Checkpoint

A new social housing complex in Auckland's Orewa will soon be home to five people with autism whose apartments have been designed to reduce sensory overload. It's the first development of its kind for Autism NZ's charitable property trust Equity House, driven by a shortage of suitable housing for those on the spectrum. Amy Williams reports. 

National has finally dropped its fiscal plan for this years election, but it's what is not in it that's capturing interest. No tax cuts, and no superannuation policy either, despite National's promises on both three years ago. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The opening salvos in the Chiefs vs Chiefs legal battle has been heard at the High Court in Wellington today. The case centres on NZ Rugby's bid to stop Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise from using the Chiefs name. While the PNG teams is not set to join the NRL until 2028, it plans to launch its jersey and branding next Wednesday. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland transport has done a rapid review after train delays left hundreds of fans waiting to get home from Saturday's All Blacks game at Eden Park. The chief executive of Eden Park is calling for rail platform upgrades and a pedestrian footbridge across Sandringham Road to prevent delays for Eden Park fans. Auckland's Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Correspondent in Singapore, Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about some schools in Southeast Asia closing due to a toxic haze choking much of the region. Indonesian wildfires - which have been burning for weeks - are sending smoke and raising air pollution levels in neighbouring countries. Singapore is among the countries cloaked by the smog.

Farmers are worried about unreliable mobile service on much of their property, according to a new survey. 65 percent of farmers said they can't rely on getting through to emergency services from most of their property. Federated Farmers claims since the 3G network was switched off in March farmers are even more frustrated with black spots and poor reception. Telecommunications spokesperson Mark Ho...

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about a development in the active investigation against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as well as another Royal Airforce base security breach.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The All Blacks are set to put their historic streak at Eden Park on the line. Meanwhile the Wallabies are looking for their first win at the fortress since 1986. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

It is almost a year since the so-called cease fire came into effect in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Gaza health ministry says more than 73,000 have died in the Palestinian territory since Israel launched aatacks in realiation for the October 7 attacks that saw more than 1200 killed and 251 hostages taken. Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres says despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continu...

Young people in Auckland's new Henderson electorate say more needs to be done to encourage them that their vote matters. The electorate has been reformed with new boundaries - it covers Henderson, Ranui, Swanson, Lincoln, Massey, Western Heights and parts of Te Atatu and Upper Harbour. Just 56 percent of 18 to 24 year olds are enrolled to vote in the electorate, compared to 62 percent nationally.

Youth unemployment has reached crisis levels and AI may have something to do with it, according to a new report by the Institute of Economic Research. The report points to a lot of factors, but says technology and AI are slowly eroding traditional first jobs. Auckland University Professor of Human Centric AI, Alex Richter spoke to Lisa Owen.

Changes to lifejacket rules have made a splash, with professional rowers worried the bulky vests will slow them down. Lifejackets are now mandatory for anyone using any vessel shorter than six metres, including jet skis, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards and motorboats. Felix Walton has more.

Aotearoa needs a national events strategy, with a consistent and transparent framework for deciding what gets government money, according to a new report. The report commissioned by MBIE suggests a lot more money may be needed to attract top events. CEO of Venues Otautahi, Harvie Teare spoke to Lisa Owen.

The White Ferns head to Australia for a three-match T20 series against the world number one side next week, with an interim head coach and a stand in team manager. Coach Ben Sawyer was let go last month following a comprehensive review process of the women's high performance structure. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Left over cow bones could play a pivotal role in building back human jaws. Otago University Scientists have been working on ways to use minerals in the bones for medical and dental bone grafts. Researcher Jithendra Ratnayake explained the process to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about an AI company, which was set to be the Australian Stock Market's biggest listing in decades, but has got cold feet on going public, as well as a petition calling for a trial of animal-friendly carriages on NSW trains and metro systems.

Are you politically worn out? There's still 29 days to the election, but with a barrage of policy announcements everyday many may feel like they've hit a wall. Danny Osborne is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Auckland University, and specialises in political psychology. He spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a surfer who has lived to tell the tale of how a shark bit off his leg last month.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The All Blacks have named their side to defend the Bledisloe Cup. Richie Mo'unga was a late withdrawal from the side, with Damian McKenzie given the nod for the 10 jersey. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Elections can be overwhelming with a tsunami of policies that leave you wondering who has got your best interests at heart. But you might also want to consider your pets. The SPCA has got animal lovers covered with an animal policy score card. SPCA Senior Scientific Officer, Marie McAnich explained it all to Lisa Owen.

National is promising to introduce random drug testing for those on the jobseeker benefit to ensure they're "ready for work". The proposal has sparked backlash from many on the opposing side. Emma Hunter from the Salvation Army spoke to Lisa Owen.

Politicians on the left have reacted with fury to National's proposal to randomly drug test beneficiaries, while National says it's about fairness. It's part of a five point plan to get more jobseekers into work. That includes reducing benefit payments after just two years. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports.

From next month, harvesting some sealife from large parts of the Auckland Coromandel coastlines will be banned. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones made the announcement at Auckland's Takapuna Beach today, in response to rising tensions and community concerns about overharvesting rockpools. But while local advocates have welcomed the new ban, many say it still doesn't go far enough. Jessica Hopkins rep...