Checkpoint

Most under five year olds will be eligible for free flu vaccinations from next year, but that's not soon enough according to one doctor. Pharmac has announced that children from six months up to five years old will be able to get funded influenza vaccinations from April 2027. Clinical director of the National Hauora Coalition, Dr Nina Bevin spoke to Lisa Owen.

A top ministry boss has offered his resignation after being found to have deliberately misled MPs about a bungled immigration IT project. That offer has been turned down - although Parliament's privileges committee today found him - and another former public servant - in contempt of Parliament. Political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Singer, songwriter, actor, activist and philanthropist. Many are mourning the death of the woman dubbed the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. She was 80 years old and reportedly died after becoming ill with cancer. Christchurch based music publicist, Steve Guest worked with friend and legend Dolly for more than two decades. He spoke to Lisa Owen.

A man who strangled his partner to death at her home in Auckland during an argument last year had choked her twice before, once causing her to lose consciousness. Hao Feng pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the 40 year old Xiaoyan Wang in may, after the Crown withdrew a murder charge. Today he was sentenced to four years and two months in prison. Amy Williams reports. 

Netball New Zealand is closing in on a decision over the future of its elite domestic competition. RNZ understands a series of key meetings are being held this week as pressure mounts on the national body to make a call on what shape the ANZ Premiership will take next year. Netball NZ has been unable to commit to running a professional league next season as it faces losses of up to $6 million for...

After nearly 80 years of keeping the good people of Dunedin looking dapper, Brocklebanks Dry Cleaners is closing its doors this Friday. Three generations of the family have run the shop, first John Brocklebank in 1941, then his son Cyril, who passed the business to sons John and Roger. Owner Roger Brocklebank spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about the dust settling on the United States' announcement of "economic D-day" sanctions, as well as a vocational training centre operated by the UN for Palestinian refugees that has been raided by Israeli authorities.

A group of Gloriavale leavers are seeking tens of millions of dollars in lost wages, compensation and damages from a leader at the secretive Christian community. 61 former sect residents have filed an Employment Relations Authority claim, alleging the work they did amount to what they call modern day slavery. Lawyer Brian Henry spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about fears that the deadly H-5 bird flu could be set to devastate Australia's seal and sea lion populations.

A Coroner has heard that a pool where a toddler drowned in 2023 has failed multiple inspections. River Albert-Wihone had only recently turned one when he was found unresponsive in the backyard pool at his family home in Auckland. A Coroner's inquest is examing whether concerns about the pool's gate and fence were adequately dealt with. Finn Blackwell has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The effects of obesity caused by western junk food diets can be passed to children through their dad's sperm. Research by the University of Auckland's Liggins institute suggests what the father is eating could, in some cases, be more influential than mother's diets, which has long been a focus. Senior research fellow Dr Ben Albert spoke to Lisa Owen.

The All Blacks have some Lions to tame before they can think about taking out the Springboks again. The team returns to Ellis Park tomorrow morning to face Johannesburg's Lions in the fifth match of the Greatest Rivalry tour. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

A congestion charge may be coming for Auckland. There are three options for rush hour charges - with various catchments, one including some motorways. The fees could be anything from $2 to $7 a trip. Public consultation on the charges will open in November. Reporter Erin Johnson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Local Government NZ is questioning the government's 4% rates cap, saying "the maths just doesn't add up". Initially the target band for rates will be between 2-4%. The cap will be reviewed every six years. Local Government NZ president, Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lisa Owen.

Big companies like Bayleys and Quinovic are named in a new report as the property managers renting out the mouldiest, coldest, dampest homes. The findings of the Aotearoa Renters Survey, but Renters United and Action Station, are igniting calls for stricter industry regulation. That is a call most of the property managers spoken to by RNZ have endorsed. Sammy Carter reports.

Lower rate rises are somewhere in your future - with officials estimating you'll save an average $34 a year from a new rates cap. The coalition has confirmed it will begin legislating the rates cap this year - but won't complete the process until after the election. If it is fully passed, then from mid-2029, councils won't be able to increase rates by more than 4 percent a year. Deputy political e...

The Pacific Islands region could soon be home to the world's newest country. A key decision is looming in Papua New Guinea's parliament about whether to grant independence to the autonomous region of Bougainville. The parliament is deliberating on the matter this week. RNZ Pacific's Johnny Blades spoke to Lisa Owen from Port Moresby.

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko doesn't get home often but she'll be back in seven months time. Over the last decade Ko admits her visits have been sporadic, however with the return of the New Zealand Women's Open on the horizon she's turned into a bit of a promoter to get other top players to make the trip down under. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Young people who have grown up on social media say they have doubts about whether a ban for under 16s is enforceable. If introduced, the law would require big tech companies to take reasonable steps to verify the age of users, and could face fines of billions of dollars if they don't. Children's Commissioner, Jane Searle spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland councillors are deciding which of three potential congestion charges they favour. The charges, which may apply to drivers coming into the central city during morning and evening rush hours could cost up to $7 a trip. Patrick Reynolds from adcovacy group Greater Auckland spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the blame game between the US and Canada continuing as they argue over who is responsible for collapsing trade talks. There was optimism last week that a trade agreement could be reach, however, discussions ultimately fell apart. Now President Trump is threatening his neighbour with more tariffs, while Prime Minister Mark Carney pr...

Young people who grew up with social media are questions who the government will enforce a proposed ban for under 16s. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says social media is exposing young people to harmful content, addictive technology and pressure they aren't equipped to deal with. So, it's proposed that social media platforms will risk financial penalities if they don't take steps to verify the...

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Andy Burnham arriving in Ukraine for his first overseas trip as UK Prime Minister, as well as British security officials revealing new details about a recent cyberattack.

The grandmother of a toddler who drowned in a backyard pool is hoping his story can help save lives. A coroner's inquest into the death of River Albert-Wihone is underway in the Auckland District Court. Part of the inquest will look at issues with a pool fence and gate at the rented property where River drowned, as well as steps taken to address concerns raised by the family. Finn Blackwell report...