Meningococcal warning: Health New Zealand is urging whānau to watch for fast-moving meningococcal disease after a young adult died in Waikato, stressing symptoms can worsen within hours and that urgent medical help and vaccination are key. COVID update: New Zealand reported one new community COVID-19 case—a female child linked to the Botany sub-cluster and genomically tied to the Auckland cluster—while public health continues to investigate likely transmission routes. Local COVID research: New Zealand Medical Journal publication adds detail to the COVID puzzle by analysing the 2020 alpha strain across all community cases in Greater Wellington, including symptom patterns and household spread. Addiction support app trial: Waikato DHB will trial a smartphone app for people recovering from alcohol or other drug issues, aiming to help reduce relapse risk and strengthen connection to clinical teams and recovery supports. Mental health myth-busting: An Otago study found no “graduate student mental health crisis” in New Zealand, using longitudinal data to compare wellbeing before and after starting PhD study. Wait-time relief in Taranaki: “Super clinics” at Taranaki Base Hospital are cutting ENT and orthopaedic first specialist assessment waits, with thousands of long-wait patients seen since January. Pharmacy access issue: A Wellington Bargain Chemist says Health NZ declined its application for funded pharmacy services, limiting its ability to dispense funded medications locally. Public health data systems: Less than a quarter of schools are using the $34m Te Rito student information-sharing system, despite sign-ups continuing. Bird flu controversy: Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust is seeking a ministerial review after DOC chose not to vaccinate little penguins.