Checkpoint

A crocodile hunter in Papua New Guinea has described masses of pumice arriving on the shores of Manus Island as a "disaster". The huge rafts of pumice were created by an erupting undersea volcano in the Bismarck Sea. RNZ Pacific's Johnny Blades reports. 

Hundreds of residents on Wellington's south coast are being warned to stay away from their homes until tomorrow morning, with the area under a state of emergency. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for a number of waterfront properties. Waves of up to 11 meters have been battering the Capital's coastline. Alexa Cook reports.

A cup of coffee and a chat at a local cafe could be the key to combatting loneliness. The Chatty Cafe scheme aims to reduce social isolation but creating spaces in local cafes where strangers can come together for a conversation. The concept, which is already popular in the US and UK, is now making its way to NZ. Jo Hayes from Chatty Cafes NZ spoke to Lisa Owen.

Former world number one doubles player Erin Routliffe will face off against tennis royalty in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The New Zealander and her new American doubles partner will be Serena William's first opponent on her return to tennis at the Queens Club Championships in London. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

US Correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a dramatic six-figure price jump on a popular work visa which has been blocked. Last year Donald Trump signed an executive order raising the fee for an H1-B visa, designed for high-skilled foreign workers - from a few thousand to over $17,000. Today a federal judge ruled that fee increase unlawful

A group of charities have serious concerns that a new tax rule may break them. They group is writing to the Minister of Finance to express serious concern over the new rule that would cap tax credits for large donors at over $33,000 a year. Philanthropy acting CEO Robyn Scott spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Ukraine's president meeting with European leaders at Downing Street. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has used a D-Day anniversary speech in France to criticise European leaders over migration.

Wellington's mayor Andrew Little has declared a state of emergency for the city's Southern and Eastern wards. It comes as a heavy swell warning is issued, with the public asked to avoid beaches and coastal areas around Wairarapa and Wellington. Dan Neely from the Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management Office spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

Evening business news with Nona Pelletier.

The Super Rugby Pacific semi-finalists have been found. In an historic low for the Australian teams, not a single one will feature after both hopes were bungled out at the weekend. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

There are concerns that without attracting more staff to the tourism and hospitality industries, the workforce won't be big enough to meet growing plane loads of tourists. The government wants to boost visitor numbers way beyond pre-Covid levels, but there need to be workers to look after overseas holiday-makers. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.

Kiwi athletes have dominated the world competition in extreme timbersports, taking top spot on what was the most glamorous podium in sport at the weekend. Matthew Gower from Whangamomona won his first ever title in the Rookies Under 25 World Championship. Matt Gower spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A new Labour candidate has ruffled some feathers after leaving it to the last minute to notify his employer - the police - about his plans to stand. Political Reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A brain injury charity is describing the government's lack of action over full contact collision games like Run It Straight as "too slow". The government has been working on potential legislation around these kinds of events since a teenager died playing a version of the tackle game last year. Brain injury charity Headway NZ chief executive Stacey Mowbray spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A former District Court Judge says New Zealand should forget about implementing age verification on social media platforms because it doesn't have sufficient data protections. He says it will give one department access to too much information about New Zealanders. Dr David Harvey spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The parents of a 21-year-old university student who died by suicide in Palmerston North Hospital's mental health ward hope their long wait for the coroner's report into her death will result in change. The coroner found Erica Hume's death in 2014 was preventable if staff had followed policies and procedures. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

National has promised to double the funding for the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust if re-elected. The Trust is a charity that uses 'covenant' agreements to protect privately owned land, with protections continuing even if the land is sold.

Former world champions Erika Fairweather and Lewis Clareburt will spearhead New Zealand's hopes in the pool at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month. The pair were named in New Zealand's 13-strong swimming team for the event, with five swimmers set to make their Games debut. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Luke Van Wyk, a student at Rolleston College has taken out first place in the Play it Strange Junior Songwriting Competition. Previous well-known winners include Kimbra, Nott of Broods and Liz Stokes of The Beths. Luke Van Wyk spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Israel saying it has launched new attacks against military targets in Iran. It follows the firing of sever Iranian missiles towards Israel this morning, marking the first round of strikes since April's ceasefire came into force.

A council trial giving the owners of impounded dogs a chance to pay off their shelter fees has seen fewer animals euthanised and more claimed since being introduced. The uptake of a buy-now-pay-later option at council shelters has been increasing month on month. Auckland Council's regional shelter manager Nikki Cripps spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Elon Musk of interfering in British politics over the murder of university student Henry Nowak, while NHS staff across the UK could be barred from wearing political badges on their uniforms in a bid to tackle antisemitism. UK corresponent Grace Thomas spoke with Lisa Owen.

Handwritten Chinese notes and diaries uncovered at an Auckland home reveal a chilling picture of the alleged starvation and punishment of a 70-year-old woman.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

It's qualifying time in Super Rugby Pacific. The top six sides will scrap for a spot in the semifinals this weekend. A controversial competition quirk means one of the teams can lose, and still progress. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.