Checkpoint

The mother of a man who was murdered in Auckland's maximum security prison has told a coronial inquest she wants the corrections department held accountable for his death. Blake Lee was stabbed to death by another inmate, in an exercise yard inside Auckland Prison at Paremoremo in March 2020. A Coronial inquest into his death is underway at the Auckland District Court. Finn Blackwell reports.

A National MP has gone against his party ranks and criticised a charity tax change from this year's Budget. Gleg Fleming - the MP for Maungakiekie - was at a charities event in Wellington when he said the policy had zero logic. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Black Ferns will blood a trio of test debutants against Australia this Saturday as they kick off a gruelling test schedule to close out the season. This Saturday's O'Reilly Cup clash marks the first of eight internationals for New Zealand as they meet Australia, a side they have never lost to in 29 games. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

There is concern a spate of thefts across Hawkes Bay could be funding drug habits. Police say it is likely the very specific array of items have been stolen to order, with rural properties and contractors targeted. Railway crossing bells were taken from two different spots, creating major safety risk. Hawkes Bay Senior Constable, Pehi Potaka spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about an about-turn on Canadian tariffs and a record trillions in debt, as well as a close aide of President Trump who has been dominating headlines.

Governments should be forced to think about the impact of their decisions on future generations before they pass laws or make policies, according to a new political poll. 82 percent of people surveyed were for the change. Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa, who commissioned the poll, said a Future Generations Act is doable, with other countries already progressing similar laws. Director of Wellbe...

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about British Prime Minister Andy Burnham talking up his country's commitment to Ukraine, as well as a salmonella outbreak in the UK, believed to be linked to imported eggs.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Months after the Waikato Rugby Union took a strong stance on sideline abuse at youth rugby games - not much has changed. Union boss Amy Marfell spoke out in May, ahead of the season kicking off, saying the region would have a zero tolerance for abuse. This weekend Waikato will celebrate their youth players but there is still a concern that adults' behaviour could turn children away from the game....

Teenagers are among the growing group of people injecting themselves with black market drugs under the promise of health benefits ranging from weight loss to skin care. In May, Medsafe issued a safety alert about the rise in illegal peptides being imported, sold and used without being tested for safety, quality or efficacy. But health advocates say there's been a massive increase in people using t...

Emergency management in Christchurch is preparing for wildfires, 'spiky' temperatures and weather whiplash when El Nino peaks this summer. It usually means wetter conditions in the south-west of the South Island - and drier, windier conditions for other parts of the country, especially the east coast. Wildfires are a particular concern with emergency teams meeting today to discuss preparation. Chr...

This was not a hazard that was unknown hidden or beyond the reach of foresite as for more than two decades one geo tech consultant after another indentified the land side hazard at the camp ground. Those conclusions from the author of a report into the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide. Retired High Court judge, Paul Davison K-C has found the tragedy was preventable. Chief executive of Tauranga City...

Bakeries and pie shops across New Zealand and Australia are going head to head in a month-long pie competition for charity. A dollar for every pie sold in the Meanest Pie Challenge in September will go to the Cancer Society. Anya Fielding reports.

A report into the fatal landslide at Mount Maunganui in January says information identifying a risk to life was received, filed, discussed, forwarded and then left. The alarm has been sounded as long ago as 1999. Political reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Lisa Owen about Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell's reaction to the findings. 

Some Methven locals are missing out on purchasing homes because out-of-towners are snapping them up to rent out as Airbnbs. Average property values rose by almost 70 percent from 2018 to 2024 and the latest census figures show more than 13 percent of homes are unoccupied. Timothy Brown reports.

New Zealand has lost former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to the Australian netball league for 2027. The move comes as the fate of the domestic competition remains uncertain - with a possibility of more players following suit and looking abroad. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen. 

An advocacy group is calling for more action to stop genetic discrimination when it comes to life and health insurance. At the moment insurance companies can request the results of genetic tests for the likes of cancer or neurological diseases and then use the information to restrict, deny or charge more for insurance. Advocacy group AGenDA is concerned the way insurance companies are using the in...

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about several Israeli airstrikes that hit a Syrian airbase. Syria has hit out at the attacks, labelling them a "flagrant violation" of the country's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israel alleges a buildup of Turkish troops at the military base is why it carried out the strikes.

The mayor of Gisborne has met with the Forestry minister after he appointed a facilitator to "reset the relationship between the local council and forestry sector. The government is worried the Council is scaring off investors with its tough approach to dealing with woody debris and sediment. Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lisa Owen.

The deaths in the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide were preventable according to a new report that details a litany of systemic failures that resulted in the tragedy in January. No one person is to blame, but the report says its central conclusion is "sobering in its simplicity" and that in all likelihood lives did not need to be lost. Waikato and Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore was at the revi...

Hamilton families are struggling to put food on the table. As the city's first social supermarket opens today, it's a stark reminder that many are unable to afford basic necessities. Waikato Bay of Plenty regional reporter Rachel Moore reports. 

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a police investigation which is underway into an alleged sexual assault linked to players within the high profile Sydney Swans AFL team.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The man who discovered an ancient waka partially buried in dunes on Rekohu, Chatham Islands hopes after seeing it first hand the government will stump up the money to save it. Pieces of the waka - believed to be part of an early migration from Hawaiki centuries ago - were discovered nearly two years ago. Hundreds of fragments have been recovered but the bulk of the Waka is still in dunes and expos...

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says the Springboks series kicking off on Sunday is going to be a lot tougher than a world cup. The squad has made light work of the South Africa tour so far - remaining undefeated in three outings. However, tour-ending injuries and mind games from the hosts are testing the team before the first whistle blows at Ellis Park. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen...