Checkpoint

Transparency and stronger legislation are among the two key priorities in the Government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Released today, it says all 63 recommendations have been accepted in some form, but some only partially. Health Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Upper Hutt's mayor is urging other Wellington councils not to force the city into amalgamating against its will. There's little over a week to go before all councils must come up with a plan on simplifying local government. But in the capital, there's still stark disagreement about the details. Wellington issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer has more.

New Zealand has had a history-making golden day at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Another gold medal for Lewis Clareburt in the pool and the first for sprinter Zoe Hobbs on the track brings the overall medal tally to 13 at the end of day five. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An idea that sprang from the tulip fields of the Netherlands is about to expand nationwide here in New Zealand. It's being led by 24 year old Yasmin Wessels. In the last three years she has saved a million plastic flower sleeves from landfill. Her initiative is called The Flower Loop - they collect plastic sleeves from florists that would otherwise be destined for the bin and transform them back i...

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about eased tensions between the US and Iran being tested once again. The US military has levelled fresh accusations against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard - blaming it for a "surprise attack" against American forces in the region. It follows a days-long pause in strikes between the two nations.

David Tamihere has appeared in court today on the same murder charges he first faced 37 years ago. He was found guilty in 1990 for the murder of Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen in the Coromandel bush. But those convictions were quashed in March and prosecutors are still deciding whether to go again. Rowan Quinn was at the High Court in Auckland.

Desperate rescue efforts are underway in Japan following a deadly earthquake. The 6.8 magnitude quake rocked the city of Kumamoto in Japan's south yesterday. Dozens are missing following an explosion at a shopping mall - the origin of which is still under investigation. Correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Gilbert spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about an investigation revealing the ingredients of many supermarket items aren't what they are supposed to be.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Your face could soon be your ticket to get through the turnstiles for a sports game. Facial recognition technology is being rolled out across the Tasman as an alternative to digital or physical tickets for selected live events. The new ticketing method has been met with mixed reactions from footy fans and academics. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Hoiho yellow-eyed penguin is set to face protection from fishers around the Otago Peninsula. From September 16th, emergency set-net restrictions to protect the birds around the Otago peninsula will become permanent. But is it enough to help the penguins, with number at critical levels and falling fast. General Manager of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, Norcombe Barker spoke to Melissa Chan-Gree...

A man accused of threatening to attack two Auckland schools allegedly said that he wanted to kill more people than the Christchurch mosque terrorist. Tiedan Huo is on trial in the Manukau District Court facing a raft of charges relating to a manifesto threatening to kill people at Waiuku and Rutherford colleges. Huo denies all charges. Matthew Theunissen reports.

New Zealand horse racing is "over venued and under capitalised" according to independent consultants employed to come up with a masterplan to save the ailing industry. They recommend that major tracks like Trentham and Alexandra Park be closed permanently, along with 21 other courses. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Councils are calling for more time as some are still unable to find a partner or partners to create a group merger before the government's deadline. They have had three months to come up with their own deals under the 'head start' pathway, or get lumped with a plan forced on them instead. Acting Hamilton Mayor, Geoff Taylor spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New Zealand is being accused of spying on Russia, but experts are questioning just how likely that is. NZ authorities are refusing to comment on the arrest of the man accused of treason. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the story.

There was sweet success in the swimming pool this morning as Lewis Clareburt snatched New Zealand's first gold at this years Commonwealth Games. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An award-winning baker, who has dished up pies and hot cross buns in the same Christchurch shop for 40 years, has put the timer on his career. Michael Meaclem of Michael's Bakery in Hillmorton will walk out the door for good next week. Michael spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about President Trump saying there had been "good talks" between the US and Iran as things appear to simmer down following two weeks of back and forth attacks. Meanwhile, top broadcaster Savannah Guthrie has issued a new plea to help find her mother Nancy who has been missing since February.

More retailers are offering buy now pay later services to meet shopper demand, but an industry association says a significant number remain unconvinced the lay-by payment options are actually worth it. Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The All Blacks squad today made 10 additions for their tour to South Africa, including three new faces. As well as the debutants, a new 'tour captain' has been named to lead the side in the Republic. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

Wanted posters have sprung up around Christchurch for a feline explorer named Chase. But unlike your traditional 'wanted' poster, this one is to tell people that it is ok for Chase to roam. His owner Nick White set up the Facebook Page 'Has Anybody Seen Chase?' which now attracts daily updates with paparazzi-like shots of the celebrity cat on his latest exploits. Chase's owner Nick spoke to Meliss...

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Green Party is calling for a one-year pause on new AI data centres, until stronger rules and regulations are put in place - with some pleased at the idea of tighter controls. Some Southlanders are opposed to the $3.5 billion data centre being built near Invercargill, while others welcome the investment. Samantha Gee reports.

New Zealand clothing brands say they have had enough of offshore fast fashion giants using their images and ripping off their designs. For Aotearoa's fashion industry, the legal line between inspiration and straight up copying is thinner than a mesh top. It has prompted calls for tougher penalties and stronger monitoring across fast fashion sites, as well as better protections for small businesses...

As greyhound racing enters its final week before a nationwide ban takes effect, a video has emerged of a confrontation between activists and people at yesterday's final meet in Auckland. What was said has raised concern among the activists about the welfare of the greyhounds. CEO of Greyhound Racing NZ, Edward Rennell spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.