Christchurch bus support officers are dealing with about 50 incidents a month on public transport in Christchurch, including violent assaults. The details have been revealed in a 6 month review of the one year pilot that is costing Enviroment Canterbury 1.3 million dollars. Almost two thirds of the incidents faced by the Christchurch support officers are are unruly behaviour including rudeness and shouting. 5 percent are physical assaults and about 15 percent are verbal abuse. The team is made up of 11 first security officers and 8 of them actually ride the buses daily. Amalgamated Workers' Union secretary Lindsay Chappell spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Health Ministry has apologised to the Smokefree minister Casey Costello for failing to inform her that one of its officials had a conflict of interest. It comes after NZ First leader Winston Peters used Parliamentary privilege to accuse the official of attending meetings with Ms Costello and advising her on tobacco reform without telling her she was the sister-in-law of Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The King might have departed Australia's shores this week to head to CHOGM in Samoa, but controversy continues to swirl there in his absence. Controversy sparked from a protest by an Independent Senator who declared at his royal reception in parliament that Charles was "not her King," correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The world champion White Ferns have to move on quickly from their T20 Cricket World Cup celebrations. Days after being the first New Zealand team to win a title in the shortest format of the game they've travelled to a new country and face new challenges, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Chief Ombudsman fears history may repeat itself after releasing yet another scathing report about Oranga Tamariki. Peter Boshier's latest investigation found the agency's failure to act on reports of concern led to two young children being kidnapped. He's concerned Oranga Tamariki has failed again, after assuring him things had improved after the murder of 5 year old Malachi Subecz. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

In an effort to make a point a New Plymouth District Councillor has bought a birthday cake and a card for a pothole that remains unfilled a year after he told the responsible authorities about the problem. The hole is near the intersection of State Higway three and Junction street and there's disagreement on who is responsbile for the bog job. Councillor Max Brough spoke to Lisa Owen.

A South Otago mum said the region shouldn't be forced to chose whose loved ones miss out on heath care to cut the budget for the Dunedin Hospital rebuild; it should go ahead as promised and be fit for the region and future generations. Checkpoint understands the sixth level of the inpatient building could be scrapped altogether, including mental health beds for the elderly under one proposal. Specialists had until Wednesday to make their their feelings known on that. A top clinician said the programme is ageist and politicians wouldn't dare to do it paediatric services. The government's insisting the project be completed within the current 1.9 billion dollar budget, despite costs estimates of 3 billion and a National party election promise to deliver Dunedin a hospital that would be, fit for purpose for generations. Balclutha woman Natasha Munro's 3 year old daughter Sofia has major feeding and digestive difficulties meaning she's a regular patient at the hospital and is also forced to travel to Christchurch for care. She told Lisa Owen she believes any downsizing is a mistake and it is whanau that will pay.

The man at the centre of a fatal stabbing on Auckland bus, has handed himself into a Northshore police station. The man was identifed off CCTV footage as a person on interest in yesterday's stabbing on the number 74 bus in Onehunga. The woman who was stabbed multiple times, died at the scene. There were 9 other passengers. Police say it appears the attack was random and there was no altercation before hand, but he was known to police. The two sat near each other and together on the bus at various points in the journey. The police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident. Stacey Van der Putten who is the Director of Public Transport for Auckland Transport spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is among the world leaders who have arrived in Samoa. Political reporter Russell Palmer is in Apia and and spoke to Lisa Owen.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have touched down in Apia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM. Local villagers have lined the streets with lanterns to welcome the monarch along with delegations from 56 other countries, including our own Prime Minister. But first, while those world leaders gather one side of the island of Upolu, off the coast of the otherside lies the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui which is still leaking fuel. As a result, the livelihoods of people living along the idyllic coastline hang in the balance as the risk of further contamination from the wreck continues. Susana Lei'ataua has the story.

The trial of the man accused of murdering Yanfei Bao has heard an open home was held at the property at which the Crown alleges the real estate agent was killed, four days after she went missing. 53 year old Tingjun Cao, a Chinese national, denies murdering Ms Bao on July the 19th 2023, the day she disappeared. Ms Bao was last seen heading to show a house to a prospective client on Trevor Street, where the Crown alleges she was killed, Anna Sargent was in court.

India's proud record of not losing a cricket Test Series on home soil since 2012 is at risk against the Black Caps. After New Zealand won the first Test by eight wickets on Sunday, and the action resumes in Pune tonight, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's been five years since DOC announced the multi-million dollar upgrade of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. Locals can't wait for the three-day loop walk to officially open, saying it will be a boon for business, and it opens just in time for the long weekend, Tess Brunton has more.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump's longest serving chief of staff making scathing comments about the former president. An update on Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York who owes millions to two election workers from the state of Georgia and deadly E.coli outbreak has prompted McDonald stores across multiple states to pull a popular item off the menu.

Businesses say the gag worthy smell coming from the Lower Hutt's Seaview waste water treatment plant is disgusting and off putting for customers. People living and working in the seaside suburb north of Wellington have been battling the pong for years, and recently, a second deodoriser has brought into try and kill the stench. Earlier this year work was completed on the plants bioflilters to help with the smell - but locals say it's still wiffy and a fire in the sludge dryer in September added to the problem. Anthony Coomer, who works at motorsport seat manufacturer Racetech on Barnes St, about 300m from the waste water treatment plant spoke to Lisa Owen.

There has been developments in the manhunt, for the suspect at the centre of fatal stabbing on board an Auckland bus. The 37 year old has handed himself in to a North Shore police station this afternoon. He evaded police for more than 24 hours following the stabbing of a woman in Onehunga on the number 74 bus. Police have today revealed that he was already known to them. The pair was sitting near each other and together at points during the bus journey, but don't appear to have known each other. There doesn't seem to have been an altercation before the stabbing according to police, Felix Walton has more.

Aotearoa's most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete will be missing from the 2026 event in Glasgow. Squash was one of several sports which have been axed for a scaled down version of the Games, ruling out eight time medallist Joelle King.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

On Wednesday each week at Papakura High School, students can forget about reading writing and maths, and instead spend their time making jewellery, weightlifting, barbering, broadcasting or one of many other options. By letting them spend a whole day each week working on vocational projects and electives, they've started to see big improvements in student attendance and engagement. In the two years since introducing the scheme, the number of chronically absent students has dropped by 34 percent, the lowest it's been since before Covid-19, Luka Forman has the story. In the two years since introducing the scheme, the number of chronically absent students has dropped by 34 percent, the lowest it's been since before covid.

An Australian aged care company is trying to coax kiwi workers to the Sunshine State with a golden package of incentives including free accomodation, sign on bonus', relocation fees and free flights home. Mercy Community has about 130 vacancies at its brand new agedcare facility, Mercy Haven in Rockhampton Queensland, including registered nurses, support staff and personal care assisants. As well as the salary package, it's offering sunshine for free. The international competition comes as the aged sector in Aotearoa is struggling to fill vacancies and compete with pay in other local nursing sectors too. Mercy Community CEO, Justin Lorenz spoke to Lisa Owen.

Drugs, toileting in the street, crime and increased domestic violence ... A roll call of bad behaviour that Rotorua's tourist operators blame on emergency motel accommodation that they want shut down by the end of the year. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has applied for a resource consent to keep seven emergency housing motels operating in Rotorua for another year.

What's the difference between a car and a truck? It's hundreds of dollars if you're taking the Waiheke vehicle ferry. The definition is central to a dispute over fares on the Sealink ferry, the only car ferry to the Hauraki Gulf island. Islander, John Stansfield said he booked his car on a crossing today and paid the car rate of $195 return. He drives a 660 cc Suzuki Jimny flat-deck, the makers describe it as a 4 wheel drive off roader. It's smaller than your average SUV or van, weighs less and is registered as a car. However, when he went to board, John said Sealink refused to carry him unless he paid an additional $230 for a commercial truck; total return ticket price about $433. John Stansfield said he needed to get to Auckland so paid, but said it's greedy behaviour and he's demanding a refund from Sealink. Stansfield spoke to Lisa Owen.

With spring comes butterflies, right? Well this year, maybe not. Internationally, 2024 has not be a good year for butterflies and local enthusiasts say it isn't looking much better here. So what's going on? Libby Kirkby-McLeod went to find out.

A Christchurch bookstore could be facing it's final chapter with rising costs and changing tastes. Steadfast books on Ferry Road in Woolston is facing a 40% rent hike and that could mean its forced to close in November when the lease is up for renewal. Owner Heath Ling made the news when he went all guerilla gardener on it and transformed a dreary median strip near his shop into a flower patch. His shop has also been a diamond in the rough, but now he's struggling to keep it alive. Ling spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a number of North Korean soldiers arriving in Russia with South Korea denouncing the move, a move to ease tensions on India and China's border and hotels in Taiwan preparing for new regulations on single-use plastic and toiletry items set to kick in next year.

Consumer NZ tracked a series of return flights for a family of 4 over 18 weeks to see what happened to prices during school holidays. Turns out, according to Consumer, flights in the school holidays were up to 167 percent more expensive than in the 3 weeks prior. Compared to Qantas prices during the same periods, Air New Zealand came off second best. Consumer NZ CEO, Jon Duffy spoke to Lisa Owen.

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit has proved eventful in Australia. It's been a busy trip for the royals who faced a controversial wecome after the King was heckled in parliament yesterday. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm has been following the visit and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The partner of murdered Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao has described to the court when he realised something sinister may have happened to Miss Bao. 53-year-old Tingjun Cao a Chinese national, is charged with the murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Reporter Rachel Graham has been in court.

The government has revealed its new school lunches menu that will hit cafeterias at the start of Term 1 next year. The dishes include butter chicken curry, chicken katsu, lasagne plus cold chicken pasta salad and wraps - all at a cost of $3 dollars a head. But while they may come cheap - it's not known if they'll be yummy enough for hungry kids. Our political reporter Anneke Smith skipped lunch today to do some taste testing herself.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Only 10 sports will feature at the next Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Glasglow. The pared back Games to be held in July and August 2026 has axed nine sports including several long-standing events as organisers aim for a financially sustainable Games, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Darleen Tana has been officially ejected from Parliament - after the Green Party last week agreed to make use of the waka-jumping provision. It ends a turbulent seven-month saga for the Greens - but they're not the only ones at Parliament caught in turbulent times, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Uninformed and unintelligent," cuts to the new Dunedin Hospital could be fatal according to a top specialist. Checkpoint understands the planned sixth level of the inpatient building could be scrapped altogether, including mental health beds for the elderly as way of trimming the budget.The government's rethinking the new hospital after revealing the price tag could blow out to three billion dollars. It's insisting the project be completed within the current 1.9 billion dollar budget, despite National campaigning on delivering Dunedin a hospital that would be fit for purpose for generations. More than 40 top southern clinicians earlier published an open letter to the Prime Minister objecting to any moves to downsize the rebuild. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and consultant psycho-geriatrician, Dr Yoram Barak believes if the cuts go ahead the consequences will be dire, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Eyes are on Wellington City council, officially. The local government minister's appointing a crown observer to monitor and report back on what he has described as a shambles Things came to a head after a plan, that was supported by Mayor Tory Whanau, to sell council's stake in Wellington Airport was vetoed. fracturing the council further. The money was to fund development and an insurance gap the city would face if it had to rebuild after a disaster. Meaning it's back to the drawing board for a long term plan. Councillors held an urgent meeting following the announcement and have ten days to respond to Simeon Brown's move to appoint an observer. Tory Whanau told media afterwards that she wasn't surprised by the minister's decision. Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand should be looking across the ditch for disability housing standards according to one advocacy service. Advocacy group Disability Connect describes the accesible housing situation in Aotearoa as dire - with only 2 percent of homes built to a standard where a wheelchair user could visit. It said rather than leaving it to the market New Zealand needs to adopt a more disability inclusive building code like Australia's. Michael Bleasdale is the former Executive officer of the advocacy group Rights and Inclusion Australia - a group that campaigned for universal housing design and he still works in the area of housing. Michael Bleasdale spoke to Lisa Owen.

Over 2000 people attended the final national hui for Maori unity at Tuahiwi Marae north of Christchurch today. Ngai Tahu hosted the hui where discussions focussed on indigenous economics. A regulatory authority to oversee development on Maori land and even a Maori bank were all up for discussion, Pokere Paewai is there.

13 young people at a youth justice facility in South Auckland spent over 15 hours on the roof of the building, after escaping from their units last night. It's not the first time Korowai Manaaki in Wiri has been in the spotlight - with a similar incident happening in July last year. An internal review found that staffing shortages was a factor. A report by the Young People's Commission released in June found that staff were also smuggling in contraband and roughing up children. Meanwhile, Oranga Tamariki and the children's minister say they're pleased with how staff had handled today's situation. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

Sports reporter Jamie Walll spoke to Lisa Owen about the All Black side to face Japan hot off the press and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe being back for a new team next year in Super Rugby Aupiki.

A military mission of a different kind, to reunite a World War one medal with its whanau. The British War medal was found dropped on the ground in a carpark at Ohope beach in Whakatane just after Anzac Day in April. Whakatane man Sandy Milne picked it up and has been looking for its owner since. He's tried the RSA , the local community and police - but its all been a dead end. Sandy Milne spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Elon Musk causing a stir with his latest move as the country edges closer to the election, the exonerated men who make up the 'Central Park Five' taking Donald Trump to court and a highly publicised and divisive case involving an ex-Marine going to trial in New York.

Chicken Katsu, tex mex mince beef, pasta salad, and butter chicken are all on the menu for the government's Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch programme, but maybe not as you know and love them. Looking at photos of the meals it's a little tricky to determine what's, what, without specific labels. One for example has two scoops of white rice and half a takeaway container of whats looks like meat in a brown gravy like sauce. All students Year 0 to 8 will get a 240 gram meal and older students get a larger 340 gram meal with extras like fruit , yoghurt and museli bars. Priced at $3 to $4 a pop, the government's managed to carve $130 million off the so called healthy school lunch programme. The school lunch collective is led by Compass group with 17 other food suppliers and manufacturers in supporting roles. But the Health Coalition is not convinced the pre-made meals are indeed healthy. Nutritionist and spokesperson Dr Sally Mackay spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK's health secretary suggesting a curious way of beefing up the workforce - with a new weight loss jab, a group of Nigerian nurses in Britain fighting back against cheating allegations and fans paying tribute to singer Liam Payne.

A trial is underway in Auckland over alleged historical abuse at a home for at risk boys in state care, once housed within a rundown part of the former Kingseat psychiatric hospital. Three former staff members from the south Auckland home have pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal charges in Manukau District Court. The eight complainants were all boys aged between six and 17 years old when the alleged abuse occurred. They are now adults. Amy Williams was in court and a warning her report contains distressing details.

News from the business sector, including a market report

Young New Zealand driver Liam Lawson made a great return to Formula One this morning picking up championships after not racing for over a year. The 22 year old came through from last on the starting grid to finish ninth in the US Grand Prix in Texas. He beat his RB team-mate and impressed many of the experts watching. Sports reporter Barry Guy kept a close eye on the race too and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The High Court has been told that there may have been a sexual element to the attack on a Christchurch real estate agent, whose body was found just over a year after she went missing. 53-year-old Tingjun Cao a Chinese national, is charged with the murder of Yanfei Bao on July 19th 2023, the day she went missing. He has pleaded not guilty. Yanfei Bao went missing in July last year and her body was found in farmland near Christchurch just over a year later. Reporter Rachel Graham was at the trial, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Christopher Luxon continues to stand by his Minister of Commerce who allegedly told a worker to F off during a site visit. The business employee says that Mr Bayly told him to "f*** off" and repeatedly called him a loser, making an 'L' sign with his fingers on his forehead. The employee says he was left feeling "degraded, embarrassed and deeply disrespected" during the visit in early October. Addressing media at the post-Cabinet press conference this afternoon, the Prime Minister said that while Andrew Bayly's behaviour was "inappropriate and wrong" he's apologised and shown genuine contrition. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The White Ferns beat South Africa by 32 runs, after scoring 158 for five in their 20 overs, with Melie Kerr top scoring with 43. The team went into the tournament having lost ten T20 games in a row. It was their first appearance in the finals since their loss to Australia in 2010. They smashed it; with emotional scenes on the field as team veterans Suzi Bates and Sophie Devine hugged it out. White Ferns Captain Sophie Devine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A signficant situation vacant is causing concern in the science world and beyond. The government won't say whether it's keeping role of Prime Minister's Chief science advisor; a job that has been empty since July. That's despite the coalition agreement saying "decisions will be based on data and evidence."Among other things the chief science advisor provides advice on specific topics to the PM and Ministers and information in a crisis like, the covid pandemic. However, past advice from Prime Ministerial science advisors on dealing with gangs, a rising prison population , and boot camps has run contrary to a number of policies the current government's adopted. The budget for the office has also been cut by half a million dollars. Simon Kingham was Chief Science advisor to the NZTA, up until May this year and spoke to Lisa Owen.

For the past 17 days, a survivor of Lake Alice's notorious child and adolescent unit's been stuck in life-threatening limbo, waiting for a heart operation. Malcolm Richards is in hospital in Hastings, in need of a transfer to Wellington for a triple bypass. And the hold up's proving stressful, bringing back memories of Lake Alice, and prompting frustration about the continued wait for compensation. Jimmy Ellingham reports

Among those celebrating the White Ferns' win back home, were the teaching staff and students at Tawa College. Four of the 15 strong squad who beat South Africa in the T20 cricket world cup are former students at the Wellington school. There were plenty of bleary and teary eyes at Tawa College this morning after an early start watching the team take out the world championship for the first time, Lauren Crimp reports.

New Zealand has experienced possibly one of it's greatest weekends in sport with world championship titles and historic victories. It started at the world track cycling championships in Denmark on Friday and has gone all the way through to this morning with the cricket in Dubai, sports reporter Barry Guy spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wayward visitors wombling onto the closed Cathedral Cove track are getting in the way of contractors and slowing down repairs. The track to the popular tourist attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula has been closed since February 2023 after it was badly damaged in extreme weather events including cyclone Gabrielle. A report subsequently showed up to 180 landslips along the 3.8km of tracks around the cove and debris up to the size of a kayak. The closure means the hugely popular attraction can only be accessed from the sea and DOC contractors are trying to finish the repair work by the end of the year, but there's been a few unwelcome interruptions.Thames Coromandel District Councillor Deli Connell spoke to Lisa Owen.

Israel has carried out more bombings across Gaza and Lebanon. In the city of Beit Lahia, buildings have been flattened and at least 87 people killed in air strikes as the Israeli military tightens its seige in the northern part of the strip. Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

The popular virtual game, Roblox, is a hunting ground for sex offenders looking to exploit young New Zealand based victims, according to an online safety group. Roblox users can create an avatar or online character and choose their hair, clothes and accessories and once they're done they can join in a number of games or experiences. It also has a social media element to it where people can message, accept friend requests, or go into a chat room. Police won't name specific gaming sites. But Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards from their Online Child Exploitation unit says there's been cases of sex offenders contact young New Zealand and gamers online encouraging x rated coversations and sharing of inappropriate images. Meanwhile the co-founder of our Kids Online Rob Cope said the site is one of the biggest sexual predator grooming grounds in the world, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about Bangladesh issuing an arrest warrant for its former prime minister who was ousted earlier this year after mass protests, China launching a security probe on tech manufacturing giant Intel and wait times for drivers licences in Taiwan.

News from the business sector, including a market report

Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly has apologised for his conduct after a complaint that he repeatedly called a worker "a loser" and swore at him while on a business visit. The employee formally complained after the visit, saying Mr Bayly told him to "f*** off" and repeatedly called him a loser, making an 'L' with his fingers on his forehead. The worker said the minister's actions left him feeling "degraded, embarrassed and deeply disrespected". Minister Andrew Bayly spoke to Lisa Owen.

600 jobs are going, following confirmation the Alliance group is shutting down its Timaru meat processing plant. Sheepmeat, calves and night shift venison seasonal processing stopped at the plant at the end of September. The remaining day shift at Smithfield's will end in December, with the plant closing then. Mayor Nigel Bowan said its going to have a direct impact on the region, but he's confident it will recover. A job fair has already been planned for early next month with 40 employers ready to help those looking for work. Bill Watt from the Meatworkers Union was at this mornings meeting when the worst was confirmed for workers, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Auckland's the problem child," when it comes to a blow out in wait times to sit licence tests, according the NZTA. Want to be drivers are having to wait up to a year for a spot. In desperation some are travelling to Thames, Matamata, and Te Awamutu 280 kilometres from Auckland. NZTA said demand for tests has gone up 60% and it's hurridly bolstering testing officer numbers. To help ease congestion, the government's agreed to extend the amount of time people can drive on over licences from 12 to 18 months. At the Glen Innes VTNZ centre in East Auckland, learner drivers say the long wait times are frustrating. NZTA's national manager regulatory system design Chris Rodley told Lisa Owen the wait times are unacceptable

Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly has apologised for his conduct after a complaint that he repeatedly called a worker "a loser" and swore at him while on a business visit. The employee formally complained after the October visit, which says left him feeling "degraded, embarrassed and deeply disrespected," deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Around 600 employees at Alliance Group's Timaru meatworks are out of a job, following an announcement that the co-op will close its Smithfield plant by the end of the year. Alliance revealed a proposal to shut the 139-year-old abbatoir two weeks ago because of a drop in sheep numbers, which was confirmed at an all-staff meeting this morning. Delphine Herbert reports from Timaru.

Darleen Tana's fate as an MP is now over to Parliament's Speaker, after Green Party delegates agreed to use the party-hopping legislation to remove her from Parliament. The Greens have wrestled with their previous opposition to the provision - but MPs past and present say this time it was the right thing to do, Giles Dexter reports.

Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about a bit of drama with the All Blacks and a great first test against India for the Black Caps.

Currently, unemployment is sitting at 4.6 percent or 143,000 people out of work. Treasury forecast have it rising to 5.3 percent by this years end. Today, the Alliance Group confirmed it's shutting down it's meat processing plant in Timaru; that's 600 jobs gone. Earlier this month Winstone pulp closed two sites in the Ruapehu district with 230 losing their jobs and this week Kiwirail said it would offer all staff voluntary redundancy. How does that work and what do employees need to know if they've been offered redundancy? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Canada correspondent Ashleigh Stewart spoke to Lisa Owen about a public feud between Canada and India hitting new lows this week, a woman being arrested for trying to smuggle something quite bizarre out of Canada, in a very bizarre way and mysterious blobs washing up on Canadian beaches.

Regional operator Sounds Air is canning its Wellington/Westport route in the face of tough economic headwinds. It's last run to the capital will be December 31st. Sounds Air said unlike Air New Zealand, it doesnt have government support - and has twice applied for funds intended for the regions but missed out both times. It's managing director Andrew Crawford, said in his 21 years at the helm nothing compares to the post COVID financial challenges. Crawford spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about the high cost of housing in Australia being blamed for the collapse in the birth rate, which has tumbled to its lowest level since European settlement and Anthony Albanese's new house.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Today is D-Day for Darleen Tana - with the Green Party due to meet this evening to decide whether to eject their former MP from Parliament altogether. It comes after a fraught and drawn-out process - involving a war of words and legal wrangling, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Rising ticket prices for sports events are upsetting some fans but organisers are gambling on people forking out big bucks for bucket list events. Golf's Ryder Cup is the latest event to come under fire for how much organisers are charging for tickets to practice sessions and to attend a round of play, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The local government minister Simeon Brown said he still has concerns about the workings of Wellington City Council. That's despite his meeting with Wellington's Mayor Tory Whanau at parliament this morning. Tension has been building around the capital city's council after it's long term plan was thrown into disarray by a vote to stop the sale of its airport shares. It prompted a flurry of criticism from ministers - and even the threat of intervention, Kate Green reports.

"Dire" is how one advocacy service describes the disability housing situation. Disability Connect helps people with disabilities, and their families, find the services and support they need. It's chief executive Mike Potter spoke to Lisa Owen.

A man paralysed after a fall, who has been in emergency housing for three years, waiting for a wheel chair friendly state house, is still waiting for a property to be modified. The New Plymouth man, Shane Emeny became a paraplegic 3 and a half years ago after falling from a 5 metre concrete ledge and severing his spinal cord. He's been staying in a modified emergency housing motel room since, but it's difficult to have his 10 year old son to stay in the cramped studio space and fit the gear he also needs - like his standing frame. Shane said there's virtually no suitable accomodation for people with disabilities, with landlords unwilling to make modifications. He's accepted a home offered by Kainga Ora eight months ago but is still waiting for modificaitons to be made through ACC. Shane Emeny spoke to Lisa Owen.

Young people on the job seeker benefit say they're barely surviving as they struggle to find work while dealing with threat of losing their only source of income. In August, the government introduced a traffic light system which sanctions those who are not meeting certain obligations. It's managed through a phone call system - but one job seeker says he missed a call from MSD because his phone had been disconnected. Others have told Checkpoint, they are desperately searching for work but there are simply not enough jobs, Bella Craig reports. Minister for Social Development Louise Upston spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hawke's Bay's controversial Ruataniwha Dam project was back in the public spotlight at a council meeting today for the first time in years. Plans for the nearly billion-dollar dam were scuppered in 2017 when the Supreme Court deemed a land swap unlawful - but that could be over-ridden by the government's new Fast Track Approvals Bill, Alexa Cook has the story.

The feud between All Black centre Reiko Ioane and Ireland's Jonny Sexton has been put to bed, for now. The two players have been trading jabs since last year's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Dunedin's Cliff the Ambulance has hit the road as the city council's Save Our Southern Hospital campaign ramps up. Ministers are waiting for officials to report back with options to reduce costs in the Dunedin Hospital build after a budget blowout, with cuts, delays or upgrading the old hospital site possibly on the cards. While they wait, Cliff's travelling the lower South Island to encourage people to demand that there are no cuts.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the state of Georgia having a record breaking day of early voting, two election workers in Georgia taking to court to claim millions owed to them by Rudy Giuliani and Washington Zoo welcoming its newest residents.

So far this year, 176 routes have been or are being reviewed by the Ministry of Education; 21 have been cut and 11 have been replaced with different routes or combined with others. Otago schools have been hit hard by the charges, for some came in during the third term. To get Ministry funded school transport assistance, there must be 8 or more students using the bus and they have to go to a state or state integrated school within a certain distance. But the Ministry said the primary responsbility to for transporting kids to school rests with caregivers. Colin McHutchon, principal of Heriot school spoke to Lisa Owen.

Africa correspondent Elna Schutz spoke to Lisa Owen about a controversial African activist being arrested in Paris, the impacts of the drought across Southern African countries on people and a long awaited Egyptian museum has just opened.

Police have netted several fishers allegedly, illegally taking whitebait from Southland's Waiau river. The bust was part of a joint operation between Police, the Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, and Te Runaka o Oraka-Aparima. Whitebaiting season on the mainland runs for another two weeks but with strict rules, to sustain the endangered fish population. Southland Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham told Lisa Owen the temptation was just too much for a few rule breakers.

Villages along the South coast of Upolu in Samoa near the shipwrecked Manawanui are demanding compensation from the New Zealand government, saying the maritime disaster has affected their livelihoods. About 60 New Zealand Defence Force personnel and specialists are working alongside local authorities after the sinking of the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel earlier this month. Officials estimate that approximately 200,000 litres of diesel has leaked from the vessel. Grace Fiavaai has more.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, more than 40 southern senior doctors are warning any cost cut cutting or down sizing of the Dunedin Hospital rebuild could leave it in a precarious state, clinically and operationally. The government is rethinking the new hospital after revealing the price tag could blow out to 3 billion dollars, saying the project has to be completed within the current budget of about 1.9 billion, meaning potential trims. That's despite National campaigning on delivering Dunedin a hospital that would be fit for purpose for generations. In the letter the clinicians from multiple specialities including oncology, obstetrics, elderly health, and emergency care say an aging population with increasingly complex needs means the region needs a highly functional modern and resilient hospital. Consultant anesthetist and clinical director of anasthesia at Dunedin Hospital Dr Claire Ireland spoke to Lisa Owen.

A closed door crisis meeting of the Wellington City Council has broken up in the last hour. The government has signalled it could intervene, with one minister describing it as a shambles. Some councillors have been highly critical of the Mayor claiming there's been a lack of leadership, with tensions bubbling away since they voted to stop the sale of council's stake in Wellington Airport. But Mayor Tory Whanau said she has no intention of resigning. She told RNZ there's a high threshold for government intervention which the council doesnt meet and she'll be presenting a plan to the Local Government Minister, Simeon Brown tomorrow. Wellington councilllor Tim Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Dunedin solo mum is at breaking point, with her family spread across three temporary homes, after her Clyde Hill house was red stickered following the flood earlier this month. Krystal Brens' house has pile damage and is on a slip that is still moving. She has shared custody of three daughters aged 9 to 14 years old, but they're having to stay full time with their dad at the moment, while Krystal is staying with friends and the family dog is farmed out yet somewhere else. Her Clyde Hill house is insured but the cost of alternative accommodation is capped and she could be out of her home for a year or more. To complicate things further, because the damage's been done by a slip, it falls under the Natural Hazards Commission, not private insurance. Krystal Brens spoke to Lisa Owen.

The era of crushing price rises is over, that's the victory cry from the Finance Minister today, as inflation drops back into its target range. Figures show prices are still up - but just by 2.2 percent for the September quarter which means inflation is finally coming under control. But as our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch explains, it's not all good news.

Cyclone Gabrielle still feels like yesterday for some Far Northerners struggling with damaged and dangerous homes. But for a few, there could be a way out at last, as the council considers a buy-out scheme. Peter de Graaf reports.

The British lawyer leading a multi-million dollar concussion lawsuit against rugby's governing bodies has been accused of pressuring a player to lie about his dementia diagnosis. More than 200 former professional players, including ex-All Black Carl Hayman, are suing World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union as part of a class action. But the tactics of the firm leading the action has been questioned in fresh lawsuit involving former English international Will Green. Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mayor Tory Whanau said she won't be resigning despite claims Wellington city council is a shambles and the government is considering intervention. Councillors are still in a closed door urgent meeting that started at 2:30 this afternoon. They voted last week to stop the sale of council's stake in Wellington Airport, putting a large financial hole in the long term plan. Some councillors are calling for the government to step in and Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed he's looking at options. On the streets of Wellington, people had a mixed views about what whether the council needed intervention. Reporter Nick James was outside Wellington City Council waiting for the meeting to wrap up and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about China surrounding Taiwan with a series of military drills earlier this week, North Korea blowing up roads linking it with South Korea and some people in China sending their pets to work day jobs.

Hikes in outdoor dining fees are hitting already struggling hospitality businesses hard according to their Association. Yesterday, Checkpoint spoke to a Queenstown business owner who says his outdoor dining tax has gone from just over $3000 a year to more than $50,000. Queensland Lakes District Council is now charging "market rates" of 30 percent of indoor rent. But it said while there was public consultation on the policy it didn't include actual fees. It also disputes the figures provided by the hospitality venue, saying it had been undercharged for several years due to an inaccurate calculation of the floor area. Tauranga council is charging venues based on the size of the outdoor area, but yesterday voted to waive the charges for the rest of the year and is offering a rebate for part of next year to acknowledge tough trading conditions. Restaurant Association president Mike Egan spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under fire for buying a multi-million dollar luxury property, as housing and the higher cost of living weigh heavy on the minds of voters. Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report

The sister of the Christchurch terrorist says he idolised Adolf Hitler and admired British fascist Oswald Mosley. At the inquest into the murder of 51 worshippers at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in March 2019, Lauren Tarrant described how her brother had descended into far right extremism. Timothy Brown was in the Coroner's Court - and a warning his report contains some distressing detail

The All Whites have cruised past Malaysia as they continue their quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's been a 40 percent increase in homelessness in Wellington according to a charity that works with rough sleepers. The Downtown Community Ministry said last September 330 homeless or rough sleepers came to them for help, this September its was up to 464. In the past month it's also seen three people who were turned down for emergency housing since the government introduced tougher eligibility and stand down rules in August. Stephen Turnock is the Director of the Downtown Community Ministry in Wellington and spoke to Lisa Owen.

A shambles that could soon be facing government intervention, that's the Finance Minister's take on Wellington Council. The PM has also confirmed he's keeping a close eye on things and the local government minister Simeon Brown has requested information on options. Things came to a head after a plan that was supported by Mayor Tory Whanau to sell council's 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport was vetoed. The money was to fund development and the insurance gap the city would face if it had to rebuild after a disaster. Now, it's back to the drawing board for a long term plan. But relationships are tense within council - with clashes over a secret deal to buy land under a local cinema, code of conduct violations and allegations of leaks. Wellington Councillor Nicola Young spoke to Lisa Owen.

The baby female Sea Lion was shot in the Catlins Estuary last month and left to die in what DOC describes as a slow and painful death. Last week the pup's mum, Jade, who is a well know Sea Lion in Otago was also found shot dead. Conservationists said the deaths are a devastating blow to the recovery of the threatened species on the mainland. Initially a $5000 reward was offered by the the NZ Sea Lion Trust, but that's now been boosted to $11,000 with the help of donations. Jordana Whyte from the Trust spoke to Lisa Owen.

"More focused on themselves than serving the city," that's the scathing assessment from the Finance Minister on Wellington City Council which she also described as "shambles." Local Government minister Simeon Brown is now taking advice on whether the government can intervene. It all comes after the capital's councillors voted on Thursday to stop the sale of its 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport, which throws its long term plan into jeopardy, Kate Green reports.

A Waikato Hospital directive that nurses only speak English in a clinical setting has caused outrage with claims it's a bombastic over-reach. Now the Minister of Health has shot down the memo saying nurses can speak in their own language when appropriate, Natalie Akoorie reports.

Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about Heartland rugby over the weekend, Auckland's new football team set to take the field and some controversial news out of the rugby league world. 

Air New Zealand announced it's ditching direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next year. It's also swapping out larger jets for much smaller twin engine turboprop planes on some Queenstown and Dunedin flights; meaning there's a hundred fewer seats on a flight. Barrier Air swooped on the Kaitaia Auckland route when the national carrier ditched it about a decade ago and in August, the regional airline also started flying Kerkikeri to Auckland return, in direct competition with Air New Zealand. Barrier Air chief executive Grant Bacon spoke to Lisa Owen.

There are a number of court cases across the Unites States targeting TikTok over child safety concerns. On top of this, the social media giant is at risk of a complete ban in the US if its Chinese owner doesn't sell the platfom to a government approved buyer by January. Now, some recently leaked court documents suggest the company was well aware of the harms TikTok can have on young people. US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

On top of rental and rates, hospitality businesses also have to pay a charge for alfresco dining. Hospitality New Zealand argues it brings a vibrant buzz to inner cities, and businesses are paying for it. Recently Queenstown Lakes District Council outdoor seating charges are now 30% of the value of the indoor rent, meaning some businesses are paying tens of thousand of dollars. Blair Impey has two establishments with outdoor seating in Queentown spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about Britain's domestic security agency reporting a significant rise in teenagers being linked to UK terrorism, tributes rolling in for Alex Salmond, Scotland's former first minister, who died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 69 and King Charles heading to Australia later this week and how he might be confronted by anti-monarchy republican campaigners.

Sports journalist Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen about Team New Zealand extending their America's Cup lead over Britannia to 3-0 winning today's race after the two boats came within "a matter of centimetres" of colliding near the start line and the All Whites set to play Malaysia in a Friendly at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium tonight.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Cost cutting means New Zealand is ill prepared for an outbreak of a new covid variant, despite the virus still being the number one infectious disease killer, according to well known Otago University epidemiologist Doctor Michael Baker. ESR confirmed the highly transmissable Covid-19 sub-variant, XEC is here. This strain is a mix of two previous Omicron subvariants, it's already in about 30 other countries too and spreading rapidly. Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker spoke to Lisa Owen.

A street cleaner said she's still seeing large canisters of nitrous oxide being sold to young people from shops in Mangere town centre, despite the government's recent crackdown on the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use. 'NOS' or Nangs as they're known, can be used to make whipped cream, but people also use it as a drug to get high. Last month, Health Minister Shane Reti said the government is considering urgent options to try and stop people selling and using the substance. These include penalties of up to two years in jail or a hefty fine. It followed a Medsafe report highlighting the risks of using it to get high, Bella Craig reports.

A problem with fuel may be behind the Bluebridge ferry losing power in the Cook Strait last month, according to Wellington's harbourmaster. The Connemara blacked out after leaving Wellington and drifted for more than two hours off the south coast before being rescued by tug boats. The beleagured vessel has had even more problems since then - stopping it from sailing as recently as last night. Reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Lisa Owen.

The long, drawn-out saga of filling one of the most important roles in government has finally reached its end, with the government announcing Sir Brian Roche will be the new Public Service Commissioner. The Prime Minister's just made the announcement at his post-cabinet press conference. Our political reporter Giles Dexter joins us Lisa Owen.

A salvage expert said when it comes to the Manawanui wreck "anything is do able with enough money." Up to 200,000 litres of fuel has leaked into the sea when the ship sank off the southern coast of Upolu in Samoa just over a week ago. It has 950 tonnes in main tanks which are still believed to be intact. Last week, fishers in the area were told not to take seafood and a local local tour operator said sharks are now circling popular surf spots because of food coming out of shipping containers from the Manawanui. The navy said the salvaging of HMNZS Manawanui cannot be rushed and it is a complex operation that will take sometime. Deep Dive Division founder and New Zealand samoan Tua Karalus, who worked on the Rena salvage operation for two years spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Medical Council of New Zealand is poised to deliver a personal apology to a survivor of the notorious Lake Alice child and adolescent unit whose complaint about the horrors there was ignored. 20 years after he was sent to the institution, where children were tortured with electric shocks and paralysing injections, Steve Watt asked the council to investigate the unit's lead psychiatrist, Dr Selwyn Leeks. But his plea fell on deaf ears, partly due to concerns about harassing Dr Leeks, reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

The daughter of a New Plymouth councillor is facing a hefty fine after a years-long battle with council over who is responsible for a massive pohutukawa on the berm outside her home. Frustrated at the lack of action over the tree - which is growing through powerlines - Alana Brough has planted a fruit and vegetable garden in the berm in defiance of council bylaws. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.

The White Ferns are within touching distance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. A win for New Zealand over Pakistan in their final group game in Dubai tomorrow morning will guarantee them a place in the semis, sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Now to the art of running; Kiwi Peter Mitchell's marked a milestone birthday by running around the world without leaving Melbourne, and he's created a masterpiece along the way. Using GPS he mapped the outline of a world map; he's then run the perimetre of the image, the outline of the route is then saved to one of those apps that maps your run. In this case, a stunning map of the world; where most mere mortals have daily GPS jogging routes that look like a mad ant or a zig zagging drunk. Peter Mitchell has also created images of a koala, a guitar and a footballer in action, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

The United Nations has asked Israel for a "please explain," after it said Israeli tanks forcibly entered its base in southern Lebanon. The UN has reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law and may constitute a war crime. Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

Council cost cutting in Horowhenua ironically means one thing won't be cut and that's road side grass edges and according to some residents things are starting to look a little shabby. Berm mowing got the chop in July, saving rate payers almost a quarter of a million dollars a year in the district on west coast of the North Island. The council's just one of many around the country trimming back services in bid to balance the books and a majority of submitters in Horowhenua supported the cost cutting move. But now it's up to Horowhenua residents to maintain the verges if they want short backs on their grass sides, otherwise it's "as is, where is," Councillor Sam Jennings spoke to Lisa Owen.

In just one week's time 56 countries will come together for The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Preparations have been four years in the making, with businesses stock pilling supplies, villages decorated in each country's colours and a huge community effort to be ready to host. It's hoped that the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month won't overshadow the event. The Chogm meeting comes off the back of the Lotu Tamaiti White Sunday public holiday, which has for the past two days seen families out celebrating - singing, dancing and of course eating. Reporter Louise Ternouth is in Samoa and filed this report.

A provider for a popular South Auckland foodbank said its closure will put even more pressure on other struggling food banks - and he doesn't know where the people it serves will now go. Dave Letele announced he'll have to close Buttabean Motivation foodbank by Christmas - because the $87,500 in government support it received this year wasn't enough to meet demand. The New Zealand Food Network said a recent survey of all their food hubs shows he's not alone in his struggle, Jessica Hopkins reports. 

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about Taiwan having its national day, a South Korean author picking up the Nobel Literature Prize and a Nepalese teenager becoming the youngest to summit the 14 highest peaks on Earth.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The government has outlined how it managed conflicts, or potential conflicts of interest, among ministers with projects included in the controversial Fast-Track legislation. If a conflict was identified, that minister handed decisions to another minister. But there's criticism the process doesn't go far enough to deal with conflicts throughout the rest of Cabinet. Questions remain for Minister Shane Jones, who said earlier this year he would recuse himself from decisions on seabed mining in Taranaki, political reporter Lillian Hanly reports. 

The All Whites are one step close to a third Football World Cup. New Zealand were too good for Tahiti this afternoon, picking up a 3-0 win in Vanuatu, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. 

An image of a Swastika was found on the phone of the person who acted as the closest referee for Brenton Tarrant's firearms licence application. The terrorist also sent the person - referred to in court only as the gaming friend - a link on an online group chat to a poem titled, N-word in the Whitehouse. The evidence was heard yesterday during the inquest into the murder of 51 worshippers at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in March 2019, but was suppressed until this afternoon, Timothy Brown has more.

The person accused of killing an elderly Wellington woman in January can now be named as her daughter, 53-year-old Julia DeLuney. Helen Gregory, who was 79, was found dead in her Khandallah home after suffering what police called a "violent act." A judgement that has been made public today has denied DeLuney's bid for permanent name suppression. Reporter Lauren Crimp has been covering this story and spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Wairarapa health centre is heaving with new patients and having to rely on Give a Little, sausage sizzles and sales of donated jam to stay in the black. First Health and Wellness Centre is a nurse led practice, that doesn't currently have a Te Whatu Ora funding contract. Run by a charitable trust - it provides casual and urgent medical care, including for patients that can't get appointments at their normal clinic or GP. The centre's clinical director Nurse Trish Wilkinson spoke to Lisa Owen.

The highly transmissable Covid-19 sub-variant, XEC has arrived in New Zealand, with one epidemologist concerned people will die if there's an outbreak of the new strain. This strain is a mix of two previous Omicron subvariants. A recombinant variant is created when a person is infected with two strains of a virus that then reproduce, resulting in a different strain. ESR has detected a number of cases of the new strain in clinical samples. Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said a clear strategy is needed to reduce the impact of XEC. It's been reported in about 30 other countries, including Australia, infectious disease expert, Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland spoke to Lisa Owen.

North Dunedin students have been busy with bags and bin, cleaning up their neighbourhood in memory of Sophia Crestani. It's been five years since the 19-year-old University of Otago student died at an overcrowded Dunedin party in October, 2019.

Almost a thousand muscled and flexible athletes are jumping, flipping, twisting and balancing in Palmerston North this week at the national gymnastics championships. Olympian trampolinists are the star attractions in the chalky, sweaty arenas filled with clapping, music and moves, Jimmy Ellingham back flipped through the doors for a look.

Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the Black Ferns looking to salvage something from their up and down season tomorrow and how Harper Sandford went viral for his performance at a Thames Valley Swamp Foxes game last weekend.

You might think of the library as one of the last bastions of peace and quiet, a safe cosy space for allcomers. But worryingly, South Otago librarians are reporting an increase in aggression from visitors. The issue came up recently at a Clutha District Council committee meeting where one councillor asked if they needed a safe room. The Clutha district has five small libraries, its District Libraries manager Debbie Duncan spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group of Auckland pensioners claim Kainga Ora has been a party pooper quashing their regular Friday afternoon drinks. For 15 years the group of Ellerslie tenants at the complex, who age from their mid 50s up to 93, have met on a Friday afternoon for a few drinks and a catch up from 4 until 6pm - or 8:30pm if it's a special occasion like a birthday. But Kainga Ora, the landlord of the complex, said it's received complaints from other tenants about alcohol consumption and noise in the common room, and has restricted the hours the tenants can use the room. The doors are now locked at 4pm, Monday to Friday. Kainga Ora said there's a blanket ban across the country on drinking alcohol in its common room facilites. The tenants feel this is unfair, and that Kainga Ora hasn't been willing to compromise, moving straight to a rule change without negotiating an alternative, Reporter Luka Forman was in the common room and spoke to Lisa Owen. 

In an email, Te Whatu Ora has told some staff they have to take three weeks mandatory leave and it needs to be taken from 23 December to 10 January. That amounts to 11 leave days and four statutory holidays, money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia's transport authority said New Zealander Blake Wilson was drunk when he stole a helicopter and fatally crashed it into a hotel, but it's not clear why he did it. The 23 year old flew a Robinson-44 belonging to his employer into the roof of the DoubleTree hotel in Cairns in August, after a night out celebrating his recent promotion. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said there was a significant amount of alcohol in his system, but no drugs were detected, Kate Green reports.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Australia gaining a new political party and a summit underway in Sydney today, examining the harms caused by social media.

News from the business sector, including a market report

Community leader Dave Letele has confirmed his South Auckland foodbank will close for good after Christmas. Mr Letele runs a number of programmes in South and West Auckland through his business Buttabean Motivation. But he said funding hasn't been able to match increased demand, so his food bank will have to close, Melanie Earley reports.

Despite it being a year since they were last together, the Kiwi Ferns are looking to maintain their winning momentum ahead of their Pacific Championships defence starting later this month. A star-studded New Zealand squad, including four debutants, has been named by coach Ricky Henry, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Divers from New Zealand and Samoa have been at the sunken HMNZS Manawanui all day working out how to seal three diesel leaks on the underside of the warship. The Manawanui ran aground on the Tafitoala Reef on the south west coast of Upolu on Saturday night then sank on Sunday morning and diesel has been leaking into the water ever since. Samoa's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee chair Fui Tupa'i Mau Simanu met with Maritime New Zealand and the NZDF this morning to confirm the next steps for stopping the leaks, RNZ's Susana Lei'ataua is in Apia and spoke to Lisa Owen.

In the past week Israel has issued several new evacution orders for parts of Gaza as it launches new military operations further into the north, according to the UN. That has displaced an estimated 70,000 people. As eyes turn to Lebanon and the ground offensive there, Gaza is still facing bombardment from air, sea and land, more than year on from Hamas's deadly attack on Israel. Gaza remains in the grips of a humanitarian crisis.Last month saw the lowest levels of commerical and humaniatarian supplies entering the strip since March this year.The United Nations estimates 68% of cropland in Gaza has been damaged, increasing the immiment risk of famine and putting future food production at risk. Petra Straight is a New Zealand Pharmacist originally from Queenstown. She's been in Gaza for the past 6 weeks working for Save the Children and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Florida is being lashed by Hurricane Milton - with flash flooding, 200 kilometre an hour winds, torrential rain, tornadoes and a devastating storm surge.The monster storm came ashore as a category three hurricane. It's made a direct hit on the Tampa Bay area - where there are warnings of catastrophic flooding and reports of possible fatalities, CNN correspondent Leigh Waldman spoke to Lisa Owen.

There are now more te reo Maori speakers than ever before. Data from the 2023 Census shows that more than 200 hundred thousand people - or 4.3 percent of Kiwis - can hold a conversation in te reo. Nonetheless, advocates are concerned that as a percentage of the population, the growth of Maori speakers of te reo has slowed, Pokere Paewai reports.

A West Auckland GP practice has been forced to defer tax payments and ask for a rent holiday because of a growing number of patients unable to pay.  Earlier this week we brought you the story of another  GP practice that was allegedly told by a committee established by Te Whatu Ora to set up a cafe inside their clinic to bring in extra cash. In September, General Practice New Zealand surveyed Primary health Organisations or P-H-Os, they deliver GP services. About 76 % of them responded.  44 % of PHO's have clinics in their network that are facing closures, 13% had up to five facing closure. Many are restricting patient access in some way; among the reasons given are financial pressure, a lack of GPs, retention and burnout issues. The Kumeu Village Medical Centre is among those desperately trying to balance the books, owner Dr William Ferguson spoke to Lisa Owen. 

A kiwi holidaying in Florida is hunkered down with Hurricane Milton expected to hit the Tampa suburb, where she's stuck in a condo as it makes landfall. Pamela East is staying in a ground floor hurricane reinforced apartment, not in a compulsary evacuation zone. However, she did try and get flights out but they were expensive and limited, so she prepared to stay put, Pamela East spoke to Lisa Owen.

The underperforming Black Sticks mens and womens squads will put their national contracts on the line during the new Premier Hockey League. The four franchise competition begins next month and 44 Black Sticks have been announced today across the squads, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Christopher Luxon is launching into his Laotian sprint, about to rattle through meetings with roll call of world leaders on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. In the next hour, he's due to sit down with his Australian and Canadian counterparts but the main attraction - a sitdown with India's Narendra Modi - comes overnight, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch is in Vientiane.

The storm, which reduced from category 5 overnight, made landfall at category 3 this afternoon south of Tampa bringing wind speeds close to 200km/h, flash flooding and has left over one million homes without power. In the past hour, Milton has dropped to a category two meaning winds are still in the whopping 170km/hr zone. The Hurricane, deemed "the storm of the century" by president Joe Biden, is on course to batter areas still recovering from Helene, which just two weeks ago claimed over 230 lives and caused tens of billions of dollars worth of damage. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned the time to evacuate is over and anyone left in Milton's path needs to stay indoors and "hunker down," Unites Sates correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

You may have heard the ads, asking for what are effectively human guinea pigs, people to help make medical research breakthroughs. They're after volunteers to take part in clinicial trials where they test new emerging medicines to see they're safe and effective for wider use. Often they come with payments that can run into the thousands. So is it the money that motivates people to sign on or something else and how risky is it? Dr Chris Wynne the Chief Scientific Officer for the company NZ Clinical Research spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about two Chinese nationals being killed in an attack near a Pakistani airport, a push to install thousands of new surveillance cameras across Hong Kong and two climbers who were stranded on a Himalayan peak for three days being rescued.

News from the business sector, including a market report

The Black Caps have had a huge blow ahead of what is now set to be an even tougher tour to India. Kane Williamson has been ruled out of at least the first test with a groin stage, with no guarantee he will be fit for the second, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

It might not spring to mind as tourist destination, but Mangere Town centre's manager is hoping the south Auckland hub can offer a unique pacific experience for international visitors as they head to and from the nearby airport. The shiny new Manawa Bay outlet mall has recently opened nearby, boasting 100 shops, big crowds and big traffic jams. But Mangere town centre's manager believes the area's big enough for the both of them, and hopes the new mall will boost activity and bring new visitors into the suburb, Luka Forman has more.

The mother of three Marokopa children missing with their father Tom Phillips for nearly three years has spoken for the first time since a sighting last week. Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips have been missing in Waikato bush along with their father since December 2021. Last week a group of teenage pig hunters spotted three children and a man carrying backpacks and wearing masks on Marokopa farmland who pulled out their phones and filmed the encounter. This afternoon the children's mother Cat told Mata Reports' Mihingarangi Forbes she recognised her former partner as she walked past a ute in the Hamilton Bunnings carpark in August last year.

About 5000 square metres of reef has been damaged by HMNZS Manawanui as it went down in a marine reserve off the southern coast of Samoa. Clean up and salvage operations are underway as debris continues to come loose from the vessel. Three cargo like containers are among the contents to come away, two are floating in the sea with one now stuck on the reef. There's also a thin oil slick on the water which - we are told - is residue from the sinking. But the 950 tonnes of fuel inside the vessel is still contained. Reporter Louise Ternouth is on Samoa's southern coast and has been out on the water with the defence force today.

The Auditor-General has criticised the awarding of a $24 million dollar government contract to fund Mike King's Gumboot Friday iniatiative. In a letter to the Health Minister, John Ryan said several aspects of the procurement process are "unusual and inconsistent" with good practice, Anusha Bradley has been looking into this and spoke to Lisa Owen.

"On the cusp of a significant outbreak," this is the warning from Plunket's Chief executive, if New Zealand doesn't improve immunisation rates among children with whooping cough and measles presenting the biggest risks. The organisation is now at the centre of a new pilot programme which will see Plunket nurses trained to deliver vaccines at some clinics. It's part of the government's plan to try and persuade some vaccine hesitant parents to get their children immunised and make it easy for families to do so, Felix Walton has more.

The government has asked Sport New Zealand to review and update its guidelines on the inclusion of transgender people in community sport. Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop announced today that he's written to Sport NZ boss Raelene Castle requesting the agency revisit its policies, sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

The big stink in Christchurch continues, with residents having to wait another three years for the rancid Bromley waste water treatment plant to be fixed. That's despite the council finally settling an 85 million dollar insurance claim following a fire at the plant in 2021 that destroyed two filters causing it to give off a foul odour. Residents in surrounding suburbs have told RNZ the vomit inducing stench has made their lives hell, with kids unable to play in the yard, contaminated washing and muck coating their houses and cars. Mayor Phil Mauger said the insurance settlement was unanimously approved by council, and work is underway on a new sludge reactor which is the best option to treating waste water, but the design will take a year and then two years of construction after that, Bromley resident Vicki Walker spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwilich spoke to Lisa Owen about a mass exodus being underway along Florida's Gulf Coast as Hurricane Milton strengthens into a rare Category five storm. Thousands of people are following mandatory evacuation orders ahead of Miltons's arrival and while the storm has intensified, forecasts show it will fluctuate before making landfall. It's also barrelling towards the same part of the US which is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene which killed at least 200 people and caused 47 billion dollars worth of damage.

A pain killer for mortgage holders or are there more economic aches to come? The reserve bank's sliced half a percentage point off the official cash rate; dropping it to 4.75 percent. It said the cut was justified by slowing inflation and the subdued economy. Economists had strongly favoured a supersized slice, with some calling for an even bigger drop, Kiwi Bank chief economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's been a very special gathering in Arrowtown over the last few days, with members of the Cotter family coming far and wide to celebrate the history of the Cotter clan. From the mid 1800s to recent decades, the Cotter name was emblazoned on shopfronts in the streets of Arrowtown, after the Cotter brothers set up shop running anything from the general store, to running mining supplies. The very first Cotters came to Arrowtown from Ireland and went to California during the gold rush and then to Ballarat in Australia. Australia correspondent Peter Ryan is related to the Cotters by marriage and he spoke to Lisa Owen about making the trip to Arrowtown to join the reunion.

The terrorist who carried out the massacres at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre obtained his firearms licence and, as a result, the guns used in the slayings at a time when gun laws weren't fit for purpose. Licensing staff were stretched and under-resourced, and the accessories - which he used to turn his legally-purchased guns into high-capacity, high-powered killing machines - were not regulated. An inquest examining how Brenton Tarrant obtained his firearms, and the laws surrounding guns at the time, is being held in the Coroner's Court at Christchurch. The terrorist used his guns on March the 15th, 2019, to murder 51 worshippers at the two Christchurch mosques in about quarter of an hour, Timothy Brown was in court.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The White Ferns have made a winning start to the T20 Cricket World Cup and will need to knock over the world champion Australians tomorrow to stay on track in the UAE. After a terrible lead up to the tournament, including three losses to Australia, New Zealand are the surprise early leaders in their group, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A document dump by health authorities this afternoon has shed light on the huge and rising deficit facing New Zealand's hospitals. Over 450 pages of  financial reports were released amid questions over who knew what and when. Despite the deficit, Health NZ's top brass is insisting there's been no impact on the quality or quantity of care. Reporter Phil Pennington has been trawling through the paperwork and spoke to Lisa Owen.   

The NZ Navy has this evening confirmed the HMNZS Manawanui, is lying on her side in 30 metres underwater on a reef off the south coast of Upolu in Samoa and is so far not leaking diesel. The ship with 75 crew onboard, sank after running aground, catching fire and capsizing. Commodore Shane Arn-dell told Checkpoint divers had surveyed the ship today and confirmed the 1000 tonnes of diesel fuel in the tanks remain intact. Reporter Louise Ternouth is in Samoa and spoke to Lisa Owen from Se'umu Village on the coast.

A struggling GP practice was allegedly told by a Te Whatu Ora committee to set up a cafe inside their clinic to bring in extra cash. In September, General Practice New Zealand surveyed Primary health Organisations or PHOs, that deliver GP services; with about 76 percent of them responding. More than 60 percent of the PHO's have clinics in their network that are facing closures, 61 percent are reducing services, and 100 percent are restricting patient access in some way. Among the reasons given; financial pressure, GPs, retention and burnout issues. In the survey, one practice revealed Te Whatu Ora's fees review committee, which makes independent recommendations about increases to GP fees - suggested one medical centre set up a cafe within their practice to ease financial pressures. Andrew Swanson-Dobbs is CEO, of WellSouth and the PHO, for the clinic who got the cafe advice, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Coroner has criticised the hosts of a overcrowded Dunedin party where Sophia Crestani died, saying her death was likely preventable. The University of Otago student died at a party hosted in a student flat known as The Manor in October 2019. Coroner Heather McKenzie held a week-long inquest into her death in Dunedin in May and returned to the city to deliver her findings yesterday. They can be made public today. Tess Brunton has been covering the inquest and filed this report.

Marokopa fugutive Tom Phillips and his three children have apparently managed to evade police yet again after a "credible" sighting by hunters who passed them in bush, filming the family on their phone. The close encounter happened last Thursday at about 7pm. Palmerston man John McOviney said his 16 year old grandson was one of the hunters who saw Phillips near Coutts road north of Awamarino in Waikato. Australian David Craig was a former Detective Superintendent and federal agent, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

You might have consulted Doctor Google for a health issue before, but how would you feel about talking to an AI chatbot about your mental health? Millions of people are now turning to mental health apps for help - with some boasting artificial-intelligence chatbots to help people work through their problems. But one psychologist's worried not all of these apps are clinically safe or user friendly - meaning people might give up on them and miss out on the help they need, Luka Forman has more.

The 29 man squad includes ten players how have played for the All Blacks, and several right on the cusp, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Almost 50 percent of dogs impounded in Auckland don't make it out of the shelter alive. A report from the council shows 8306 dogs were impounded this year at three shelters around the city up more than 1700 hundred dogs on last year. 48 percent of them had to be killed. There's also been a 14 percent increase in dog attacks on people and welfare complaints are up 80 percent on last year, Elly Waitoa, Animal Management Manager, Auckland Council spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about two American biologists being awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for their work on the discovery of microRNA, and explains what microRNA is.

Navy divers have been surveying the wreckage of HMNZS Manawanui for signs of oil leaks. The ship went down after hitting a reef in a Marine reserve off the Samoan island of Upolu on Sunday. 75 crew and passengers were rescued after being forced to abandon ship. The ship has nearly a thousand tonnes of automotive gas oil on board, that has diesel like qualities. Local fisherman reported a number of dead sea turtles and some oil washed up on the beach yesterday. Life jackets and other debris have also reportedly washed up today, NZ Navy Commodore Shane Arndell spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tom Phillips continues to evade police despite the first credible sighting in months of the fugitive and his three children, Felix Walton explains. 

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about The Conservative Party describing the Labour government as being in chaos, with the prime minister just losing his chief of staff, the UK announcing it's handing over sovereignty of its last African colony, Chagos Islands, to Mauritius and the 37th Americas Cup set to kick off in Barcelona this coming weekend and Britain facing defending champions Team New Zealand.

Some residents in South Dunedin are reassessing their futures in the flood prone area, as they squelch through their sodden properties, cleaning up after last week's downpour. Many are facing months away from their homes while they're repaired. There are also calls for the council to look again at buying out properties in low-lying areas, Lauren Crimp reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report

Lake Alice survivors are dismayed that a psychologist they knew from the notorious psychiatric facility is still providing services for ACC. Victor Soeterik is adamant he only visited Lake Alice for half a day a week to observe group therapy sessions at the child and adolescent unit, where the government has acknowledged children were tortured. But survivors saw him as the right hand man of disgraced lead psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks, saying he ran the sessions that resulted in children receiving electric shocks and painful paralysing injections, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

The Black Ferns can no longer win the WXV1 title after losing to defending champions England in Canada today. New Zealand now have two losses from their first two games of the rugby tournament following last week's shock defeat to Ireland, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

TVNZ is proposing to axe it's 1News website and app as it attempts to recover 30 million dollars in savings and revenue. The proposal was presented at an all-staff meeting today, reporter Maia Ingoe spoke to Lisa Owen.

The High Court found the insurer misled clients, and failed to apply multi policy and membership discounts, as well as guaranteed no claims policies. The Financial Markets Authority took AA Insurance to court. FMA head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fears tonight the sinking of the Manawanui in Samoa could do serious damage to the reef it hit and the delicate ecosytem in the surrounding marine reserve. Locals have reported seeing an oil-like substance in the water around the stricken ship, and a smell of oil. It's not clear what potentially toxic substances were on board the NZ Navy vessell. The reef that the Manawanui struck on Saturday night is home to an array of fish rays and coral - and is famous for its large population of sea turtles. The coast, at the sourthen end of Upolu, is also dotted with seaside resorts, including the Sinalei Reef Resort which is due to host King Charles and other world leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this month. We're joined now by the president of the Samoa Conservation Society James Atherton

The government is promising to do all it can to help with the cleanup from the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa. Locals have been reporting an oil-like substance in the water around the wreck, and rubbish floating everywhere. The ship sank on Saturday evening after apparently hitting a reef in a marine sancturary off the southern coast of Upolu. The loss of the 100 million dollar ship means the New Zealand Navy is now down to a fleet of five. A Court of Inquiry is underway, but the disaster also raises questions about moral and financial obligations for the damage done to Samoa. David Capie Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University spoke to Lisa Owen.

A company that wants to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki has welcomed its inclusion on the government's fast-track list. Trans-Tasman Resources says if the project goes ahead it will create hundreds of jobs and boost export earnings. Opponents meanwhile are fuming the so-called 'zombie project' has been brought back to life. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more

The Manawanui became the Swiss army knife of the New Zealand navy. But it's sinking after hitting a reef off Samoa's coastline over the weekend has sliced through that reputation. The focus now turns to cleanup efforts and the hefty cost of a replacement, as reports surface of an oil-like substance in the water around the wreck, and rubbish floating everywhere. Political Reporter Russell Palmer has more. 

It's been a big announcement day for the All Blacks, RNZ's resident rugby aficionado Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Dunedin Airport has introduced a time limit in its designated drop off zone for those emotional farewells, after a few too many long goodbyes. Now it's three minutes tops, if you need to lean in for longer then you'll need to move to the carpark, Dunedin Airport Chief Executive Dan De Bono spoke to Lisa Owen.

Israel's third largest city Haifa became the target of Hezbollah rockets. The group said it was targeting a military base south of the city. As Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown explains, there were several injuries.

The Emergency Management Minister said the government is working on a buy out blue print so home owners hit by extreme weather know where they stand. About a dozen Dunedin houses have been red stickered in last week's storms. The region was under a state of emergency for several days with heavy rain causing flooding, massive slips and road closures with low lying South Dunedin among the worst hit areas. Properties are red-stickered if they're unsafe to occupy. Dunedin mayor Jules Radich said the prospect of a property buyout scheme was discussed with the previous government about a year ago, as part of a managed retreat plan; however the new government didn't support the idea. Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell told Lisa Owen that was in a completely different context and the government will do what it can to support residents.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about some developments from the tragic bus fire that killed multiple children and school teachers on Tuesday, Communist China hitting its 75th anniversary and Coldplay fans in India being disappointed after tickets to their upcoming shows sold out quickly only to be re-sold with a hefty increase.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A neighbouring bar is setting trading rivalries aside to raise money for the owner of an under-construction Wellington music venue hit by thieves before it's opened its doors. L-B-Q is collecting money from beer sales from donated kegs for its competition and close neighbour, Meow, which is behind the planned venture, Meow Nui. This show of solidarity comes as Meow Nui's opening date remains up in the air after its slated August debut has come and gone.

Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen about the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup underway with New Zealand set to open their campaign against India in Dubai and a historic weekend for female sailors.

An odd assemblage of papers that could expose Aotearoa to a radical and potentially harmful experiment. That's how one public health expert describes the five documents that make up minister Casey Costello's so called independent advice on heated tobacco products. Officials told the New Zealand First Cabinet minister that tobacco company Philip Morris would be the biggest winner from tax cuts on heated Tobacco products or HTP's, which they said were more toxic and harmful than vaping. Costello claimed she'd got her own independent advice to the contrary and went ahead with a 50% excise tax cut of HTPs costing up to 216 million. At first she refused to release the advice, but after the pressure went on, the papers were made public yesterday. Health Coalition Aotearoa Spokesperson and smoking and nicotine researcher, Chris Bullen spoke to Lisa Owen.

More properties are underwater and a city is completely cut off - as the rain continues to pummel the lower south island. Flooding, slips and holes forming on SH 1 have made driving trecherous - and impossible in or out of Dunedin, which is expected to remain cut off overnight. People have been told to evacuate their homes in Waikouaiti and homes are flooded in Karitane, both north of Dunedin. The worst is yet to come - Metservice said there will be a second rain peak and a jump intensity. Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Chris Henderson and Dunedin Resident Pauline van der Byl spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's a fair bit of housing jargon getting thrown around these days, Capital Gains Tax is one we've heard a lot about lately. But one we don't hear much of in Aotearoa is "Negative gearing." That's when you make less money from a property investment than it costs you to keep it. It's the subject of conversation in Australia, as the country is chewing over changes that could put new restrictions on landlords. But what about New Zealand - how many property investors are losing money on their investments and why is it even a thing? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Schools can forget about flash architecturally-designed classrooms. Instead, the government wants more pre-constructed buildings and fewer bespoke designs. It is overhauling the way school property is managed following a damning review that said the Education Ministry's management of the 30 billion dollar portfolio is bureaucratic and inefficient, education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Dunedin residents who watched helplessley as floodwaters rose up around their homes are hoping the worst of the wet weather is over ... and yet the rain keeps on falling. The city has experienced its wettest day in more than a century. About 100 people had to evacuate their homes overnight as a state of emergency was declared and water swept into properties. Tess Brunton reports.

Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about Black Ferns midfielder Grace Steinmentz calling an end to her playing career at just 26 and some good news for Australian Rules Football in New Zealand.

A warning to spring gardeners, chuck a mask and gloves on if you're using potting mix or compost to protect yourself from a potentially life threatening lung and chest infection. So far there's been 108 cases of Legionnaires disease across the country this year. It can cause flu or pneumonia type symptoms, a high fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Health officials are concerned warmer weather and longer days will mean more people in the garden and potentially exposed via bags or bulk loads of potting mix and compost, where the bacteria can fester away in cosy conditions.Te Whatu Ora Public Health Medicine Specialist Matt Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Canada correspondent Ashleigh Stewart spoke to Lisa Owen about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau surviving another non-confidence vote, a man in Canada being exonerated for a murder he was accused of more than 50 years ago and an Ontario politician in hot water for what he was drinking during a recent council meeting.

A road test of how people feel about New Zealand's health system is about to get underway. Patient Voice Aotearoa chairman Malcolm Mulholland is driving around the country urging people to sign a declaration the health system is in crisis and calling on the government to urgently address it. Buller residents signed the declaration at protest march last week. It's against a back drop of doctor shortages, blow outs in wait times for cancer treatment, specialist appointments and elective surgeries, controversaries over drug funding and now Dunedin Hospital budget trims. A road test of how people feel about New Zealand's health system is about to get underway, Malcolm Mulholland from Patient Patient Voice Aotearoa spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about how big supermarkets have been under the microscope recently for a number of issues. Among them - alleged fake discounts, land grabbing and behaviour toward suppliers. Now, the Government has put the main players on notice over a little issue hitting shopper wallets hard, "Shrinkflation".

Hundreds of mill workers in the Central North Island have just left their workplace for the final time and are heading to the pub for a pint or two to farewell their colleagues. 230 workers from Winstone Pulp International near Ohakune lost their jobs when the mill confirmed last month that it'd close.The move is expected to empty the local towns who rely on the two mill sites for employment as was the largest source of work in the rural area. Reporter Alexa Cook went to see the workers as they started their final shift.

Israel bombed central Beirut in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 6 people in what it called a "precise air strike." The Israeli Defence Force suffered its deadliest day with 8 Israeli soldiers killed in its ground invasion of Lebanon, the first deaths it's reported since the attack started 2 days ago. Meanwhile the UN says 1600 people have been killed, including 104 children and 194 women and a million people displace in the Lebanon conflict. And its working to provide essential supplies to shelters including drinking water and hygiene kits. Joining us from the UN childrens emegency fund.. UNICEF is Tess Ingram who is in Beirut.

A freedom camping advocate said she's seeing more working people living in cars and vans than ever before because they simply can't afford to rent. Median rental prices have jumped nearly 30 percent from the end of 2019 to this year - according to Trademe's rent price index. While some are finding rent prices tough, other people told Checkpoint the government's changes to emergency housing criteria have made living in their vehicle a more viable option. In the latest story from our Crunching the Numbers series, Luka Forman spoke to people living.

In just one day, the Bay of Plenty has had double the amount of rainfall that fell in all of September and further down south - in the Otago region - people are told to stay away from all roads tonight with surface flooding, rising rivers and slips all causing a threat to life. A rare red rain warning has been issued for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha. It's the first time the area has ever had what is the highest level of Metservice's colour coded weather warnings, reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The national carrier has anounced more trims to regional flights and capacity; including swapping out larger jets for much smaller twin engine turboprop planes on some Queenstown and Dunedin flights; meaning there's a hundred fewer seats on a flight. In some cases, morning departure times will be later and return flights earlier in the afternoon, compressing any day trips. Earlier this week, Air New Zealand announced it's ditching direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next year, Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland residents whose properties are in danger because of slips on publicly owned land have pleaded their case for a fix funded from council coffers. A group of Titirangi residents say they've fallen through the gaps of the recovery from last year's Auckland Anniversary floods. But, while councillors were sympathetic to their plight, they've so far stopped short of agreeing to pay, Maia Ingoe reports.

Cutting bed numbers at the new Dunedin Hospital to balance the building budget is absolutely not an option for one Southern mayor. A group of mayors met with Te Whatu Ora earlier this week to hear what options there are are for slashing more than a billion dollars out of build costs, possiblities include cheaper cladding and a smaller building size. The government revealed rebuild costs were on track to blow out to 3 billion dollars but it's insisting the hospital be completed within the current budget of about 1.9 billion, meaning potential trims, Southland mayor Rob Scott spoke to Lisa Owen.

More of us own our own homes, but those still not on the property ladder are paying more in rent. StatsNZ has released its second tranche of Census data, containing a big ol' breakdown of population and dwelling statistics.The 2023 Census was the first to include data on our rainbow communties - and shows just under five percent of New Zealanders identify as L-G-B-T-I-Q-+, political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

Former Black Cap Lou Vincent will end his cricket exile when he plays in a popular exhibition game next year. After serving a 10 year ban for his part in a match-fixing scandal Vincent has been named to play in the Black Clash in Christchurch in January, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A teenager's been arrested over a so called "smishing" scam using sophisticated tech that police have never seen in New Zealand before."Smishing," is when a piece of technology called a blaster basically poses as a false cell tower tricking your mobile into connecting to the faux network that is controlled by the scammer. Once they've got you hooked in, they can send you dodgy text messages pretending to be your bank or a government agency with links for your to click and share sensitive data. Organised Crime Group Director Detective Superintendent Greg Williams told Lisa Owen police are having to adapt at pace to track down increasingly sophisticated scammers, fast.

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about new information in Donald Trump's election inteference case being unsealed and Joe Biden's visit to North Carolina with Kamala Harris to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Civil defence has activated its bunker in Dunedin and people are being told to be prepared and not to travel - with a deluge of rain expected to last until late tomorrow night. It's hitting North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha - with 150 milimetres of rain expected to fall in that time. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is in Dunedin meeting with civil defence - whose main concerns are dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips that could threaten lives, Emergency Management Otago Group Manager Matt Alley spoke to Lisa Owen.

South Africa correspondent Elna Schutz spoke to Lisa Owen about new data revealing how profitable mining has been for rebels in the Congo, a virus outbreak and a number of hippos dying in Namibia.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

At times Republican JD Vance and Tim Walz appeared like old friends, agreeing to work together on key election issues like gun control and healthcare. But in other moments, they branded each other liars. WorldWatch's Niva Chittock reports. 

Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen are now all embroiled in escalating attacks and counter-attacks. The latest has seen Iran launch a barrage of missiles at Israel - it said in response to Israel assassinating senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. While Israel is expanding its attacks against the Iranian funded Hezbollah group inside Lebanon - carrying our air raids from the sky in the capital and launching an invasion on the ground in the south. David Wood, a senior analyst on Lebanon for the International Crisis Group spoke to Lisa Owen from Beirut.

Visual journalist Nick Monro asked people in Auckland if they have health insurance.

Is tanking faith in the health system driving more people to sign up for private insurance? The country's largest health insurer Southern Cross Health gained 15,000 new customers last year bringing its membership to more than 955,000 people, despite a cost of living crisis. It's also seen cost of claims increase by 15 percent, paying out an average of 6 million dollars per business day. 50 percent of its members made a health claim last year compared to 33 percent in 2019 . The rush in people buying medical insurance comes against a back drop of a health system in crisis, doctor shortages, blow outs in wait times for cancer treatment, specialist appointments and elective surgeries, plus controversaries over drug funding. Nick Astwick from the Southern Cross Health Society spoke to Lisa Owen.

We all have our moments when big feelings can overtake us - but toddlers are especially prone to meltdowns. Now early childhood educators say there are certain activities designed to help kids manage their emotions - and parents and teachers say they're working wonders. Barnados is rolling out the Engage programme across its early learning centres nationwide. Mary Argue went to its central Wellington centre to learn why parents and teachers are raving about it.

The Associate Health Minister has told RNZ she didn't intentionally hold back independent advice on heated tobacco products, and promises to release it tomorrow. Casey Costello has been under pressure to disclose thet advice that led to her cutting excise tax on heated tobacco products, contrary to what her officials advised. When RNZ asked her where the advice came from last week, our questions went unanswered. Political editor Jo Moir sat down with Ms Costello, who said she's not holding anything back.

The contest to decide which team will face Team New Zealand in the America's Cup final is headed for a tense, down-to-the-wire finish. The challenger final between Italian syndicate Luna Rossa and Britain's Team Ineos is tied up at four-all after four days of racing off Barcelona.The dramatic series has featured gear breakages, high-speed splashdowns, and contentious penalties, Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

It could be up to four weeks before a group of southern mayors get the final financial prognosis for the Dunedin Hospital project. At a meeting on Monday Te Whatu Ora told them the numbers are being frantically crunched after the government anounced the project could blow out to 3 billion dollars but must completed within the current budget of about 1.9 billion. That's just two weeks after the Mayors were reassured the Dunedin rebuild was going to plan. Prior to being elected, National campaigned on delivering Dunedin a hospital that would be fit for purpose for generations, not just a patch-up job.Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher was in Monday's meeting and has described the government funding u-turn as a pigs breakfast, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tim Southee has stepped down as skipper of the Black Caps. Southee said he believes its what's best for the team, following a dismal series loss to Sri Lanka, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Democratic nominee Tim Walz and Republican nominee JD Vance quickly clashed over claims of illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield eating people's pets. Vance was fact checked by one of the moderators and had his microphone cut. Beyond migrants in Springfield, they butted heads over the state of the American economy, mass shootings and reproductive rights. Vance stood firm on his view individual states should decide whether to have an abortion ban, while Walz had a few simple words on the matter - "mind your own business." United States corespondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Changes include swapping out larger jets for much smaller twin- engine turboprop planes on some Queenstown and Dunedin flights; this means more than a hundred fewer seats on a flight. In some cases, morning departure times will be later and return flights earlier in the afternoon, compressing any day trips. The Christchurch to New Plymouth route's being reduced by three flights a week. On Monday, Air New Zealand confirmed its ditching direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next year, prompting allegations the national carrier is prioritising profits over its social responsiblity to serve the regions, Air New Zealand's general manager domestic Scott Carr spoke to Lisa Owen.

Once the economic driver of Tairawhiti, forestry in some parts of the region has ground to a halt. The sector's decline has triggered calls for the government to urgently commit to helping resource a transition into other more sustainable industries that use land. Local researchers and entrepreneurs have plenty of ideas - everything from therapeutics to data marketing native forests, film production and computer games. Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook went to find out what options are in the region other than pine trees.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about how how critical the deal with Qatar Airways is to shaking up competition in Australia's airline industry, talks of Virgin Australia relisting on the Australian sharemarket and the crackdown widening for Woolworths and Coles being taken to court for deceptive practices on alleged fake discounts.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A new programme is being piloted at two kindergartens in Nelson and Motueka to help tamariki improve their speech skills before they start school. It comes after research shows children have fewer and fewer words when they arrive in the classroom - some schools say up to 30 percent of new entrants can't speak very well, with some only about to speak in sentences of three or four words, Samantha Gee has more.

The All Whites begin the qualification process for the 2026 Football World Cup next week knowing they need to be the best team in region to progress. A team from Oceania will get automatic qualification for the World Cup for the first time and New Zealand's first challenge comes against Tahiti in Vanuatu, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

In tough financial times more of us are lining up to get credit cards, with applications at their highest levels since 2021. This despite overall demand for consumer credit dropping 4 percent compared to last year, according to just released Centrix data.The number of people behind in their debt repayments is on the rise too, North Harbour Budgeting financial mentor David Verry spoke to Lisa Owen.

Patients could die if plans for a new Dunedin Hospital are down graded and it's backed up by research, according to the Nurses Organisation. 35,000 people marched in Dunedin at the weekend, opposing the government's plans to revise the hospital redevelopment due to a budget blow out, that could potentially top out at 3 billion dollars, up from 1.9 billion, Anne Daniels from the Nurses Organisation spoke to Lisa Owen.

A criminologist is calling on the government to invest in addiction programmes to treat the causes of crime, rather than spending billions of dollars on locking more people up. The government has recently rolled out changes to sentencing, including encouraging the use of cumulative sentencing for people who commit offences while on bail, parole or in custody. It's the first step towards fulfilling National's Coalition agreement with New Zealand First. But those changes could cost billions and an alcohol and drug counsellor said all that money could be spent on rolling out more drug courts which are proven to reduce re-offending, Luka Forman has more.

Lebanon's capital has been pummelled from the air by warplanes and now its border regions are being targeted by a ground invasion. Although it had been signalled, it is a major escalation. Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown who is in Doha spoke to Lisa Owen.

There are calls to review the coronial system which can pit lawyered-up government agencies and bereaved families. Figures obtained by Checkpoint show that for two long-running inquests, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand spent over 100-thousand dollars on legal costs. In contrast, the families of the people who died when in hospital care weren't eligible for legal aid and couldn't afford lawyers. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story - and a warning this report mentions suicide.

Residents in Lower Hutt say they're shutting themselves indoors and turning off the air con to stop themselves becoming physically sick from yet another wave of putrid odours emanating from the beleaguered Seaview wastewater treatment plant. They say smells of faeces and rotting eggs are making them dry retch. Lauren Crimp has more

RNZ sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the lowdown of a stoush last year on the rugby field between Rieko Ioane and Ireland's Johnny Sexton and how it's become a bit easier to attend the Tauihi women's basketball competition. 

A flutter of kiwi feathers will soon be winging its way back to Aotearoa. There's 65 of the birds living at 18 international zoos or aquariums and the feathers they naturally shed are collected for repatriation. The feathers have got as far as Washington DC, but will soon be heading back to their whenua by the end of the year. Save the Kiwi has been involved in the effort and it's CEO, Michelle Impey spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Hurricane Helene leaving a path of destruction across multiple states, the vice presidential candidates set to duke it out on the debate stage tomorrow and President Jimmy Carter about to hit triple digits.

You may have spotted what's believed to be New Zealand's first TV ad generated entirely by Artificial Intelligence. It's for Bremworth wool carpets and features a woman with tumbling dark hair intertwined with cloud like tufts of wool and images of sweeping landscapes that could be Aotearoa, intellectual property lawyer Narly Kalupahana spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about the United Kingdom's last coal fired plant shutting down, railway closures effecting people wanting to visit England over the Christmas holidays and a giant

News from the business sector, including a market report.

No new oil and gas fields are likely to be discovered in the next ten years. That's according to the government's own advice on repealing the oil and gas exploraton ban. The latest modelling, urgently released under the Official Information Act and obtained by RNZ, says in the short term repealing the ban is not likely to significantly bolster gas supplies from existing fields, either. Instead, the analysis shows government officials think reversing the ban will encourage fossil fuel companies to release more gas for extracton from the existing fields.

The Black Ferns have kicked off their WXV1 campaign against Ireland in Canada this afternoon.This was just the third time the two nations' women's rugby teams have met, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Greenpeace is suing the diary giant for allegedly misleading customers by claiming its anchor butter is 100% New Zealand grassfed. The environmental group claims the reality is that 20% of a Fonterra dairy cow's diet could be imported palm kernal, linked to deforestation.Greenpeace spokesperson, Sinead Deighton-O'Flynn spoke to Lisa Owen.

35,000 people marched in Dunedin at the weekend, opposing the government's announcement that the redevelopment will need to be revised due to a budget blow out. Prior to being elected, National campaigned on delivering Dunedin a hospital that would be fit for purpose for generations, not just a patch-up job. A report commissioned by the government concludes the current hospital plans probably can't be delivered within the 1.88 billion dollar budget and could balloon out to 3 billion. Cuts, delays, shelving spaces or developing the old hospital site are now all on the table. Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan was among those protesting over the planned cuts and he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fuelled by fitness and gym content online, some young men say they're turning to risky and illegal measures to change their appearance. Checkpoint spoke to men in their twenties, who say the pressure from social media to look a certain way led to them using performance and image enhancing drugs. They say conversations about using steroids and other banned substances are becoming more open in gyms and among younger people, with even high school students talking about using, Bella Craig reports.

It's the last day for Auckland homeowners with flood affected homes to sign up to the council's buyout scheme - but less than half of the flood damaged property owners have opted in. Advocacy group 'West Auckland is Flooding' said that's because the categorisation scheme puts many of the homeowners into negative equity and leaves them facing an impossible choice: face financial ruin or risk being flooded again, Louise Ternouth explains.

As the heat on Costello turns up, the Prime Minister has just spoken to reporters, deputy Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen about the details.

The pressure is mounting on the Associate Health Minister to explain why she slashed tax on heated tobacco products - against officials' advice. The opposition has accused Casey Costello of corrpution. But she said she was acting on her own independent advice, although she won't say where it came from, political reporter Lillian Hanly reports.

Parents say it's time airlines stopped sending airfare prices sky high during the school holidays so they don't have to take their kids out of school to nab cheaper fares. It's the first week of the school holidays and thousands more people are travelling around the country and overseas - but many timed their flights during the school term, Amy Williams has the story.

John Hope Muchirahondo has been found guilty of 17 counts of rape and sexual assault. The 38-year-old Christchurch man has been convicted of raping eight women and sexually assaulting a ninth. He was also found guilty on one count of not providing access to a cell phone. The jury delivered its verdicts during the 10th day of deliberations. Muchirahondo was found not guilty on eight charges of sexual offending and the jury couldn't reach a verdict on five others, reporter Anna Sargent was at court and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The draw for the new-look Super Rugby Pacific competition has been released with more bye rounds and new home grounds on the schedule.Organisers have put a focus on rivalry match-ups and family-friendly fixtures, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tasman council is considering a new by-law that would mean all domestic cats have to be desexed, microchipped and on a national register by the time they are six months old.The region's existing cat population would get until 2027 to comply. But some environmentalists say cats are literally gutting the bird population and restrictions need to go even further. Gillian Pollock, a volunteer from Nelson Tasman Forest and Bird spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East Correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about the lastest on the ground 2 days on from the wave of Israeli attacks which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and the wider implications of recent attacks on the region.

A community leader said Air New Zealand's putting profit ahead of its social responsibility to service the regions after the national carrier confirmed it's canning direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next year. This means people travelling from the deep south will have to go through Christchurch. Air New Zealand said tough economic times means domestic demand's softened particularly in the regions. The Invercargill Licensing Trust run 23 different establishments and is expecting to host thousands of visitors to Invercargill next year it's CEO Chris Ramsay spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about the world's longest-serving death row inmate being acquitted in Japan, China's Ministry of State Security taking to social media to air grievances about New Zealand and a zoo in Finland soon returning some pandas back to China because they're too costly.

Students and supporters in Auckland, New Plymouth and Christchurch swapped their books for picket signs as they joined the School Strike 4 climate protests today. They're calling for the government to uphold commitments to the emissions reduction plan, stopping oil and gas exploration and lowering the voting age to 16. But as Ashleigh McCaull reports, crowd sizes are a lot smaller compared to previous strike action.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Central Otago is creating a strategy to shape its economic future with hopes it may ease the pressures from rapid growth. A recent report suggests more growth is on the horizon with the population expected to climb from 26,000 last year to 37,000 by 2048. Tess Brunton has been speaking to ratepayers about what they want for their district.

Dame Noeline Taurua is calling on the Silver Ferns to find their mongrel. A relatively new look New Zealand side will take to the court against England in Auckland on Sunday, the Roses fresh off an upset over Australia in Sydney, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The parents of a boy who died on a school trip to Abbey Caves say they trusted teachers to keep him safe. Whangarei Boys' High School student Karnin Petera drowned when the cave system flooded in May of 2023.Two adults and sixteen other students were able to escape.The school board was being sentenced at the Whangarei District Court after pleading guilty to two charges of exposing people to the risk of harm or death. Judge Davis ordered the school to pay more than half a million dollars in reparations to the victims, including Andre Petera and Alicia Toki.

Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher said the discontent over the freeze on the Dunedin Hospital rebuild is "a pig's breakfast." He said the south has not been served well and the hospital's needed to deliver the tertiary care that Oamaru hospital isn't resourced for. Tomorrow, thousands are expected to protest over the delay to the project.Yesterday the Government released a report saying Dunedin's new hospital could not be delivered within the current 1.88 billion dollar budget - and it could balloon out to three billion, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop spoke to Lisa Owen.

Up to 600 jobs are to go from the Alliance Group's meat processing plant in Timaru, with very little prospect of any workers being re-deployed to other plants. It's planning to wind down sheep meat, calf and venison processing at the Smithfield plant by the end of the year, a move that will carve vital jobs out of Timaru. Alliance said the proposed closure is due to a decline in sheep processing numbers caused by a change in land use, Alliance Group Chair Mark Wynne spoke to Lisa Owen.

Is Christchurch about to dethrone Wellington as the country's new capital of cool? Locals say Otautahi is becoming a hipper, more culturally vibrant place after it was devastated by earthquakes more than a decade ago. University students are coming in their droves, with the city offering affordability and an abundance of things to do, Adam Burns reports.

Beware the scammer coming back for a second crack at cleaning you out. The so called "recovery" scam is the latest way to swindle people out of their cash. It's where a scammer approaches a known victim of a scam, masquerading as someome trying to recover your lost funds. The banking ombudsman's latest report shows scam cases are up 27% with victims losing on average $80,000 up from $57,000 the previous year. Consumer said the second wave scammers are targetting people at their most vulnerable, its spokesperson Ruairi O'shea spoke to Lisa Owen.

600 jobs are almost certainly gone from Timaru after workers were told by Alliance Group today it intends to close Smithfield meat processing plant. It's a body blow for the South Canterbury community with more than one percent of all of the Timaru district employed at the plant. Workers have been told it is just a proposal at this stage and there may be opportunities at Alliance's other sites around the country. But, as Timothy Brown reports, workers think the last nail is already in the coffin.

Victoria University researchers have discovered a surprising number of animal habitats in Wellington's shallow waters. Shallow waters are typically dominated by seaweed ecosystems. But as Krystal Gibbens reports, they're now home to 'animal forests.'

RNZ's All Black correspondent Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the latest from the All Black camp about the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday, the National Under 85 kg Club Cup final being on before the test and Liam Lawson securing his Formula One seat.

From today, Pasifika women are working for free. This is according to new data from the Council of Trade Unions which calculates the date each year, that women start working for free because of the gender pay gap. For all women compared to men - it's November 28, but for Pasifika women, compared to Pakeha men, it is today. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new project to improve VHF radio coverage and cell phone service on Māhia Peninsula is hoped to prevent tragedies at sea after the death of three Gisborne fishermen in the area. The bodies of Elwood Higgins, Taina Sinoti and Damien Macpherson were found along the eastern Māhia Peninsula coastline in June, after they'd gone missing in an area of ocean with notoriously bad communications, Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook reports.

In a controversial move, unelected Hastings youth councillors have been given voting rights on committees and could get paid too after the Mayor pushed the proposal over the line. The group of 17 youths has been participating as non voting member of sub-committees but asked to be more involved.15 to 21 year olds who live, work or go to school in the district can apply for the youth roles. Half the Hastings Distrist Councillors who voted opposed the idea; among the objections a claim its a breach of democracy. However, Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst's vote in support was the tie-breaker, she spoke to Lisa Owen.

70 million people across the state of Florida have been told to brace for Hurricane Helene, predicted to be the most powerful storm in a generation. Evacuation orders are in place across several states with the Category Four hurricane expected to make landfall in the next 24 hours. CNN correspondent Michael Yoshida is in the coastal community of Steinhatchee Florida and spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan told Susana Lei'taua some household are remaining under intense pressure after aggressive interest rate rises since May 2022. There's not much relief in sight - with rates likely to remain high until at least February next year.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Education Ministry has identified factors linked to a 90 percent likelihood teens will not get University Entrance. The study also found Asian and Pacific teens are more likely to get an NCEA qualification than Maori and European teens from similar socio-economic backgrounds. The ministry says it could develop an early warning system for identifying students at risk of failure though principals say they don't need it, education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

The Black Caps are fighting for World test Championship survival against Sri Lanka in the second test in Galle. New Zealand lost the toss and have been asked to bowl first, as they look to bounce back from their 63 run defeat, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Susana Lei'ataua. 

The Government said budget blowouts for Dunedin's new hospital are simply unaffordable so they're tightening their wallets and looking at cuts. A report commissioned by the government found the current plans could not be delivered within the current 1.88 billion dollar budget and it could balloon out to 3 billion. Ministers have asked for urgent advice to keep costs in line. Cuts, delays, shelving spaces or developing the old hospital site are now all on the table, Tess Brunton has more.

The government is threatening parents with prosecution if their children spend too much time away from school. From 2026, schools will be required to have a stepped plan in place for responding to truancy. Associate Education Minister David Seymour suggests more than five days absence from class could trigger a principal-parent meeting, and the Ministry would be called in after 15 days, Principal of Hora Hora School in Whangarei, Pat Newman spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

Just days after celebrating Maori language week, Te Wiki O Te Reo, the Government has decided to axe a $30 million dollar Maori language programme for teachers in schools. Te Ahu o Te Reo Maori is a programme which develops teacher competency in Te Reo. Education Minister Erica Sanford has today announced the funding will be cut and diverted into publishing maths workbooks instead. The teachers union said they fought hard for years to have the programme which helped teachers understand the language, tikanga and Te Ao Maori and getting rid of the funding is a mistake, President of the NZEI, Mark Potter spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

The family of a disabled man who needs round-the-clock care say they're having to let go of his support staff after funding for this was suddenly cut. Ryan Cook's family say they've been "ghosted" by government ministry staff and left in the dark about the reasons for the cut. But the Ministry of Social Development said it's waiting for more information from the family, who have asked for a funding increase, reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

Parents could be prosecuted if their children ditch school too often. It's part of new measures laid out by Associate Education Minister David Seymour to crackdown on truancy. Part of that is putting a stop to teacher-only days during the school term. However, teachers and principals say it goes too far, Felix Walton has reports.

The All Blacks coach Scott Robertson insists Damian McKenzie isn't in the bad books despite dropping the first-five for this weekend's Bledisloe Cup clash with the Wallabies in Wellington. Robertson has named Beauden Barrett at No.10 sending McKenzie, who had started all eight tests this year, back to the reserves. McKenzie produced some crucial errors in last week's patchy win over Australia in Sydney though Robertson said he's been largely happy with the playmaker's form, RNZ Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

RNZ understands at least 25 jobs will be cut from Whaakata Maori's News and Current Affairs department. In a statement, Whakaata Māori chief executive Shane Taurima said the cuts were a crucial step in addressing financial challenges the broadcaster was anticipating over the "coming years." The government has confirmed there have been cuts - but not how many, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about the mayor of New York City facing at least one criminal charge and and a US senator that was targeted by an AI-generated deepfake.

The side hustle is becoming an essential as the cost of living crisis bites hard. Data from Stats NZ shows the number of multiple job holders in New Zealand has risen to 220,900 people across all industries around the country. A new survey shows almost half New Zealand's workers are considering taking on a second job in the coming year to make ends meet and for discretionary spend. r - from Robert Half who carried out this survey told Susana Lei'ataua the results are not hugely surprising.

West Papua freedom advocates are concerned Indonesia will launch a military assault now that New Zealand pilot Phillip Merhtens has been released. Mr Merhtens was held captive for almost 600 days by the West Papua National Liberation Army after landing his plane in Nduga provence. The Indonesian government said it's a "baseless accusation" - but experts are concerned, Caleb Fotheringham has more.

South Africa correspondent Elna Schutz spoke to Lisa Owen about African states wanting a bigger seat at the United Nations table, Tunisians asking for a case to be seen by the International Criminal Court and snow reported in South Africa.

Businesses along Auckland's waterfront say they need reassurance the Wynyard Crossing Bridge WILL re-open before the SailGP regatta in January. Tickets to the global sailing championship which the city is hosting for the first time, went on sale today and are set to sell out. But local businesses say the broken pedestrian bridge has not only taken away foot traffic but also their livelihoods and with summer around the corner, they're hopeful SailGP will also bring back the much-needed crowds, Jessica Hopkins reports.

The Black Caps are looking to move forward against Sri lanka following their stall in Galle. New Zealand went down by 63 runs in the first test, but get a shot at redemption at the same ground starting tomorrow, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A massive Northland power outage caused by a toppling Transpower pylon was entirely avoidable and a senior engineer had raised concerns about maintenance crew training two years earlier. This is according to a report by the Electricty Authority into the incident that cut power to 88,000 homes and businesses in June, causing economic losses of up to 80 million dollars. The Electricity Authority report released today found a senior engineer had suggested Transpower beef up training for its maintenance crews including refresher courses, after identifying a "knowledge gap." However, Transpower did not act and it wasn't a one off, Darryn Fisher chief executive of the Northland Chamber of Commerce spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government's social housing agency is set to cut 321 jobs, part of the government-ordered down-sizing affecting organisations across the public service. That's on top of previously announced cuts at Kainga Ora, with this second round of restructuring bringing the total to 553. The government said it's made its expectations on performance and efficiency clear. Across the public sector, the job cuts total more than 6500. As Kate Green reports, it all comes as public servants are urged to stop working from home and return to the office.

One person is confirmed dead and a rescue operation is still underway after an avalanche in the Southern Alps. The incident in the Arrowsmith Range was reported just before 12:30. The Rescue Coordination Centre is co-ordinating a rescue response with police. A rescue helicopter and four person crew from Christchurch's GCH Aviation is on site. In a separate incident earlier this week a skier was dug out from under a metre of snow after being caught in an avalanche in Treble cone, reporter Timothy Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

DOC is appealing for information after some one shot a baby sea lion and left it to die a slow and painful death in the Catlins estuary on Monday. A ranger went to investigate after people reported a sealion in distress but the young female was dead when they got there. DOC said it's huge blow for the threatened species with the population only returning to the mainland recently, Rosalind Cole, DOC Murihiku Senior Biodiversity Ranger spoke to Lisa Owen.

Entirely avoidable, this is the conclusion of a report into a collapsed pylon that cut power to thousands of Northland businesses causing economic losses of up to 80 million dollars. The much anticipated Electricty Authority report, was ordered by the Energy Minister in the wake of the incident. It also found that the grid operator Transpower had been warned contractor maintenance crews needed more training but it did nothing. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf gauged the reactions from people affected by the outage.

Ruapehu officials are hoping a new dining experience on the Northern Express will help boost tourism in the region. The scenic train which runs between Wellington and Auckland has introduced a commercial kitchen and three premium carriages and as Ashleigh McCaull reports, there's already excitement from tourists.

New Zealand sprinter Zoe Hobbs will be among a group of international stars lighting up the track at a glitzy new event later this week.The inaugural Athlos track meet will kick off in New York on Friday New Zealand time. The women's-only event is the brain child of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and he is promising to shake up the sport, Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

As part of art week, there will be installations, exhibits and walking tours in Auckland city's galleries and streets, lanes and spaces. It's supported by the business group Heart of the City, who yesterday released figures showing foot traffic is still about 70% of COVID levels and morning commuter numbers are down about 30,000 a day, chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a monumental corruption trial involving a former minister in Singapore, China handing out a massive stimulus to help revive its dwindling economy and some key issues weighing on people's minds in Taiwan.

Visual journalist Nathan McKinnon asked people in Christchurch's CBD how they would rate their wellbeing at the moment.

New Stats NZ data on our collective wellness shows peoples trust is declining in key institutions; the police, parliament, media, courts, heath and education systems, all down in the trust stakes since 2021. Trust in parliament tanked the most and the media are the least trusted. People's sense of belonging and safety's also taken a hit. However, New Zealanders generally remained content with their lives in 2023 with an overall satisfaction rating of 7.6 out of 10, but 2 in every 5 people are struggling to make ends meet, Dr Clare Dale from Auckland University's Business School spoke to Lisa Owen.

Locals in the small central Otago town of Millers Flat are divided on whether a new gold mine will be a boon for the local community. The Millers Flat mine is expected to be up and running by the end of the month. But the process has been far from smooth sailing and while some are welcoming the mine starting up, others are worried about the impact on local waterways, Otago-Southland reporter Tess Brunton reports.

Wellingtonians are hoping the Government's call to bring public service workers back into the office will be a shot in the arm for struggling businesses. But public servants said they feel like they're being belittled and that the Government is using the sector as a scapegoat, Bill Hickman has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The new owners of the Kahu include Olympians and world champions across five sporting disciplines. The Kahu are now the first all women owned sports team in New Zealand - and one of the first globally, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A 200 million dollar cost blowout is being cited as the reason for a proposed toll on the new highway between Manawatu and Tararua in the lower North Island. Transport minister Simeon Brown is laying the blame on the previous government, but they're not having a bar of it and those living in the new road's shadow aren't impressed either, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about highly-indebted borrowers have been disappointed once again by the Reserve Bank's decision to leave interest rates on hold.

An aviation industry group said traffic congestion around a new outlet mall, a stones throw from Auckland airport is frustrating airlines and causing some delays. Manawa Bay, which is owned by Auckland international Airport, is less than three kilometres from the airport and it's attracted some huge crowds since it opened late last week, causing traffic chaos. Board of Airline Representatives executive Director Cath O'Brien spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's been mission creep when it comes to politicians meddling in police operational matters and there needs to be clear boundaries drawn for the next Commisioner, according to the Police Association.The country's top cop Andrew Coster has resigned to take up a new role leading the government's new Social Investment Agency. His term with the police was due to end in April next year, but he's finishing up early. However the president of the Police Association, Chris Cahill told Lisa Owen Commissioner Coster hasn't always been a favourite of front line officers.

The Tararua District mayor has offered a "heart felt personal apology" for a botch up that's left some rate payers owing thousands of dollars that the coouncil must collect. A mistake calculating direct debit payments for rates, that dates back to 2018, means more than 320 households have been under charged and 281 have paid more than they should. To make things worse it's hit the most vulnerable households; those already getting rates rebates, Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collins spoke to Lisa Owen.

No bad blood, that's the message from outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster who is leaving the force early to head up the government's new social investment agency. He begins a 5 year term there in November - meaning he leaves his police role about six months early. Appointed under Labour in 2020, he's had a testy relationship with the National Party - but that once frosty relationship has warmed up, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fire investgators said last summer's huge fire on Christchurch's Port Hills started on private property but they've been unable to determine how it broke out. The wildfire started near the a walking track back in February and spread over 700 hectares, forcing the evacuation of more than 100 properties.The blaze triggered a major firefighting operation including more than 100 firefighters, 15 helicopters, two fixed-wing aircrafts and almost 30 fire engines. Local residents who nearly lost their homes in the blaze remain wary of further fires in the area, reporter Adam Burns has more.

RNZ's resident rugby expert Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about Sam Cane set to play his 100th test this weekend in Wellington and whether the All Blacks will break their streak in the capital this weekend.

Auckland Council said dozens of bins removed from Auckland streets and dumped in a council work site will remain there in case they're needed for parts. The council this year said it would remove 30 percent of the region's public rubbish bins, with the project expected to save ratepayers at least nine million dollars. But some residents are unhappy with where the bins have been left, many in a heap out in the open, near Auckland Domain, Jessica Hopkins reports.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a candidate gunning to be North Carolina's Governor is embroiled in a major scandal that's seen a number of his campaign staff quit.

Minister Nicola Willis yesterday issued a three point directive to public service CEO's stating working from home is not an entittlement. It should only be agreed to if it does not compromise employee performance or agency objectives. Lastly, agencies must actively monitor the impact and prevalence of work from home agreements and report the information. Now the boss of Auckland Business Group, Heart of the City is urging the council and other employers to follow suit. But where does that leave workers, who may be happily ensconced in their home offices and aren't keen on rejoining the daily commute? Duncan Cotterill employment lawyer Jeremy Ansell spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about the British luxury department store, Harrods, making an apology a few days ago, after some harrowing details of sexual assault claims came to light against its former owner, reports saying the honeymoon period for Britain's new Labour government is already over and London getting a large public sculpture of the beloved Irish writer Oscar Wilde.

News from the business sector, including a market report

Bargain hunters are continuing to flock in their thousands to Auckland's newest outlet mall, Manawa Bay, which is less than 3 kilometres from the city's airport. A wave of shoppers heading there for it's opening caused major congestion on the main route to the airport yesterday. Today there was barely any respite as, inside the mall, long queues formed outside its boutique chocolate store, while people packed the food court, Lucy Xia reports.

A code to protect New Zealand's elite athletes and grassroots participants from sexual abuse, bullying, racism and match-fixing is up for public discussion. The Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation has been developed in collaboration with community groups and athlete representatives. This is the first time New Zealand has had such a code for sports organisations, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some shops selling nitrous oxide said they're still getting their heads around what a government crackdown could mean for them. The Health Minister Shane Reti is considering urgent options to try and stop people selling and using the substance which is often called 'Nos' or 'Nangs'. These include penalties of up to two years in jail or a hefty fine. It follows a Medsafe report highlighting the risks of using it to get high - but some shops told Checkpoint the crackdown won't make a difference to them, as they don't get many customers wanting to buy the canisters, Bella Craig reports.

Former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murder. An 11 person jury has ruled the former eye surgeon did not kill his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021.Outside the court this afternoon, Pauline Hanna's best friend said she was an amazing person and the decision was 'crap' but her family say whilst they're disappointed, they've accepted the verdict, Felix Walton has more.

A potential leap in ACC payments of about 360 percent has the Royal New Zealand ballet spinning. ACC's consulting on poposed changes that would see ballet dancers move out of the low risk performing arts category that they currently share with the likes of theatre and opera into a medium to high risk classification. That could mean annual acc levies of up to 300,000 dollars a year; . The boss of ACC told RNZ that ballet dancer injuries were on par with rugby players, Royal New Zealand Ballet Executive Director, Tobias Perkins spoke to Lisa Owen.

Visual journalist Nick Monro asked people in Auckland how they feel about their job.

New Zealand lawyers are apparently among the unhappiest in the world . The University of Melbourne surveyed 800 New Zealand based lawyers and law students between 2021 and 2023. It found almost 35 percent of them reported moderate to severe psychological distress.A quarter of those experiencing distress described it as severe or extremely severe. The research was comissioned by the Life Squared Trust, its spokesperson and psychologist Jacki McGuire spoke to Lisa Owen.

"We're reaching a crisis point now, I can see a lot of harm coming," that's the message from some GP clinics desperately trying to avoid closing their doors or putting up prices for patients. GPs had their funding increased by 4 percent in July - and were given the greenlight to lift their fees by more than 7 percent. But some clinics, whose margins are already thin, say putting the cost on the patient will simply turn them away. In the latest installment of our Crunching the Numbers series, Louise Ternouth looks at how much it can cost to see the GP - and the difficult choices both patients and clinics are having to make.

Some schools are abandoning take-home essays and assignments because students are using artificial intelligence to cheat.The misuse of AI has even prompted changes to the national school qualification, the NCEA. But teachers say there is no point banning AI and instead, schools need to change the way they assess students, education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Lydia Ko won back-to-back LPGA Tour titles for the first time in eight years when she lifted the Queen City Championship trophy in Ohio. The 27 year old was back on the golf course after taking a three-week break to reflect on her Olympic gold medal and Women's Open win. The time off didn't hurt her form as she won by five shots today, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A stoush over a single kaka parrot is seriously ruffling feathers. The bird known as Charlie Girl spent almost a quarter of a century at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, where she fostered chicks, hatching and rearing them for release, she can't return to the wild herself because of a damaged wing.But a few months ago DOC moved Charlie Girl to the Dunedin Botanical Gardens Aviary. Now, five vets have signed a open letter saying the Kaka is showing signs of severe distress, is being bullied by a male bird and should be returned to her old home. Doctor Christina Abramowicz is one of the vets worried about Charlie Girl's health and spoke to Lisa Owen.

After an eight week trial, and 10 hours of deliberations over two days, former eye surgeon, Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna three years ago. Jurors heard from more than 80 witnesses during the trial at the High Court in Auckland. The Crown claimed Polkinghorne killed his wife and staged her death as suicide, while the defence argued she tragically took her own life. Finn Blackwell was in court to hear the verdict and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about fighting along the border between Israel and Lebanon ramping up, the attack in in Lebanon targeting pagers and walkie talkies and the the likelihood of other countries getting involved in the conflict.

Is the government retiring work from home for public servants? It has just announced it wants to see more public servants back in the office each day and has issued new guidlines for CEO's. In a three point directive to the public service commissioner Minister, Nicola Willis said; working from home is not an entittlement, it should only be agreed to if it doesnt compromise the performance of employees and agency objectives and lastly, agencies must actively monitor the the prevalence and impact of the working from home agreements and report this information. Duane Leo, the national secretary for the Public Service Association spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a 10 year old Japanese boy dying after being stabbed nearby his school in China, Sri Lanka getting ready to head to the polls as the country holds its first election since economic collapse and Taiwan being drawn into the conversation around the exploding pagers that claimed multiple lives in Lebanon.

Provincial cities aren't normally thought of as thriving centres of drag queen culture. But Palmerston North is staking a claim as the nation's drag capital thanks to the popular annual Palmy Drag Fest. It's on in a fortnight and performers are glittering up for a big show, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Wellington businesses say high rent prices, expensive groceries and cark park prices have sucked the life out of the CBD, leaving business struggling with few customers. Post COVID, they said the vibe has been off, with the area feeling less safe and more people choosing to stay away, Bella Craig reports.

Things have become a bit shaky for the Black Caps in their test against Sri Lanka in Galle. At stumps last night, the Black Caps were just 50 runs behind the hosts, with plenty of wickets in the shed, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Ex-Green Party MP Darleen Tana has failed in her High Court bid challenging the Green Party's investigation into her actions. Ms Tana had applied for an interim injunction to prevent the her former colleagues from meeting to decide whether to invoke the waka-jumping legislation, with the caucus calling Ms Tana unfit to be an MP, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Bluebridge ferry failure is costing one freighter big bucks, with the company calling for a better service across the State Highway One of the water. The Bluebridge ferry Connemara was towed back to Wellington's Pipitea Wharf early this morning, hours after losing power near Sinclair Head and drifting in the Cook Straight. It was on a freight sailing and had 88 people on board, including 24 passengers and 13 commercial drivers. Booth Logistics had four trucks on board the ferry last night and freights across the straight tens of times each week, CEO Dallas Vince spoke to Lisa Owen.

Junior doctors are warning that front line health services are being compromised by government cost cutting; with staff shortages, delayed patient care and burnout and they claim the government estimate of a billion dollar budget overrun is fiction.Their union Speciality Trainees of New Zealand or STONZ surveyed members. 80 percent of the trainee doctors reported resources being cut in their services, STONZ Executive and plastic surgeon trainee Emma Littlehales spoke to Lisa Owen.

Two injured climbers trapped in a hut on Aoraki Mount Cook will have to wait at least another night for help to arrive, with bad weather hampering any rescue attempt. The pair made it to a remote hut on the mountain on Tuesday and raised the alarm with DOC, it's understood they may have frostbite. Bianca Bratton from the Mountain Safety Council spoke to Lisa Owen.

With the breakdown of yet another Cook Strait ferry, there are fears that lives could be lost if the Government doesn't step in to bring the country's ailing inter-island services up to scratch. The Bluebridge ferry Connemara drifted for nearly two hours after it lost powerlast night, Bill Hickman has more.

Men called Mark are apparently making a disproportionate mark on the NZX. A survey of the companies listed on the NZX has shown there more Marks in chief executive spots than there are women, mark our words and the number of women leading listed companies has not really moved in years, money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

RNZ All Black correspondent Jamie Wall is in Sydney and spoke to Lisa about the All Blacks set to take on the Wallabies this weekend in Sydney.

The prized collection including Model T Fords, Cadillacs, and Buicks was owned by a late wood buyer and gore resident Robin Dickson and is being sold on behalf of his widow. Some of the cars date back to the 1910's and were collected over a life time and tucked away in the shed, where Robin tinkered away on them. Dickson family friend, Paul Herron has been helping organise the auction at Waimumu and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Visual journalist Sam Rillstone asked people in Wellington how they deal with their old electronics.

About a hundred mainly retired volunteers operate a not for profit out of Waipa, sifting through people discarded household electronics, essentially mining your junk for stuff that can be salvaged. They're diverting about 24 tonnes of e-waste going to landfill each year but it's only a fraction of what they'd like to be doing, Urban Miners chairperson, Mark Hanlon spoke to Lisa Owen.

The White Ferns won't be playing it safe against the world-leading Australians in the three-match T20 series which begins in Mackay tonight. The series part of the build up to next month's T20 World Cup and is an opportunity for New Zealand to end an eight match losing streak, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

After weeks of speculation and thousands of public votes - Hawke's Bay Airport has named its new fire truck 'Judy Drench'. The 1.6 million dollar truck has gained international interest as over 1500 possible names were submitted in the competition, including Spraying Mantis and Trucky McTruck Face. But it's now all hail Dame Judy - who won by a landslide, Alexa Cook reports.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about the inability of young people to afford a home is shaping up as a key issue in next year's national election. But one solution, being used in New Zealand where superannuation can be accessed to buy a house, has been questioned as a viable fix.

News from the business sector, including a market report

The All Blacks are set to defend the trophy they have held for more than two decades this weekend. Scott Roberton has named his side for the first Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on Saturday, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Major disruption to Wellington's commuter trains could end tomorrow as pay talks between operator Transdev and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union begin. They're optimistic they can strike a deal to end industrial action that's caused train delays and cancellations. As Ashleigh McCaull reports, a resolution can't come quick enough for commuters, including one who said she almost fainted on an overcrowded carriage.

A Malaysian environmentalist said she doesn't want New Zealand sending any more of its rubbish to her country, with some recycling plants allegedly already polluting local neighbourhoods and waterways. Oji is closing its Penrose Pulp and Paper Mill in December with the loss of 75 jobs. The closure means Aotearoa will be sending another hundred thousand tonnes a year of cleaned wastepaper to Malaysia for recycle; bringing the total shipped offshore to three hundred thousand tonnes per annum, Environmentalist Lay Peng Pua spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new wave of deadly and extraordinary explosions have rocked Lebanon for a second day. Yesterday, thousands of pagers, mostly used by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah exploded killing 12 and injuring thousands, today, it has been handheld radios or walkie talkies. Lebanese health officials said at least 20 people are reported to have died in this second attack - and more than 450 have been injured. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah have blamed the attacks on Israel, but Israel has not commented. Shane Healey, a former Australian military Special Operations intelligence analyst spoke to Lisa Owen.

It will be compulsory for all first year Auckland University students to complete a new course covering the Treaty of Waitangi and place-based knowledge from next year. The university said Waipapa Taumata Rau is part of a curriculum overhaul and employers are demanding that students are knowledgeable in the Treaty, New Zealand history and te ao Maori. The course takes the place of previous general education papers. The ACT party said the plan could damage Auckland University's reputation, especially among foreign fee paying students, describing the course as a form of indoctrination. Pro vice chancellor Maori, Te Kawehau Hoskins spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mahi, chilly bin and waka jumping, are among the selection of New Zealand terms added to the Oxford dictionary this week. Maori language advocates are welcoming the inclusion of Te Reo phrases like tikanga and kapa haka. But one new addition, Aotearoan, has not met universal approval, Felix Walton reports.

A couple of devils from Australia are making themselves right at home in Auckland Zoo after relocating from a wild life facility in Tasmania. The young sisters, who are waiting on their Palawa Kani aboriginal names, are here to raise awareness about the plight of endangered Tasmanian Devils, the world's largest carnivorous marsupials. Since the mid 90's they've been under attack from a nasty infectious disease. Auckland Zoo's lead carnivore keeper, Nick Parashchak told Lisa Owen the two sisters are finding their feet in their new home.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich speaks to Lisa Owen about fresh post-debate poll numbers and Sean 'Diddy' Combs staying behind bars after being denied bail.

The debate over the government's gang patch ban descended into farce at Parliament today, as the opposition questioned where it would apply - in cars, hovercrafts, or even super yachts? MPs are currently debating the third and final reading of the legislation, designed to ban the public display of gang insignia, political reporter Lillian Hanly filed this story.

South Africa correspondent Elna Schutz spoke to Lisa Owen about drastic measures being taken to aid hunger in Zimbabwe, a new passport soon to be avaliable in Africa and a winner being crowned in Africa's own prestigious literary award.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Kiwi MMA fighter, and Ngapuhi Iwi descendant, Aaron Tau fell short in his quest for a UFC contract in Las Vegas, but he went out swinging in thrilling style, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The new health tsar is defending his commitment to the role - after revelations he is continuing to work a second job as a university lecturer. The Health NZ commissioner Lester Levy fronted before a Parliamentary select committee this morning - for the first time since assuming the position, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Sick New zealanders are missing out top clinical drug trials because Aotearoa is already behind the pack when it comes to funding modern medicines, according some specialists. Many trials require would be participants to have access to what's known as "standard of care drugs", that's the best available medicines, to provide a comparison to the trial drug. A 2022 to 2023 Medicines New Zealand report said Aotearoa is on average twice as slow to publicly fund modern medicines as comparable countries, Haematologist Dr Rodger Tiedemann spoke to Lisa Owen.

A coroner has found convicted murderer Paul Tainui would have had the traits of a criminal psychopath in 2010 but it wasn't detected when the Parole Board asked for him to be assessed. Tainui, who was born Paul Russell Wilson - raped and murdered Kimberley Schroder in 1994. Before his release for that crime in 2010, Tainui went through psychological testing and it was found he did not meet the level to be assessed a psychopath and was low risk of reoffending in most circumstances. But Coroner Marcus Elliott has ruled Tainui's offending in 1994 and 2018 was that of a criminal psychopath and he must have had those traits in 2010, senior reporter Timothy Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about the details. A warning, this story deals with extreme violence, sexual assault and suicide.

Soaring power prices and rising labour costs have combined to force the closure of a third mill, taking 72 people's jobs with it. The Japanese owned Oji Fibre Solutions said it had no other option but to shut down its paper recycling plant in Auckland and lay off the staff. Many of those now feel they have no choice but to take their skills overseas. The closure comes just three weeks after 230 workers at Winstone Pulp International were told those two mills were closing for good. The Oji workers, some of whom have been there for decades, are left trying to figure out what to do next, Melanie Earley reports.

Plans to restore Wellington's iconic Band Rotunda on Oriental Parade have been ditched. Once a premiere hospitalitality venue, some residents now say it's an eye sore after closing more than a decade ago. The UFO-like building is perched on a premo spot on the water. However, by mutal agreement, the council and its chosen developer have decided terminate a deal to resusitate the Rotunda, because the patch up is too pricey and no-one is interested in leasing the building, developer Maurice Clark spoke to Lisa Owen.

The defence of Philip Polkinghorne has pushed one message at the last day of his trial: this man is no killer. The jury in the trial of the former Auckland eye surgeon, accused of murdering his wife in 2021, have heard the final closing arguments from the defence. The crown has described Polkinghorne as a master manipulator who strangled Hanna and staged her death. The defence maintains she took her own life, a warning this story mentions suicide. Maia Ingoe reports.

One of the new initiatives for this year's Wiki o te Reo Maori is Waha Kōrero - a speech competition aimed at intermediate and advanced speakers. With the winner taking home a $10,000 cash prize and the mana of placing first, some of nation's best speakers will descend on Te Whanganui a Tara this weekend to flex their Te Reo muscles, Pokere Paewai reports.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games has been rescued from the brink.The Scottish government announced overnight it's backed a bid for Glasgow to host a scaled-down version of the event - 12 years after the city last hosted the Games.The 2026 edition was originally slated for Victoria, Australia, but they withdrew as hosts due to rising costs. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen about the developments.

Jetstar is headed to court over claims it misled customers about their rights to compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. The Commerce Commission is filing charges against the budget airline under the Fair Trading Act. It alleges Jetstar's communications likely discouraged customers from seeking compensation for flight disruptions that were within the airline's control and the Commerce Commission said that Jetstar probably denied legitimate claims. Commerce Commission General Manager Competition, Fair Trading, and Credit, Vanessa Horne spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about an American pastor being released after spending 2 decades being held in a Chinese prison, a new Hong Kong law resulting in the first conviction of a person for wearing a protest T-shirt and how much power costs in Taipei and how it is generated.

How heavily should employers be monitoring work trips? Visual journalist Reece Baker hit the streets to see what people think.

An airline's been forced to reinstate a cabin crew member after a tribunal found they wrongly sacked him for breaching the airlines alcohol policy and having sex while on fatigue leave. Dylan Macnish was dismissed after two incident in 2023. He drank a glass of prosecco at a Virgin xmas party within 7 and a half hours of work flight, company policy is no alcohol within eight hours of duty.Another time he was unable to sleep after a helping a passenger who had a suspected a stroke at the airport. He activated fatigue leave; where crew are able to take extra rest hours. During the extended lay over he hooked up with someone on the dating app Grindr and had sex in his hotel room. Virgin Australia used evidence from CCTV footage of Macnish's hotel hallway, and the swipe card records for his room as evidence. Australia's Fairwork Commision, found while MacNish did breach the alcohol policy that's not an automatic reason to sack him and he had accessed fatique leave for genuine reasons, employment law expert Blair Scotland spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about the Labor government's relationship with big business is decidedly frosty ahead of national elections scheduled for early next year.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

New Zealand Breakers import centre Freddie Gillespie has apologised for an on-court incident which got him suspended for the Australian National Basketball League opener. Gillespie headbutted a Sydney Kings player during a pre-season game and faces a one-match ban which will see him sidelined for Saturday's clash against Brisbane. The 27-year-old American is eager to prove to his new club's fans he's not a bad guy, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Three men charged in relation to one of New Zealand's most high-profile miscarriages of justice have been excused from their first court appearance on medical grounds. The wrongful conviction of Alan Hall back in 1985 led to the biggest compensation payout in New Zealand's history, and now, nearly 40 years later, three men are facing charges. Reporter Melanie Earley spoke to Lisa Owen.

After a 7 year wait, the highway connecting the eastern and western sides of the lower North Island is expected to open next year. But a last minute proposal move to add a toll to motorists using the highway has thrown locals into a tailspin. The New Zealand Transport Agency's idea of tolling Te Ahu a Turanga, the replacement highway for the closed Manawatu Gorge road is now open for public consultation, and as Jimmy Ellingham reports, even the council is mobilising against it.

A Dunedin GP is setting up a low cost clinic where people will pay just $15 to see a doctor after noticing the cost of living pressures are really hurting patients. Seeing a GP can cost anything from $40 to $90 around the country with people in some areas waiting more than 6 weeks for an appointment. Dr Adrian Hindes, who works at Dunedin City GP believes a different approach is needed and with an increase in high needs patients on low incomes, there's demand for a low fees clinic, Doctor Adrian Hindes spoke to Lisa Owen.

Almost every member of the Comanchero motorcycle gang is facing charges after a three year long police investigation. Police say they've laid more than 100 charges, seized more than 200 kilograms of meth, more than 1.2 million dollars in cash, 14 vehicles including motorbikes and they've restrained more than 9 million dollars in assets. It's alleged the gang was running drugs, and a sophisticated money laundering operation, in part to fund military style training for for some of its members. Inland revenue, Customs and Corrections were all involved in the investigation. Director of the National Organised Crime Group Detective Superintendent Greg Williams spoke to Lisa Owen.

The jury in the murder trial of former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been told not to get swept up in the murder mystery fantasy, as his defence team wraps up its case. Dr Polkinghorne is alleged to have killed his wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home three years ago and staging it to look like a suicide. His lawyers have tried to paint a picture of an honest man who tried to co-operate with the police investigation; while the Crown describes Dr Polkinghorne as a master manipulator, capable of murder, Finn Blackwell was in court.

There's been a massive jump in aggressive, unsocialised dogs being put down in the Far North and its the fault of irresponsible owners according to the Mayor, they said the code of silence protecting them needs to be broken. 62% of dogs impounded in the Far North in the past year ended up dead compared to 47% the previous year, that's 281 animals euthanised. The mayor said there's been more dog attacks, nusiance dog reports and a 15% rise in the number of surrended dogs, Mayor Moko Tepania spoke to Lisa Owen.

Police and military in Papua New Guinea are struggling to cope with tribal "revenge killings" among what authorities call "local terrorists" armed with high-powered weapons. There have been five days of brutal fighting between rival clans living near Porgera gold mine in Enga Province and there are reports of some 50 deaths, however, no official figures have been released. Hundreds of women and children have also been displaced as a result of the violence, Margot Staunton reports.

A new poll shows a significant number of New Zealanders support recognising Palestine as a state, and applying sanctions against Israel. Comissioned by advocacy group Justice for Palestine and conducted by Talbot-Mills, the poll found support for recognising Palestinian statehood and sanctions for Israel was higher among young people. While Israel's embassy has questioned the neutrality of the poll, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said it's a matter of 'when, not if' for Palestinian statehood - but the main priority for now is a ceasefire, Luka Forman has more

Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the All Blacks set to verse the Wallabies in Sydney and his catch up with Sir Graham Henry about the Under 85kg Club Cup.

After forty years and a million trees and shrubs planted, a dedicated parks superviser has retired from the job, leaving Nelson a veritable feast of flora, literally. Peter Grundy has quietly transformed the regions parks and reserves with natives and pickable plants, meaning people can graze from apple, nut and even carob trees. If you do the maths he's supervised the planting of about 25,000 trees a year or 68 a day, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent speaks to Lisa Owen about the latest from the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump and schools and institutions in Springfield, Ohio being bombarded with threats.

A move by mega online retailers to charge for returns could push shoppers back in local bricks and mortar stores. Clothing giant ASOS, previously allowed people to return unwanted purchases for a full refund - not anymore. They'll be stung about eight New Zealand dollars unless they keep a minimum purchase value. Amazon is also charging a return fee and UK fashion retailer BooHoo is now charging for freight. Chris Wilkinson the Managing Director of retail strategy experts, First Retail Group spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about more pressure on the British and European governments over migrant issues, after eight of them died trying to cross the Channel from France to England on Sunday, catastrophic flooding in the central and eastern areas in Europe after days of heavy rain and British schools jumping on the phone-free bandwagon.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Black Caps could face more games of hallway cricket this week as rain is again forecast to disrupt another Test match. New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan was abandoned on Friday without a ball being bowled.The first Test against Sri Lanka now appears under threat from the weather, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A judge has told jury members in the trial of a Christchurch man accused of multiple sex offences that they need to decide if they can trust the evidence of the 15 female complainants. John Hope Muchirahondo faces 21 charges of sexual violation by rape and 9 of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. The Crown said that in a number of the cases Mr Muchirahondo took advantage of very drunk women who didn't consent to sex. But the Defence argues he always believed he had consent. Rachel Graham filed this report from the High Court.

Someone took up to 31 Cavalier King Charles and Cavoodle dogs and puppies from a Mangapai property on the sixth of September because animal welfare. Rescue charity HUHA, travelled up the North Island and took posessson of the dogs in a clandestine handover. HUHA alleges a number them have major genetic issues from inbreeding. It contacted the owner, police and the SPCA and offered to treat the animals. In a social media statement the dog owners family said the animals were stolen while they were in Auckland getting cancer treatment, allegedly by several people in a convoy of utes. They took the dogs back from HUHA, but subsequently signed 8 over to the charity's care. HUHA chief executive Carolyn Press McKenzie told Lisa Owen how they ended up with the stolen dogs in the first place.

Multiple investigations are underway after what appears to be a second failed assassination attempt in just nine weeks on former US President Donald Trump. The man, armed with an AK47, had apparently been targeting Trump through bushes along a fenceline as he played golf on his course in West Palm Beach. Secret Service Agents noticed the man and fired shots but he fled in an SUV and was apprehended a short time later by police, leaving two backpacks and a gopro camera behind.CNN's Michael Yoshida spoke to Lisa Owen about what is currently known about the 58 year old suspect Ryan Wesley Routh.

The coalition's much-publicised goal of reducing violent crime is at risk, with figures showing the trend heading in the opposite direction. Back in April, the government set itself nine public service targets - and today published its first report card, with some worrying results, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Philip Polkinghorne's wife was in the way of his life with his "intoxicating" mistress, according to the Crown lawyer who today delivered her closing remarks in the trial of the former eye surgeon. He is accused of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home three years ago. However, the defence denies this and said Ms Hanna took her own life. Melanie Earley has been in court and a warning, this report mentions suicide.

New Trans Tasman flights will soon be taking off in Hamilton and Dunedin just in time for the next winter school holidays. Jetstar has announced new services from Hamilton to the Gold Coast and Sydney, and from Dunedin to the Gold Coast from June 2025.The news has been welcomed in both regions, which haven't seen a Trans Tasman flight in years, Tourism reporter Tess Brunton reports.

New Zealand Football doesn't want former Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova to leave and said it was all her decision to resign after months of turmoil. Klimkova has left the head coach role three years into a seven year contract but will stay on with New Zealand Football for six months in a different role. An independent workplace investigation cleared Klimkova of any wrongdoing but late last week she ended her coaching term citing her wellbeing, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A human rights lawyer believes tougher tweaks to the government's gang patch law are over reach and will suppress free speech. Amendments to the proposed patch prohibition will give police far-reaching powers to arrest people for keeping insignia in their own home. The bill has its third reading this week. The changes would mean someone who has two convictions for displaying a gang patch could be jailed if they are then found with gang insignia in their private home or anything with gang markings on it. Human Rights barrister from Rubicon Chambers, Michael Bott spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen about an Israeli investigation into the deaths of three hostages last year uncovering some difficult details, and Houthi rebels successfully firing a rocket into central Israel for the first time .

Could you put your phone down for six hours or the duration of a school day? Reporter Anna Sargent hit the streets of Christchurch to see what people reckon.

Ditching cellphones at school has led to new real world connections according to one of the country's largest seondary schools. The government ban came into force in April but Mount Albert Grammar chose to go phone free from the start of last year. Now the school of about 3400 students said they've seen significant cultural changes - with more sport and face to face conversations during breaks. Mount Albert Grammar headmaster Patrick Drumm spoke to Lisa Owen.

The oldest yacht club in New Zealand is rallying to raise another quarter of a million dollars to stay afloat. Established in 1857, the Nelson Yacht Club teaches kids and adults how to sail - including those with disabilities through a programme called Sailability. Its upcoming season has already been shortened due to the required earthquake strengthening work, which has so far cost 250-thousand dollars, and the club needs that amount again to for the second stage of the seismic work. Samantha Gee has more.

A high-profile Cook Islands inmate has been caught having breakfast at a popular Rarotonga cafe in the middle of her 18 month prison sentence. Convicted fraudster Diane Charlie-Puna, was supposed to be on the prison's work release programme for the day when she was spotted, and as Caleb Fotheringham reports, the leader of one of Cook Islands' opposition parties says it's not the first time something like this has happened.

News from the business sector, including a market report

For the first time, Palmerston North tennis fans are being served international action - and they're making the most of it. The city's indoor stadium will be packed this weekend as New Zealand takes on Luxembourg on a flash new black surface Tennis NZ has netted from Australia, reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

The landmark legal case involving High Performance Sport NZ and a group of the country's top athletes was back before the courts this week. The Employment Court heard the government's agency's appeal of an earlier ruling requiring it to engage in collective bargaining with new athlete union, The Athletes Cooperative. Sports reporter Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The government was told the free lunches for schools programme would have a "profound impact on wellbeing" before it decided to cut the scheme's funding earlier this year. The advice was revealed in budget documents released yesterday which also laid out how the Ka Ora Ka Ako scheme resulted in happier and healthier children. But Associate Minister David Seymour, who is the architect behind the trimmed down scheme - said they are able to do the same while spending less, Finn Blackwell has more.

GPs have complained to the Commerce Commission over government contracts they say are illegal and unfair and hurting patients. The General Practice Owners Association filed a formal complaint against Te Whatu Ora for alleged breaches of the Fair trading Act .The Association claims GPs have no negotiating power and Te Whatu Ora adopts a take it or leave it attitude. GenPro chair Doctor Angus Chambers spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Government has issued a strongly worded directive to the public sector reminding them services must be delivered based on need rather than race. The letter fulfills commitments secured by ACT and New Zealand First during coalition negotiations with National last year. It said the government is concerned that public servants have been using race as proxy for need and it wants to ensure services are not arbitrarily allocated on the basis of ethnicity, Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen.

Heavy snow in Central Otago this morning has brought delight to tourists but headaches for farmers, with up to 15 centimetres falling in some areas. The Spring snow dump left thousands without power earlier today, and closed several roads across the lower South Island, Rachel Graham has more.

The Waitangi Tribunal has hit out at the the Government for blindly adhering to its coalition agreement by making it harder for Maori to get customary marine title. The Tribunal today released the first part of its report into proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area - or Takutai Moana Act announced in July. The scathing document is the result of an urgent inquiry by the Tribunal in August, Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira filed this story.

Well it's no more 'Mr Nice Guy' for David Nyika. The kiwi cruiserweight boxer, nicknamed 'The Nice Guy,' shed his moniker after facing off with his Saturday night opponent for the first time today, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Christchurch is the latest city to get dedicated rage cage smash rooms, in an industrial area in Addington. For a fee you can wack the hell out of old appliances and smash up some glasses most of which are donated and once you have smashed them to bits, the staff step in and salvage the bits that can be recycled, Rage Cage co-owner Isaac Taylor spoke to Lisa Owen.

The strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades has destroyed homes, schools and killed nearly 200 people. Typhoon Yagi triggered flash flooding and landslides in the north, including in and around the capital Hanoi, UNICEF Vietnam chief of communications Raquel Fernandez spoke to Lisa Owen.

Visual journalist Nick Monro asked people in Auckland if they know any adults who've had to fly back to the nest.

They're known as the "boomerang" adults. The children who grow up, move out, only to return to live with their parents. It's been a bit of a trend around the world and it's caught on here. More and more New Zealanders are living with their parents - and for longer. The number of households with adult children has grown by more than 100,000 since 2004 - the fastest growth of any type of household. But while it can help young people get on their feet, it can drain the finances of the older generation, money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about a top media boss has resigned after a long run of damaging cultural issues at one of the biggest TV networks, social media users being warned to double-check their privacy settings to protect their personal data from being exploited by "big tech," and King Charles and Queen Camillia visiting Australia next month.

New Zealand's oldest wine auction is gearing up for its 32nd event this weekend. The Hawke's Bay Wine Auction has raised over four and a half million dollars for the Cranford Hospice - and as Alexa Cook reports - they're on a mission to raise even more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A massive document dump of Budget advice and correspondence lay bare the tussle that took place over potential cuts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You'll remember all ministries were asked to find back-office savings of either 6.5 or 7.5 percent. But MFAT, overseen by Winston Peters offered up less than one percent and Treasury wasn't impressed. The Foreign Minister was asked today how he got away with it, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The extra personnel will be welcomed particularly by Tasman and Wellington, who meet in a Ranfurly Shield clash on, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wayne Brown's idea is a causeway or series of bridges, from Meola Reef in the central city suburb of Point Chevalier and to Kauri Point in the Northsotre suburb of Birkenhead. Labour's plan for a second harbour crossing that included rail and road tunnels was estimated to cost more than 55 billion dollars. The Government's focus is on an additional crossing for vehicles. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

Dr Shane Reti has unveilled his prescription for achieving five significant health targets all within the existing budget, leaving some experts skeptical about whether it's actually possible. The five targets are: faster cancer treatment, improved immunisation coverage, shorter stays in emergency departments, shorter waits for specialist appointments and elective treatment, Cancer Society head of cancer services - Craig Watson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Dr Shane Reti has unveilled his prescription for achieving five significant health targets all within the existing budget, leaving some experts skeptical about whether it's actually possible. The five targets are: faster cancer treatment, improved immunisation coverage, shorter stays in emergency departments, shorter waits for specialist appointments and elective treatment. The Health Minister said he's been assured we're on track to meet them without dipping further into the public purse, Ruth Hill reports.

The Health Minister is looking to boost the number of vaccinators to help turn around tanking childhood immunisation rates.Right now, just about 78 percent of all children are fully immunised at 2 years old, the numbers have basically been dropping since 2016 .The government's 2030 target is 95% fully vacinated at 24 months. Today Dr Shane Reti unveiled his plan to get there, it includes expanding the vaccinator workforce, potentially through Plunket, midwives and pharmacies. Investing in GP practices to recall whanau for boosters and running health promotions and effective social media campaigns, Dr Nikki Turner, Medical Advisor to the Immunisation Advisory Centre spoke to Lisa Owen.

The announcement of about 70 potential job losses at Methanex's plant in Taranaki is sending shockwaves through the community with Port Taranaki already talking with its staff about reconfiguring the business. Methanex, which uses gas to produce methanol for export, said policy settings have not been conducive to securing sustainable gas supply for its business since 2018, Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

From Police officers to IT workers, people are picking up second jobs to make ends meet. As part of Checkpoint's series Crunching the Numbers, we're drilling into the detail of people's finances and this week - we've spoken to people with full-time jobs who are burning out because they're having to find side hustles to stay financially afloat, Bella Craig reports.

The Black Ferns could be part of women's sporting history this weekend.The reigning world champions will take on key rivals England at Twickenham this weekend in front of what could be a record-breaking crowd for women's rugby.The historic showdown comes a year out from the next Rugby World Cup, sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

79 year old John Entwisle, who is a retired professional alpine guide has spent months weeding the bluffs in Redcliffs Barnett Park to help regenerating bush, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Unites States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about hurricane season bringing gnarly weather to the Louisiana Coast and how the region assumes the brace position when weather like this hits.

The Australian Prime Minister is vowing to get kids off their devices and on to the footy field by introducing a miniumum social media age of 16. Aoteroa's Prime Minister has said he's up for looking at the issue. However, Netsafe CEO Brent Carey believes a ban would just push any problems underground, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

South Africa correspondent Elna Schutz spoke to Anna Thomas about tragedy striking a number of schools, Namibia set to build its largest solar power plant and the how African nations did in the Paralympics.

A man who survived and witnessed sexual and physical abuse at Catholic-run schools said the way the church investigates complaints of wrongdoing needs to change. Brendon Bowkett has reported the abuse to the church's complaints body, but it only looks at sexual abuse and says physical abuse complaints are dealt with by the religious order involved. This, an advocate of abuse survivors said, is a denial of natural justice, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Six months after announcing a return the NRLW competition the Warriors have revealed their first signing for next season. Foundation player Apii Nicholls has been recruited back to Auckland to play for her hometown side in the expanded competition, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Anna Thomas.

The government is coming under fire for not stepping into to help save 230 mill workers from losing their jobs. Winstone Pulp International near Ohakune has confirmed it will close indefinitely next month - which will devastate local communities who rely on the mill as the largest employer in the area. There was hope the government might intervene after ministers and mill management met several times to discuss unsustainable wholesale power pricing. But as Alexa Cook reports, that only gave people false hope.

United States correspondent Mitch McCann who is in New York city, spoke to Anna Thomas about people's reactions to the debate, Trump saying immigrants in Springfield were abducting and eating people's pets, just some of the misleading claims tonight and defended by JD Vance on CNN afterwards and Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris.

A review into the devastating June floods in Wairoa details a litany of shortcomings in the management of the local river mouth by the Hawkes Bay Regional council. More than 400 properties were damaged or destroyed when the town flooded on June 26. At the time, locals criticised the council for not digging a channel to let the rising Wairoa river release into the sea sooner - known as 'opening the bar'.The review said it's "surprising" that didn't happen, but it may not have mitigated the problem. But also found the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, that is legally responsible for the river, had no operational plan for managing the bar, despite its known flood risk. Chair of the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Hinewai Ormsby spoke to Lisa Owen.

Officials have warned the Treaty Principles Bill could cause social division - and that it relies on an unusual reading of the document which is not based on evidence. Despite that, the Coalition laid out its plans today to send the legislation to a first reading and then select committee, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch reports.

An Ohakune family is pondering its future following yesterday's news Ruapehu's biggest employer Winstone Pulp will close two of its central North Island mills. Charles has worked at the mill for 25 years as an electrician and his son Leonardo for the past two years as an operator, he's hoping the closure won't mean his son ends up flipping burgers. Winstone Pulp had paid staff in full during the consultation period and will pay in full any outstanding leave and redundancy for its 230 workers at the Tangiwai Sawmill and Karioi pulpmill. Charles spoke to Lisa Owen and said he thought he had a job for life and he wished he'd seen it coming.

An independent review into Wairoa's June flood found the Hawke's Bay Regional Council doesn't have a proper management plan in place. It's made several recommendations including actions to better monitor the river bar and strengthen ties with the Wairoa community, Ashleigh McCaull reports.

An Auckland woman is angry she was not told the house Kainga Ora moved her into after last year's storm had been the scene of a shooting. The state housing agency said they didn't disclose that information because they believed there was no ongoing safety risk, Amy Williams has the story.

A curtailed 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would carry "a reputation risk as well as financial risk" - that's the advice from the Scottish government as the debate continues about where the next Games will be held. A replacement host for the Games was needed after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew because of rising costs. Time is running out and Scotland's government said it's still weeks away from a hosting decision and is questioning if it can deliver the event on time, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Anna Thomas.

Next week the local council will consider whether to fund the return of the Tokoroa santa parade. After a 35 year run, the Lions Club pulled the pin on the parade in 2023 due to rising costs. Last month, the PM warned councils not to be distracted by nice to haves and to rein in their fantasies. Is there any bigger fantasy than a jolly guy in a red suit that delivers free presents, with the help of his reindeer squad? South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley spoke to Anna Thomas.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Anna Thomas about Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris and a break down of today's presidential debate.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about a proposal to ban on teenagers from using social media gaining pace and a ban on online ads to gambling.

Thousands of Woolworths supermarket workers walked off the job for two hours today, protesting over pay and conditions amid rising levels of abuse. The strike action affected almost 200 shops between midday and 2pm as some workers labelled their employer Wool-worst, Jessica Hopkins reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The White Ferns will be relying heavily on the experience of two veteran players, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, at next month's T20 World Cup in the UAE. Devine and Bates have both been selected for their ninth T20 world events and between them have more than 300 appearances for New Zealand in the shortest format of the game. Only one player in the 15-strong squad named today hasn't played at a T20 World Cup before, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Waiheke residents with health issues said they're living in fear of what could happen without after-hours care. 9000 residents live on the island and currently have to call an ambulance in an emergency after Waiheke's only after hours clinic closed unexpectedly a fortnight ago. Health New Zealand officials are due to visit the island tomorrow to talk to providers about the clinic's future. But as reporter Lucy Xia reports, some said they could be facing a life or death situation.

An Auckland school principal who's having to find up to twenty relief teachers a day says the shortage is putting too much pressure on staff and students and its only going to get worse, unless there's a nationwide solution found.Orewa College on the Hibiscus coast, emailed parents last week warning them that some students may have to rostered home to study if it couldn't find enough to releiver to plug staff shortages. It's managed to narrowly avoid that but is still facing the daily challenge of finding relievers. It's the same for other schools too and in June the relief teachers association told Checkpoint demand was outstripping supply. Orewa College Prinicpal, Wiri Warriner told Lisa Owen the shortage means the rest of the his staff are under pressure to do even more

More than two hundred central North Island mill workers have been told they are officially out of work. In what's been described as a devastating blow to the Ruapehu District, Winston Pulp confirmed that it is closing both its mills for good. Weeks ago it signalled the price of electricty was making its operations unsustainable, local leaders, the community and Ministers rallied behind the scenes, trying to cut a deal to keep the mills open. Local woman Liz Booker was one of those who rallied, and who launched the Rescue Ruaphu petition spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hundreds of people are set to lose their jobs after one of the Central North Island's biggest employers announced today it will close down two of its mills, for good. For the past few weeks, Winstone Pulp International had been meeting with energy company Mercury and government ministers to try and find a way to stay open. But made the call this afternoon - it had to close due to unsustainable energy prices. Winstone Pulp electrician and union delegate Daniel Abernathy spoke to Lisa Owen.

The defence for a man accused of multiple rape and sexual violation charges, says the jury needs to purely look at the facts of the case, and not whether they like the accused man, or approve of his manners. In the High Court in Christchurch, John Hope Muchirahondo is facing 21 charges of sexual violation by rape, and 9 of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one of not providing access to a cell phone, reporter Rachel Graham has been in court.

"Preventable and predictable," are the words of a Rotorua Doctor who said the pressures on the hospital's emergency department were relayed to management - but nothing was done. Now staffing shortages at the hospital have been brought into sharp focus after a woman who had been waiting in the ED for three hours, collapsed and died last month. Rotorua residents said long wait times are common at the ED - but it is becoming a growing concern, as Natalie Akoorie reports.

Jamie Wall has arrived back from South Africa and spoke to Lisa Owen what's next for the All Blacks, after two defeats on the trot to the Springboks.

The goal of getting Aucklanders to halve their car use by 2030 is delusional and needs a complete rethink according to one councillor. The Council's Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway lays out a series of targets for reducing Auckland's transport emissions by almost 65% within the next 6 years. Here are a few of the goals; car trips make up 94% of distance travelled around the city - the aim is to cut that to 47%, pump cycle trips up from 1% to 5% and increase bus trips from 3 % to 12%, Auckland Councillor Daniel Newman spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich speaks to Lisa Owen about the second presidential debate and first meeting between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris set to kick off tomorrow.

Winstone Pulp has confirmed its two mills in the central north island are shutting for good. That means more than two hundred job loses and real fears communities will become ghost towns as people are forced to move away for work. The Ruapehu district mayor has described the closures as a devastating blow to the workers and community. Westin Kirton said talks are already underway with Work and Income and iwi partners to help support affected workers, reporter Alexa Cook spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about a damning report finally coming out over the deadly 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in west London, the Paralympics coming to a grand finale in Paris and the Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien being back in the spotlight.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The IRD has backtracked on a controversial safety techique that is used to anonymise people's personal details. The organisation had been relying on a technique called "hashing" when it handed over taxpayers' information like names and phone numbers to social media platforms for marketing campaigns. Initially, the IRD said "hashing" was reliable. But legal and computer experts say it isn't - and now the IRD is taking another look, Phil Pennington reports.

Italian world number one Jannik Sinner has won his second tennis grand slam of the year, beating local favourite Taylor Fritz in straight sets to claim the US Open. That Sinner was even competing in New York raised a few questions from current players after it was discovered he had tested positive twice for anabolic steroids in March but was cleared to play, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

In the last four weeks there's been up to twice as many killings as an average month. Police say there's no need for alarm yet but they'll be closely watching whether the the increase in continues. Over the weekend two teenagers were arrested in connection to a fatal shooting in Grey Lynn. One's been charged with murder, the other as an accessory after the fact. But as Assistant police commisioner Sam Hoyle explained to Lisa Owen there's almost a dozen open cases.

Skycity casino will shut down for five days, for failing help a problem gambler who lost more than a million dollars on the pokies. The gambler spent up to 9 hours playing continuously. On 23 ocassions between 2017 and 2021 they played for five hours or more without a break and no casino staff intervened. The five day gambling shut down is punishment for failing to meet its harm minimisation and host responsibility obligations, SkyCity chief executive Jason Walbridge spoke to Lisa Owen.

Porirua College has cancelled its NCEA literacy tests because students arent ready for them and there's already too much pressure on them and staff according to the principal. Students need to pass the tests to achieve NCEA qualifications, with the two week assessment period for the numeracy and literacy asessments starting today. Porirua College had decided it students will only sit the numeracy test this time round, because of an already heavy assessment schedule, Porirua College Principal Ragne Maxwell spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Christchurch man accused of multiple sexual assaults has been described in the Crown's closing address as treating women with contempt, and assuming he could use their bodies as he liked. John Hope Muchirahondo is facing trial at the High Court in Christchurch on 21 charges of sexual violation by rape, 9 of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one of not providing access to a cell phone, Rachel Graham reports. 

It was once labelled one of the worst public transport services in the country, but Auckland's Gulf Harbour ferry service is back to a full schedule of sailings from today, after years of frequent cancellations and reduced timetables. Ferry crew shortages meant many commuters were stuck with hours long replacement buses or even taxis, taking them the 50 kilometres by road from Auckland's CBD to the Whangaparaoa peninsula. Then last year Auckland Transport proposed canning the service altogether, prompting backlash from the community and a petition to keep it running. Now it looks like the service's problematic past is behind it, but as Luka Forman reports, it'll take time and effort to win back the trust of locals.

The Treaty Principles Bill is back in the spotlight - if it ever left - with Cabinet ministers today discussing, debating and deliberating the legislation. It comes as a group of more than 400 church leaders have come out against the proposed law, which is championed by ACT's David Seymour, deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Paris Paralympics ended in a heartbreaking note for a Spanish marathon runner who was disqualified for an incident just metres from the finish line. Elena Congost had the bronze medal taken off her after she came to the aid of her guide - an action which broke the rules, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle east correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen about three Israeli men who were killed in a shooting between Jordan and the West Bank, an Israeli airstrike in the north of the Gaza strip killing a senior aid official and members of his family.

It's been revealed nearly 70 Te Whatu Ora staff have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November and 38 within the Ministry for the Environment. It's prompted a complaint to the Public Service Commission from Labour. Its health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said the NDAs stifle internal debate and legitimate scrutiny. Health NZ chief executive Margie Apa said agreements were for staff involved in addressing recent financial pressures and dealing with Budget-sensitive information. Employment law expert Barbara Buckett spoke to Lisa Owen.

As we hit the spring breeding boom the SPCA's expecting room at the inn to fill up fast, so the hunt is on for fur foster parents. In the past financial year, more than ten thousand SPCA animals spent time in foster care. Puppies and Kitten are by far the most popular but pigs, horses, goats and sheep have also had fosters while waiting for their forever home. So would you make a good fur foster and what does it take? SPCA support services manager Laura Millar spoke to Lisa Owen, with puppy Lisa.

Asia correspondent Laura Westbrook spoke to Lisa Owen about a super typhoon heading towards China's southern coast and the island of Hainan, after lashing Hong Kong with heavy rain and strong winds, Pope Francis wrapping up a visit to Indonesia and the seemingly never-ending rubbish balloon saga between North and South Korea.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe speaks to Lisa Owen about the governance reform saga at New Zealand Rugby is finally over and the search for a new board is about to begin, the All Whites set to play Mexico and the United States and the US tennis open women's final

About 300 people, chanting "nothing about us, without us", have marched through central New Plymouth protesting changes to disability services.The government is restructuring Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People. It's losing responsibility for delivering support services, which will move to the Ministry of Social Development, Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was at the protest.

The Commerce Commission announced wants standardised coverage maps for all providers within 12 months and set definitions of excellent good or bad coverage, so customers can actually compare whats on offer. Plus hang up clauses; so if consumers find their calling experience in real world is materially different to the coverage promised they can exit their contract at no charge. Craig Young from Tech User Group TUANZ spoke to Lisa Owen

A 70 year old Waiheke Island resident with a ruptured ear-drum, is frustrated that despite 5 visits to her local GP she was unable to actually see a doctor in person. Like many other parts of the country, Waiheke Island is facing a shortage of doctors. Access to healthcare for residents has been further affected by the abrupt closure of the island's only afterhours clinic last Friday, reporter Lucy Xia reports

Another homicide investigation is underway in Auckland, after a neighbourhood dispute turned deadly last night. Police say a man was found critically injured at a Grey Lynn address after reports of gunshots but could not be revived, three others are in hospital with gunshot wounds and need surgery. The lead detective is calling for calm and said although it's the fourth homicide in Auckland in 10 days - none appear to be linked, Amy Williams reports.

A unique programme is offering former inmates a way back into society by offering them careers in horticulture. Over 60 prisoners have now been through the scheme, run by horticultural labour supply company Thornhill. Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook went to meet those moving from prison to the orchard and rebuilding their lives in the process.

The Commerce Commission has given telcommunications companies 12 months to come up with standardised coverage maps for all providers, so customers can actually compare the signal reach each one is offering. It also wants universal definitions of coverage quality, like excellent, good to non existent. As well as hang up clauses; so if consumers find their calling experience in real world is not what's promised they cancel their contract at no charge. When we mentioned this on Checkpoint last night those of you who could get a signal, flooded us with texts about your dodgy connections, so we arranged for some of you to get in a good coverage zone, so we could talk.

Tourism operators are hoping young people decide that New Zealand is the place to be this summer, as they look to recover from one of their worst winters on record. One hostel industry advocate said occupancy levels collapsed around the motu in May and it's been a hard slog since then. But operators say green shoots are appearing for the summer ahead, Tourism reporter Tess Brunton reports.

Visual journalist Nick Monro hit the streets to find out how much people reckon they would need saved up to comfortably retire.

The first test saw the All Blacks face a narrow defeat to the South African side in Johannesburg's rowdy Ellis Park Stadium and the next game will be played in Cape Town. There are also rumors of a full tour to South Africa in two years' time, sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

Do you really need a million dollars to retire? For many it's an utterly unattainable figure, with the weekly income just going to pay for the basics. That makes doing the retirement maths, in some cases, a recipe for a complete brain explosion, money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen about the protest movement within Israel over the government's handling of ceasefire negotiations continuing throughout the week, Israel's offensive in the occupied West Bank escalating throughout the week and efforts to prevent a full scale Polio outbreak within the Gaza strip starting earlier this week, with the United Nations working to roll out tens of thousands of vaccines.

A spat over the Gordon Spratt Skate park, has gone viral, raising questions about who has the right of way when it comes to scooting. The video posted on social media that captures a stoush between two women and a pro scooter at the Papamoa beach park has been viewed more than 8 million views. The pro-scooter wants to take a run at the park, but the woman, the young children and their gear are dotted around the concrete park apparently blocking his way, Bradley Goudie spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about pressure growing on the Reserve Bank to bring forward interest rate cuts amid signs the economy is slowing faster than anticipated and preparations under way to import gas.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The All Blacks have sprung several selection surprises for Sunday's test against the Springboks in Cape Town. Coming off a four-point loss to South Africa last weekend coach Scott Robertson has benched a couple of experienced players and thrown a rookie into the starting side, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Should teens sit high-stakes NCEA literacy and numeracy tests before they are ready? It's a question confronting schools up and down the country as they prepare for the second round of reading, writing and maths corequisite tests next week. Students have to pass the tests before they leave school or complete certain NCEA standards in order to receive any NCEA qualifications, education correspondent John Gerritsen explains.

At least four people are dead and nine others have been injured after a student opened fire inside a US High School just days into the new school year. 14 year old Colt Gray was interviewed by police last year over online threats about a possible school shooting. The Alapachee High School student gave himself up shortly after police arrived at the scene. CNN's Ivan Rodriguez is in the city of Winder about an hour from Atlanta, he spoke to Lisa Owen.

Gulf harbour locals say they've been threatened with a weapon by a freedom camper living at the abandoned Gulf Harbour country club - the men camping there say they are the ones being harassed. The property on the Hibiscus coast was formerly a prestigious golf course and icon of the area, but has been abandoned and plagued with issues including arson, and a hefty demolition bill owed to Auckland council, Luka Forman reports.

Just hours after being named the new Maori Queen - Nga wai hono i te po - is due to give her first speech this evening as the head of the Kingitanga. Her raising up ceremony this morning started off a day that promised to be significant and poignant, with thousands of mourners lining the banks of the Waikato river to pay their final respects to her father Kiingi Tuuheitia, Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Lisa Owen.

A South Auckland school is hoping a brazen thief who's pinched their wrestling teams brand new uniforms will be wrestling with their guilty conscience and will return the stolen property. The De La Salle College teenagers are due to wear their new strip and wrestling boots to the National champs tomorrow, but the gear was in a box in the team manager's car, which was stolen from New Lynn on Monday morning. The school had raised thousands of dollars so the wrestling team could have their very own uniforms. De la Salle Wrestling Coach Natahlya Va'ai spoke to Lisa Owen.

Boxer David Nyika's upcoming bout is back on thanks to an experienced American who has accepted a last minute call-up. Nyika's orginial Australian opponent for next week's fight failed a drugs test leaving the New Zealander to find someone else to face in a cruiserweight fight in Auckland, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Hermes Birkin bag designed and named for British actress and singer Jane Birkin, can go for hundreds of thousands of dollars and way above their purchase prices on resale platforms. That's partly because buying them direct from the exclusive fashion house, can be fraught, with Hermes tightly controlling supply. Now Webbs is preparing to auction New Zealand's largest ever Hermes collection, including 7 Birkins. It's head of luxury acessories Christine Power spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich speaks to Lisa Owen about the latest in US law and politics and a house in California is on the market for an absolute bargain, but there's a catch.

Kiingi Tuheetia has taken his final journey, carried up the steep incline of the Taupiri Maunga by members of the Taniwharau and Turangawaewae rugby league clubs alongside rope handlers from the Raungaiti Rugby club- and his body finally laid to rest. It comes after tens of thousands of mourners gathered gathered at the Turangawaewae marae and alongside the Waikato river on a stunning spring day to bid farewell. Earlier, Nga wai hono i te po was annointed the eighth Maori monarch - succeeding her father Tuheitia. She becomes the second woman to head the Kiingitanga - the first was her grandmother Te Atai-rangi-kaahu - and at 27 she is also the second youngest. Pokere Paewai reports from Tuurangawaewae Marae.

Africa correspondent Elna Schutz speaks to Lisa Owen about a new report suggesting the costs of climate change across African countries isn't just environmental, the level of competiveness across supermarkets in South Africa and the fastest teenager in the world.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Leaders of Pacific communities in New Zealand and abroad stood in solidarity today as they joined with former New Zealand prime ministers and leaders paying their respects to Kiingi Tuheitia. The Pacific Leaders Forum contingent representing over 11 countries stood on the Marae at Turangawaewae only a week ago celebrating 18 years as the Maori King's reign, Grace Fiavaai was there.

Sports reporter Bridget Tunncliffe speaks to Lisa Owen about a record number of Australians will be playing in New Zealand's ANZ Netball premiership next year and the latest at the US Open.

The grocery commissioner Pierre van Heerden is waving a red flag about the state of competition across the country's big supermarkets. The Commission's first report since last year's reforms said competition hasn't improved, with the two major chains - Foodstuffs and Woolworths - still making big bucks at the expense of suppliers and consumers. Those consumers agree with the commissioner: it's not good enough, reporter Lauren Crimp got their reaction.

It's a vote of slim to little confidence in both the government's super sized visitor levy and who will benefit from the cash..according to the Mayor of one the country's tourist hot spots. From next month, the international visitors tax will go from $35 to $100 a head. Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers told Lisa Owen there's a lack transparency about where exactly the money is going and his district has had next to none.

An ongoing investigation into people with legitimate fire arms licences buying up guns and hocking them off to criminals has weeded out almost forty alleged "strawbuyers' so far. Among them two former gunstore employees. In a painstaking operation police have been trawling through three years of handwriten sales records for more than 360 thousand individual gun sales, across 390 stores. The boss of the National Organised Crime Goup, Detective Superintendent, Greg Williams said its a complex and ongoing investigation.

It's known for its stunning beaches and its role as the cradle of New Zealand history - but, as is indicated by an upcoming arts festival, Northland is also the perfect setting for crime stories, Peter de Graaf investigates.

The Coalition government has paid its respects to the Maori King at Tuurangawaewae Marae. Along with dignitaries, the Greens and the diplomatic corp, they made-up the final powhiri before Kiingi Tuuheitia's burial tomorrow. Ministers Shane Jones of NZ First and ACT's David Seymour both spoke on behalf of the coalition and Teanau Tuiono spoke on behalf of the Greens party, political reporter Lillian Hanly is there spoke to Lisa Owen.

England cricket officials announced overnight that Brendon McCullum, who has coached England's test side since 2022, will take full control of the men's international teams from January. But many have questioned how the former Black Caps skipper, who remains based in New Zealand, will be able to juggle the demands of both roles, sports reporter Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Christchurch couple in 2021 found $232,000 tucked away in the insulation in their celing and they now want to lay claim to the cash. The police on the otherhand reckon it's probably from somebody else's drug dealing, so it's the proceeds of crime, so they should get it. A high court judge has granted the police a restraining order over the cash, but the couple will get to argue their case to keep it before a forfeiture order is issued. So who gets to call dibs? Barrister Marie Dyhrberg KC spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Laura Westbrook spoke to Lisa Owen about delegations from dozens of African countries are gathering in Beijing for a three-day summit, set to see China showcase itself as a lead partner for the continent, as it faces rising frictions with the West. She also speaks on Pope Francis arriving in Jakarta and claw machines taking Hong Kong's retail industry by storm.

School's say they're flushing funds down the loo, with hefty council imposed toilet taxes and there's a huge disparity in what different schools are paying. They can't be charged general rates but councils can bill schools for specific services, like waste water and loos. Martinborough school principal Craig Nelson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about growing backlash against the advertising of online gambling and how it's damaging to all parts of society, with the majority of people polled wanting an outright ban.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

In a tale of perserverance New Zealand tennis player Michael Venus is through to the quarterfinals of the doubles at US Open - on his 11th attempt. Venus and his British partner, who are seeded eighth for the tournament in New York, beat an American wildcard pairing to move on to the final eight, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

If big budget roads are the winners in the government's transport plan, the South Island might be feeling a bit like a loser. The National Land Transport plan announced yesterday is worth nearly 33-billion dollars, and has a hard focus on more state highways, road maintenance, and greater public transport in big cities. But transport commentators and mainlanders say the South Island has missed out on its fair share, Lauren Crimp reports.

As thousands continue to flood Tuurangawaewae Marae and bid farewell to Kiingi Tuheitia at least 500 volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes from dusk till dawn. Te Tairawhiti, Rangtane and Whakatohea were among the iwi welcomed this morning, while Te Matatini, Hawaii University, Kohanga Reo and the Maori All Blacks joined the afternoon powhiri. Maori news editor Taiha Molyneux spoke to Lisa Owen.

Vandals are blame for an internet outage affecting thousands of Auckland customers. Areas hit include parts of Onehunga, Mangere bridge, Royal Oak , Penrose and One Tree Hill. It's been down since 5:30am yesterday morning in some neighbourhoods and it won't be fixed until at least tomorrow. Cindy Duck, Head of Field at Chorus spoke to Lisa Owen.

From October the visitor levy for people entering Aotearoa will go from $35 to $100 a person, bringing in an estimated 229 million dollars a year. Although more than forty percent of travellers arriving here are exempt from the tax; including Australians. The government said the money will help fund infrastructure and maintenance of the conservation estate. But some in the tourism sector said it could cost the country more than it brings in. Cath O'Brien from the Airline Board of Representatives spoke to Lisa Owen.

The situation facing the local rural sector worsened when the all important rainfall failed to arrive during Autumn, and then again in Winter. It also comes amid high interest rates and soaring on-farm costs. While the rural community in the Hurunui district have welcomed funding relief from the government, locals are still turning to one another for support. In the second and final part of our series, reporter Adam Burns spoke to locals in the Hurunui.

Green thumbed thieves have done ten thousands of dollars of damage at Auckland botanic gardens in the last financial year.The beautiful gardens sprawl across 64 hectares in Manurewa, and include a native forest and thousands of plants. But over the past two years, there's been an increase in costly plant theft and vandalism. Barbara Wheeler the Botanic Gardens Curator, spoke to Lisa Owen.

A woman who received $5000 in a mistaken transfer to her bank account said it was more difficult to return the money than she expected. Three banks RNZ contacted said it's rare for people to approach them wanting to return a mistaken payment - but they have a clear process for doing this and charge a fee to the person who made the error, Amy Williams has the story.

RNZ sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the aftermath of the All Black's first test against the Springboks over the weekend, where the response to the Haka at Ellis Park has been under scrutiny.

You may remember the days of $10 to $15 an hour babysitting jobs, with all you can eat snacks thrown in as a bonus. Well things have changed dramatically, in February the app, Pay the Nanny, estimated the nationwide hourly rate is $29.40 and in Auckland it's just over $30. The maximum hourly rate was 50 dollars. Caresies, another app linking babysitters and families, estimates an average hourly rate of $30 to $35. Tanya Pease from the agency Auckland Babysitting explains why prices are on the up.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich speaks to Lisa owen about Joe Biden joining Kamala Harris on the campaign trail for the first time in her candidacy and the jawdropping number of hot dogs downed in ten minutes, breaking a world record.

From next month the international visitors levy will more than triple; from 35 dollars to a hundred dollars. International visitors spent over $11 billion in the year ending March 2024, but being popular comes with a cost, increased pressure on regional infrastructure and maintenance costs across the conservation estate and the government says the increased levy will help cover the bills. But some in the tourism sector said the changes will make New Zealand more expensive and less attractive as a destination and that's going to hurt the industry which hasn't yet bounced back from the pandemic, Tourism Minister, Matt Doocey spoke to Lisa Owen.

Crowds of curious onlookers have been casting their eyes over the grounded barge Manahau at Carters Beach, near Westport.The barge, owned by West Coast Bulk Logistics, ran aground about midnight on Saturday, after dragging its anchors during a storm. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission's opened an inquiry into the grounding, as planning for a re-float begins. Samantha Gee is in Westport.

United Kingdom correspondent Diane To spoke to Susana Lei'ataua about extra long lines at Heathrow Airport in London since this weekend due to a worker strike, people having the right to work four-day weeks in the UK soon and 90s British pop rock band Oasis hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A mishap with the boat hasn't slowed Team New Zealand down as they continue to prepare to defend the America's Cup in Barcelona.The New Zealanders have sent a message to their challengers during the opening round robin - finishing the racing undefeated, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

The King's Council will meet with iwi leaders in private tomorrow to discuss who will succeed Kiingi Tuheitia after the Maori monarch's death last week. At least 13 iwi groups and over 8 thousand people arrived at Tuurangawaewae on a misty Waikato morning today to pay tribute. As Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira reports, it has been a day of binding and reaffirming the ties of whakapapa that connect iwi across the motu to the Kiingitanga.

A survey by real estate company JLL shows Kiwis will need another 8,400 retirement village units by 2033, if we're going to keep up with demand. It comes at a time when retirement villages in New Zealand are raising their prices, with Ryman today announcing it will pause new developments, head of Aged Concern Tracey Martin spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

The Retirement Commission estimates the number of over 65s who are renting could double by 2048, to more than 600 thousand. In the next installment of our Crunching the Numbers series, we hear from some of those over 65 how instead of being able to settle into a comfortable retirement, are forced to navigate sky high rent and few accomodation options, Louise Ternouth reports.

Dozens of unwell or injured people desperate to see a doctor are queueing for hours outside a south Auckland clinic before dawn. Local Doctors Otara said they've tried everything to keep their waiting times short, but the aging workforce, difficulty recruiting and a lack of funding has meant waiting times have got out of control. So, many patients have taken to queing up as early as 6am to try and see a doctor quicker. Checkpoint reporter Luka Forman visited the clinic to talk to some patients about the long waits.

Concerns over a foreign crew's ability to navigate New Zealand coastal conditions had already been raised - before the barge they were operating ran aground on the West Coast. The Manahau grounded near Westport on Sunday with 11 people onboard. No one was was injured and the barge is intact - but refloating the 100 metre-long vessel without harming people or the environment will take careful planning and some time. The Maritime Union said the grounding raises major questions, National Secretary Carl Findlay spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

A prolonged spell of dry weather has made circumstances extremely tough for farmers in the Hurunui district. But the drought is only one problem the region is facing. Reporter Adam Burns travelled to the Hurunui district to see how serious the situation is becoming.

New Zealand racing driver Scott McLaughlin has cemented his credentials in Indy Car after winning on an oval track again. McLaughlin held off fellow Kiwi and six-time series champion Scott Dixon to take the victory in Milwaukee. The latest win also keeps McLaughlin in with a mathematical chance of winning the overall series for the first time, sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

Delegates at a summit organised by teacher union the Educational Institute in Wellington today told RNZ the teaching workforce is aging and too few people are training to replace them. They say the job has become tougher, less respected and more poorly paid, education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Susana Lei'ataua about grief and fury on the streets of Israel with tens of thousands of people protesting, mass vaccination campaign against polio being carried out in Gaza after the first case of the virus in 25 years was detected recently and escalating raids in the West Bank.

Visual journalist Marika Khabazi asks people in Auckland's Mission Bay if they they think introducing a national nit index is a good idea.

Cases of the scalp-suckers appear to be rising- with subsidised prescriptions for treatments up 27% - but there's no real way to know how many cases there are or where they might be. Health Researchers say a 'nit index or tracking tool could show clusters and hotspots helping parents and schools to take preventative action. Founder of ISpyNits Kate Ricketts who's been working with researchers at Auckland University spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

16 year old Max Lee is a remarkable young Samurai - dedicated to his development in an ancient fighting style called Kendo. He became the youngest person ever to represent New Zealand at the Japanese fencing version of the Olympics, the World Kendo Championships - in Italy last month. Pretoria Gordon went to his club in Wellington on Tuesday night and filed this report.

Asia correspondent Laura Westbrook spoke to Susana Lei'ataua about millions of people ordered to evacuate their homes as a Typhoon lashed southwest Japan with strong winds and torrential rain, international reaction to the first conviction of sedition of any journalist in Hong Kong since the territory's handover from Britain to China in 1997 and a new docuseries giving viewers an intimate look at the lives and struggles of K-pop stars.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Devine will continue to play in both formats for the foreseeable future, resigning the captaincy after the upcoming T20 World Cup, sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

The financial shake up at Whaikaha has also left families of those with disabilites desperately seeking residential care, feeling hopeless. Spending on residential care has been frozen while a rapid review of pricing is conducted. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston insists the freeze is on funding, not placements - and those needing residential care should still be able to get it. But a leaked document from Whaikaha to its service providers told them there would be no net increase in residential places while the freeze was in place.Fiona McKenzie, whose daughter Claudia has been on a residential care waiting list for five years already, told Susana Lei'ataua her family and others have been left upset and facing an uncertain future.

The parents of a man with severe disabilities said they've lost the ability to plan for his future thanks to changes in the way his care is funded. Their advocate said the situation is cruel and inhumane, but the Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, says it's just an interim arrangement. Ryan Cook's family have for the past few years received an annual budget for his care. But in June, it wasn't renewed and instead they're now receiving funding for six weeks at a time. The family employ four staff to care for Ryan, so the change means they no longer have any long-term certainty that his care can continue, Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to fly back to New Zealand to mourn the death of the Maori king - as leaders from here and around the world pay tribute. King Charles sent a message of condolence saying he was "profoundly saddened" to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. Kiingi Tuheitia passed away surrounded by whanau following heart surgery, he was 69, Maori news reporter, Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira has the story.

When you do your supermarket shopping, you've probably noticed discounts that are only available to loyalty card members. Whether it's Everyday Rewards member pricing at Woolworths or Clubcard pricing at New World, both sides of the duopoly are doing it. But are we getting a good deal? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

Over 30 senior doctors have written to MPs and Te Whatu Ora calling for urgent action over staff vacancies in Gisborne with claims some patients are going blind waiting to see the hospital's only part-time eye doctor. The region now has the highest senior doctor vacancy rate in New Zealand, which doctors say is the result of years of under-investment, and now exacerbated by recent hiring restrictions and budget cuts, reporter Lucy Xia explains.

The defence has begun laying out its case in the trial of retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne. Polkinghorne has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021, and staging her death as a suicide. Polkinghorne's lawyers introduced their first witnesses today after the Crown spent the past five weeks presenting evidence to the court, Jessica Hopkins reports. 

RNZ Sport's Jamie Wall speaks to Susana Lei'ataua from Johannesburg about the All Black and Springbok teams named for this weekend's test match at Ellis Park.

A Dunedin cobbler is counting down the days to when he puts down his tools one last time. Greg Fox has been repairing shoes, bags, belts and even motorcycle leathers at Country Cobbler in Dunedin's Mornington for the past 25 years. Greg's been looking for a buyer for his business and also hoping the owners of the mountain of unclaimed shoes make it back to collect him in time before his door closes, Greg Fox speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. 

Canada correspondent Ashleigh Stewart speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about after years of record growth, Canada is contemplating lowering immigration targets, Canada becoming the latest country to slap huge tariffs on China-made EVs and Canada following New Zealand in introducing a cellphone ban in schools.

Kingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Awhitu is lying in state at Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia. Powhiri has welcomed representatives of Tainui-Waka federation and representatives from across Waikato are making their way to the marae, RNZ Maori News Editor Taiha Molyneux speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

However, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson is confident that the damage control is working after a turbulant time under Ms Hudson's controversial predecessor Alan Joyce. Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Anna Thomas.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Sam Cane is back in the All Black number seven jersey to take on the Springboks this weekend in Johannesburg. It's one of only minimal changes to the squad that defeated Argentina 42-10 at Eden Park earlier this month, as the All Blacks attempt to wrest back the initiative in The Rugby Championship, sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Anna Thomas.

Darleen Tana's last-ditch legal bid has won her an extra fortnight's breathing time - after her former party agreed to delay the decision over her fate.

Air New Zealand's profit has taken a massive dive today, the national airline has posted an underlying profit of $222 million dollars to the year ending June, that's a drop of more than half. While the result was expected, the company doesn't expect the profits to be flying high anytime soon, Chief Executive Greg Foran spoke to Anna Thomas.

A massive police bust has seen every member of the Comancheros gang chapter in Christchurch arrested. Other gang members and associates in Auckland are also facing charges and millions of dollars worth of drugs have been seized, as well as guns, cash, jewellery and a house. Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson told Anna Thomas the arrests will make a big dent in the country's drug market.

Some South and West Auckland liquor stores fear they could lose up to 40% of their business with new rules preventing the sale of alcohol after 9pm. The new rules will come into effect from December 9th after Auckland Council has unanimously voted for off-licenses to stop selling booze at that time. There will also be a 2 year freeze on new bottle shops opening in some town centres from September. But while businesses are worried, community advocates said the new rules will reduce alcohol-related harm, Louise Ternouth reports.

One city watching how Auckland's plan progresses is Christchurch. It's Mayor has added his voice to the call for the city to investigate 9 PM closing for off-licence liquor outlets and he's been joined by an unlikely ally, Timothy Brown has more.

The Paralympics have officially begun with an opening ceremony in Paris this morning and New Zealand's first athletes will be in action in cycling and badminton tonight. Getting to any pinnacle event isn't always a straight forward process and for some of New Zealand's 25 representatives in France their journey to the Paralympics has been a bumpy one, sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Anna Thomas.

Thousands of shoppers swarmed the aisles of a massive new Asian supermarket for its opening day in North-west Auckland today. The Foodie Asian store in Westgate, is 3800 square metres in size, which the store's manager says makes it the biggest Asian supermarket in New Zealand.

Wine sales are down but it's not our taste for the tipple that is souring. The tough economic conditions that are affecting a lot of businesses - are also having an impact on how we buy our booze. Winegrowers said sales have dropped by about 20%. Matt Barbour runs Fern Bank Wines and is also the North Canterbury Winegrowers chairperson, he spoke to Anna Thomas.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Anna Thomas about reports surfacing of an altercation at a significant military cemetery involving members of Donald Trump's campaign team.

A debate is blooming in Christchurch on whether or not people should be allowed to pick flowers in public parks. It follows some pretty brazen thefts in the Garden City, of not just flowers but entire plants. The local council have even decided to no longer plant tulips in one display because they're disappearing almost overnight. With spring knocking at the door and councils across the motu preparing their flower beds, we thought we'd dig into the story further. Is it ethical to pick a flower, or even allowed? Director of Christchurch's Botanical Gardens Wolfgang Bopp spoke to Anna Thomas.

Africa correspondent Elna Schutz speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about the Mpox virus being on the rise in Africa, things not looking great for South Africa's local governments through an audit to see how well they are functioning and the power situation in South Africa.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

After yet another dubious refereeing decision went against the side on Friday night, Andrew Webster says he can no longer ignore the obvious pattern of bias, sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

The wife of a man killed in Monday's fatal crash on State Highway One south of Auckland said she was supposed to be travelling with him that day but her husband stopped her. Father of six Uili Fa'aofo was killed along with two of his nephews when a truck travelling south between Ramarama and Bombay blew a tyre, sending it across the motorway into the path of the van he was driving. Three others travelling in the van were injured in the crash which saw the motorway close for 21 hours. Grace Fia'avai spoke with widow Nu'ulua Fa'aofo about the accident and just a warning, some listeners may find the story distressing.

Leaked documents show West Coast Health has proposed closing weekend and after-hours GP clinics and using a telehealth service instead. Marked as confidential and for Te Whatu Ora staff only - the document states high workloads and recruitment issues in the region have put pressure on primary care practices and their staff and after hours services are no longer sustainable. The proposal also notes they're under severe financial pressure, Jean Edwards reports.

An Otago Principal said teachers are struggling with extreme behavioural issues and a lack of specialist support and the last thing they need is to be dealing with curriculum changes. Pembroke School Principal Brent Godfery has written an open letter to Education Minister Erica Stanford saying teachers are under too much pressure learning to teach two new curriculums in about four months. He said they're already struggling with kids who're traumatised, and dealing with family dysfunction at home, and the extra pressure could see them leaving the profession, Brent Godfery speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

The proposed closure of two large North Island mills is already hurting the local economy in Raetihi, with people moving away and local businesses feeling the pinch. The forest products company Winstone Pulp International is looking at closing its entire operation due to high wholesale power prices, which will result in 230 jobs lost, Alexa Cook reports.

Scientists at Waikato Regional Council have been working around the clock carrying out tests after arsenic was found in the Ohinemuri river. The river turned a bright orange colour after it was contaminated by sediment which was discharged from a historic mine shaft in the Karangahake Gorge last week. Today's test results revealed there was no mercury or cyanide found in the water. But arsenic is still present and Waikato Regional Council Compliance Manager Patrick Lynch told Susana Lei'taua, people should treat the orange water as contaminated and not touch it.

The independent MP Darleen Tana has taken legal action in a bid to prevent their former party, the Greens, from potentially ousting them from Parliament. Green Party delegates were due to meet this Sunday to decide whether to use the waka-jumping legislation, political reporter Giles Dexter speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

The America's Cup has been the target of protests, with critics blasting the event as "elitist and opaque" and claiming it is driving up prices for locals and putting Barcelona under more pressure. Organisers of the protests, The Platform Against the America's Cup, has promised further demonstrations when the Louis Vuitton challenger series gets under way later this week, sports correspondent Dana Johannsen speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

New Zealand's most senior citizens took to the streets today to rally against cuts to aged care staffing. The aged care residents made their presence felt outside the Takina Convention Centre as the association representing retirement villages gathered inside.The residents are worried about how they'll cope if there aren't enough staff to provide the level of care they say they'll need, Nick James reports.

Asia correspondent Laura Westbrook speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about US national security adviser Jake Sullivan being in Beijing looking to stabilise relations between the two countries, the US military being open to consultations about escorting Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea and South Korea scrambling to stop the sharp decline its birth rate, while in Hong Kong only a third of mothers are wanting to have a second child.

Thousands of New Zealanders have become concerned about getting quality healthcare as more and more people encounter barriers accessing treatment. The latest Health Futures survey from Southern Cross also shows around two-thirds of Kiwis believe the pandemic has had a long-term impact on their physical and mental health. Southern Cross Health Society's Chief Medical Officer Dr Stephen Child told Susana Lei'ataua the cost of living is also taking a toll on people's health.

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan speaks to Lisa Owen about how airlines that unreasonably cancel or delay flights are coming under greater scrutiny to provide a better deal for jilted travelers. The pressure comes after rising anger and frustration from travelers who are tired of being offered travel vouchers, rather than cash refunds.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Tensions are flaring in a small Clutha District community with allegations of stock shooting, poaching and poor pest management in nearby forestry blocks. Farmers near Lawrence and Tuapeka said they want things to change but there's been a communication breakdown with forestry companies. It prompted local police to call a public meeting this afternoon to air their concerns with forestry representatives and get the conversation started, Reporter Tess Brunton was at the meeting in Lawrence.

With such a deep pool of New Zealand talent residing across the ditch, the Kiwis are looking to reconnect Australian based players with their roots. Rugby League World Cup winners Stephen Kearney and Nathan Cayless, both based in Australia, are behind the strategy dubbed 'Taurahere,' sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's lights out for Beam e-scooters after Auckland council canceled its licence for allegedly contract breaches and refered the matter to police. A council investigation's found Beam has allegedly been deploying way more of its distinctive purple scooter than the 1400 its licence allows for and providing misleading data to conceal its actions. All Beam scooters will be deactivitated from midnight tonight and all scooters removed from Auckland streets by close of business on Friday, Auckland Council's manager of licensing and environmental health, Mervyn Chetty spoke to Lisa Owen.

Green MP and former Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter championed the previous government's Road to Zero strategy. The safety programme had a target of reducing annual deaths and serious injuries in road crashes by 40 percent by 2030, eventually reaching zero and included installing hundreds of kilometres of median barriers. But in February, the National government anounced it's axing the programme, Julie Anne Genter spoke to Lisa Owen.

An Auckland Councillor is questioning whether the median barrier at the site of a fatal car crash at Ramarama, near Auckland's southern border, is fit for purpose. Yesterday's crash on State Highway 1 claimed the lives of three seasonal workers, just days before they were due to fly home to Samoa. Three others were hospitalised, including a 21 year-old who remains in a critical condition in hospital, reporter Lucy Xia reports.

An expert's warning the wide spread under-grading of how difficult or dangerous mountain bike tracks are remains a potentially deadly problem and a single nationwide standard needs to be introduced urgently. Simon Noble from Envisage New Zealand audited Marlborough's Wither Hills mountain trails and found nearly all had been under-graded in terms of their degree of difficulty. Only two of the parks 37 tracks were actually consistent with the gradings, meaning they were actually harder than indicated. The report was presented to Marlborough District Council last week. Recreation consultant and trail auditor Simon Noble spoke to Lisa Owen.

The T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy, and normally a patient is told to take paracetamol or ibuprofen beforehand but that's only to manage potential pain afterwards. In the US, videos circulating on social media of women sharing their experiences going through IUD insertion has triggered new guidelines around advice and use of anaesthetic and there are calls here to do the same, Louise Ternouth reports.

Philip Polkinghorne's defence has suggested police are omitting information from their investigation at the High Court in Auckland today. The former eye surgeon is on trial for murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021, and staging her death as a suicide. Polkinghorne's defence argues Ms Hanna's depression and job stress, led her to end her life, Jessica Hopkins reports.

The All Blacks are getting ready face the Springboks this weekend in South Africa. RNZ's sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen from Johannesburg.

A Kiwi cyclist has battled lightening storms, freezing conditions and avoided being eaten by wolves, to win the world's toughtest mountain bike race. Christchurch's Joe Nation rode to victory in the gruelling two thousand kilometre silk road Mountain race, through Kyrgyzstan in just six days.To make things even tougher it's an unsupported race, meaning no crew to restock you along the way and no soliciting help from locals; any assistance has to be freely given and unplanned, Joe Nation spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a disagreement over microphones having the potential to jeopardise the next presidential debate, a former US Armed Forces Chief publicly endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time and an appeal to overturn the dismissal of the Mar a Lago classified documents case against Donald Trump being made by a Special Counsel.

A gardening guerilla who's turned a concrete jungle of a median strip into a colourful flower patch is being shut down by Christchurch council for safety reasons. Heath Ling planted out the barren strip at an intersection in Woolston, with marigolds, lupins and poppies.He owns a nearby bookstore and has been working on the garden for four years. Now, Christchurch council has banned him from the median strip for his own safety and because he's a distraction to drivers, Heath Ling spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Diane To speaks to Lisa Owen about the United Nations body telling Britain it needs to crack down on racist hate speech - notably by public figures and politicians, the lastest move in fixing Britain's problem of severely overcrowded prisons and a new jailable offence in parts of the UK, to deter a bit of an unusual crime - pet abduction.

The High Court in Auckland has today been shown the internet history, photos, and messages from the phones of Pauline Hanna and Philip Polkinghorne's mistress Madison Ashton. Polkinghorne is on trial for Ms Hanna's murder, which his defence argues was suicide. A warning, this report by Felix Walton contains details that listeners may find distressing.

News from the business sector, including a market report.