Checkpoint

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Oamaru today, in protest against a double-digit rates hike. Waitaki ratepayers rallied against the 17 percent increase, why they say could force some people to choose between paying their bill or necessities like food and power. Tess Brunton reports from Oamaru.

National is promising to power up New Zealand homes if re-elected, with a loan scheme to encourage households to convert to solar and make energy efficiency improvements. The Home Energy fund would offer long term loans, at below market interest rates, so people can invest in the likes of solar, battery storage and insulation. The idea is a version of a scheme proposed by LGNZ and renewable energy...

Lego and Star Wars fans are about to be transported to a galaxy far far away - in a new exhibition at Wellington's Takina featuring more than $8 million Lego bricks. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition opens to the public this weekend - Wellington the first international stop on the exhibition's global tour, and only New Zealand stop. Krystal Gibbens went down ahead of the opening to take a look.

An anti-sunscreen trend of social media has experts calling for better education of sun protection in schools before the summer season comes back. In videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram wellness influencers are trying to turn people off using commercial sunscreens, making spurious claims it is toxic and harmful. Bella Craig reports.

For the first time in the games history, Olympics athletes will be eligible for a payment of $10,000 USD. The IOC says it is to support competitors long term sporting endeavours or career transition. Two time Olympic gold medalist Dame Valerie Adams spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tennis' electronic line-calling failed today and a New Zealander was caught up in the chaos at Wimbledon qualifying. It's not the first time the technology that replaced line umpires has malfunctioned in London. With the main draw of the grass court Grand Slam set to start next week the pressure is on tournament organisers. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Checkpoint.

There's been 24 percent increase in the number of manufacturing and engineering jobs going in Canterbury, but a significant skill shortage in the sector. To try and bridge the gap Ara Institute of Canterbury is offering zero fees pathway course for the second semester. Ara's manager for Regional Engagement and Success, Leonie Rasmussen spoke to Lisa Owen.

An investigation is under way in relation to complaints about Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, RNZ can reveal. Chambers says he strongly rejects the claims. National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood joins us.

Americas correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about two major earthquakes that have rocked Venezuela and caused extensive damage. A state of emergency is in place.

One of the Opportunity Party's key policies this election is a citizen's income. That would mean every adult New Zealander aged 18 and over would get about $20,000 a year. It would replace many main benefits, but the party says there would also be additional disability, child, housing and single parent support, it's also tax free. So who actually ends up paying for it? Chief economist at the think...

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer undertaking face-to-face talks with Andy Burnham as Labour prepares for a change in leadership, as well as a heatwave unfolding across Europe which is already taking its toll.

Moana Pasifika won't be back in 2027. The franchise has been in limbo since entering liquidation, hoping a financial saviour could keep them afloat. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market update.

A Queenstown chef has taken out the number two spot in the contemporary section at the World Pizza Championship in Naples. The field was vast, with about 600 competitors, mainly Italians. Yoni Dmoch who owns Biga Pizza got to compete in Naples after winning a New Zealand competition last year. Dmoch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Pike River families are calling on the government to kill a bill they warn will put lives at risk. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden is proposing a radical shakeup of New Zealand's health and safety laws. Today relatives of the Pike River victims joined the Council of Trade Unions as they rallied against the changes outside Parliament. Tess Brunton reports.

Aotearoa's thoroughbred and harness industries are racing to their own demise. Combined the industries contribute $1.7 billion to GDP a year. But a report by the TAB New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee concludes without major, urgent governance, tax and attitude changes, the industry is effectively in a downward spiral. New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association CEO Nick Johnson spoke to Lisa...

The January storms that battered the coast north of Whangarei are now a distant memory for many people, yet some Northlanders are still living with the effects. Five months later, displaced residents still can't go home, and as Peter de Graaf discovers, some have no home to go to.

It is game over for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise, for now. Hail mary bids to save the franchise have failed, because no one could guarantee the capital needed, according to New Zealand Rugby. Moana went into liquidation in May, owing more than $8 million. NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinriad spoke to Lisa Owen.

A soldier facing court martial for headbutting and threatening to kill someone of senior rank denies there was any physical contact between the two. The solider was facing six charges at a hearing at Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North, but three counts were today withdrawn. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham was at the court martial and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The White Ferns are still on the hunt to defend their T20 World Cup crown after beating Scotland by six wickets overnight. A better net run rate has boosted their hopes, but a tough showdown with England in their final pool play match awaits. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Parking fees are being extended in a popular Auckland retail strip, despite some businesses saying they're already on their knees. Auckland transport's extending paid parking into more Ponsonby streets even though more than 80 percent of feedback was against the move. Marcin Kulak who co-owns the restaurant Mekong Baby on Ponsonby Road is not happy with the decision and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about talks between the US and Iran concluding in Switzerland. The region, like the rest of the world, is hoping for real stability after a shaky start to the peace agreement.

The rise of far right extremism in the classroom has prompted a teachers union to seek expert advice for those at the chalkface. The PPTA is hiring someone to develop guidelines for teachers due to the growing prevalence of extremist views being expressed by some students. That includes homophobia, anti-semitism, racism, trad-wife and misogynistic views. PPTA president Chris Abercombie spoke to Li...

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about work continuing to determine whether the discovery of two seabirds infected with the deadly H5 strain of bird flu, foreshadows a major outbreak of the disease that could have serious consequences for the country's native animals and its poultry industry.

News from the business sector, including a market report.