The number of New Zealanders covered by health insurance rose in the June 2019 quarter after a flat start to the year, bringing the total to 1.406 million Kiwis.

New evidence from a large New Zealand vaping study suggests that hundreds of thousands more smokers worldwide could successfully quit the killer habit if they used nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (vapes) - illegal in a number of countries - together with nicotine patches.

Smokers are less likely to display packs of cigarettes and tobacco on tables at cafés and bars now that standardised packs with larger graphic health warnings have been introduced, according to a new study.

OPINION EDITORIAL APOSTLE BISHOP BRIAN TAMAKI 

The total number of confirmed Queenstown measles cases is still 15 in total.

As yet there are no further confirmed measles cases within the Southern DHB region.

Currently we are aiming to contain the Queenstown measles outbreak and stop it spreading into other areas.

Waikato DHB is taking the measles epidemic very seriously. It is expected that the Waikato region will see a sharp increase in measles cases in the coming weeks.

Currently routine vaccinations are available.

Mental health initiative Live For Tomorrow today launches EmpathyBot, a free global chatbot on Facebook Messenger that gives people practical skills to start conversations about suicide.

The launch of EmpathyBot coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall today released a report finding a paramedic in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failures relating to a 111 call.

Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill today released a report finding an acupuncturist in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failures in care when providing acupuncture services to a woman.

The Government is making a start on rolling out its free mental healthcare package by signing contracts that will ensure 170,000 New Zealanders continue to receive mental health support at their local medical centre and is kicking off the process to deliver front line services in new areas by the