Three quarters of New Zealanders believe more funding for health and medical research should be a government priority and that the government should invest more funding in health research, according to a survey just released.

The Roy Morgan Research poll of more than 500 Kiwis was conducted for national health umbrella organisation - New Zealanders for Health Research (NZHR).

Improving hospitals and the healthcare system was the most important issue for the government to focus on, the survey found.

The Southern District Health Board did not go ahead with a recommendation to issue helmets to mental health staff.

Yesterday, the Otago Daily Times reported the board issued helmets after two assaults in which nurses were punched in the head area.

The information was in a written response to an Official Information Act request.

However, mental health nursing director Heather Casey says the helmets were a recommendation only.

Turning trash into fashion takes imagination, but it also takes time, say organisers of this year's Trashion Show.

Cromwell Community Arts Council adviser Heather McPherson, says they've called for early registrations for the October event.

McPherson says they have an 'anything goes' philosophy, as long as it involves trash or recycled materials.

She says in the past, designers have used shower curtains, plastic bags, a straw hat, school uniform, pipe cleaners, coffee bags, bread-bag tags and much more.

Weather Forecast Thursday 3 August 2017