RNZ
Checkpoint
Checkpoint with Lisa Owen is RNZ’s weekday drive-time news programme, Our people, stories and breaking news and interviews from 4-6pm.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.rnz.co.nz
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Episodes
Australia launches legal action against Telegram app 30.07.2026 6:50
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Australia opening a new front in its ongoing campaign to get tech giants to toe the line on stricter regulation of social media -- with legal action launched against the messaging app "Telegram" for not doing more to remove terror content.
New 'state of the art' blood bank opens in Wellington 30.07.2026 3:55
The New Zealand Blood Service says the capital's new blood bank officially opened by the Health Minister today couldn't come soon enough. The facility plays a critical role in delivering life-saving donor blood to patients and replaces a decrepit laboratory at risk of losing its accreditation. Reporter Mary Argue was given a tour.
Auckland FC appoint Portuguese Pedro Moreira as new coach 30.07.2026 3:48
Auckland FC are entering a new era of their A-League existence with an experienced Portuguese coach leading the way. Pedro Moreira landed in Auckland yesterday and was sharing his coaching vision for the upcoming season today. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Prime Minister urged to take action towards Peters after 'racist' remarks 30.07.2026 6:27
The opposition is demanding the Prime Minister take action after Winston Peters said a Green MP who moved to New Zealand should go back to his own country. The New Zealand First leader in Parliament responded to some heckling from Lawrence Xu-nan with an abusive rant. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Solar installers warning of looming worker shortage 30.07.2026 3:22
Solar installers are warning of a looming worker shortage, if low-cost loans or subsidies are brought in without any support or training for the wider electrical industry. Many political parties have announced policies boost rooftop solar uptake ahead of this year's election. Some installers have seen demand treble this year already and say the industry is already near capacity. Climate Change cor...
Over 10,000 teens leave school with no qualifications 30.07.2026 3:12
Over 10,000 teens left school last year with no qualifications to their name. It's the third consecutive year that 15 percent of school leavers had no NCEA certificates or equivalent qualifications. The people who work with those young people say the figures are shocking. Education correspondent John Gerritsen has more.
Watercare to undertake largest ever investment for Auckland 30.07.2026 6:27
Plans for intensive housing growth in Auckland and issues with wastewater overflows is driving the largest ever investment in water services for the city. Last month, the water company said splitting from Auckland Council had allowed it to raise $1.5 billion to pay for fixing old infrastructure, upgrades and new projects. But households will also pay for it. Watercare CEO Jamie Sinclair spoke to M...
Greyhound racing industry prepares for shutdown 30.07.2026 4:19
A sense of the inevitable has shrouded the Hatrick Raceway this week as the Whanganui Greyhound Racing Club prepared for its last ever meeting on Friday. The government is shutting down the industry over animal welfare concerns. Owners from around the country gathered with dozens of dogs at the venue on Tuesday for its final straight-track meeting. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was ther...
Current process to install solar too slow and costly 30.07.2026 7:10
If you want to install solar on your house, the current process is too slow and costly according to a report that recommends cutting red tape. The review of the solar installation process by the Ministry of Regulation has just been released. Rewiring Aotearoa's CEO Mike Casey spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Rent arrears cases prioritised in Tenancy Tribunal 30.07.2026 3:33
Unpaid rent has been the thorn is the side of many landlords, waiting months to get a case through the Tenancy Tribunal. So in a new pilot, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is prioritising cases where someone wants to terminate the tenancy for rent arrears. Sammy Carter has more
Evening business for 30 July 2026 30.07.2026 4:41
News from the business sector, including a market report.
No shortage of quirk at Commonwealth Games 30.07.2026 3:22
It was another day filled with drama, records, glory, and shattered dreams in Glasgow. The opening six days of the Commonwealth Games have produced a plethora of moments, not all of them for sporting excellence. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Teenage country musician winning awards with heartfelt lyrics 30.07.2026 5:30
Nashville may be home to country music's 'achy breaky heart' but New Zealand's country music capital is home to Meila Scully. The young singer's song writing about people who've experienced loss is earning awards. More recently the 13 year old won the junior category at the Southern Country music awards. Meila Scully spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Fresh strikes kicking off between US and Iran 30.07.2026 6:18
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about fresh strikes kicking off between the US and Iran again, as well as a school in New York that has backtracked on a plan to introduce an AI-powered humanoid robot teacher.
Wellington school teacher's move to combat students using AI for assessments 30.07.2026 6:50
A science teacher at St Patrick's College in Wellington says he is moving to make sure all assessments are done in the classroom under supervision, to combat AI. The strategy comes as the Education Review Office today released a report saying AI is becoming part of everyday life and schools want more formal guidance from the Education Ministry.
Wildfires rage across Europe as another heatwave looms 29.07.2026 4:30
Europe correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about wildfires continuing to rage across parts of Europe as another heatwave looms, as well as new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham giving Labour a big bump in the polls.
Evening business for Wednesday 29 July 29.07.2026 3:55
News from the business sector, including a market report.
Warriors looking to steady their season after Bulldogs loss 29.07.2026 3:47
The Warriors are looking to steady their strong season following another slip up at the weekend. After seemingly getting things back on track, the Warriors were battered by the Bulldogs, the loss dropping them out of second place on the NRL ladder. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Councils told to record more consistent data to tackle roaming dogs 29.07.2026 4:19
Councils are being encouraged to record more consistent dog control data to help tackle the problem with roaming and uncontrolled dogs. Guidelines around how to use the current powers in law have also been released today. Local Government Minister Simon Watts spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Funeral held for stillborn baby found on Marlborough roadside 29.07.2026 3:47
About 30 people gathered this morning to mark the life of a stillborn baby boy, who was found on the side of a rural Marlborough road in May. Police are yet to identify the child or its family. The funeral service was held at the children's memorial area at Fairhall Cemetery, near Blenheim. Samantha Gee was there.
Mixed reaction to government's response to Covid-19 inquiry 29.07.2026 4:40
There has been mixed reaction to the government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response, with NZ First calling it "pathetic" and Labour calling it a distraction. But the government has accepted "in some form" all of the 63 recommendations, promising key advice will be made public within five working days in future pandemics. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has mor...
Human Rights Commission urges government to abandon laws that refer to Treaty clauses 29.07.2026 7:26
The Human Rights Commission has urged the Government to abandon its review of laws that refer to Te Tiriti Treaty clauses. In a submission released today, the Commission said the reforms were 'constitutionally regressive' and warned of the impact on creating uncertainty, discrimination and increasing conflict. Human Rights Commission Indigenous Governance Partner Dayle Takitimu spoke to Melissa Ch...
Longstanding Christchurch bakery passed into new hands 29.07.2026 2:41
Michael Meaclem and his wife Wendy are hanging up their aprons after running Christchurch's Michael's Bakery for 40 years. Now a new owner takes over, Nakesha McDouall who began working there five years ago as an apprentice. Anna Sargent reports.
Government to develop legislation to guide future pandemic responses 29.07.2026 5:39
Transparency and stronger legislation are among the two key priorities in the Government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Released today, it says all 63 recommendations have been accepted in some form, but some only partially. Health Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Upper Hutt mayor urging Wellington councils not to force amalgamation 29.07.2026 3:47
Upper Hutt's mayor is urging other Wellington councils not to force the city into amalgamating against its will. There's little over a week to go before all councils must come up with a plan on simplifying local government. But in the capital, there's still stark disagreement about the details. Wellington issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer has more.
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