Checkpoint

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...

News from the business sector, including a market report.

It's dare to dream for Warriors fans as the club sits top of the NRL table with just two rounds remaining and have a maiden title in their sights. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hundreds of thousands of layer hens are still in lockdown after the third case of avian flu was confirmed in a wild bird. The mosty recent case is a giant petral that was found on a remote beach at Cape Palliser in Wairarapa. Huge layer flocks and broiler hens that would normally be free range have temporarily been brought inside to avoid the virus. Egg Producers' Federation chair John McKay spoke...

Safety complaints filed by under-pressure nurses reveal there are often not enough of them to care for the very sickest patients in North Shore Hospital's emergency department. The problem is one of dozens highlighted in 192 safety reports filed by the ED nurses in late July and early August as they declare a crisis. Rowan Quinn reports.

The government is moving to ban under 16's from social media and will introduce the Online Safety Bill. If it becomes law, so called high risk social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to verify a users ages. ACT will not support the bill. ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tenants are wanted for new houses installed today - but they must be feathered, blue and roughly 30 centimetres tall. The new builds for little kororā have been built by year seven and eight students from Ridgway School and were set up at Owhiro Bay today. Anya Fielding reports.

Dunedin could be inline for tough new alcohol rules that would restrict new licences, ban buy now pay later and some single beer sales. The council's draft local alcohol plan goes out for public consultation from tomorrow. City Councillor Russell Lund spoke to Lisa Owen.

A tourism leader is questioning the government's commitment to the industry after National ditched plans to explore a bed tax. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was open to looking into a bed levy. He has since ruled it out if National is re-elected, sparking shock, confusion and frustration among the tourism industry. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton reports.

New Zealand's leading doubles tennis player is eyeing a match against a blockbuster pairing in New York. The revamped US Open mixed doubles begins this week and Erin Routliffe and her British partner are involved in qualifying tomorrow. If they make it through they could be playing Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz in the first round. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government is introducing legislation to ban under 16s from social media today, and put greater responsibilities on technology companies to protect children online. It will require social media platforms like Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat and Facebook to take "reasonable steps" to check users are over the age of 16. It will also introduce "significant penalties" for companies that fail to meet t...