Orchardists growing gold kiwifruit may have had their hopes of bonanza returns this season dashed as they wait on confirmation that a vine-killing bacteria has arrived in NZ.

Two listed companies are the first victims of a suspected incursion in NZ of a bacterial disease which has ripped through gold kiwifruit varieties overseas, particularly in Italy.

An orchard is under quarantine after the discovery of a suspected bacterial disease that may threaten NZ's $1.5b kiwifruit industry.

The body's immune defences can destroy the common cold virus after it has invaded the inner sanctum of a human cell, scientists have found.

Graphic images of the adverse health effects of smoking do deter young adult smokers and should be significantly increased in size, NZ research has found.

A major study has pointed to five "common sense" rules said to reduce the incidence of bowel cancer, along with a range of other life-threatening illnesses.

A grieving husband wants answers on how his wife died from meningococcal disease, despite repeatedly seeking medical help.

Paula Green tells Linda Herrick about a cancer diagnosis which led to a renaissance of writing.

Fijians with life-threatening heart conditions are to receive free treatment this week thanks to a mercy mission by 40 NZ health professionals.

Thousands of bottles of industrial bleach have been sold across NZ as a miracle cure for cancer and HIV, sparking a health warning.

Choosing a sunscreen just got more confusing with the arrival in New Zealand of the first to be rated SPF100.

Health organisations are alarmed at how the internet is being used to promote smoking.

Cancer survivor Lucy Bennett raised $10,000 for picture panels in Auckland Hospital's radiation department, making treatment a little more bearable.

A trans fat found in NZ dairy products is derived from palm kernel feed being given to NZ cows, new research suggests.