Checkpoint

United Kingdom correspondent Grace Thomas spoke to Lisa Owen about how British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has managed to hang on for another day and how Te Ariki-nui Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po, the Maori Queen, has met Prince William at Windsor Castle during her trip to the United Kingdom. She also spoke about how the Eurovision semi-finals have kicked off in Vienna, despite controversy over Isra...

A Reserve Bank survey indicates inflation expectations are on the rise. And small aged-care service providers remain under pressure, while big operators appear to be doing well. Business reporter Nona Pelletier spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Wellington Phoenix Women flew to Melbourne today ahead of their first A-league football grand final. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Grammy winning pop star Dua Lipa refuses to be put in a box or actually anywhere on the box, when it comes to selling TVs. The singer is suing the electronic giant Samsung for $15 million us-dollars for allegedly using her photo to sell televisions in the US. The pop star's face is plastered across the packaging of Samsung's TVs. Auckland University senior law lecturer Joshua Yuvaraj has been foll...

Storme Turany, the mother of a 16-week-old Canterbury baby that died from catastrophic head injuries in 2014, says she was not involved in the infant's death. Soul Turany's skull was fractured in two places and he was bleeding in one eye and across a large area of his brain. Police believe Soul's fatal injuries must have been caused by either Ms Turany, or her then-partner, Tony Farmer. Reporter T...

A call tonight for a full independent review of a privately owned Southland lab service, after doctors twice missed signs a woman had cancer, delaying her treatment. She died a year later. Awanui labs failed to detect the 74 year old retired nurse had stomach cancer, despite analysing multiple biopsies, with cancer cells present. The lab is privately owned but is contracted by Health New Zealand t...

For the past 20 years Annette Hall has been the voice of a vital maritime radio service, checking in on fishermen, providing forecasts, and coordinating rescues. For those on the water in the Far North, she's seen as something of a guardian angel. At 6pm tonight, however, the long-serving volunteer with an infectious laugh will hang up her handpiece for the last time and the channel will fall sile...

A proposal to run a floating sauna in a popular Te Anau reserve has run out of steam, for now. The plan was for people to sweat it out on a floating pontoon on Lake Henry, with the option to finish with a cold plunge. Floating Sauna Limited had already been granted resource consent for the proposal, today was about considering submissions for and against the idea. Tess Brunton has more.

Christopher Luxon has jumped into the immigration debate, promising a careful approach, putting social cohesion ahead of business profit. It's already prompted scepticism from his coalition partner New Zealand First - which says the India free trade deal suggests otherwise. The Prime Minister made the comments in a speech to business leaders in Auckland this morning, also signalling a tighter-than...

Wellingtonians will be looking up to catch the only Australasia film festival projected on a 360-degree planetarium dome. The Dome Under Film Festival, or DUFF, will be making its New Zealand debut this week at Wellington's Planetarium Space Place. Krystal Gibbens reports.

In a surprise shake-up for Team New Zealand, three-time America's Cup winner Blair Tuke is stepping off the boat. The veteran has not been named in the crew for the first preliminary regatta of the 38th America's Cup cycle in Cagliari next week. Instead, he will move into a strategic shore-based position. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

An eggs-trodinary art collection, linked to Dunedin's famous music scene, has gone on display at the city's Museum of Natural Mystery. The eclectic array of objects belonged to the frontman for the rock band the Chills; Martin Phillips, who died in 2024. Curator for the Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery, Bruce Mahalski spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about how the Iran war is approaching the 11-week mark. She also spoke about how Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to meet in Washington to try bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and how Turkey's foreign minister has visited Qatar to discuss the Iran war.

Rules around high-powered electric dirt bikes are not fit for purpose, according to AA. The motoring association's writing to the transport minister, asking him to look at the problem. Police have expressed serious concerns about electric bikes that can hit high speeds, but in some cases are being ridden in pedestrian areas. Terry Collins from the AA spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm with the latest from across the ditch.

The Commerce Commission has released its first State of Competition report talking about how competition is working. Businesses are also reporting widespread economic damage caused by the Middle East conflict. Business reporter Nona Pelletier spoke with Lisa Owen.

The Wellington Phoenix women's inaugural captain Lily Alfeld became a cult figure off the field when a back injury ended her playing days prematurely. Alfeld was the first ever signing for the team five years ago, but for the past three years she's been working for the club with community engagement. The former goalkeeper said she's still the team's biggest cheerleader as they head into the A-Leag...

Group goes into no-go heritage site Banbury Mine near Denniston. Biodiversity ranger Sean Judd spoke with Lisa Owen.

The organiser of an Auckland push bike ride that ended with several arrests and dozens of tickets handed out says the police presence was excessive and he plans to meet with them later this week. Four people were arrested on the Sunday cycle ride through Henderson and New Lynn and 53 infringement notices were issued. About 120 mainly young people took part in the event that lasted about three hour...

There's nothing that'll clear a beach quicker than the sight of a dark fin silently ploughing through the water, followed by the panicked shout of "shark". In Dunedin a bell is used to warn surfers and swimmers it's time to get out because the apex predator is lurking. It was installed after fatal attacks back in the sixties. But there's concern some beachgoers have become complacent, even though...

There's no sugar coating it, in the chocolate industry most farmers do not earn a living income .. forests are being destroyed and child labour is still a major problem. That's according to the 7th edition of the Chocolate Scorecard. The scorecard's run by the not for profit Be Slavery Free and it ranks businesses based on a number of environmental and ethical factors. The director of Chocolate Sc...

Renters advocates are calling for better protections to stop students and vulnerable people falling prey to what they term 'slumlords.' Three flat mates are taking their previous landlord to the Tenancy Tribunal after their flat constantly flooded and was riddled with mould. It's added to growing calls for greater accountability and stronger enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy...

Waitaki residents are describing anger and disbelief as their district council mulls proposed rate rises of up to 45 percent.

The Rennie regime is well underway. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie is back in the country and enjoyed a breakfast with media members on Tuesday. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kei te hia-hia he kawhe? Do you fancy a coffee? These might be some of the kupu or words people will hear at a Rotorua cafe that has made the decision to go full Maori immersion. Customers will be supported to give Te Reo Maori a go, but English won't be spoken at Rumaki Cafe. Rumaki's executive director, Miraka Davies, wants to see more everyday spaces where people can practice and speak Te Reo M...