Checkpoint

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.

Perth, 1962 and a New Zealand school girl was taking on the world's best at the Commonwealth Games. Against the odds it seemed like she'd won gold. That school girl was Vivien Boyd - Vivien Haddon as she was then - and the finish in the 100-metre breaststroke final was as close as you can get. But what happened next still rankles, even after six decades. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham caught up with Viv...

New Zealand has an average of 31 wastewater overflows a day into land or water, and that might not even be the full picture according to a report looking at the most severe pressures on the water network. The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai says it is the first complete picture of the risks that could impact public health and the environment. Dr Sara McFall from the Water Services Author...

The Wellington Phoenix's longest-serving player, captain Alex Rufer, has spent nearly half his life playing professional football in the capital. Today the 30-year-old signed a two-year contract extension with the A-League club that will keep him with the Phoenix for a 14th and 15th season. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The government is celebrating more families benefiting from its Family Boost scheme. It comes as the National party announced it will extend paid parental leave to 30 weeks if re-elected into government, and follows the scathing response to comments by Stuart Nash about National MP Katie Nimon's paid parental leave. Political reporter Lilian Hanly spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about US president, Donald Trump choosing to halt attacks targeting Iran in favour of diplomacy, according to the United States' ambassador to the United Nations. The pause follows thirteen consecutive nights of US military strikes against the country. Meanwhile Iranian attacks on US bases across the region have also slowed down.

Analysis by a charity that support financial mentors says households are working harder simply to stand still. Yet for many, even that seems like a position to aspire to. FinCap's latest Voices report shows one in eight clients were seeking help for a KiwiSaver hardship application. Since 2015 there has been a 1046 percent increase in KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals nationwide. Senior policy adviso...

Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen about New Zealand's own identical quadruplets.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham making policy announcements during his first week at the helm, as well as Europe continuing to bear the brunt of global warming as wildfires rage and a new heatwave brings temperatures over 44 degrees.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Commonwealth Games have begun, but not every selected athlete will make the start line. An untimely injury or personal decision can end a Games journey early. As the Games grapple with remaining relevant for athletes, an increasing number have ruled themselves out of the competition. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Whakatane based alcohol free drink brand is going global. Wai Mānuka, which makes an alcohol free manuka honey RTD, is now sold through dozens of New York retailers. Founder Joe Harawira spoke to Lisa Owen.

Patients wating for life-changing medicines to be funded say people should not have to fundraise, got into debt or travel overseas for treatments and therapies that could be administered here. The Forbidden Pharmacy at Auckland's Shed 10 is an installation showing shelves of medicines locked behind doors, representing what people may need but can't access because they are not funded by Pharmac. Am...

A new report suggests a growing number of people are finding themselves homeless for the first time. The snap shot prepared by the Salvation Army and Community housing Aotearoa says the profile of people with nowhere to go is changing. The Salvation Army's principal policy analyst Paul Barber spoke to Lisa Owen.