Checkpoint

Now that Joseph Parker's name has been cleared, he is setting his sights on a return to action. As for who Parker wants to fight? "Everyone can get it" the former heavyweight champion declared today. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The first New Zealander to go to space is now launching what is hoped will be a hub for Aerospace in Canterbury. New Zealand's space sector already supports a total of 17,000 full-time equivalent jobs according to a 2025 report. Entrepreneur, Mark Rocket would like to see that grow and he has a track record in the industry having been involved in the early days of RocketLab and Virgin Galactic. No...

After budget blowouts and years of delays - ironically when it came time to announce the date Auckland's first underground rail will open, the Council and Government got ahead of themselves. Hours before Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown were to announce the opening date, the billboards had beaten them to it - in a mistake by the advertising supplier. Lucy Xia was at...

The government's new plan to introduce industry led subjects for senior students has the potential to stem the flow of early exits from school, a principal says. The number of students leaving school before the legal age of 16 has been trending upwards for the last decade. Those who leave have to get an early leaving exemption once they are 15. The government today announced it would introduce nin...

The mother of a Kiwi climber trapped in ravine in Solomon Islands for more than a week says her son and his friend are doing well, after a pretty harrowing experience. Deni Holl's 25 year old son Keanu Isaksson and his 19 year old mate Luca Zylstra-Law were climbing the Solomons' highest peak when they got stuck for eight days before being rescued on Tuesday. RNZ Pacific's Kaya Selby reports.

Christopher Luxon has caught his caucus off-guard with an off-the-cuff campaign promise today, telling talkback radio that he'll hold an referendum on MMP if re-elected. The Prime Minister made the captain's call on NewstalkZB this morning, after being asked whether he would test public's appetite on the country's electoral system next term. Deputy political editor, Craig McCulloch spoke to Meliss...

Police say last year saw a 50 percent increase in burglaries involving copper and recyclable metals, with over a million dollars worth of metal going missing over a six month period. Now they're working alongside the scrap metal industry in a new scheme designed to disrupt the surge of thefts. Bill Hickman reports.

Some of the biggest names in women's football will be playing in Auckland on Saturday in a rare exhibition match. English side Chelsea have just arrived for the clash against an Auckland FC Invitational team, and they've brought some stars to this side of the world. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A group of nine to 11 year olds have successfully prompted change from the Council over road safety concerns. The year five and six students at Lyall Bay School went to Wellington City Council to bravely deliver their submission on a trial that will make the road outside their school a low traffic zone. The change, which the committee voted to make a permanent fixture, is hoped to make the school...

United States correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a major election that has wrapped up in Michigan, with the result potentially sending major shockwaves through the Democratic party.

Nine new secondary school subjects have been announced by the Government. Subjects like Next-Gen Manufacturing and Applied Intelligent Systems will be developed by industry bodies and taught to senior students from 2029. Business leaders are excited but teachers have questions. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Christopher Luxon has promised to hold a MMP referendum if re-elected, saying he wants to know if it's a system New Zealanders want. Back in 2011 former MP Peter Dunne urged people to consider the importance of their vote when New Zealanders last had the chance to have their say in a referendum. But the Prime Minister says he wants to avoid coalitions with parties who don't have the same values in...

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Prime Minister Andy Burnham announcing a raft of changes to the prison system, as well as police in Scotland investigating after several athletes failed to return home following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Budget-conscious travellers will need to think twice before rolling their carry-on case to the airport - from next year. From February next year, Jetstar customers will have to pay to use the overhead lockeer, with prices starting at $23, depending on availability. Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon Duffy spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Smashed cars and crumpled bicycles were left on a main road in Central Auckland after a man allegedly went on a violent rampage during this morning's busy commute. A 49-year-old has been arrested. He's alleged to have assaulted a jogger before stealing the car of a concerned passer-by and driving it into a group of schoolboys. Police say he then strangled a dog to death, all within a matter of min...

Netball New Zealand is understood to be in talks with a private investor to secure the future of the domestic competition. It comes amid a period of uncertainty for the sport, which is facing losses of up to $6 million. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

 RNZ Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about what the cold snap could mean for household power bills as energy use soars. 

A cold snap has people reaching for the heater switch, with a record for the country's highest electricity use recorded this morning and another peak approaching. The electricity grid operator has issued what's called a Customer Advice Notice to power companies advising that there will be a potential shortfall of energy at peak times over the next couple of days. Transpower's Executive General Man...

The cold snap gripping the country is set to intensify tonight - with MetService warning of double-digit negative temperatures in parts of the south. The icy conditions are already straining the power grid - and prompting welfare agencies to step up support for vulnerable people. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd has the story.

Christopher Luxon is digging in over his use of an Air Force flight after attending a National Party fundraiser, saying he has a "busy job". Labour's Chris Hipkins says it's unjustifiable for the Prime Minister to use the Defence Force as a "personal taxi service" for campaigning purposes. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Frustrated dentists say it's not fair that rates of tooth decay in the country's smallest kids have not improved in 25 years. The dental association has released a report card that brings together many dental health statistics in a bid to drive change. It shows 43 percent of children have had tooth decay by the time they're five. Rowan Quinn was at the launch.

A former All Blacks captain is doing his part to combat concussion in community rugby. Same Cane has become an ambassador for 'Hit Kit', an education and first aid tool to help recovery from head knocks. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A Kiwi apprentice is set to appear on the world stage in a competition showcasing trade skills. The WorldSkills competition in Shanghai tests the world's best in a range of skills from banking to cyber security and retail sales. 22 year old Campbell Brown from Papamoa will be competing to be crowned the world's best refrigeration and air conditioning specialist. Campbell Brown spoke to Melissa Cha...

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about American officials being optimistic that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as soon as tomorrow. The prospect of an agreement that could allow more vessels to pass through the crucial shipping route saw oil prices tumble to three-week lows. It follows days of contradictions between the US and Iran around...