RNZ

Checkpoint

News EN ↓ 2055 episodes

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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RNZ

Category

News

Podcast website

www.rnz.co.nz

Latest episode

Oct 29, 2026

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Episodes

Carissa Moore claims World Surf League Raglan title 25.05.2026

A five-time World Champion added another chapter to her story in the final of the New Zealand Pro surf event in Raglan today. Hawaiian Carissa Moore won her first Championship Tour event in New Zealand 16 years ago and has gone on to become one of the greats in the sport. Her return to Aotearoa with her young family for this event, she said was a full circle moment. Sports reporter Felicity Reid s...

Plane could fly dozens of greyhounds to Australia 25.05.2026

From August, Greyhound racing will be illegal here. The move follows several critical reviews of the industry and concerns around animal welfare in the industry. A Transition Agency's been set up to help rehome up to 2000 dogs and is responsible for their welfare until then. Meanwhile Greyhound Racing New Zealand's floating the idea of taking up to 70 dogs, on a charter flight to Queensland Austra...

Dame Jools Topp dies at age 68 25.05.2026

Dame Lynda Topp has spoken of the deep sorrow and unimaginable grief at the death of her twin sister Dame Jools over the weekend. Jools Topp died on Saturday with her family, close friends and fur babies by her side. She was 68. Rowan Quinn looks back at her life.

Radical funding overhaul suggested to expand aged care 25.05.2026

A radical funding overhaul's being suggested to expand aged care in New Zealand, with refundable bonds the centre piece. Aotearoa's population is aging yet care facilities are closing due to funding issues and a report last year warned the sector is in crisis. A bond scheme would see aged care residents pay an upfront bond of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Pam Newlove spoke to Lisa Owen.

Online peptides not approved by Medsafe 25.05.2026

Scrolling through social media means often coming across claims a product, diet or workout is a quick fix for weight-loss, no wrinkles and clear skin. But one trend that's taking cutting corners to the next level is the use of experimental synthetic peptides. Despite being unapproved by Medsafe, they're being promoted and sold online, often labelled 'for research purposes.'

Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch 25.05.2026

Businesses racking up big gas bills will be offered cheaper bank loans to help reduce their usage - as part of a new initiative in this week's Budget.

Taranaki residents fear mobile tower will devalue properties 25.05.2026

A group of New Plymouth homeowners fear plans to build a 15-metre-high telecommunications tower in a suburban street will shave thousands off property values. Mobile tower infrastructure company Connexia has applied for consents to put up the tower on the road reserve in the suburb of Spotswood to increase capacity for its client Spark. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

Lawson survives a tricky weekend at Canadian Grand Prix 25.05.2026

New Zealand Formula One driver Liam Lawson survived a tricky weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix to secure points for the third time this season. Lawson finished in seventh place on track and retained the position after a post-race review of his start in Montreal. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Students develop funky personal alarms 25.05.2026

Four students own experiences with unwanted attention has lead them to develop functional but funky personal alarms as part of a school business project. The seventeen year olds from Lynfield College in Auckland have launched Safe and Sound. The personal safety alarms are concealed in cute tiny crochet'd animals ..that have wrist straps or can be attached to bag. Nabeeha Kamran is one of the Year...

Still no conclusion to Iran war despite optimisim 25.05.2026

A flurry of optimism over a potential U.S. - Iran deal has failed to deliver a conclusion to the ongoing tensions. Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen.

Superficial and Unhelpful 25.05.2026

That's how dozens of Auckland faith leaders have described the government's planned move on orders... in an open letter. More than 30 signed their names and are calling for more funding for housing and support services. The bill gives police the power to issue move on orders to rough sleepers..people begging or obstructing entrance ways or showing intent to inhabit a public place. St Matthew in th...

New figures reveal migration to Britain has dropped 22.05.2026

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about how newly released files have revealed more about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy and how the late Queen Elizabeth was involved. She also spoke about how new figures reveal migration to Britain has dropped significantly and how Lord of the Rings fans will soon be able to get their hands on a new "precious"...

Evening business for 22 May 2026 22.05.2026

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Auckland FC's to clash against Sydney FC in grand final 22.05.2026

Auckland FC's first shot at A-League glory will play out in Penrose with a clash against Sydney FC in the grand final. The two clubs are at opposite ends of the experience scale when it comes to finals football, but they do have a few things and people in common. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hawkes Bay restaurant to unplug for World Environment Day 22.05.2026

It will be lights out for a top Hawkes Bay restaurant next week. But don't panic St George's restaurant is unplugging as part of World Environment Day. All non-essential electricity will be switched off; it will be candlelight all the way. But without an oven what's the plan for cooking the kai? St George's owner Frankie Godinho spoke to Lisa Owen.

Ambulance services hoping for agreement to fund operations 22.05.2026

Ambulance services say a funding boost will give them faster response times in Auckland and improve conditions for staff. But with St John yet to negotiate a new contract with the government, they're still hopeful of an agreement to fully fund their day-to-day operations. Health correspondent Kate Green has more

Netsafe on Roblox’s new safety features for kiwi kids 22.05.2026

A massive gaming platform that's introduced new safety measures for kiwi kids said it's leading the way, but it's not perfect. Roblox has set up new kids' accounts, with limits on chat functions and more parental controls adding to safety measures like AI age checks. Internationally Roblox is lawsuits, and allegations predators are grooming children in its virtual world. Sean Lyons the Chief Onlin...

Gen Z more likely to make food choices online – expert 22.05.2026

It's more screen test, than taste test first, when it comes to Gen Z making food choices. A leading food innovator is warning producers to get onboard or be left behind. Food and beverage expert Nicola O'Rourke believes the digital natives don't surf the supermarket aisles, they are more likely to encounter food first online and using AI search tools. Nicola O'Rourke spoke to Lisa Owen.

Travel businesses on the impacts of fuel crisis 22.05.2026

The fuel crisis is hitting lots of us pretty hard, but when you're a travel business it's a double whammy. So, they're faced with the dilemma, suck it up or pass it on. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has been chatting to operators.

New Zealander held by ICE denied bid for freedom after glitch 22.05.2026

A New Zealander held by American immigration authorities has been denied a bid for freedom because of a technology glitch. Everlee Wihongi's been in ICE custody since early April but had been hoping to convince a judge she should be freed. But as Bill Hickman reports, the internet let her down.

Moana Pasifika are set for their last dance in Albany 22.05.2026

The franchise will play its last ever home game on the North Shore against the Reds tomorrow afternoon. Jonty Dine talks to Lisa.

Website launches for lending and borrowing everyday items 22.05.2026

Need a cake mixer for a couple of hours or want to give surfing a crack but don't have a board? A new online community borrowing site could be the answer. Own less and access more is the motto of BOZthat, which launched last month. It's the brainchild of Christchurch woman Georgie Kirkland, she spoke to Lisa Owen.

Murder charges filed against Cuba's former president 22.05.2026

America's correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about how there's been international backlash to the murder charges filed against Cuba's former president by the Trump administration. She also spoke about how more than a dozen people have been killed in a shooting in Honduras.

Roblox can’t verify ‘parent’ giving child permission is legit 22.05.2026

A massive online gaming website, that's been described as a hunting ground for child predators by web safety groups here as well as by US officials has rolled out extra safety measures in New Zealand, including more parental controls. But Roblox's Chief Safety Officer has told Checkpoint the site can't verify the so called "parent" giving permission is legit. Matt Kaufman spoke to Lisa Owen.

In Australia the political storm continues 21.05.2026

In Australia the political storm continues to engulf the Albanese government as it attempts to reform the nation's tax laws to remove what it calls "distortions' in the way Aussies pay tax. Our correspondent Nick Grimm joins us with more.

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