Ministry of Health Stories

Kiwi Stories

Ministry of Health stories

AI scribe tool being used in emergency departments

New Zealand rolls out AI scribe in all emergency departments, boosting productivity but raising fresh concerns over patient privacy.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Tue, 3rd Mar 2026

Data Protection

ManageMyHealth fixes code and bolsters security after hack

ManageMyHealth says it has fixed code flaws and tightened logins after a hack that may have exposed health documents of up to 7% of users.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Thu, 8th Jan 2026

Data Protection

Government orders review into ManageMyHealth data breach

Government orders urgent review into ManageMyHealth cyber breach as hackers threaten to leak 400,000 patient files over NZD $60,000.

By RNZ • 5 min read • Mon, 5th Jan 2026

Health Technologies

The Telehealth service success born during COVID-19

Reach Aotearoa needed a partner that could implement this solution in a short time span and hire a workforce large enough to run it comfortably.

By Tom Raynel • 4 min read • Thu, 2nd Feb 2023

Disaster Recovery

Keeping safe during flooding emergency and recovery

Flood-hit workplaces face electric shock, gas and asbestos risks, prompting WorkSafe to urge staff to speak up before resuming duties.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Wed, 1st Feb 2023

Ministry of Health

Getting tough on tobacco well overdue

If enforced well, the bill could cut youth smoking and shrink tobacco access, but critics warn loopholes may fuel a black market.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 14th Aug 2022

Risk & Compliance

How to qualify for the close contact exemption scheme

Critical services can keep close contacts at work, easing staff shortages as New Zealand’s Omicron response begins on Wednesday.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Thu, 10th Feb 2022

Social Media

Business penalised for not meeting vaccination requirements

Auckland martial arts centre Oliver MMA faces a USD $12,000 fine, the first COVID-related penalty WorkSafe has issued under the traffic light system.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Wed, 5th Jan 2022

Ministry of Health

Auckland-based firm MATTR to develop My Vaccine Pass for MoH

New Zealand's Ministry of Health has selected Auckland-based MATTR to build its My Vaccine Pass system, as vaccine passes become mandatory worldwide.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Mon, 8th Nov 2021

Risk & Compliance

Vaccine mandates confirmed – is your business safe?

Businesses face fresh legal and workplace pressure as about 40% of New Zealand workers fall under new Covid-19 vaccine requirements.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Tue, 26th Oct 2021

Ministry of Health

Rapid Covid tests finally get the go-ahead

The rollout begins in Auckland hospitals and for travellers, as ministers face criticism for delaying quicker Covid detection by over a year.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Thu, 7th Oct 2021

Ministry of Health

‘Knot and Tuck’ technique offers better protection

Better-fitting masks could sharply reduce Covid-19 transmission, with experts urging mandatory N95s for border and quarantine workers.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Sun, 19th Sep 2021

Data Protection

Businesses told to enforce Covid-19 scanning

Businesses will have seven days after lockdown eases to enforce QR check-ins and manual sign-ins at busy venues, experts say.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Mon, 23rd Aug 2021

Supply Chain

Trades and construction protocols at Alert Level 4

Only essential building work may continue, with contractors required to follow strict COVID-19 controls or defer jobs until restrictions ease.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Wed, 18th Aug 2021

Global Stories

Ministry of Health stories

Data Protection

Google expands healthcare ad certification to India & New Zealand

Healthcare advertisers in India and New Zealand will face tighter checks before using Google Ads, as LegitScript widens its certification scheme.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Fri, 10th Apr 2026

Cybersecurity

Budget boost promises better cybersecurity for our health system

New Zealand's Ministry of Health has pledged $75.7 million to upgrade cybersecurity throughout the health system.

By Matthew Lark • 12 min read • Mon, 28th Mar 2022

Health Technologies

Ministry of Health trials wearable devices to help detect COVID-19

Ministry of Health trials wearable devices at border to detect COVID-19. App, Elarm, monitors heart rate and notifies users of early physiological changes.

By Ryan Morris-Reade • 3 min read • Mon, 19th Apr 2021

Stories from Other Regions

Ministry of Health stories

Facebook

Meta opens Singapore exhibit on teen online safety

Teen users in Singapore will face tighter Instagram, Facebook and Messenger content controls as Meta backs new online-safety talks with schools and families.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Mon, 29th Jun 2026