Isaac Davison is a health reporter for the New Zealand Herald and has a special interest in inequality, public housing, alcohol and drug reform, and euthanasia.
Isaac Davison started at the Herald in 2008 on the night shift, before moving to Tauranga to report on the Bay of Plenty. He was later the science and environment reporter, a role in which he covered the Rena oil spill disaster and the Christchurch earthquakes. He spent six years at the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Wellington, where he closely covered two general elections in 2014 and 2017. In that time, Isaac also covered the legalisation of same-sex marriage in New Zealand and reported from trips abroad to Antarctica, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and the Marshall Islands. In 2020, he was awarded runner-up for Feature Writer of the Year (Social Issues) for his reporting on historic sexual abuse at Dilworth School. Before journalism, Isaac studied English and History at the University of Auckland and wrote his Masters thesis on the great New Zealand poet Allen Curnow. You can contact Isaac at isaac.davison@nzme.co.nz.
!['Blood-curdling scream' heard after car hits group, brawl erupts in Ponsonby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Blood-curdling scream' heard after car hits group, brawl erupts in Ponsonby
Three people were injured in the incident and a man was arrested at the scene.
![Health watchdog taking years to investigate complaints - amid ‘significant pressure’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Health watchdog taking years to investigate complaints - amid ‘significant pressure’
Covid backlog, ancient IT system part of problem, but upgrade request for latter rejected.
![Sperm donor who was told he had no biological children finds son on DNA testing website](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Sperm donor who was told he had no biological children finds son on DNA testing website
DNA testing websites are muddying the sensitive process of matching donors with families.
![Mystery shopper finds vape stores openly selling banned products, failing to check ID](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Mystery shopper finds vape stores openly selling banned products, failing to check ID
New rules for vaping are now in place. A mystery shopper found widespread non-compliance.
!['Really hectic': Middlemore Hospital ED under strain with ambulance ramping, bed waits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Really hectic': Middlemore Hospital ED under strain with ambulance ramping, bed waits
There were reports of long waits for a bed and patients in corridors.
![Pharmacies investigated for allegedly giving unnecessary immunisations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Pharmacies investigated for allegedly giving unnecessary immunisations
At one pharmacy, elderly patients getting a flu shot were also given child vaccinations.
![ACC cutting 390 jobs - nearly 10 per cent of workforce](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
ACC cutting 390 jobs - nearly 10 per cent of workforce
The public sector union said the cuts included 'vital' injury prevention staff.
![ACC spending cuts expected to be announced today, 100 jobs possibly on the line](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
ACC spending cuts expected to be announced today, 100 jobs possibly on the line
The agency's bosses said changes will not impact frontline services like rehabilitation.
![Bowel cancer rates rise in under-50s, calls for lower screening age](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Bowel cancer rates rise in under-50s, calls for lower screening age
Govt will lower the bowel cancer screening age to 55.
![86yo Kiwi man attacked, hospitalised in Italy while on dream tour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
86yo Kiwi man attacked, hospitalised in Italy while on dream tour
Michael Johnson was on a dream opera tour in Italy when he was allegedly attacked.
![Disability ministry didn't warn of funding changes because of concern about last-minute spend-up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Disability ministry didn't warn of funding changes because of concern about last-minute spend-up
Newly released documents shed light on the leadup to the shock funding changes in March.
![Family lays complaint after 22-year-old dies suddenly in Middlemore Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Family lays complaint after 22-year-old dies suddenly in Middlemore Hospital
The family claimed Jaydyn Barnett was ready to go home but died suddenly after a fall.
![ADHD medication prescription rates rise tenfold for adults in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
ADHD medication prescription rates rise tenfold for adults in NZ
Higher prescription rates reflected greater recognition of ADHD, the study's author said.
![Disability ministry’s problems revealed in confidential memo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Disability ministry’s problems revealed in confidential memo
The Government is expected to confirm a review of Whaikaha today.
![University of Auckland taken to ERA by ‘Plan B’ academic Simon Thornley](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
University of Auckland taken to ERA by ‘Plan B’ academic Simon Thornley
The university is now involved in a new employment dispute.
![Diabetes: Pharmac’s funding of glucose monitors a major step - with a few catches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Diabetes: Pharmac’s funding of glucose monitors a major step - with a few catches
Up to 18,000 people with diabetes will soon get free access to life-saving technology.
![Rising number of cancer screening samples binned because of transit delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Rising number of cancer screening samples binned because of transit delays
One family said they hand-delivered a sample to the post office and it still arrived late.
![Man pleads guilty, will pay $16k for K Rd rainbow crossing vandalism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Man pleads guilty, will pay $16k for K Rd rainbow crossing vandalism
Ford O'Connor is married to Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki's granddaughter.
!['Full' GP clinics enrol more patients after being bought by healthcare company](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Full' GP clinics enrol more patients after being bought by healthcare company
Rapid growth of corporate GP ownership has upsides - but also some new pressures.
![Studies reveal burden of excessive drinking on strained EDs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Studies reveal burden of excessive drinking on strained EDs
Interviews with patients in the ED show harmful drinkers are more likely to be older men.
![Medsafe seizes eczema creams after 'potent steroid' warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Medsafe seizes eczema creams after 'potent steroid' warning
Users have been told to dispose of the products and check with a GP for side-effects.
![Homicide investigation after brawl at 21st birthday leaves two dead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Homicide investigation after brawl at 21st birthday leaves two dead
The mass brawl took place in Gisborne.
![Family members of two dead gather at scene of mass brawl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Family members of two dead gather at scene of mass brawl
Three people are in a critical condition at Gisborne Hospital, which is in lockdown.
!['A scarcity of research': Are menstruation and suicide sometimes connected?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'A scarcity of research': Are menstruation and suicide sometimes connected?
Women attempt suicide at much greater rates than men, but little is known why.
![Disability sector appalled by sudden restrictions on support funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Disability sector appalled by sudden restrictions on support funding
The changes were announced with no warning and were effective immediately.
![Luxon says he won't change cap on age limits for public roles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Luxon says he won't change cap on age limits for public roles
An Ombudsman has been forced to retire this month because of the 50-year-old law.
![Pedestrian killed in Papatoetoe hit-and-run was 14-year-old boy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Pedestrian killed in Papatoetoe hit-and-run was 14-year-old boy
Alcohol and speeding were believed to be factors in the collision, principal says.
![Double the pay: Kiwi nurses still heading to Oz despite big pay rises at home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Double the pay: Kiwi nurses still heading to Oz despite big pay rises at home
One nurse says she gets twice the pay, free return airfares, accommodation and a car.
![Concerns at capacity GP clinics are ‘cream-skimming’ and discriminating in selecting new patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Concerns at capacity GP clinics are ‘cream-skimming’ and discriminating in selecting new patients
Staff surveys said four in five GPs had closed books or limited enrolments.
![‘Not children’s toys’: Trauma surgeons call for stricter rules on deadly air rifles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
‘Not children’s toys’: Trauma surgeons call for stricter rules on deadly air rifles
Doctors want air guns regulated like other firearms
![What's next for the chop in Govt's health reforms sights?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
What's next for the chop in Govt's health reforms sights?
Health Minister Shane Reti plans to scrap another key part of the Health NZ reforms.
![Emotions run high as Māori Health Authority scrapped in urgent debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Emotions run high as Māori Health Authority scrapped in urgent debate
Opposition MPs cried as the last stages of the law change were passed under urgency.
![Govt accused of treating Māori as ‘expendable’ in emotional debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Govt accused of treating Māori as ‘expendable’ in emotional debate
Parliament will go into urgency to debate the law change this afternoon.
![Waiheke Island ferry turned around after fight breaks out among passengers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Waiheke Island ferry turned around after fight breaks out among passengers
Passengers waited 90 minutes while police were called for support.
![500-plus staff made redundant at Health NZ - paid out $9 million](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
500-plus staff made redundant at Health NZ - paid out $9 million
Executives say Health NZ's first year was challenging, benefits are starting to be seen.
![GP at Shane Reti’s old clinic more than $100k in the red, urges him to fix funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
GP at Shane Reti’s old clinic more than $100k in the red, urges him to fix funding
'We have got to the point that we are running out of time.'
![Free breast cancer screening for 69 to 74-year-olds to start within three years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Free breast cancer screening for 69 to 74-year-olds to start within three years
Health Minister says there is "a lot to be done" before the screening age can be lifted.
![Rugby club grieves death of second young player in two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Rugby club grieves death of second young player in two years
Caleb Baker, 22, died in a car crash on the Hawke's Bay Expressway on Friday.
![GP clinic writes candid letter to patients explaining fee increase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
GP clinic writes candid letter to patients explaining fee increase
GPs are taking out new mortgages and hiking fees as funding doesn't cover their costs.
![‘Gay blood ban’ removal would triple number of blood donors, study says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
‘Gay blood ban’ removal would triple number of blood donors, study says
NZ Blood Service is scrapping "discriminatory" rules which stop many gay men from donating
![Prostate cancer patient dies after test results missed by GPs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Prostate cancer patient dies after test results missed by GPs
The Aged Care Commissioner found several doctors failed to notice warning signs.
![Clear the air: Govt ministers asked to disclose tobacco industry links](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Clear the air: Govt ministers asked to disclose tobacco industry links
Government remains under scrutiny over its smokefree repeals - and any industry influence.
![New research shows which families are most at risk of cot death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
New research shows which families are most at risk of cot death
First study of Pacific infant sleep practices finds gaps in the way advice is being given.
![Aussie holiday nightmare: Grandmother's health crisis sees family face $100k bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Aussie holiday nightmare: Grandmother's health crisis sees family face $100k bill
Sui Manase's family faces a $100,000 bill for a Medivac flight back to Auckland.
![Cot death: Baby may have been saved if Oranga Tamariki had helped with bedding, says coroner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Cot death: Baby may have been saved if Oranga Tamariki had helped with bedding, says coroner
Silongo Mafi, 3 months old, died while sharing a bed with his mother.
![What does a new Government mean for assisted dying in New Zealand?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
What does a new Government mean for assisted dying in New Zealand?
A more conservative Cabinet may make it more difficult to broaden the law.
!['I feel disgusting': Woman ends up with uneven breasts after two surgeons operate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'I feel disgusting': Woman ends up with uneven breasts after two surgeons operate
The Health and Disability Commission is investigating the woman's care at Middlemore.
![Vermin and stench: Some NZers living in ‘homes unfit for human occupation’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Vermin and stench: Some NZers living in ‘homes unfit for human occupation’
Agencies described rundown homes cluttered with rubbish and infested with vermin.
![Vacant $50m property in central Auckland vandalised as former owners look for a new home for the disabled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Vacant $50m property in central Auckland vandalised as former owners look for a new home for the disabled
The new board at Laura Fergusson Trust is now looking for a new facility in Auckland.
![Parkinson’s disease detected by smartwatch seven years before diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Parkinson’s disease detected by smartwatch seven years before diagnosis
Wearable devices are better than any other method for picking up the disease, study finds.
![Mystery donor: Kidney transplant recipient wants to know who gave her a long wonderful life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Mystery donor: Kidney transplant recipient wants to know who gave her a long wonderful life
Minja Ivelja credits her longevity to excellent expert care … and a lot of Bacardi.
![Huge Middlemore ED demand: Plea for patients with ‘threats to life or limb’ only](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Huge Middlemore ED demand: Plea for patients with ‘threats to life or limb’ only
The plea comes as new data shows large numbers are going to EDs and facing longer delays.
![Achoo! Hay fever soars as El Nino stirs up huge levels of pollen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Achoo! Hay fever soars as El Nino stirs up huge levels of pollen
The first snapshot of pollen levels in 35 years shows big rise in particles in the air.
![Health Minister Shane Reti brings in observer at Health NZ because of ‘significant challenges’ with health reforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Health Minister Shane Reti brings in observer at Health NZ because of ‘significant challenges’ with health reforms
Former healthcare executive Ken Whelan has been brought to oversee the sector.
![University of Auckland academics complain of unsafe workplace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
University of Auckland academics complain of unsafe workplace
The open letter follows scientist Siouxsie Wiles' legal action against the university.
![Snuff, chewing tobacco could be legalised to help smokers quit - but researchers are sceptical](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Snuff, chewing tobacco could be legalised to help smokers quit - but researchers are sceptical
But tobacco control experts say they are unlikely to be popular or help smokers quit.
!['Stock up while you still can': Retailers offload vapes ahead of bans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Stock up while you still can': Retailers offload vapes ahead of bans
By next week, disposable vapes need to have maximum nicotine limits and safety features.
!['Fantastic news': Mum cancer-free after international medical trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Fantastic news': Mum cancer-free after international medical trial
Hamilton woman Lisa Martin was among those whose aggressive cancer was eliminated.
![Waikato Uni confident of med school despite Act request for new costings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Waikato Uni confident of med school despite Act request for new costings
The $380m project has raised questions over cost, staffing and the funding process.
!['Excessively high': Te Whatu Ora's $100m consultant bill - and the firm that got $44m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Excessively high': Te Whatu Ora's $100m consultant bill - and the firm that got $44m
Staff feel 'they are being second-guessed and overruled,' former chairman says.
!['Pretty alarmed': Thousands of Kiwis with ADHD forced to switch drugs after supply problems](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Pretty alarmed': Thousands of Kiwis with ADHD forced to switch drugs after supply problems
Global demand has been blamed for the shortage of Teva, a common ADHD drug.
![University of Auckland did not try to silence Siouxsie Wiles, defence counsel asserts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
University of Auckland did not try to silence Siouxsie Wiles, defence counsel asserts
The university’s legal team opened its defence this afternoon in the Employment Court.
!['One of those ethical dilemmas' - NZ's hunger for more doctors leaves Pacific Islands short](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'One of those ethical dilemmas' - NZ's hunger for more doctors leaves Pacific Islands short
The global marketplace for doctors is red-hot, and Polynesian islands are losing out.
![Siouxsie Wiles case: Security removes man from courtroom after he approached scientist’s legal team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Siouxsie Wiles case: Security removes man from courtroom after he approached scientist’s legal team
The security intervention came as one of NZ's top vaccine experts was giving evidence.
!['Brand Siouxsie' - Auckland uni managers grew uneasy with Dr's 'celebrity' status](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Brand Siouxsie' - Auckland uni managers grew uneasy with Dr's 'celebrity' status
Wiles was called 'Brand Siouxsie' by university staff because of her high-profile role.
![Siouxsie Wiles case: Auckland University voices concerns about media coverage after campus incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Siouxsie Wiles case: Auckland University voices concerns about media coverage after campus incident
The university's lawyers say media coverage may be 're-triggering' abuse against Wiles.
![Siouxsie Wiles leaves court in tears after recounting vile online abuse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Siouxsie Wiles leaves court in tears after recounting vile online abuse
Siouxsie Wiles has accused the university of failing to protect her against harassment.
![Watch: 'Get down' - Fireworks display goes wrong, spectators hurt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Watch: 'Get down' - Fireworks display goes wrong, spectators hurt
Video shows crowd members shouting 'Get down' as misfiring fireworks hit the grandstand.
![Some waiting lists slashed, but waits for cancer treatment, mental health support, specialist appointments rising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Some waiting lists slashed, but waits for cancer treatment, mental health support, specialist appointments rising
"We haven’t seen the improvements we would have liked to have seen," an executive said.
![‘Massive spike’ in Israeli doctors wanting to move to NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
‘Massive spike’ in Israeli doctors wanting to move to NZ
Recruitment agencies say doctors are prepared to take a pay cut to move somewhere safer.
![Agonising wait for surgery: Hospitals operating on weekends in bid to reduce delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Agonising wait for surgery: Hospitals operating on weekends in bid to reduce delays
A push to cut wait times has left theatres short some days and increased cancellations.
![Green Party on track for strong result, ahead in Wellington and Auckland central electorates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Green Party on track for strong result, ahead in Wellington and Auckland central electorates
In one of the biggest election upsets, Tamatha Paul is well ahead in Wellington Central.
![Nurses won historic pay rise, but some still waiting for up to $23k to show up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Nurses won historic pay rise, but some still waiting for up to $23k to show up
Payroll difficulties mean some nurses won't be paid before Christmas - or even later.
![Long tail of asbestos: Carpenter diagnosed with cancer after work at Carrington Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Long tail of asbestos: Carpenter diagnosed with cancer after work at Carrington Hospital
Rod Heywood says the asbestos risk would also be high at the Chateau and the St James.
![Porirua store owner was trying to stop theft when he was assaulted, friend claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Porirua store owner was trying to stop theft when he was assaulted, friend claims
The victim, a father of two, is in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital's ICU.
![Roger Tuivasa-Sheck pleads guilty to drink-driving](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck pleads guilty to drink-driving
'He is taking it on the chin,' the former All Black's lawyer said in court.
![What will political parties do about the health service?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
What will political parties do about the health service?
All say they will fill workforce gaps but their plans differ in method, scale and timing.
![The places in New Zealand where patients are 100km from a doctor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
The places in New Zealand where patients are 100km from a doctor
Shortage is especially acute on South Island's West Coast.