Checkpoint

Ben Sawyer has been dropped as White Ferns coach. Sawyer's contract was set to conclude in December, but New Zealand Cricket says it hasn't been renewed following a comprehensive review process. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fur babies are getting an actual taste of birthday celebrations thanks to a Dunedin Baker. Pawsome Treats specialises in cakes for cats and dogs. Owner and baker, Toni King spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about a potential ban on smart glasses in government buildings, as well as the Australian athlete at the centre of the Hyrox soiling saga issuing an apology.

The Government has today touted the success of new anti-stalking laws, saying 140 people have been charged and nearly 1000 given warnings. But RNZ can reveal that none of those prosecuted in court have been convicted. Reporter Finn Blackwell spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Tauranga teenager is calling on the government to set up a youth advisory committee to give young people more of a say in decisions that affect their lives. It comes after 15-year-old Otumoetai College student Liam Howard surveyed his peers about the proposed social media ban for under sixteens and got almost 600 responses. Fifteen-year-old Liam Howard spoke to Lisa Owen.

Music-lovers' excitement about Christchurch's Electric Avenue festival has been amplified now that line-up has finally been revealed. Superstar Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and Amercian rockers Kings of Leon will headline the two-date event in Hagley Park next February. Electric Avenue is so popular it's website crashed following this morning's announcement. Adam Burns reports.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the Albanese Government unveiling contentious cuts to the country's immigration intake.

They are set to play at the home of New Zealand rugby, but for so many Warriors, there was only ever one code calling. The side has been forced to move their semi-final fixture against the Knights this Sunday to Eden Park, a ground synonymous with rugby union, in order to accomodate the high demand for tickets. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Te Pati Maori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer has been kicked out of parliament for using the c-word. The outburst appears to have been aimed at the assistant speaker. MPs had been debating the move on orders legislation.

Education officials should have reviewed Tom Phillips' approval to home school his children after he disappeared with them the first time, according to an inquiry into the saga. Phillips was not required to provide any information about his qualifications or criminal record. Government Liaison for the National Council of Home Educators, Cynthia Hancox spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wellington residents affected by April's flooding say five months on they're still traumatised, displaced and unable to sleep. April's extreme rain triggered a state of emergency and caused flash flooding, landslips and damage to homes and businesses. Today the Wellington City Council committed to producing a public report into the disaster. Wellington Issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

A new select committee report lays out a litany of shortcomings and failures at FENZ. From mismanagement, to misleading information, and missing fire trucks. The inquiry, into the state of FENZ, concludes its governance has been concerningly poor and questions whether board members can keep their jobs. NZ Professional Firefighters Union national secretary Wattie Watson spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government has debuted a provocative new campaign designed to fight meth use - after an earlier effort fell flat. It's called "F Meth" - with the F left open to interpretation. It comes after record-high consumption of methamphetamine in April this year - equating to almost 40kg of meth a week - though consumption has dropped since. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Seven months on from the devestating floods, Te Araroa residents are still in survival mode, grappling with new problems related to January's storm. National's East Coast MP has taken a swing at the Gisbrone District Council for a lack of communication and action. She said she's waiting to hear from the council about what support it needs. Gisborne District Council's recovery manager Naomi Whitewo...

Police and the Defence Force are launching a new search for a charter plane that vanished almost 50 years ago with seven people on board in South Westland. It follows decades of work by volunteer investigators who believe their sonar equipment might have detected the submerged of the plane in Lake Moeraki. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

Dame Noeline Taurua has been reappointed as Silver Ferns head coach through to the 2027 Netball World Cup. The contract extension comes a year after her relationship with Netball New Zealand broke down in a bitter dispute over the teams's high-performance environment. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

It corporate fashion fast going out of style? Clothing retailers Cue and its sister brand Veronika Maine have gone into receivership, in a market where many stores and clothing desingers are struggling. Changing dress codes are being partly blamed for their demise. Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the US military's top leader telling troops to prepare for combat around the moon, as well as America's oldest dictionary gaining some new words.

Staff at a rural medical centre say they are at breaking point and are threatening to resign en masse. Doctors, nurses and administration staff at the Pahitua Medical Centre say they are facing severe staff shortages and a ballooning safety crisis. They say patients are wating three months for routine appointments, and preventative screening for bowel, breast and prostate cancer are up to 12 month...

The FENZ Minister has declared no confidence in the Chief Executive of the organisation over what's being described as a serious breach of the no surprises policy. The move comes just after the release of an absolutely scathing select committee inquiry into Fire and Emergency NZ. Political reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Lisa Owen. 

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Ministers promising sweeping changes to the NHS after a damning hospital review into the Lucy Letby murders, as well as Bristol has become the first city in Britain to ban advertising for fast fashion.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The A-league will crack down on time-wasting during the upcoming football season with three new rule changes. Team captains and technology will be in the spotlight as the changes effect both the men's and women's competitions which kick-off next month. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

If re-elected National says it will look at separating the Foodstuff brand into two groups. New World and Four Square would be one nationwide chain and Pak'nSave another. It's contingent on the Commerce Commission carrying out an independent review and agreeing it's the right move. Chief executive at Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy spoke to Lisa Owen.