bill this afternoon.

Labour's Building and Construction spokesperson Phil Twyford is questioning whether the Government has properly considered possible health risks associated with its new mandatory timber treatment rules.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) congratulates the Government on its response to the bold Māori Affairs Select Committee report that calls for a Smokefree New Zealand / Aotearoa by 2025.

Plunket congratulates the Government for its demonstration of support to see a smokefree New Zealand by 2025.

Christchurch woman Paula Thompson has found solace in making red crosses to take her mind off the traumatic events of the February 22 earthquake and help raise money for a good cause.

Public consultations on the proposed guidelines on extending the storage period for sperm, eggs and embryos beyond 10 years have been extended to March 25, the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) announced today.

A national campaign to bring our abortion laws out of the Crimes Act and into the 21st century is starting this weekend, with a Wellington meeting of over 70 activists from around the country.

"Health bosses at Southern DHB are giving mixed messages on the Chief Executive's proposal to privatise Queenstown's public hospital, Lakes District Hospital," said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) continues to support Canterbury DHB with non-deferrable surgery and staffing and will continue to offer support for many months to come.