We've been talking about Taylor Swift throughout the programme and the projected millions our economy may have missed out on by not hosting a tour here. She's on her way to Singapore tomorrow where the country is forking out some hefty cash. Correspondent Per Elinder Liljas reports.

A Taylor Swift concert would be worth almost a $100,000,000 to New Zealand. That's according to Dr Angel Zhong of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology who's been crunching the numbers. It's not only teenagers donning friendship bracelets, sparkly rhinestones and sequins to see Taylor Swift. There are also plenty of Swifties in their Fifties often with more money to burn than younger fans. Lisa Owen caught up with one of them after she got home from Taylor Swift's Melbourne show.

The government's pushing ahead with a law to ban gang patches and insignia in public places. Police will have the power to disperse gang members immediately and prevent them meeting up for seven days. Courts will also be able to issue non-consorting orders, stopping specified gang members associating or communicating with each other for up to three years. The government says gang numbers have increased 51 percent over the past five years ..with more than three thousand new recruits. Police minister Mark Mitchell speaks to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Black Ferns Sevens have finally clinched a gold medal in this season's World Sevens Series. After getting a silver medal in Dubai and the bronze in Cape Town the women got the job done in Vancouver today. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen.

The government is launching an inquiry into school property with an eye to scrapping potentially hundreds of building projects that it calls unrealistic and unaffordable. Announcing the inquiry today, Education Minister Erica Stanford said the government inherited a school property system "bordering on crisis." The Ministry of Education has already paused 20 building projects, and a further 350 projects will need to be reassessed, as they are set to fall well short of expectations. Erica Stanford used as an example a project to bring together Blenheim's Marlborough Boys and Marlborough Girls' colleges, which had its costs blow out from 170 to 405 million dollars. Principal of Marlborough Girls College, Mary-Jean Lynch speaks to Lisa Owen.

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of man near state housing units in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert. Detective Senior Sergeant Lisa Anderson says police were called to the scene on He Ana Way shortly before one this afternoon. Our reporter Jordan Dunn is there.

Australian police investigating a double murder allegedly commited by one of their own now believe the bodies of the Sydney couple have been moved from their original dump site. Senior Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of killing flight attendant Luke Davies and television presenter Jesse Baird, who the suspect had previously dated . Some of the couples bloody possessions were found dumped in a bin in Cronulla. A bullet and large amounts of blood were later found at their Paddington home. It's alleged 28 year old Lamarre-Condon hired a white van and used it to dump the bodies and left the vehicle in New Castle more than a a hundred kilometres from Sydney. Police say the accused had also bought an angle grinder and weights. The ABC's Gavin Coote speaks to Lisa Owen.

Victims of the Whakaari / White Island disaster have today described the physical and mental trauma that robbed them of ordinary lives. Six companies are being sentenced in the Environment Court in Auckland after being found guilty during last year's trial. Each of them face fines of up to 1.5 million dollars. Dozens of people filled the courtroom this morning to watch the hearing unfold. Felix Walton was there.

The motorsport industry is in mourning following yesterday's tragedy at the Arcadia Road Rallysprint event in Paparoa. Tributes are flowing for 15 year old driver Brooklyn Horan and his 35 year old co-driver Tyson Jemmett who died after their car went off the road and became submerged in a river on the course just after 2:00pm yesterday afternoon. Brooklyn Horan had shown promise behind the wheel despite his young age. Motorsport legend Greg Murphy speaks to Lisa Owen.

The Government is launching an inquiry into the school property system, which it says is bordering on crisis with major cost blowouts and stalled projects. Earlier this month, RNZ revealed that the Education Ministry had paused 20 building projects due to rising costs, changing roll growth forecasts, or reprioritisation. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Just released figures show who splashed the campaign cash during last year election. Third party promoters or lobby groups spent a staggering thirteen times more last year compared to the 2020 campaign. Lobby groups are required to submit spending of more than 100-thousand dollars, and figures just released by the Electoral Commission show close to two-million dollars was declared in 2023. In Depth journalist Farah Hancock speaks to Lisa Owen.

Political leaders and members of the community have been gathering in Auckland to pay their respects to Green MP Fa'nana Efeso Collins, who died last week. Fa'anana was taking part in a charity event when he suffered a medical emergency on Wednesday. Now, his body is laying in state in Onehunga, for the three-days leading up to his funeral. Finn Blackwell was there.

New Zealand is back on the top of the world with the Black Ferns Sevens' title win, but the men weren't able make it double in Vancouver today. The Black Ferns Sevens' beat France 35-19 for their first title of this season's World Sevens Series. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen.

Let's get to the Middle East, correspondent Jacob Brown speaks to Lisa Owen.

It's been a swift boost to Australia's economic offers, Taylor Swift that is. As she wraps up her Australian tour tonight, some estimates put the financial gains from her seven concert stint at up to $1,000,000,000. A slice of that money's come from kiwi wallets; fans forced to travel to the lucky country, hosting the mega star. That means, spending on accomodation, food, taxis, ubers and merch, all money, that could arguably be spent here. Reporter Louise Ternouth caught up with these Taylor Swift fans just before they got on a plane headed for the Sydney concerts. Now in America, the swiftonomics are staggering with some number crunchers suggesting the tour could boost the economy by more than $9,500,000,000 NZD. After Australia, Swift heads to Singapore, who actively wooed the star months in advance and has confirmed it's Tourism Board paid a grant of an undisclosed amount, to secure the gigs. So has New Zealand made an economic Era, should we have paid for Swift to play here? Dr Angel Zhong of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology speaks to Lisa Owen.

There's a giant pohutakawa tree growing on a council berm outside Colin Harvey's place. Over time one of its substantial branches has grown across his driveway to the point it's blocking some access. That meant when Colin's wife Jill needed urgent medical attention, the ambulance couldn't get past. For 4 years now, 83 year old Colin Harvey has been asking the New Plymouth District Council to give it a trim. Colin Harvey speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347429273112

Fire up; cause NZ's biggest BBQ festival is about to get grilling. Billed as a carnivore's paradise, Meatstock, the two day festival gets underway tomorrow at mystery creek near Hamilton. But it's not just the menu that's spicy; along slide the fire pits and slabs of steak is a celebration of the average, the ordinary, the undercooked; one of Meatstocks biggest crowd pleasers. Behold, the dad bod contest. Organiser Reyan Fernando speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347427514112

Gisborne leaders and stakeholders are sick of being told they're resilient, and are instead looking towards a better future. About 100 people gathered in Awapuni today for the Tairāwhiti Tomorrow Together Summit, including iwi, business leaders and government representatives. They laid out their expectations for a future beyond Cyclone Gabrielle. Reporter Kate Green was there.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A New South Wales police officer has been charged with the murders of a Sydney couple. 28 year old Beau Lamarre handed himself in to his colleagues this afternoon, in connection to the disappearance of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird. ABC's Gavin Coote speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347429538112

Well, the rugby season has arrived. Super Rugby Pacific kicks off this evening with a rematch last year's final between the defending champion Crusaders and the Chiefs in Hamilton. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347428071112

Kiwis are digesting the news they'll have to pay even more to take flight around the country. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says domestic fares will be increasing to help the airline deal with rising costs. Some passengers say that might just price them out of the market. Jemima Huston reports.

Air Chathams claims "skyrocketing" prices being charged by Aotearoa's largest Airport will dampen demand on regional routes and threaten its viability. Auckland Airport plans to spend up to 8 billion dollars over 10 years upgrading facilities and that means airlines are facing increased user charges to cover costs. The airport says its domestic charges have been rock bottom for years and up to 50 % lower than comparable airports. Air Chathams operates services to Whakatane, Whanganui, Kapiti and the Chatham & Norfolk islands from its hanger in Auckland. Chief operator officer Duane Emeny speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347426680112

This week Checkpoint's reported on the rise of a new eftpos machine that poses the sometimes awkward tipping question to customers on a brightly lit screen. It's hard to ignore; Do you want to tip 5,10 or 15%? But electronic tipping also raises a bunch of questions such as who is in control of the money and who gets it. Employment lawyer Barbara Buckett from BuckettLaw speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347428629112

It's been another day of disruptions for public transport users in Auckland, with all train lines ground to a halt for a time, because of an infrastructure issue. All trains are now operating on a reduced frequency this afternoon. Auckland Transport says rail commuters will have to put up with delays for the next few years as work ramps up to accommodate the City Rail Link. Maia Ingoe reports.

Northland businesses are in for more than two months of disruption from Monday as repair work is carried out on a crucial link damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle last year. Everyone Checkpoint spoke with agrees the work on the slip-prone section of State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns is necessary. But they're still bracing for a hit and in one case, closure. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham and cameraman Nick Monro have the story.

It's the Far North's time to shine, with a popular talent show making a come back. After a 6 year hiatus, Far North's Got Talent will literally provide a stage for budding entertainers to strut their stuff . The event, which is supported by the NZ Music Commission, will have several audition rounds with coaching and help from mentors, with finalist selected to compete in the grand final in Kaitaia in June. One of the organisers, Boycie Tawhara is hoping it will be a confidence boost for young locals in particular. If you reckon you've got talent and want to get involved all the details are on the events Facebook page "Far North's Got Talent." Boycie Tawhara speaks to Lisa Owen.

Last night we brought you the story about new, updated EFTPOS machines which are making it a little more awkward for customers to say 'no' to adding a tip. The new machines prompt customers on a brightly lit screen to tip an extra five, ten or fifteen percent. In small print you can opt out. Felix Walton reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347361393112

Auckland commuter train services have been derailed again tonight with reduced services across the city. The problem started this morning when all train services came to an abrupt stop at 9:00am. This time it was a signal failure not track problems. Most lines resumed within the hour but AT warned of delays of up to half an hour until further notice. To put it in perspective, there's been than more than 13 hundred train cancellations in Auckland in the last month with track speed restrictions the most common reason for cancellations. Kiwirail's David Gordon speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347359193112

News from the business sector, including a market report. 

Another rodents been captured at the Dunedin south Countdown that's been closed almost two weeks because of an infestation. That means further delays to any reopening. The Dunedin South Countdown's been battling the unwanted intruders since October last year, but things came to a head when one rat was photographed in the deli section. The supermarket's previously said the rats are breaking into the building rather than nesting inside. Jason Stockill from Countdown's parent company Woolworths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347356208112

The Black Caps are already in must-win territory in the cricket series against Australia but they don't think they are on the back foot. After last night's last ball loss in the opening T-20, New Zealand need to win tomorrow night to keep the Chappel-Hadlee series alive. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347356990112

Advocates are sounding the alarm over the government's approach to ending poverty saying it is lacking any real interest in the problem. Child poverty statistics released today found tens of thousands more children are going without household essentials. But the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction says the coalition's focus on reducing the cost of living will help bring those numbers down. Jemima Huston reports.

Brace for potential Air NZ price hikes, the national carrier's half year profit plummeted 39% on the same period last year. But that's still an after tax profit of 129 million dollars. It's warning the second half of the year will be bumpy too. The airline says it been hit by inflation, rising fuel prices and engine maintenance issues. That's despite passenger revenue cracking 3 billion dollars a jump of 21%, largely due to long haul flights. Air NZ boss Greg Foran speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347355703112

The Chief Ombudsman is calling for a complete overhaul of Oranga Tamariki, saying it is failing on almost every level. Judge Peter Boshier has found the agency is still regularly failing to follow its own laws in a way he says is totally unacceptable. But an advocate for children in care doesn't trust that Oranga Tamariki will heed the recommendations made. Jemima Huston reports.

Could the answer to clogged toilets and a lack of funding for popular hiking tracks be well a POO-R-CODE or a virtual honesty box? Earlier this week, DOC was forced to close the popular Mueller Hut Route on Aoraki Mount Cook to day trippers because the toilets were almost full. In a briefing to government, DOC 's repeatedly sounded the alarm over funding saying it cant afford to maintain its assets, visitor congestion's an issue and its time to consider more user charges. Some listeners told Checkpoint they had tried to leave a koha or donation for trail up keep, but there was no eazy way to do that. However, a local business could have the solution, EZE director Wayne Campbell speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347301078112

A woman clung to a cow that swam her to safety as floodwaters rapidly rose. The story of Cow 569 became an enduring tale of survival from the lower North Island floods of February 2004. There was record rain and destruction, but the storm was also the catalyst to do better. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Could tipping become the new norm in restaurants around New Zealand? A roll out of new, upgraded EFTPOS machines have been posing the awkward "tipping" question to customers on a brightly lit screen, hard to ignore. Do you want to tip 5, 10, or 15 percent? Some restaurant owners and staff believe it's time Kiwis were a bit more generous, while others say it puts pressure on customers. Bella Craig reports.

He was known as the 'little general' for his ability to control a game and now New Zealand rugby league legend Stacey Jones is in control of the Kiwis. Jones will replace Michael Maguire who stood down from the role in December after six years in the job. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347294352112

"'Change on a scale rarely required," that's what's needed to fix Oranga Tamariki according yet another scathing report into the agency; this one by the Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier. The investigation reviewed thousands of complaints about OT, detailing what the Ombudsman describes as some of the most concerning treatment of vulnerable people, at the hands of an agency tasked to protect tamariki. Among them a rangatahi kept in an institution against their wishes for years, and a young disabled mother whose baby was uplifted at birth and never returned. The report found 109 formal deficiencies. Peter Boshier speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347292360112

A kind, dedicated champion of fairness and equality. A father, and man of the people. Devastated MPs, and community figures have paid tribute to Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, the Green MP who died after collapsing at a charity event this morning. He was taking part in the ChildFund Water Run event at Britomart in Auckland, to support local communities in the Pacific. The shock at his sudden death has reverberated through the communities he served and loved, through to Parliament, where his journey as an MP was just beginning. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347294011112

Boys as young as ten are reported to be involved in tribal fighting in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, in which at least 50 people have been killed. Police say the massacre occurred when one tribe, on its way to attack another tribe, was ambushed. A man housing survivors says that while women and children flee, men and even young boys have remained behind to fight. Lydia Lewis has the story.

Auckland Councillors have lamented a funding crisis faced by local government at a meeting to set out the consultation for council's ten year budget. They met today to adopt the consultation document on mayor Wayne Brown's proposal for the Long Term Plan. The mayor's plan includes establishing a three-billion-dollar wealth fund for the city, and options to return some land around the Ports of Auckland for development. Today, elected members gave impassioned speeches for and against what was on the table. Finn Blackwell was there.

Chasing tax evaders rather than targeting beneficiaries would offer a better return on investment for the government. That's the assessment of an expert in business studies. The government's launched a crack down on welfare recipients instructing MSD to "actively" use sanctions. Minister Louise Upston says remaining on the benefit has become the rational choice for some people because of a lack of consequences. Associate Professor Lisa Marriott from the Victoria University Business School has spent years studying the treatment of beneficiaries and she can see no good reason to focus on sanctioning people on welfare. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347267198112

It's ten out of ten for a former soldier fundraising for Starship Children's Hospital. Jordan Pratt's aim was to complete ten of Aotearoa's greatest walks in ten days. If you're interested in the maths that's 500 kilometres - not to mention the travel time between tracks, that is a whole other story. Jordan has cossed the finish line and has so far has raised more than 15 grand for the hospital. Jordan Pratt speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347239167112

An investigation has been launched to try get to the bottom of a hideous smell plauging the Canterbury town of Timaru. Hundreds of complaints have been received about a stench described by some residents as a pervasive, meaty odour. Niva Chittock reports.

A legal rematch is pending between High Performance Sport New Zealand and some of it top athletes. The agency is appealing an Employment Relations Authority decision requiring it to collectively bargain with the group of about 60 elite cyclists and rowers, known as the Athletes Co-operative. The Coperative, co-chaired by Olympic great Mahe Drysdale, took its case to the Authority after High Performance Sport rejected attempts to hash out a collective agreement. It says it doesnt employ athletes. High Performance Sport is appealing after seeking a second legal opinion and because of concerns the initial ruling has wider implications. Mahe Drysdale from the Athletes Co-operative speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347236709112

"Consumers expect the food they buy to be safe". The auditor general wants a government ministry to crack down on food importers bringing in high risk products that could be making people sick. Last year, 39 people contracted Hepatitis A after eating imported frozen berries, half of them were hospitalised. The auditor general says it's incumbent on MPI to make sure checks are carried out to ensure importers are meeting their responsibilities. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Welfare advocates are pleading for the government to back down from its crack down on beneficiaries. Social Development Minister, Louise Upston has ordered MSD to use the full force of sanctions, to ensure those on the job seeker benefit are actively looking for work. However, a young beneficiary says the government is out of touch, and has no understanding of the hardships they face. Jordan Dunn has the story.

High Performance Sport New Zealand is appealing an Employment Relations Authority decision which would grant athletes collective bargaining power. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347234925112

Passengers and councils in the Wairarapa are outraged by a Kiwirail debacle that has left them with a worse train line than they had and more delays. Old tracks on the Wairarapa line have been upgraded, but some new tracks near South Featherston are narrower than the ones they've replaced. Krystal Gibbens reports.

The former Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has announced he will quit politics in late March to instead head up Otago University. The Labour MP says it was time for him to call time. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Is it time DOC introduced user pays charges for all Aotearoa's national parks great walks and conservations estates including for day trippers? At the moment, overnight adventurers pay to use huts, but for casual day hikers, access to these costly assets is free. A briefing to the Conservation Minister repeatedly sounds the alarm, DOC can't afford to maintain its assets, visitor congestion is an issue, curent fees dont reflect the cost of maintaining huts and tracks and its time to consider more users charges and raising existing charges. Just this week, toilets close to capacity on the Mueller Hut Route on Aoraki Mount Cook forced DOC to close the track to day trippers. In response, a flood of listeners contacted Checkpoint to say user pays is the answer to funding conservation infrastructure. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347231373112

The 1News Verian poll shows National still holds 38 per cent of the party vote - while Labour has nudged up 1 point to 28 per cent. Support for ACT has dipped to 8 per cent while New Zealand First is steady on 6 per cent. The Greens got a slight bump to 12 per cent and Te Paati Maori is up one point to 4 per cent. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has taken a dive in the Preferred Prime Minister stakes, tumbling to 15 percent, while Christopher Luxon is on 25 percent. Also making an appearance in the preferred PM stakes is Green party leadership hopeful Chloe Swarbrick, on four percent. We're joined now by our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

A call tonight for day trampers at Aotearoa's most popular national parks to pay their way; in the wake of poo pile up that's seen DOC close the track to some people. The toilets on the Mueller Hut Route on Aoraki Mount Cook are almost at capacity with DOC now urging day trippers to stay away. People who've booked the hut are still welcome. Now, one of the country's most experienced mountain guides says more people need to pay to access popular tracks, to help pay for facilities like loos. Charlie Hobbs speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347182180112

Paramedics are warning patients could die if Hato Hone St John goes ahead with plans to take ambulances off the road, to avoid paying staff to cover for sick colleagues. The emergency ambulance provider to 90% of New Zealanders insists the cost cutting moves won't compromise patient care, but admits some non urgent cases will wait longer. Ruth Hill reports.

If you're a parent of a school aged child, it could be the time of year again when the school sends home a request for payment. It might look very official, with invoice numbers, a column for GST and due dates but lots of these charges are actually classified as donations. In Depth reporter Farah Hancock speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347182004112

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Show jumping Olympic medalist Shane Rose has been suspended for wearing a mankini in a dress up show jumping competition at Wallaby Hill near Sydney at the weekend. If it needs any explanation a mankini is a cross between a wafer thin unitard and a lycra bathing suit, cut in a deep v shape at the front with crotch coverage, the reverse view is a string thong. Competitors rode out in an array of costumes but it seems someone took exception to Rose's attire. Shane Rose speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347180340112

It's a simple equation facing New Zealand in Apia today, beat the Solomon Islands, and qualify for Paris. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347178711112

Another scary night for Canterbury residents who had to flee their homes as fire tore through the Waikari Valley. Flames ripped through 300 hectares of land overnight, threatening homes and property, and sending flames flaring high into the night. With the fire now declared "contained", residents have been allowed to return to their homes as firefighters shift their focus to dampening down hotspots. Residents but one have also returned to their homes in Christchurch's Port Hills, where another major fire is still burning, five days since it began. Niva Chittock reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347180572112

MSD has officially been instructed to "actively" use all levers available to encourage people off the benefit and into work and that includes sanctions. In a letter outlining her expectations Minister Louise Upston says " a consequence of not fully applying the existing sanctions regime is that remaining on the benefit has become the rational choice for too many people." She expects the number of sanctions to be specifically tracked and reported to her. From June, MSD will begin check ins for work ready job seekers, who have been on a benefit for six months to make sure they are doing all they should to find work. Minister for Social Development Louise Upston speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347178522112

"Fragile" is the state of the nation according to the Prime Minister. In a speech Christopher Luxon said the new government's uncovered some quote "nasty surprises" about Aotearoas financial position. He listed Kaianga Ora's balance sheet, transport budget short falls and infrastructure debt as some of the challenges ahead; The Prime Minister repeatedly signaled tough choices are needed to get the country back on financial track in what he describes as a "big turn-around job" We are joined by accountant and tax specialist Terry Baucher. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347180272112

Is swimmer Erika Fairweather's history making win at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha reason enough to feel bouyant about Aotearoa's chances in the pool at the Olympics? The 20 year old won NZ's first ever world champs title on Monday, taking out the 400m freestyle gold with a personal best and New Zealand record time of 3:59.44. Fairweather also won silver in the 200 metre freestyle. She's got one more race to go, the 800 metres freestyle, the heat is later tonight. Swimming New Zealand's Olympic Programme lead Gary Francis speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346986822112

Taylor Swift is expected to perform to her biggest audience yet when she takes the stage in the first of three sold-out concerts in Melbourne tonight. She arrived in Australia yesterday fresh from a well-documented appearance at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Melbourne City estimates Taylor's concerts will boost the economy by more than $ 1 billion in the three touring nights alone. Channel 7 reporter Lucy McLeod speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346986466112

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Christian Domilies is a student at Auckland's St Peters College. Turns out he aced his exams last year, the highest score in religious studies in the world. Just to put that in some perspective, approximately one and half million students from 150 countries and more than 6000 schools, enter Cambridge Exams every year. Annually it hands out about two million seven hundred and fifty thousand grades globally . So Christian is basically a gold medalist in the brain box olympics and last night he got his medal and a certificate at the Cambridge Awards. Christian Domilies speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346983686112

The Black Caps are moving closer to an historic test series victory over South Africa. An under strength Proteas side were well beaten in the first test but have been providing some resistance in the second test in Hamilton. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346983057112

Dunedin Police are making enquiries after a liquor company supplied hundreds of bottles of alcoholic lemonade to a student flat in Castle Street in exchange for promotion on social media. The Fridgette flat, famous for hosting annual flo-week parties, was delivered the booze in time for the gathering on Wednesday night. Buzz Club Limited is the company which owns BEE Alcoholic Lemonade. Its directors Edward Eaton and Wilbur Morrison did not respond to Checkpoint's requests for comment today. Max Phillips, the President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346982744112

The majority of Port Hills residents will be able to sleep in their own beds tonight, on the condition they prepare to evacuate at short notice. Fire officers will remain on the ground over the weekend, 70 percent of the 650-hectare blaze is now contained. Three properties remain in a cordoned off black zone, all other residents have been allowed controlled access but need to remain vigilant for flare ups.. Samantha Gee and Nate McKinnon have been at the scene. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346981541112

Countdown's apologising to customers for the distress and inconvience of a pest plague that's temporarily closed one store and raised question about food safety at others. The Dunedin South Countdown has been closed for a week today, as exterminators try to rid it of rats. It's been battling the unwanted intruders since October last year, with one rat photographed looking pretty cosy in the deli section. Since then the bodies have been piling, adding to that, images of a mouse romping over salad in the deli section of the Eastgate Countdown in Christchurch. Another incident has seen pigeons apparently pecking away at groceries in two Auckland countdowns. Pieter de Wet from parent Woolworths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346982239112

Peace of mind just got a whole lot more expensive, causing some home owners to give up on their insurance all together. The cost of house insurance has almost doubled over the past 10 years, while contents insurance is up by almost 50%. 8% of homeowners in a Consumer NZ survey said they hadn't renewed their policies due to the higher premiums. Consumer NZ's Rebecca Styles speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346915478112

The Health Minister is making zero promises about increased funding for struggling GP clinics that are deep in debt. However, Dr Shane Reti says he understands their pain and is working on the problem. A doctor at the Whangārei GP clinic originally set up by Dr Reti has revealed the practice is more than six figures in the red and is calling for urgent action to fix the broken system she believes put them in a hole. Doctor Paula Mathieson, from Rata Family health, says the situation is critical and GPs are feeling panicked. Other general pracitioners have also told Checkpoint they're close burn out, working hundreds of unapid hours, and appointment wait times have blown out to three week or longer. Health Minister Doctor Shane Reti speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346913153112

News from the business sector, including a market report.  

Firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze across Christchurch's Port Hills, that FENZ says is likely to take days to extinguish. It's now stretching over 650 hectares of land. Evacuated residents still don't know when they will be able to return home. Samantha Gee and Angus Dreaver have been at the scene [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346910570112

Netball New Zealand are advertising the Silver Ferns head coach role on the open market to see if they can find someone better than Dame Noeline Taurua. Taurua has been in the job since 2018 and her contract ends this month. However, the 2019 World Cup winning coach says she will re-apply. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346910662112

Imagine facing the choice of a quality education class or putting food on the table for your family. That's the reality for over 15,000 teenagers taking on 20 to 50 hours of paid work a week on top of study. The Poverty Action Group today released a report examining the extent of the issue, and it's calling for urgent support for students who they say are being robbed of their education due to financial pressue. Checkpoint has spoken to students working extrordinarly long and often antisocial hours. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi have this exclusive report [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346911916112

Fire and Emergency says it's in for the long haul as 27 fire trucks and 14 helicopters continue to battle a massive fire in the Port Hills. Two fixed wing aircraft are dropping retardent in a desperate bid to curb the 650 hectare blaze. The fire has now breached the city's Adventure Park but no houses are under threat and no structures have been lost. 80 properties have been evacuated from Early Valley, Worsley Spur, Hoon Hay Valley and Kennedy Bush. Two evacuation centres have been set up at the Te Hapua Halswell Centre and the Lincoln Community Centre. Vicki Pflaum had only just moved back to her Worsley Road home after the 2017 fires destroyed it. Vicki Pflaum speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346909280112

It's been a hot day in the region with the mercury tipping 29 degrees at one point. Metservice Meteorologist Heath Gullery speaks to Jimmy Ellingham.

A warning for boaties today to keep their boats and jet-skis secure and out of sight due to a spate of thefts. Most of the thefts are from the city of sails and the Head of the Police Maritime unit, Senior Sergeant Garry Larson, says there are more boats in the market, so that means more boats being stolen. Senior Sergeant Garry Larson speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346852898112

A group of Tauranga charities are facing rent increases of up to 253% and say they can't continue if the price hikes come into effect. They've been making submissions to their landlord, the council, today. One of the charities is the Tauranga Men's Shed, with the new rates they'd have to find 63,000 dollars a year for rent alone. Chairman Bryce Strong speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346853583112

A year ago Checkpoint was in Hawke's Bay as shocked residents picked through the mud and debris after Cyclone Gabrielle struck. Today, we return to speak to three of them about the past 12 months, as they look to rebuild their lives. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346851196112

There are now two evacuation centre set up for residents displaced by the fire on Christchruch's Port Hills. One has been established at the Lincoln Community Centre for people closer to Selwyn. Christchurch reporter Anna Sergeant reports.

It's rush hour in Auckland and rail commuters face yet more delays, Auckland Transport has cancelled 19 train services because of speed restrictions, some imposed because tracks are overheating. On Monday 80 trains were cancelled, 34 weren't able to operate yesterday, it's fair to say city commuters have had enough. Auckland's mayor is meeting with senior leaders from the city's three transport agencies this afternoon to demand answers. Amy Williams has the story.

Returning to the large fire on Christchurch's Port Hills, Homes have been left without power as a result of the blaze. Orion New Zealand general manager Steve McDonald speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346847553112

News from the business sector, including a market report. 

Fletcher Building's share price has plummeted after it delivered a disappointing 120-million-dollar-half-year loss, with a mixed reaction from market analysts. The result has seen the company's chief executive and chair resign, with some analysts saying the entire board needs to consider their positions. Nona Pelletier reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346847378112

A year ago Checkpoint was in Hawke's Bay as shocked residents picked through the mud and debris after Cyclone Gabrielle struck. Today, we return to speak to three of them about the past 12 months, as they look to rebuild their lives. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346851196112

The glitziest event on the New Zealand sporting calendar has arrived with the 61st Halberg Awards taking place at the Spark Arena in Auckland this evening. Thirty finalists across six categories have been nominated for their stellar sporting performances over the past 12 months. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346846700112

It's official, Kiwirail is pulling the plug on its electric ferries and is now having to back pedal out of its agreement with its Korean Shipbuilders. The operator of the Interislander still held out hope the project could be rescued, or a least somewhat salvaged, after the Government turned down its request for an additional 1.47 billion dollars for port infrastructure. KiwiRail CEO Peter Reidy speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346844979112

We begin tonight in Christchurch where 10 helicopters, and firefighters onboard 15 trucks and tankers, are battling a large fire in the Port Hills. The fire started around 2.15 this afternoon and plumes of black smoke are billowing across the city. Power is out to at least 15-thousand properties, and residents of Worsleys Road and Worsleys Spur have been told to evacuate immediately. Evacuation centres has been set up at the Halswell Library and Community Centre, and the Lincoln Community Centre. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346842919112

New Zealand basketball legend Tom Abercrombie has called time on his playing career, announcing his retirement today. Abercrombie's statistics are pretty impressive, he's won four championship titles with The Breakers; he holds the record for the most appearances, over 400; and he's scored more than 4400 points. He's also the only player to have played in all six of the club's championship games, winning the grand final MVP in 2011. He says he's given 16 years to playing for the Breakers, and professional basketball, and it felt like the right time to go. Tom Abercrombie speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346775497112

There are calls for the Prime Minister to put his money where his mouth is and ban Greyhound racing, after two deaths during race days in Christchurch in recent weeks. Animal organisation SAFE said since the racing season began in August, there have been 5051 injuries, 65 fractures and 6 deaths, although the industry said this is well down on prior years due to it implementing an Injury Reduction Strategy. SAFE Head of Investigation Will Appelbe speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346773115112

Business news with a market update.

A small Bay of Plenty town has stood out in recent real estate statistics, with house prices there skyrocketing. The latest QV House Price Index says the average home in the Bay of Plenty town of Kawareau has quadrupled in ten years. However, it still sits as the lowest-priced district in the country, reaching about 450-thousand dollars in 2023. A former mayor says early investors are away laughing but a local says the growth is piling pressures on to rent prices and local businesses. Jordan Dunn has the story.

The Black Caps have started their quest for a first Test series win over South Africa in Hamilton today. After a dominant victory in the first Test, New Zealand lost the toss and have been in the field on day one of the second test. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Jimmy Ellingham [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346771568112

The Opposition is trying to wedge open cracks in the Coalition, questioning why the Prime Minister is allowing David Seymour to undermine him. It's just the latest episode in the ongoing back and forth surrounding ACT's Treaty Principles Bill and kicks off the return to Parliament for a very busy 4 weeks ahead. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Kandallah residents are relieved police have arrested and charged a 52 year old woman for the murder of their fellow resident Helen Gregory. The 79 year old was found dead in her Baroda Street home three weeks ago, after what police said was a "violent act". The woman accused of her murder is a teacher based in Paraparaumu. Jemima Huston reports.

The commuter chaos continues in Auckland , train passengers could be facing weeks of disruption and, worst case scenario, it could continue through until March. Auckland Transport said today 19 services have been cancelled in the peak period from 3pm to 6pm. The main line impacted is the Southern line, which runs through Newmarket. Services to the West and East of the city have also been affected. The cancellations are because of 'heat' affecting the railway lines, forcing the trains to go slower. Yesterday, 80 services were cancelled. Meanwhile Auckland's Mayor has called a meeting with the heads of KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and One Rail for a 'please explain'. The Head of the Newmarket Business Association Mark Knoff-Thomas speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346770379112

Auckland's city centre has outpaced New Zealand's national economic growth for the second year in a row. That's according to just-released data for the year ended March 2023, indicating the city centre's GDP grew by 9.2% to 30.4 billion dollars, which compared with 2.8% growth for the whole of New Zealand. Rayssa Almeida has the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346718872112

It's been a familar refrain since at least last year's election, New Zealand's extensive smoke-free legislation will inevitably result in an increase in blackmarket trade. However, in the latest briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre at the University of Auckland, Professor Chris Bullen says this is simply not the case. He says it's yet another so-called "zombie argument" to try to justify the repeal of New Zealand's smokefree legislation. Professor Chris Bullen speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346717990112

The mayor of Porirua says being clean is a human right, as a new shower and washing machine service for homeless people in the city opens. Orange Sky Aotearoa is expanding its service into Porirua, citing an overwhelming demand for its services. Pretoria Gordon went to the launch and filed this report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346717937112

A 51 year old first-timer has made a big splash in Christchurch, earning her a place at the Manu World Champs in Auckland next month. Tania Veronese-Cowell flung herself off a three metre diving board during the regional heats at Jellie Park over the weekend. She'd last been on a diving board four decades ago. Tania joins us now speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346716472112

The company behind a Hawke's Bay music festival has collapsed, leaving dozens of musicians and crew thousands of dollars out of pocket. The two day Nest Fest in Hastings in early January featured big names from the New Zealand music scene, including Ladi6 and Katchafire, and other artists from around the country and Australia. Ruth Hill reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346718026112

It could take years before many growers on the East Coast are back to where they were before Cyclone Gabrielle. Almost a year since the deluge devastated growing areas across Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa and northern Manawatū, Horticulture New Zealand is calling for a renewed effort for support. It's asking the Government to consider land use changes, overseas investment and incentives to help get them back on their feet. Hawkes Bay Apple Grower Brydon Nisbet speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346717060112

News from the business sector, including a market report.

It's being described as a major leap backwards in animal welfare in New Zealand, that is the resumption of live animal exports by sea. The SPCA is urging the Government to rethink its election promise to reverse the ban introduced by the previous government and bring back the export of live, farmed animals on ships. Just last month, a ship carrying 16,000 sheep and cattle en route from Australia to Israel, was turned back because of the risk of coming under attack in the Red Sea. The animals have been stranded for over a week in intense heat in Western Australia. Dr Arnja Dale, Chief Scientific Officer for the SPCA, speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346711808112

The biggest day in American sport, the Super Bowl, has been won in an over-time nailbiter by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have won back to back titles, making it their third Super Bowl win in 5 years. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346713077112

The government plans to repeal Labour's Three Waters legislation by the end of next week. The repeal will disestablish the planned ten water entities, instead keeping water assets in councils' hands. Cabinet has agreed to set-up an advisory group to prepare for the implementation of the coalition government's water plan. The new regime will be established through two new pieces of legislation. The first will provide a framework for councils to provide their own water-services delivery plans.

Pest controllers have trapped close to 20 more rats since Friday at a South Dunedin supermarket, which remains closed for cleaning and monitoring. It comes as a new video shows a mouse scurrying across uncovered salad at Christchurch's Eastgate Countdown. New Zealand Food Safety staff have been on the ground at both supermarkets and confirmed it has launched an investigation into the latest furry problem. Tess Brunton reports.

Thousands of Auckland train commuters are having to find an alternative way home this afternoon with services cancelled because of 'heat' affecting the railway lines. Services on the Eastern, Western, and Southern lines have been cancelled since 1:00pm today, and will remain out of action until 8:00pm tonight. It's reported that the track in Otahuhu reached an astonishing 48 degrees. Kiwi Rail said trains have to travel slower over these areas, due to the risk the track may have been misaligned by the high temperatures expanding the rail length. The restrictions are put in place once the steel rails reach 40 degrees. Our reporter Louise Ternouth has just spoken to commuters at Britomart Station. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346712083112

In the true spirit of Burt Munro, two Wellingtonians will this weekend push their suped-up scooters to the max at an event carrying the motorcycling legend's name. Riding a heavily modified Lambretta and Vespa respectively, Mike Salmon and Ian Footit compete in the pre-1963 Girder Fork division at the Burt Munro Challenge, the largest motorcycle rally in the Southern Hemisphere. Reporter Robin Martin caught up with the duo. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346526554112

A new aerospace centre in Canterbury is expected to lift the local economy by up to a billion dollars and secure the local sector's talent in New Zealand. The Tawhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete Spit in Banks Peninsula officially opened today, following a five and a half million dollar boost from the government. Project leaders say it clears a path for both local and international companies within the sector to take flight and gain access to space. Reporter Adam Burns was at the opening. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346526744112

Aucklanders might soon be saving more money at the petrol pump, but some residents are wondering at what cost. The Government will end the city's regional fuel tax in June, saving drivers eleven and a half cents per litre, or between five and ten dollars on each full tank. However, residents in East Auckland and the North Shore worry that if the tax is scrapped there'll be less money for infrastructure upgrades. Felix Walton reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346524970112

News from the business sector, including a market report. 

Imagine two months eating only what you can forage or hunt; crispy possum tails, rat or road kill anyone? Bay of Plenty hunter and "Keeping it Wild" YouTube sensation, Shay Williamson has done just that recently. Shay chowed down on what can only be described as some wild meals, that could also help ease the cost of living. He describes the yumminess that is a feed of possum. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346524426112

Football referees could have an extra card in their pocket this season as the sport trials the use of a blue card. Fifty-four years after yellow and red cards were first introduced, players who commit a cynical foul or abuse a referee could now spend 10 minutes in the sin-bin. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346524797112

An intensive 48 hour rat hunt gets underway this weekend at a rodent plagued Dunedin supermarket, that's been forced to close its doors in a bid to clear out the pests. Countdown Dunedin South has been battling the unwanted intruders since October last year, with one rat photographed looking pretty cosy in the deli section. NZ Food Safety is satisfied the store has acted with urgency and has a detailed pest control programme. However, just when things appeared to be sorted, four more rats have caught in Countdown Dunedin South in the last few days. Jason Stockill from the parent company Woolworths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346524993112

Police specialist search teams have been scouring a landfill in Porirua today looking for items of interest in connection with the death of 79 year old Helen Gregory. The Khandallah woman was found dead in her Baroda Street home last month. A post motem has revealed her death was the result of a violent act. It's been hot, dirty and smelly work today, with the local council even issuing a notice warning the excavation of weeks old waste buried underground will cause a stench in the area. Reporter Nick James has the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346524407112

GP clinics are at crisis point, please complain loudly to the politicians; That's the message from one struggling Hamilton practice. Flagstaff medical centre's been forced to raise it fees, writing to patients laying out what it sees as the blunt realities. An outdated government funding model means the clinic is constantly under-funded and rents have sky rocketed. Workers are close to burn out, putting in hundreds of unpaid hours and drowning in paper work. Flagstaff Medical Centre GP and co-owner Dr Marilyn Griffiths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346523717112

Fire and Emergency hopes to have the wild fire which has burned through nine hectares of pine forest, contained by the end of tomorrow. In the meantime, evacuated Lee Valley residents are being allowed limited access to their properties to take care of urgent needs, but they cannot return home. Nelson-Marlborough reporter, Sam Gee, reports.

Fire crews are battling a blaze in Auckland's Onehunga for a second day. While the fire is now contained, it's yet to be extinguished and FENZ says it could take a while. It broke out at Green Gorilla waste management facility in Onehunga yesterday afternoon, forcing nearby businesses to evacuate, road closures and traffic delays. The clouds of thick black smoke billowing is having lasting effects. Louise Ternouth reports.

There'll be some serious day time sheep counting in Southland tomorrow, as shearer Sacha Bond attempts a world record. She'll have nine hours to shear more than 452 ewes, the current record in this category, held by another kiwi. The attempt gets underway at 5:00am at Centre Hill station near Mossburn. Sacha Bond joins us now [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346464350112

A state of emergency has been declared in the small southland community of Bluecliffs. The settlement is about an hour and 15 minutes from Invercargill. The Waiau River is running high and more rain is forecast. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346463128112

Today, the government announced the end date of axing Auckland's regional fuel tax, June 30.  Mayor Wayne Brown has said the funding loss means he'll probably have to cancel a bunch of projects including; improvements to Lake Road on Auckland's Northshore, the final stage of the Eastern Busway and work on an Airport Botany busway.  People filling up in the city have been paying an extra eleven and half cents a litre on fuel, over and above what other motorists around the country pay, since mid 2018.  Without it, the Mayor estimates a transport funding shortfall of one -point-two-billion dollars for the city over the next four years. Minister for Transport and Auckland Simeon Brown speaks to Lisa Owen.  [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346461450112

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The future of Mt Ruapehu is again shrouded in uncertainty after the presumed buyer Whakapapa ski slopes buyer walked away. A government rescue package meant skiing could at last take place on the mountain's two slopes last winter, and there were hopes this year would provide yet more certainty. However, with the Whakapapa deal now up in smoke, the region's tourism businesses are nervous. Jimmy Ellingham reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346461567112

After a big win over an understrength South Africa in the first cricket test yesterday the Black Caps could be forgiven for looking at what's next. Australia arrive here in the next two weeks for a tour that is quickly selling out. The visitors have had this series against the Black Caps circled on their calendar and they are bringing full strength white ball squad but New Zealand could be missing a couple of stars. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346460083112

An A-I expert is warning of privacy creep and a survelliance society. Dr Kate Bower from Australia's Human Technology Institute, specialises in A-I regulation. She compares facial recognition technology to taking your DNA. Dr Kate Bower speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346459868112

Retail NZ says many shops are itching to use facial recognition technology, and are keeping a close eye on a supermarket trial of the system starting today. Up to 25 New World and PAK'nSAVE supermarkets in the North Island are rolling out the technology. However, it has some lawyers and advocates deeply concerned. Hamish Cardwell reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346457897112

A bunch of Auckland infrastructure projects will be canned unless the government kicks in some money to replace, funding from the soon to be axed regional fuel tax according to the Mayor Wayne Brown. Following through on an election commitment, the government's anounced the Auckland regional fuel tax will end on June 30th. People filling up in the city have been paying an extra eleven and half cents a litre on fuel, over and above what other motorists around the country pay; with the money going to roading related projects. The Transport Minister said the tax that's been in place since 2018 is regressive , hurts lower income families and only about half the money collected has actually been spent. However, Wayne Brown says the move is going to leave a massive budget hole and that has consequences [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346457895112

Properties are being evacuated and people have been asked to leave local swimming spots near a significant blaze in Tasman. Fire and Emergency says there are three separate areas of fire, spreading uphill into a pine plantation in Lee Valley. Nelson reporter Sam Gee reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346393134112

Getting and keeping is staff is one of Corrections biggest challenges, in the face of a rising prison population, including more violent extremist inmates. The Department's has launched yet another recrutiment campaign. A briefing to the new minister says Corrections is experiencing significant recruitment and retention challenges. On top of that the National govenrment's tough on crime policy is expected to increase the muster further. Neil Beales, Corrections Chief Custodial officer speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346393691112

Infamous for taking out bird of the year in 2021, the long tailed bat is Aotearoa's only land mammal, and one of our most endangered species. They're mostly found in the South Island, but one colony comes home to roost each night in, of all places, a Central Hawke's Bay farm shed. While it makes them easy to monitor, conservationists are concerned about why they've picked that spot to hang out. Lauren Crimp spent an evening bat catching.

A expedition has been launched to find new life deep below the ocean, in unexplored territory off the coast of Aotearoa's south island. The team of scientists will spend 21 days investigating the Bounty Trough system, at depths down to 5000 metres. The trip is led by the Ocean census alliance, a group made up of international marine scientist and groups, that aim to discover one hundred thousand new speciess across the global ocean in the next decade. The voyage co-leader Niwa Marine Biologist Sadie Mills speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346388801112

International experts claim camembert and brie could be on the verge of extinction due to a shortage of the mould the cheeses are made from. The mould, that clones itself appears to running out of gas, losing its ability to reproduce . Quelle horreur! Simon Berry, the boss of artisan cheese makers Whitestone, speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346387206112

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Auckland Transport is reminding its drivers about capacity limits, after complaints students were crammed into a school bus on a trip from Hibiscus Coast to North Shore. Someone whipped their phone out on a journey last week, capturing scenes, including one student standing on a seat during the ride. AT manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346386760112

After looking destined to be wrapped up within four days, South Africa has managed to put up some serious resistance in the first cricket test against the Black Caps in Tauranga. Set an enormous total to chase, the tourists have spent the afternoon frustrating the Kiwis with a stubborn partnership before they finally made the double breakthrough after a short time ago. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346386234112

Police investigating the killing of Baby Ru believe they now know who disposed of vital evidence in the case. The little boy died of blunt force injuries after being taken to Hutt Hospital in October last year. He was just a few days short of his second birthday. Investigators are still looking for items they say were deliberately removed from Poole Street property, including a piece of blue duvet cover, a CCTV system and the system's power back up system. They maintain three people were in the house when Baby Ru was fatally injured, and they know what happened, but aren't telling the truth. However, Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard can't say when there will be an arrest. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346383466112

The Prime Minister says a second election would've been needed if he didn't agree to support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill to Select Committee. That's where National and New Zealand First's support ends - but ACT isn't giving up hope it can change their minds - and David Seymour says he could give it another go if it fails this time. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

Evacuations are underway in an Auckland suburb, because of a massive fire in Onehunga. Helicopters and more than 20 fire crews are dealing with the blaze at the Gorilla Waste facility. Black smoke has been pumping into the air and residents far away from the scene can see and smell it. The facility is also near State Highway 20 and the Manukau Harbour. The council says the evacuations are mostly local businesses. Reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator Marika Khabazi are at the scene. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346381250112

There's a flood of experts with ideas on how to plug Wellington Water woes; yet the city is still hemorraghing 40% of drinkable water. Last week Master Plumbers told Checkpoint its members are qualified and available to help patch leaks in the capital, with many of the problems at toby's or isolation valves on private property. A report shows response and repair times have blown out in the capital; a patch-up that should take less than five days to do, is taking 40 days on average and staff shortages at the region's water services are stalling repairs. Now the professional assocation for Civil Contractors says there's enough of its people to do the work, but there's not enough funding being allocated. Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346267400112

Government ministers have been booed, drowned out and heckled at Waitangi today, as the coalition came face to face with Maoridom. There were insults and protests and the deputy prime minister told demonstrators to "get an education". Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346264828112

Beware wandering sea lion pups, who are emerging from their hidey holes around Dunedin this breeding season. Many of the pups are now four to six weeks old and their mums are shuffling them off to beachs so they can hone their swimming skills. Until now many of them have been tucked away, avoiding humans and dogs. DOC has said in recent days a pair of new borns have been playing on the road together. Biodiversity Ranger Jim Fyfe speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346260597112

Covid's closed a canterbury school today with almost 40 staff down with the virus. Rangiora High school told parents yesterday that it didnt have enough staff to cover classes, just two days into the new school year. Rangiora High School Principal Bruce Kearney speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346259029112

Fire crews in Canterbury will be working throughout the night to monitor and extinguish a huge blaze that's burnt through 80-hectares of forest and scrub in Kirwee. The fire, which broke out near the Waimakariri River late last night, is contained and controlled, with no loss of buildings or livestock. Some residents were evacuated as a precaution, but they have been given the all-clear to return home. Anna Sargent reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346263890112

News from the business sector, including a market report [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346260072112

There were attempts to drown out ACT leader David Seymour with waiata as he spoke on the marae. The crowd quieted down after a member Ngāpuhi intervened. The same thing happened with his MP and Minister Nicole Mckee who was heckled as she gave her speech in Te Reo Māori. David Seymour speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346258591112

The Black Caps are in firm control of the first cricket test against South Africa. New Zealand has racked up a mammoth 551 first innings total in Mount Maunganui, with Rachin Ravindra scoring his maiden test double century in the process. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346258079112

A leak in the Wellington suburb of Miramar has been spurting good drinking water into a drain at the rate of a litre per second for almost a month. Wellingtonians are getting increasingly frustrated watching thousands of litres of water be wasted under threats of further water restrictions this summer. The Miramar leak has been logged by Wellington Water as a medium priority job and locals are devestated nothing has been done about it. Jemima Huston reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346256492112

The Coalition came face-to-face with its opponents in Maoridom today, in a spectacular clash of world views , with neither side budging. The Government was welcomed to the Treaty Grounds with a powhiri, but the welcome came with a warning, don't touch Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Boos and jeers were aimed at Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who was told "e noho" - or sit down. ACT leader David Seymour also faced fury from protesters, who sang over him while he spoke on the marae. Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346258750112

A cleaning company is looking to hoover up out of work staff from struggling vaccum business Godfreys. Godfreys went into voluntary administration this weeks, it has 141 stores and employs 600 people across Australia and New Zealand. About 5 of the 16 company stores in New Zealand are expected to close. Now Australia New Zealand operator Jim's cleaning group is extending an offer to Godrey staff who lose their jobs. Haydar Hussein, head of Jim Cleaning group, speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346044591112

A charity using recycled chip packets to make thermal blankets wants to ramp up production with predictions even more kiwi families will be in the cold come winter. The chip project uses cleaned and dried potato chippy packaging to make the light weight foil blankets, like the ones emergency services use. The charity estimates more than quarter of a million of the blankets could be needed this year with many households struggling with the cost of living and heating options beyond their budgets. Chip Packet Project founder Terrena Griffiths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346043061112

A charity using recycled chip packets to make thermal blankets wants to ramp up production with predictions even more kiwi families will be in the cold come winter. The chip project uses cleaned and dried potato chippy packaging to make the light weight foil blankets, like the ones emergency services use. The charity estimates more than quarter of a million of the blankets could be needed this year with many households struggling with the cost of living and heating options beyond their budgets. Chip Packet Project founder Terrena Griffiths speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346043938112

Hundreds of fur seals have starved to death along the Kaikōura coast - and scientists suspect warmer sea temperatures and depleted fish stocks could be to blame. They're now doing further research to work out what exactly is going on. Samantha Gee has more. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346040876112

Police say it's highly likely there was a fight before a man was killed at his home in Dunedin. 27-year-old Gurjit Singh was found on Monday morning after dining with friends the night before. Forensic evidence suggests he was killed by multiple stab wounds using a sharp weapon. A homicide investigation has been launched and police say there are ongoing enquiries into people of interest. A Punjabi community member said Mr Singh had security concerns in the weeks leading up to his death after arriving home to find his garage unlocked, and even bought CCTV cameras. Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis said that's helping them build a picture of what happened. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346040447112

Green MP Chloe Swarbrick is officially in the running to become the party's next co-leader. The Auckland Central MP is currently the sole contender to replace James Shaw. Chloe Swarbrick set a bold target as she announced her intentions, she wants the Green Party to eventually lead the government. Political reporter Katie Scotcher reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346038712112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346039690112

An aussie school girl went into "full beast mode" to save a beloved pet from a slippery intruder. Twelve year Rosie Wightman has reached hero status after a video of her snake wrangling skills hit the internet. Rosie was in her backyard on the sunshine coast when she realised her guinea pig, MaxiBon, was firmly wedged in the jaws of a snake skulking in bushes. CCTV shows Rosie grabbing the slippery sucker by the tail and spinning it in circles at high speed like a lasso; in a bid to free Maxibon from its murderous grip. The ruckus brought her parents running; enter dad, Luke Wightman. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346037813112

World Rugby is working with law enforcement in five countries, including New Zealand, to prosecute people involved in online abuse during last year's Rugby World Cup. Twenty-one social media accounts linked to New Zealand were identified as sending abuse to match officials or players involved in the tournament. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346038003112

The government has been warned to "be careful" with its policies affecting Maori, at the National Iwi Chairs Forum today. Pressure is mounting ahead of Waitangi Day, as the Prime Minister continues to defend the coalition arrangement to support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill to Select Committee. Christopher Luxon and a dozen ministers met with representatives of more than 74 iwi groups in Kerikeri today. Our political reporter Anneke Smith is in Northland. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346038402112

Call in the Commissioners, this is the plea from the boss of Master Plumbers, who reckons Wellington bureaurats are flushing money and plumbers should be brought in to patch the tsunami of leaks in Wellington's water pipes. A report shows response and repair times have blown out; a patch-up that should take less than five days to do, is taking 40 days on average. Staff shortages at the region's water services are also stalling repairs. Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346036434112

A local red headed reverend's invited her ginger bethren to gather and celebrate the bright red headed patron saint; Brigid of Ireland, who tuned bathwater into beer. The inaugural "gingas in the stings" event is being hosted at a hasting bar, there will of course be ginger beer and red wine. Reverand Jill McDonald speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345979564112

The significant sit-down between Australia and New Zealand's foreign affairs and defence ministers has just wrapped up in Melbourne. The four ministers have just updated reporters on what was discussed. Political reporter Katie Scotcher speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345977955112

Massey University is being warned of severe consequences if it goes ahead with its proposed cuts to humanities staff. A politics professor has said plans to slash jobs will affect the university's reputation, the quality of its education, and its place in society. However, Massey says it would be irresponsible to keep living outside its means. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Nearly half of children in Oranga Tamariki care are not seeing a social worker as often as they should. The Independent Children's Monitor has released another grim report into the agency tasked with caring for vulnerable tamariki. Its annual report on state care found instances of children being neglected or abused while in care increased, despite there being fewer kids in the system. Niva Chittock reports.

Maintenance costs for Wellington's water pipes have jumped a massive 71% in the past three years according to a just released report . The independent review ordered by the council also details slow response times to fix leaks and issues. Right now 40% of the capital's drinking water is being lost to leaks. Wellington Water wants 2.5 billion dollars over ten years to fix the pipes and the Council's faced with the challenge of funding aging inrastructure. Mayor Tory Whanau speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345977982112

After almost thirty years in business, an Auckland cakery this afternoon closed its doors for the final time, blaming tighter household budgets and the soaring cost of ingredients like butter. The City Cake Company in Mount Eden was run by the late Maureen Keene and her daughter Tracey Baird, but grief and compounding costs have taken over. With the company in liquidation, owing $30,000, today was the last day customers could get their sweet fix, with everything half price, in the hopes nothing would go to waste. Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi were there. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345976572112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345976653112

The squeeze has been put on homeowners, with mortgage arrears at a four year high. Cranked up interest rates have meant home owners have missed payments or gone interest only. Centrix says there are nearly 21 thousand overdue mortgage accounts, up 21 percent on the year before. Financial adviser Glen McLeod from Edge Mortgages speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345974497112

The All Blacks will be globetrotting this year taking Tests to nine different countries in a packed schedule, but one place that still isn't on the itinerary is Fiji. New Zealand and Fiji will play a one-off test in San Diego in July - marking the first time the All Blacks have been back in the Southern Californian city in 44 years. Despite the All Blacks never playing an official test in Fiji, New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson says they couldn't make it work this year. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345975663112

A damning report into how water's dealt with in the capital has heaped blame on the council and water operator for bad communication and slow response to reports of leaks. It also says Wellington Water's lax reporting means it can't clearly show how it is spending ratepayers' money to fix the pipes. Meanwhile residents dealing with the leaks in the city say they've been there so long, they now have resident populations of ducks. Some are even re-routing their leaks to water their gardens. Jemima Huston reports.

A report today from the Children and Young People's commission reveals almost 40 percent of chidren in OT's care aren't getting as many social worker visits as they should, and about a third of children are placed with unapproved carers. Oranga Tamariki's own "Safety of Children in Care" report shows a growing number of children are being harmed in the care of the very agency supposed to protect them - most in residential facilities, which the government plans to build more of. But Childrens Minister Karen Chhour believes she can do what many have failed to fix it. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345973397112

The country's SmokeFree minister is facing calls to be sacked, with the Labour Party questioning the newbie MP's integrity. Casey Costello, who is a New Zealand First MP and Associate Health Minister , is feeling the heat after she told RNZ she had not specifically sought advice on freezing tobacco tax at all. That's despite documents showing she did ask for advice from officials and RNZ has today revealed more information about that correspondence. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

It's a puzzling situation, but Jigsaw racing is an actual thing. Puzzle wizards will be on the start line for the masters games in Dunedin next week, competing for the joy of it and bragging rights of course. There's team and indivual events - where competitors race the clock and each other. Toni Kennedy speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345913709112

It's feared there may have been a mass poisoning of birds at a reserve on Auckland's North Shore. Up to 100 pigeons, ducks, sparrows and pukeko were found in varying stages of paralysis at Sherwood Reserve on Monday and Thursday evenings last week. Auckland Council is working with the Ministry of Primary Industries and Department of Conservation to find out what happened. North Shore resident Virginia Nichol, who's been rescuing birds for the past decade, took 67 of the sick birds into her home to treat them, she believes they were poisoned. Virginia Nichol speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345915671112

Wellington City Council could hike up rates by more than 15 percent to pay for its leaky water pipe network. Council staff estimate the city needs a 1.1 billion dollar upgrade to water infrastructure. It means plans like the Golden Mile upgrade could be delayed. Our reporter Nick James joins us now from the capital. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345920711112

Residents in parts of Tairāwhiti fear a future on their land is in jeopardy, with silt dust making the place unliveable. Erosion has long been an issue in the Waiapu Valley, north of Gisborne. However, with years of severe weather battering the region, silt dust is being whipped up in the wind, forcing people to shut themselves inside, or flee. Lauren Crimp has the story.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345909481112

The days of some elite athletes representing Aotearoa on the international stage for the glory and a grant if they're lucky could soon be over. The Employment Relations Authority has found in favour of a group elite rowers and cyclists in what's been a long running disagreement with High Performance Sport NZ The ERA has found the government agency is legally obliged to engage in collective bargaining with The Athletes Co-operative. Olympic great Mahe Drysdale speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345909960112

The Commerce Minister's worried Buy Now Pay Later schemes are too easy to access when people are already in debt, but for now he's monitoring the situation. A recent trend has seen people using the services to buy Prezzy cards and then use those to shop for essentials like groceries. The likes of After Pay, Laybuy and ZipPay, allow people to buy good or services now, but pay for them later in a series of instalments over several weeks. There's no interest but people can face penalties for defaulting on payments. Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Andrew Bayly speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345910248112

The Police Minister has had to correct the record in Parliament - after wrongly pushing out the deadline for one of the Coalition's commitments. In a rapid backtrack, Mark Mitchell has now re-committed to training an extra 500 police officers in two years - just a day after he said it would take three. Our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has this report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345917365112

A big win for a team of top NZ athletes could see them score the same rights, privileges and pay as employees. The Employment Relations Authority has found in favour of the elite rowers and cyclists in what has been a long running disagreement with High Performance Sport NZ The ERA has found the government agency's legally obliged to engage in collective bargaining with The Athletes Co-operative - led by Olympic great Mahe Drysdale. High Performance Sport had rejected earlier attempts to hash out a collective agreement on the basis that it does not employ athletes. In Depth Sports Correspondent Dana Johannsen speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345909929112

A new species of Gecko discovered on the Auckland's West Coast at last has its own official name: the Korowai. The species was first found in 2014 and after a decade of research the reptile can officially be, as the scientists put it, 'described' With just 30 living in Muriwai Regional Park, the Korowai are considered a nationally vulnerable species. Now urgent conservation work is being carried out to protect the lizards from threats, including four wheel driving on the beach and hundreds of mice. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi went gecko spotting at the beach. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345859909112

The government's bumped the Wellington water crisis on to an agency to work out who's going to pay for the huge upgrades needed in the capital. Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says the problem will take decades to fix. Some of the region's mayors want the financial burden completely removed from their orbit and taken off their balance sheet. Nick James has more. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345858596112

We all know about the cost of living, but what about the cost of dying? It's something you might not want to think about, but it could pay to. Consumer NZ puts the average price of a funeral at around $10,000. However, a growing number of people are discovering it's possible to do it yourself, without needing funeral director. Reporter Luka Forman and cameraman Nick Monro have more. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345856395112

Fifteen year old Yanhao Dwayne Li has made history winning NZ's first ever ice skating medal at any winter olympics. He took bronze for his free skating performance at the Youth Olympic games in Gangwon South Korea. In an utterly graceful performance, Yanhao Li pulled off a triple axel and a bunch of jazzy moves. Yanhao Dwayne Li speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345854993112

It's never too early to turn back. That's the message from police after two trampers lost on Ruapehu had a slow painful walk off the mountain, helped down by a volunteer rescue team on Monday. Bad weather, including fog and torrential rain, closed in the couple as they reached the crater lake; they lost the path and ended up wandering lost for hours. Lisa Owen speaks to Constable Mark Bolten. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345854356112

A baby tiger cub has been put down after he suffered a head injury when he took a tumble in an enclosure at Auckland Zoo on the weekend. The cub born along with his sister almost a month ago, was previously healthy and had been getting more active and adventurous. Despite the efforts of a specialist vet team including a neurologist, the cub couldnt be saved when his condition deteriorated. Auckland Zoo Director, Kevin Buley speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345857916112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345853159112

James Shaw has called time on his tenure as Green Party co-leader. During his almost nine years in the job, James Shaw was temporarily ousted by party members and faced a leadership challenge. He also ushered the Greens into government for the first time. Now the Green Party begins its search for his replacement. Political reporter, Katie Scotcher reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345851574112

New Zealand jockey Kelsey Hannan says she is grateful to be alive after being thrown from her horse during a race in South Adelaide at the weekend. The 21-year-old was riding Iva Dream at the Strathalbyn Cup, when the horse stumbled shortly after crossing the finish line, dislodging her as she landed head first on the ground. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345851444112

A shortage of specialist doctors means one senior clinician is being flown in from Australia for a week every month, and works the rest of the time remotely. Te Whatu Ora won't discuss how much this costs, but says the job the doctor fills is difficult to recruit for. Sector groups agree, saying it highlights a wider shortage of specialist staff. Jimmy Ellingham reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345850552112

The Government came under fire from multiple fronts today over race relations, cuts to public spending, and foreign affairs as MPs returned to Parliament for the new year. The first day back was was frenetic, jam-packed with meetings, caucus, Cabinet and then the whole of Parliament. In amongst all that, James Shaw annnounced his resignation as Greens' co-leader, effective from March, but he will stay in the building for a little longer. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345851125112

Bolstering the thin blue line will require a substantially fatter budget, according to the police commissioner. The government's promising five hundred new frontline police in the next two years and Police Minister Mark Mitchell is clear he wants more of them on the community beat and the return of a police hub in Auckland's CBD, after the downtown station closed in 20-13. At the same time the government's signalled across the board, belt tightening. The Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says while he shares the Minister's goals, they're are going to cost more money. Andrew Coster speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345851219112

According to the report, 9 percent of children in OT care were harmed in the year ending June 2023. The Minister for Children says it's not good enough; while the Children and Young People's Commission says it's very concerning to see incidences of physical, emotional and sexual harm increasing, despite fewer children being in care. Dr Claire Achmad speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345805475112

A Ngatea pensioner who climbed Taranaki Maunga to mark his 90th birthday at the weekend says it was a 'humbling' experience. David Baker is believed to be the oldest individual to have ever summited the 2 thousand 581 metre volcano. Robin Martin reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345798972112

Increasingly warmer seas could see new types of marine mammals beaching on our country's shores. An eight metre juvenile fin whale got stuck on a sandbar in the shallow estuary at Moncks Bay in Christchurch despite efforts to refloat it. Anna Sargent reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345803313112

More children than ever are being harmed under the watch of the very agency supposed to protect them. Oranga Tamariki's "Safety in Care" report shows 9% of children in its care were harmed in the year ending June 2023. This includes neglect , physical and sexual abuse. That's a signifcant jump since the Ministry first report in 2019, when about 5.6 % percent of children in OT's care were found to have been harmed. Oranga Tamariki's deputy chief executive of quality practice and experiences Nicolette Dickson, speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345798854112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345794344112

The clock's ticking for schools to introduce cellphone bans by the start of term two, but it's an assignment one Principal's dreading. The National government's banning cellphones in schools to help lift educational educational achievement and expects students phones to be off and away including during breaks. However, it's up to each school to decide how to practically enforce the ban. Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345794941112

Sport with Jonty Dine [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345797081112

Some shoppers struggling to cover their grocery bills have found a work around that lets them use buy now pay later services to cover food and other essentials at stores that don't actually offer the payment service. The likes of After Pay, Laybuy and ZipPay, allow people to buy good or services now, but pay for them later in a series of instalments over several weeks. Unlike credit cards there's no interest, but people can be charged late fees if they default. Sandy Fage, the manager of the Whanganui Budget Advisory Service, speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345794519112

Police are asking the public for help after a man was found dead at a Dunedin property this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene on Hillary St in Liberton at around 9:00am. The person's death is being treated as unexplained and police are asking anyone with information to contact them. Tess Brunton reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345794007112

A series of violent smash and grabs at a jewellery store chain, including one in the police minister's electorate and a stabbing at an Auckland supermarket marred the weekend. In two separate incidents robbers armed with hammers cracked their way into display cabinets in Michael Hill stores in Tauranga and Silverdale. Meanwhile residents in the Auckland suburb of Point Chevalier have been told not to expect more officers on the beat, despite problems with public drinking, initimdating behaviour and theft in the shopping centre. The coalition government has promised an extra 500 frontline police officers within two years. Police Minister Mark Mitchell speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345794501112

Tomorrow will mark a year since many West Aucklanders were fleeing their homes as a month's worth of rain fell across the city in less than an hour.  Some were able to stay with family or friends, others lost everything, turning to pop-up emergency evacuation centres where they stayed for weeks before finding somewhere to live.  Today families, volunteers and councillors gathered at  former evacuation centre - the Hub West in Henderson - to reconnect and reflect.   Louise Ternouth reports.

The cat's finally out of the bag, when it comes to the gender of Hamilton Zoo's three week old sumatran tiger cubs. Not to be outdone, the zoo staged a reveal for the pair this afternoon, with the cubs dad Scout, on hand to play a leading role. Hamilton Zoo's curator of exotics, Mark Turner speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345606290112

Te Whatu Ora has said new additional security guards in Emergency Departments have helped address increasingly violent incidents against staff. The security boost was part of the government's five point seven million dollar boost to beef up surveillance over summer amid increasing violence. Samantha Gee reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345602672112

Tauranga businesses and iwi are fighting back amidst calls for the city's commissioners to delay a 10-year-plan. A former mayor wants the commissioners to hold off on the Long Term Plan until it can be implemented by elected officials after the July election. He says there are serious, irreversable changes that should be left up to the people. But a business group says a delay would be catastrophic, and wants immediate action to address the city's issues. Jordan Dunn has the story.

Batter Henry Nicholls has been axed from the Black Caps Test squad as selectors make changes for the series against South Africa. Nicholls has been a part of the New Zealand red ball side since 2016, but he has been overlooked in favour a rising white ball star Rachin Ravindra. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345602051112

Next month, in many places around the motu, rubbish rules are changing in a bid to standardise what gets recycled. It means a bunch of things that could previously be binned in recycle - are no longer welcome. More of our trash is heading to landfill. Auckland Council General Manager of Waste Solutions Parul Sood speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345600193112

A person's died after leaping from a crane , more than 30 metres high into Wellington harbour. The steam powered crane is on the Hikitia, which is an old ship that is permanently docked on the Capital's waterfront. Several years ago another person died when they leapt off the crane into the water in a stunt gone wrong . The Hikitia's owned by Wellington's Maritime Heritage trust; trustee Malcolm Mcgregor was at the wharf shortly after today's incident. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345599797112

A year on from the Auckland Anniversary floods, some families are still living in soggy, mouldy state houses, with holes in the floor of bedrooms. In Mangere, the stream overflowed, swamped houses along its banks, where water quickly went from ankle deep to waist deep. While Auckland Council says most of those properties have been repaired, some families are living in still-mouldy Kainga Ora homes, which are making them sick. Our reporter Lucy Xia and camera operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

The Israeli army has cut off southern Gaza's main hospitals and closed a significant escape route for hundreds of thousands of civilians who had been sheltering in Khan Younis according to Palestian Health officials. Israel has denied reports its tanks are responsbile for strikes on a UN compound in the city .. causing mass casualities; including nine fatalities. Thousands of people sheltering in hospital's in Khan Younis are now reportedly trapped where they are with Israeli troops encircling the city..effectively cutting off access. Jonathan Crickx speaks to Lisa Owen.

The beach day is a Kiwi classic, but for people in wheelchairs, accessible beaches are hard to come by. In Auckland, Takapuna is the only beach with a mat and accessible bathroom for wheelchair users. Their families are calling on the Government to invest in making public places like beaches accessible to everyone. Maia Ingoe has the story.

An Uber driver who's gone electric says he's happy to pay road user charges, but if the govenrment wants to keep driving people toward cleaner greener options, it's got to carve the costs up fairly. From April, light electric vehicles that have previously been exempt from road user charges will have to pay. The cost is 76 dollars per thousand kilometres. By comparison, a much heavier diesel truck weighing between three and half thousand and 6000 kilograms currently pays 82 dollars every thousand kilometres. The Transport Minister says the new charges are about fairness and equity and will ensure all road users are contributing to road maintenance. Wellington electric Uber driver, Phirum Koy speaks to Lisa Owen.

A new report has found Oranga Tamariki doesn't know whether the children in care are receiving annual health and dental check ups. The report by the Independent Children's Monitor found some are being given pain relief, instead of a proper check up. Krystal Gibbens reports.

Health experts are outraged at a minister's proposal to bring in a three year freeze on tobacco excise tax. Associate health minister Casey Costello has sought advice on a three year freeze on the inflation adjusted tax on smoking tobacco products. The minister says the tax affects addicted smokers who can come from lower socio economic backgrounds. An anti-smoking advocacy group wants her to be stripped of her health duties altogether. Jordan Dunn has the story.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345528140112

The Ministry For Primary Industries confirmed its investigating an alleged rat problem at a Dunedin south supermarket following complaints. Woolworth admits its Andersons Bay road store has "recently seen increased pest activity." But says it has a comprehensive management plan, with a specialist pest control contractor. Tammy Ung describes coming face to face with one of the offenders at the supermarket.

South Africa's understrength test team have touched down in New Zealand with a warning for the Black Caps. Eight of the touring squad have never played international cricket before but the Proteas coach isn't buying into the underdog tag and says his side is full of confidence ahead of the first test next month. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345525165112

Auckland Transport's roll out of raised pedestrian crossings may have hit a speed bump. One in the central city suburb of Grey Lynn has cost close to half a million dollars. And a dozen so called signalised crossings has cost the agency six million. Mayor Wayne Brown has reportedly accused A-T of losing the plot.. with accusation's the capital is doing the same work for way less. Joining us now is Auckland Transport CEO Dean Kimpton. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345524069112

Auckland and Wellington university students say they're constantly getting sick from the cold, damp and mouldy flats that they're paying exorbitant rents for. Even if they have the money, a shortage of rental accomodation means some have no choice but to move into dingy digs, sometimes far away from uni. There are concerns about the effect it's having on their health and their studies. Bella Craig reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345524920112

Figures out today show fruit and vege prices are down slightly on three months ago, but up 4.7 percent on the same time last year. Nectarines, Cherries, Plums and Apricots are just below or above the 10 dollar a kilo mark at the big supermarket chains around the motu. Joining us now is Summerfruit NZ CEO Kate Hellstrom. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345463482112

The Department of Conservation has conceded there's no guarantee a walk way to Catheral Cove will ever re-open but expects to know what may be possible by the middle of the year. The walking track to the popular Coromandel tourist destination was closed in February last year after it was badly damaged in extreme weather, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Over the next few months the Department of Conservation will consult on options for a resiliant safe track. DOC's Tina-ka Mearns says they're also waiting on a land stability report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345455683112

Donald Trump has come out on top at the New Hampshire Republican primary, further cementing his role as the party's frontrunner for the presidential election in November. His projected win makes him the first non-incumbent G-O-P candidate in the modern era to win both the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. With Ron DeSantis having pulled out of the race this week, Trump has just one remaining rival, Nikki Haley.

A Wellington resident says she would rather have functioning pipes than a newly rebuilt town hall. Yesterday, a leaking water main in Houghton Bay ruptured sending a torrent of mud and trees into the valley below and left two hundred homes without water. Mayor Tory Whanau insists that water infrustructure is a priority for the council and she's confident funding for it will increase. Jemima Huston reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345451622112

Christchurch councillors had fake cash thrown in their faces as they discussed a possible bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The environmental impacts and the huge price tag of the Games fuelled today's debate, but the council narrowly passed a proposal to look into it. Reporter Niva Chittock and visual journalist Nate McKinnon were there. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345450826112

The spirit of cricket has been called into question during New Zealand's match against Afghanistan at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. New Zealand won the dramatic, low-scoring contest in South Africa to remain unbeaten in tournament but one of the more controversial rules in cricket nearly saw a different result . We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345451689112

The Prime Minister has been warned - Māori will not sit by without a fight, if the government attempts to meddle with te Tiriti. Politicians of all stripes have flocked to Rātana near Whanganui for the political year's curtain-raiser. Our political reporter Giles Dexter is at Rātana Pā [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345451768112

Hold onto your wallets, It's official, inflation is deflating. The latest figures show it's slowed to its lowest levels in two years. Consumer prices rose just half a percent in the three months to end of December, taking the annual inflation rate to 4-point seven percent. Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345448916112

Animal welfare advocates say its ruthless that greyhounds are being raced and transported in blistering hot temperatures this summer. Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief operating officer, Liz Whelan joins Checkpoint. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345400101112

A popular Waitakere walking track has re-opened after a years long closure due to Kauri Die back. Five years ago it was estimated one in five trees in the Waitākere Ranges were infected with the disease. The popular cascade falls that closed in 2018 has finally reopened. Stuart Leighton speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345391940112

There's growing concern for the fate of kororā penguins on Waiheke island with several found dead and others severely malnourished this moulting season. During January to March, adult kororā penguins shed their waterproof feathers to grow new ones. But as Louise Ternouth reports, a lack of food in the Hauraki Gulf means many birds aren't making it, renewing calls for urgent action.

A record number of people are making withdrawals from their KiwiSaver accounts due to financial hardship. Budgeting services say they're facing an influx of requests as people struggle to pay for emergency expenses. Felix Walton has more.

A parking scam has left a bunch of concert goers, who thought they were doing a charitable thing, hundreds of dollars out of pocket. The Foo Fighters fans were dup'd by a man offering 20 dollar parking outside a charity, near Mount Smart stadium on Saturday night. Turns out he was not legit and concert goers returned to the spot post concert to find their vehicles had been towed for illegal parking. One concert goer had to pay about four hundred dollars in fees to get his car back from the enforcement company. Clifton Chambers lawyer Ben Hamlin speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345390238112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345391357112

Too hot for trousers: What's ok to wear at work? [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345389004112

Protestors, rule changes and rowdy fans have been testing the limits of some of the world's top tennis players at the Australian Open. Disruptions in the stands aren't uncommon but some players at this grand slam think it has gone too far. Sports reporter Felicity Reid talks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345389271112

A Wellington mum says she's relying on bread and pasta to keep food costs down and fill tummies at home. Shoppers say fruit, veggies, meat and dairy products are blowing the budget and they're looking for alternatives to manage costs. At the same time, the Commerce Commission is investigating the two big supermarket chains over pricing and promotional practices. Our reporter Jemima Huston has more.

Nga iwi mōrehu are gathering at Rātana Pa to celebrate the birthday of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana the founder of the Rātana faith. Kiingi Tuuheitia was welcomed earlier this afternoon in the wake of last week's hui, where more than ten thousand people came together. Key priorities identified at last week's hui will continue to be discussed and iwi will have an opportunity to present key messages directly to political leaders. Māori Affairs reporter Pokere Paewai is at Ratana, he talks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345388963112

Imagine this, it's up to 28 degrees in the afternoon sun, with stiffling humidity and you're forced to sprint more than half a kilometre as fast as you possibly can. It's ruthless and exactly what's happening to greyhound racing dogs; according to animal welfare advocates. The Labour government put the industry on notice, telling it to improve animal welfare or risk being shut down altogether and during the election campaign Christopher Luxon said he supported a ban. At a race meet in Manukau on Sunday, one of the hottest Auckland days this summer, animal advocates say they used infared thermometres to also measure the air-temperature just outside vehicles transporting greyhounds from the track. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345387614112

Can you imagine racking up $17,000 dollar worth of parking tickets in just 6 months, then taking eight years to pay them off? That is the expensive lesson learnt by former Auckland resident Todd Fisher, who played parking roulette and lost. Todd Fisher speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345328608112

Mayors at two Wellington councils are hoping to meet with the local government Minister to clear up confusion over the capital's water woes. Much of the region moved to water restrictions last week.. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says he wrote to the Wellington Water Committee last year asking what the councils were doing to address water shortages and leaks. And the reply from Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry did not include input from Wellington City Council or Upper Hutt City Council. Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy talks to Lisa Owens. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345330590112

Coromandel business owners are hailing what they say is the best summer in a decade. After two years of covid, and its lifeline highway washed away in last year's summer storms, it's been a disruptive few years. But with the road rebuilt, the people have returned, filling shops, restaurants and accommodation- pumping life back into the area. Louise Ternouth reports.

The SPCA is slashing its adoption fees to ease pressure on its packed animal shelters . From next week adoptions will be half price whether its a kitten, puppy, pony or porka. Nationwide the SPCA has more than 4 thousand animals in its care and last year it got harder to find them forever homes. SPCA spokesperson Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell talks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345330081112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345329989112

If you are in one of the hot spots literally, getting a good night sleep may be a challenge. So to help turn the nightmare around we're joined by University of Otago sleep researcher Professor Barbara Galland. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345330071112

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has shaken off a tough 2023 to get back into the winners circle at the season-opening LPGA event in Florida. Ko had a two shot victory at the Tournament of Champions, holding off an American teenager for her first win on the tour in 14 months. Sports reporter Felicity Reid talks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345328514112

Parts of the country have again been sizzling in super hot weather, with some areas tipping over 30 degrees. Metservice has issued heat alerts for 18 towns and cities, all the way from Kaitaia to Blenheim, after days of sustained high temperatures. But some good news for those struggling with the sweltering heat, things should cool down from tomorrow. Finn Blackwell has more.

A scene from Mad Max is how one surfer has described the chaos on Muriwai Beach, when vehicles are hooning around. The death of a young person has sparked calls for vehicles to be permanently banned from the beach on Auckland's west coast. Cars can go up to 60 kays an hour on parts of Muriwai beach, which is packed with people on a hot summers day. Our reporter Jordan Dunn and cameraman Nick Monro have the story, followed by Auckland Council's regional parks principal specialist Stephen Bell. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345328307112

While Christmas is a time of coming together for many, not everyone has the luxury of friends or family in their town to gather with. An Auckland Yoga teacher says she's been in that boat before, and is putting on a free yoga class on Christmas day at Gribblehurst Park for those who don't have any plans. Yoga teacher Kimmy West speaks with Jimmy Ellingham

News from the business sector, including a market report.

If you're struggling to find time to catch up with your mates ahead of Christmas, the solution might be… chicken parmigiana? Well for one group of friends in Melbourne it has certainly helped. Andrea Jordan and her mates have been gathering regularly for 20 years and show no signs of stopping. Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Andrea who explains how the friend group has managed to make it last

Aucklanders who've spent the year dealing with storm-affected homes are getting some relief, as the first of the council property buyouts begins. Auckland Council has been working with insurers and homeowners on a buyout scheme. Now, more than 60 Category 3 property owners are working through the voluntary buyout process, after storms lashed the region earlier this year. Over 500 homes have been categorised, with the purchase of the first four homes in the scheme expected to be completed today. But many are still in limbo. Finn Blackwell has the story.

The Black Caps are allaying fears over the fitness of captain Kane Williamson after he was withdrawn from the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh. Williamson and pace bowler Kyle Jamieson have both been rested on medical advice, as selectors look ahead to the series against South Africa and Australia this summer. Sports reporter Felicity Reid Speaks to Jimmy Ellingham

Emergency water tanks are selling out across Wellington, as the region moves closer to strict water restrictions. New modelling from Wellington Water shows the chance of an acute water shortage has increased from 24% to 33%. Wellington Civil Defence is selling emergency 200L water tanks at a discounted rate through councils and they're being snapped up. Wellington City Council had 80 tanks delivered this morning, but they'd sold out by half 12:30pm. Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council have also sold out

There will be security guards at 32 hospital emergency departments across the country this summer. The government is spending an extra $5.7m on short-term security after an increase in violent incidents at hospitals. It comes after senior doctors at two Auckland hospital emergency departments pleaded for dedicated guards, saying the violence and aggression experienced by front-line staff is getting worse. Amy Williams reports.

It's a busy time on our roads and at petrol stations. Terry Collins, a Fuel Spokesperson for the AA, speaks to Jimmy Ellingham about the cost of filling up this festive season, and what tips or tricks there are to keep petrol costs down

'Tis the season for reuniting with loved ones... and traffic jams and airport queues. It's the busiest day of the year for Auckland Airport, with 63,000 people expected to arrive or leave on flights Almost 18,000 travellers are taking off to international destinations. Emma Stanford was at the gate

Christchurch's Methodist Mission has been a hive of holiday cheer today, as donated Christmas hampers were dropped off and given to those struggling to put a meal on the table. Volunteers, dressed as reindeer and elves, helped unload car after car filled with boxes of Christmas lunch, presents and festive treats. Each package is specially made for the family receiving it. Niva Chittock reports.

Animal Control Officers will be out in force at Auckland's West Coast beaches , making sure nobody's breaking the rules. Piha is one of the region's worst beaches for bad behaviour from dog owners. Auckland Council's Team Leader of Animal Management Aaron Neary speaks to Jimmy Ellingham

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Locals in a tiny Central Hawke's Bay town want a new vape store gone. A petition delivered to the council calling for the closure of the shop in Otane has gathered 500 signatures. But the shop owner says he's just trying to make a living. Reporter Lauren Crimp has the story.

New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has confirmed his management group for the upcoming season and it's a lengthy list of people. Seven remain from past coach Ian Foster's era, eight have experience with senior international teams, and 11 come from Super Rugby Pacific roles this year. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Jimmy Ellingham

Latest figures show road crashes are costing the country billions of dollars. With summer holidays just round the corner, a former road safety officer is reminding people to be safe. Our reporter Emma Stanford went along to an Auckland Transport seminar

Ten months after Cyclone Gabrielle, bad weather has left the recovery for many East Coast and Tairawhiti farmers stuck in the mud. And while there's hope forecast dry weather will arrive soon, a return to normal could be years away. I filed this report.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has ruled out expelling the Russian ambassador. This, despite his coalition partners National and ACT calling for an expulsion earlier this year. MPs had their last question time for the year today and as political reporter Anneke Smith reports - things got a little festive.

A prisoner is dead and another is in a serious condition after an assault in the kitchen at Auckland South Corrections Facility

More than 14,000km from the North Pole, Aucklanders are packing prezzies for people in need. Over 200 volunteers are working with the Auckland City Mission to distribute food parcels and toys throughout the city. But inflation has them worrying about the cost of Giving. Felix Walton visited their workshop at Eden Park.

It's a Christmas miracle for Coromandel, with the new 124 metre Taparahi Bridge opening on State Highway 25A this morning. The Kopu-Hikuai section has been shut since January due to structural cracks in the road, which was eventually washed away by heavy rain. Initially slated to open next April, the reinstatement of the Highway will take hours off trips for those accessing the Peninsula. Tairua resident John Smith spent the last 7 months working security near the job site, and speaks to Jimmy Ellingham.

Wellington International Airport is fighting a constant battle to prevent online scams that use their branding to reel in unsuspecting people. It says as soon as one scam is taken down, another pops up in it's place. Bill Hickman has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Black Caps are chasing a series-winning victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Nelson. Sent in to bat, Bangladesh were all out for 291 after a shaky start to their innings. Sport reporter Felicity Reid Speaks to Jimmy Ellingham. 

Police have confirmed a man who died of gunshot wounds at a 50th birthday party in Lower Hutt on the weekend was a gang member, but they don't believe his death was "gang related". Hutt Valley has been rocked by several violent deaths in recent weeks, including a police shooting in Wainuiomata, a hit-and-run, and the killing of Baby Ru. Ashleigh McCaull was at a briefing at the Lower Hutt police station this afternoon and she filed this report

There were handshakes, jersey swaps and serious talks on defence during Christopher Luxon's first official trip as Prime Minister. Mr Luxon is about to return from a whirlwind visit to Australia - one where he couldn't avoid a topic he thought was resolved. Our political reporter Giles Dexter is in Sydney

Finance minister Nicola Willis speaks to Jimmy Ellingham

The new Finance Minister has pledged a multi-billion dollar economic repair job, carving out an initial $7.5 billion of savings to help deliver tax cuts. The details of how those tax cuts will be rolled out next year - though - were notably absent from today's mini-Budget - with that to come in the full May Budget next year. It comes as Treasury warns that economic conditions and the government's finances are worse-than-expected. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Southland Police are urging caution in the water after a woman was bitten by a shark in Riverton. The 21-year-old recieved a signifcant laceration to her leg, after walking in knee deep water in an estuary at 2am.. Police beleive the culprit was a Seven gill shark - and the time of day may have been a factor. Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Shark Scientist Riley Elliot about how to avoid any nasty encounters with the creatures.

Nearly $1 million dollars aside for fitting out wheelchair taxis is sitting unused, as the window to claim it draws near. Taxi companies around the country have claimed just a quarter of the $1.2 Million dollar fund, with some operators saying the funding model is leaving them out of pocket. Meanwhile, wheelchair users say there's a shortage of accessible taxis, meaning it's difficult for them to get around, and they're sometimes left stranded. Luka Forman has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has spent another day batting away claims of hypocrisy, with his previous comments about te reo and international travel coming back to haunt him. It comes the day before he departs for his first international engagement - a one-day visit to Australia. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

14 New Zealand cricketers will go under the hammer in the Indian Premier League auction tonight - including rising star Rachin Ravindra. After a strong Cricket World Cup last month Ravindra has been on the outer with Black Caps selectors for the T-20 format, but the allrounder is tipped to be popular with IPL franchises. The auction will be held in Dubai and starts at half past 8 We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid.

DOC has managed to get new walking tracks around Cathedral Cove open for summer, despite the hike down to the popular Coromandel beach being off the cards, for now. Extreme weather events in January and February brought down landslides and harmful rock falls at the cove. The track to recovery is no easy fix. In the meantime, The Department of Conservation and stakeholders have developed new tracks, and made improvements to existing ones, so visitors can still soak up the postcard views. DOC's Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns joins me now speaks to Jimmy Ellingham.

Six people have appeared in court today, charged over allegations Corrections staff were bribed with cash and sex to take contraband into Wellington's Rimutaka Prison. Of the six, three men have been charged with accepting money to bring in contraband, while a 50-year-old man is accused of accepting sex from a 37-year-old woman. The woman is charged with bribery, and a current Rimutaka inmate is allegedly a party to offering the bribe. Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Corrections' chief custodial officer.

A new art installation by Auckland Council is hoping to revitalise one of Central Auckland's most infamous parks. The sculpture, called Waimahara, welcomes visitors to the lower end of Myers Park with lights, sounds and shimmering waves. Felix Walton reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Although Aotearoa has some of the strictest quarantine regulations in the world, some travellers still try to sneak in items that are not allowed. In the past three months, quarantine officers seized more than 30,000 items, and fined 2,000 people. The finds include dried fruit in a milk container, a whole vine of peanuts, and an assortment of seeds in the lining of a suitcase. Biosecurity New Zealand says frontline teams are ready to tackle the inlux of tourists expected to come through our borders this summer. Northern regional commissioner Mike Inglis speaks to Jimmy Ellingham.

The White Ferns are in the midst of the final one-dayer against Pakistan in Christchurch and are aiming to make it three wins in a row. Today's day-night cricket match is the White Ferns' last game for a few months. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Jimmy Ellingham in studio.

New Zealand is being warned it is heading towards a tragedy if more is not invested in council infrastructure, and that people need to get used to double-digit rates increases. Local Government New Zealand and the lead group of infrastructure management professionals today gave a joint media conference to outline their concerns. They warned of looming infrastructure costs of hundreds of billions of dollars. Rachel Graham has more.

Wellingtonians have expressed mixed feelings about the axing of the capital's major transport project. The new government and local councils have met and agreed to put an end to Let's Get Wellington Moving. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is defending using taxpayer money to pay for his te reo Maori lessons when in Opposition. Mr Luxon has recently been critical of public servants being paid to learn the language and receiving bonuses for being proficient in it. Speaking to reporters at his post-cabinet press conference, Mr Luxon says people should be encouraged to learn Te Reo. Christopher Luxon has confirmed he will fly to Australia on Wednesday, his first overseas engagement since taking office. He will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney and the pair are expected to discuss security, defence and the Indo-Pacific region.

Cairns airport is underwater as heavy rain continues to lash Queensland's far north. The remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper have caused widespread destruction. The main roads into Cairns were blocked and people were being evacuated from their homes in the worst flooding the city of 150,000 people has seen in 100 years. New Zealander Hohi Oates has lived in Cairns for 3 decades, and has been unable to get to work since last week. Hohi speaks to Jimmy Ellingham.

A Palmerston North teenager who had to travel to London for treatment after he suffered a deep brain bleed says he's on the mend. Carson Harvey says his headaches have stopped and he's now looking forward to coming home next month after a second surgery. It's a trip that came after a massive fundraising effort towards the 150-thousand-dollar cost. Jimmy Ellingham spoke to Carson and his father Bruce in the UK.

After a day of sweating it out in a tin shed near Gore.. two cousins has smashed the world record for the number of sheep shorn in eight hours by two women. The cousins ..champion shearer Megan Whitehead and Hannah McColl have eclipsed the record of 903 - that was set by a mother and daughter team about a decade and half ago. It all happened a Grant Brothers farm near Gore. Farm owner Cameron Grant speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343155202112

A Chrischurch start-up wants to bring steam power to the Pacific islands to help cacao farmers dry their beans. Mackwell and Co has reimagined the old steam engine, into what they see as the cutting edge of low tech. Organic matter that would otherwise be thrown out in the islands can now be turned into clean energy. Caleb Fotheringham reports.

The truth is transitioning from darkness to light. Those were the words uttered by the Coroner as she drew the curtain on the inquest into the deaths of the 51 people shot at Christchurch's Al Noor mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in 2019. For seven weeks, brutal evidence has been heard by the court about what happened on March 15th, the emergency response that followed and what improvements could be made. Niva Chittock was there.

His distinctive buildings attract crowds around the world and his environmental vision was decades ahead of his time. Now his extraordinary property, in a remote corner of the Bay of Islands, is finally about to open to the public. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf gets a sneak preview.

The White Ferns are getting a rare opportunity to play under lights in today's second one-dayer against Pakistan in Christchurch. New Zealand lead the three match series 1-nil after a big win on Tuesday. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343153507112

It's the pothole payment they tried to keep secret. After battling for more than a year a man whose car was damaged by a tomo has finally got "compensation" from Auckland Transport. Stephen Doyle's lodged a claim with the agency for repairs to a wheel ruined when he hit a pothole on Leigh Road North of Auckland in 2021. But it refused to pay basically saying it was only liable if it had knowingly left a hazard unrepaired. Now we know a lot of you have suffered pothole damage, but have had no joy in terms of compo. Stephen Doyle didnt give up and finally got a "goodwill" payment of almost nine hundred dollars. Stephen Doyle speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343152125112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343152006112

Senior Labour MP Kelvin Davis has called time on politics so as not to grow "bitter" and "angry" on the opposition benches. The former deputy leader has held ministerial roles in Corrections, Maori-Crown Relations, Children and Tourism. He says it's now up to his colleagues to advocate for Maori-Crown relations - and has laid down a challenge for the new government. Our political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

A quarter of swimming pools inspected in Auckland are failing safety requirements. The council urging owners to lift their game this summer saying unsupervised access to pools through faulty gates and is one of the leading causes of drowning in preschoolers. In the past year they've inspected 13,000 pools ..25% failed. And beware the blow up pools and spas that are popular xmas presents; the rules apply to many of those too. Auckland Council's head of complaince for pools, Stuart Airs speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343150721112

'Looking to one of the best summers we've ever had' The Coromandel is just days away from being stitched back together.. with a bridge due to open any day - reconnecting one side of the peninsula to the other. It's been a long year for communities coping without their lifeline highway which was taken out and washed away in the summer storms. For some it meant long detours - for others it meant moving house, or boarding with others, to be able to get to work and school. But ahead of time and under budget, the new connection is all but ready to go. Crews have been working 24/7 to get the job done - something the Prime Minister says he wants to see more of for other big projects around the country. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Nick Monro went to check out the Coromandel's brand new connection.

Pacific climate leaders are critical of the new COP 28 deal, released overnight after marathon negotiations. The deal calls on all countries to move away from the use of fossil fuels but does not include explicit calls to phase out or phase down. Caleb Fotheringham has more.

Heavy rain in Gaza is adding to the aguish of families displaced by the Israel-Hamas war. Some families living in temporary camps are now dealing with flooded tents, surrounded by a bog. The UN children's agency estimates one million children in the palestinian territory have been displaced as a result of Israel's bombardment of the region in retaliation for the Hamas attacks an hostage taking in October. UNICEF says the humanitarian crisis is worsening as more people are being forced further south into overcrowded areas. Spokesperson Alexandra Murdoch speak to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343051774112

Ten months on from devastating cyclone Gabrielle ...in some of the hardest hit regions, people are still out of their homes, roads remain severely compromised and silt and debris is blight on the landscape. The former government and weather devastated areas have negotiated joint voluntary buy-out shemes for people whose land is to risky to rebuild on. But it's a long process. Three weeks after the devastating floods.. we checked in with three leaders from three of the hardest hit regions....so we thought it was time to talk to them again. Thames Coromandel mayor Len Salt, Wairoa mayor, Craig Little and Napier mayor Kirsten Wise speak to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343049383112

Massey University has today confirmed it's pressing ahead with its plans to cuts science courses and jobs. The moves were flagged two months ago, prompting staff and students to lobby for a backdown. Checkpoint reporter Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343045275112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343043590112

Another bout of sewage spilling into Auckland beaches has residents and council officials concerned. Some popular swimming spots on the city's North Shore are under a Do Not Swim notice until five o'clock tomorrow night. But that hasn't stopped some people from taking a dip. Emma Stanford reports.

Two Silver Ferns shooters have been dropped for the upcoming tour of England after failing to meet the required fitness standards. Maia Wilson and Tiana Metuarau fell short of the minimum targets at a training camp and weren't named in the 11-strong team today. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343043750112

It's 10 months today since Wairoa was swallowed by its river during Cyclone Gabrielle, causing widespread destruction. What followed were days of no communication, weeks of isolation and the months of ongoing recovery. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham pays a visit to two family homes to find out how the clean up is going.

Freight movers, businesses and passengers want to know how the crucial Cook Strait connection will be future proofed. The government has sunk Kiwirail's plans for a replacement of the clapped-out ferries, and major port upgrades. The bill for that has blown out to three billion dollars, causing the government to pull its support. In Picton, ferry passengers are left using a temporary terminal and roads remain closed for the ferry development - leaving residents waiting for answers. Samantha Gee has more.

Is the country's secret Santa this Christmas ..a recession. Some economists unwrapping GDP figures today got a shock to see Aotearoa's economy shrunk point-three-percent in the September quarter; substantially softer forecasts. Manufacturing was sluggish; postal transport and warehouse activity was down four and half percent. And the retail sector's been described as anaemic . The weaker economy is despite record migration. Bottom line..it means a smaller tax take for the government. KiwiBank chief economist Jarrod Kerr speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6343041288112

Workers at a Hawke's Bay clothing factory say they were blindsided by a decision to close its doors. The Made It Here factory, which supplies boutique clothing company Kilt, told its staff last month, they could no longer afford to keep the factory running. Now, jobless in the lead up to Christmas, former workers said their job prospects in Hawke's Bay are slim. Reporter Kate Green has been speaking to former employees. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342939252112

Visiting cruise ships are causing commuter chaos in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. On Tuesday evening the Celebrity Edge broke its moorings in high winds at Princes Wharf. That meant 10 commuter ferries had to be cancelled and others were left bobbing in the harbour unable to dock until the cruise ship was secured. It is not the first disruption caused by a passenger ship; earlier this week several ferry services were cancelled because of a medical incident. On Wednesday evening more commuter ferries are cancelled and some delayed due to the cruise ship departing - a regular occurrence during the season. Port of Auckland CEO, Roger Gray explained what happened with the mooring.

Businesses along Auckland's Great North Road say roadworks are turning customers away during their crucial pre-Christmas period. The roadworks began last month as part of Auckland Transport's Great North Road project delivering walking, cycling and bus improvements over the next two years. And as Louise Ternouth reports some businesses are so sick of waiting for customers to walk through the door, they've decided to take their business on the road.

Two children were sleeping when bullets hit their bedroom window this morning. The second shooting within four months has an east Auckland street on edge, with some residents considering moving out. Police say they are in the very early stages of an investigation and cannot say whether the shooting in Point England is gang-related. Our reporter Emma Stanford has the story.

'tis the season for thieving, and according to a police retail crime unit shoplifters are honing in om targetting tasty high value treats like chocolate, beauty products and trendy sneakers. The unit that was set up in Mid 2022 targets some of the country's worst shoplifters. Retail NZ estimates there's a billion dollars a year in losses from retail offending. A supermarket customer spoken to by Checkpoint has twice witnessed brazen chocolate heists from an Auckland supermarket. Meanwhile the national retail investigation suport unit says intel it's gathered on some of the worst offenders has led to thousand of charges against hundred of offenders. Head of unit Matt Tierney speaks to Lisa Owen . [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342931675112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342931635112

A road safety charity believes a u-turn on a policy that's seen lower speed limits on some roads, will cost lives. The government plans to stop what it calls blanket speed limit reductions. The Labour government introduced 80km/h speed limits on some highways, and lowered the limit to 30 kays an hour around schools and some suburban streets. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says he wants a system that gets people where they want to go faster and he told Checkpoint he plans to introduce variable speed limits around schools that only apply during drop-off times. Caroline Perry from Brake NZ joins Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342930999112

Auckland City's part-time footballers were no match for their wealthy Saudi opposition at the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah today. The Auckland team lost 3-nil to Al-Ittihad and were knocked out of the competition - sending their players back to their jobs as teachers, salesmen, and tradies. Whereas the Saudi team which includes a player earning more than $150 million a season move on the next round against the champions from Egypt. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342930291112

A flicker of lights, a huge roar, a cyclone of glass, and then it was all over in a flash. Wild weather and what some witnesses have described as a "mini-tornado" wreaked havoc in Lower Hutt yesterday afternoon. Today, locals are picking up the pieces. Soumya Bhamidipati reports.

Labour is calling on the health minister to honour is Hippocratic oath, as crowds gathered begging the government to reconsider repealing smokefree legislation. The government insists it remains committed to reducing smoking rates - despite budgeting 500-million dollars a year in tax revenue from tobacco sales. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

Is KiwiRail's plans for a new green fleet of ferries absolutely sunk? The government's refusing to kick any more money into replacing the aging Interislander ferry fleet following a massive cost blow out. The ferry operator had asked for an extra $1.5 billion. But the government says the cost of the project including harbourside infrastructure has quadrupled to $3 billion since 2018 and there's no guarantees it wont go higher. Now KiwiRail's board has told the government it will have to wind the project down and start from scratch. Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaks to Lisa Owen.

Parents say they're shocked and angry with a Whakatane primary school after it decided to scrap a bilingual teaching unit without consultation. Te Whānau o Awatope at Apanui Primary School immerses 45 students with up to 50 percent of lessons taught in te reo Maori. Two weeks since the abrupt announcement, frustrated parents are meeting with the board of trustees in a final plea to keep the 14 year old unit alive. The board has apologised for poor communication, but says its hand has been forced due to being unable to hire a teacher. Reporter Jordan Dunn has more.

More than 1,000 protestors gathered on parliament's lawn today, once again urging the government to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It comes as a New Zealander made it out of Gaza overnight, crossing into Egypt through the Rafah crossing. But thousands remain caught in the crossfire. Our reporter Soumya Bhamidipati and cameraman Angus Dreaver were at parliament.

The death of a Hector's dolphin could mean further restrictions on Otago commerical fishers. One of the nationally vulnerable species is believed to have died after being caught in a net off the Otago peninsula in November. The boat was fishing outside the protection zone and the dolphin wasnt initially identified as a Hector's. There's a two death regional limit for the species for the season, after which more restrictions or protections can be fast tracked. The first death has triggered talks between between the Ministry for Primary industries and the local fishing industry about introducing voluntary measures to make sure it doesn't happen again. Acting director of fisheries management Marianne Lukkien explains what happened [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342827315112

The poo pong from Bromley's wastewater treatment plant is back. Some Christchurch residents say the stench resurfaced with a vengeance earlier this week. The problem has been ongoing despite remedial work following a fire in 2021 that destroyed the filters at the Bromley plant. But residents are still waiting for a permenant solution to the stink and to add to their woes, the compost plant in the same suburb is reaching peak pong too. Bromley resident Vickie Walker describes the toxic cocktail. In a statement, Christchurch council says aerators at the Bromley waste treatment plant were turned off on November 23 to see if they could be taken offline to allow for maintenance. All available aerators were switched back on on 4 December following both reports of odours from the community, and council's own odour monitoring. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342831554112

A landmark prosecution has been made in the construction sector today. For the first time in New Zealand, two construction companies and two directors are being prosecuted for acting like a cartel. The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against them for allegedly bid rigging publicly-funded infrastructure contracts in Auckland. A competition lawyer says it is only the start, with more cases to come. Emma Stanford reports.

The cost of living crisis has Aucklanders dreaming of a tight Christmas. Many families are reining in their holiday spending, according to a new survey by Westpac. Felix Walton reports. 

Business for Tuesday 12 December [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342824627112

The government's pulling the handbrake on speed limit changes, saying it will stop blanket speed limit reductions. The Labour government introduced 80km per hour speed limits on some highways, and lowered the limit to 30km around schools and some suburban streets. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says changes this week remove the mandatory requirement for roading authorities to implement speed management plans. He speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342825151112

The White Ferns posted their highest one-day international total in five years when they reached 365/4 against Pakistan in the opening game of the series in Queenstown today. New Zealand has a winning record against the visitors in this format of the game - having lost just once in the previous 14 ODIs between the two sides. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342822399112

It didn't take long for Winston Peters to come out swinging from the big chair, as he took the reins in Chistopher Luxon's absence. In just the second Question Time of the term, the Deputy Prime Minister became Acting Prime Minister, and took on all challengers. But a moment where he said nothing at all has got the Speaker looking at the rules. Here's our political reporter Giles Dexter. 

Axing fair pay agreements will shave up to $10,000 a year off a bus drivers salary according to the Council of Trade Unions. The government plans to get rid of the policy by Christmas, putting an end to half a dozen agreements part way through the process. Among them are the hospitality industry, security officers and commerical cleaners. FPAs allowed unions to negotiate sector wide agreements for some industries. Council of Trade Unions national president Richard Wagstaff, who's been involved with negotiating the bus drivers' agreement, speaks to Lisa Owen. (V [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342822827112

Wild weather has ripped through Wellington this afternoon, damaging some buildings and grounding flights in and out of the capital for a period of time. A front that lashed Canterbury this morning has moved up the country and has been bearing down on Wellington bringing seriously strong winds and heavy rain. Reporter Jemima Huston speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342822335112

Wild weather has ripped through Wellington this afternoon, damaging some buildings and grounding flights in and out of the capital for a period of time. A front that lashed Canterbury this morning has moved up the country and has been bearing down on Wellington bringing seriously strong winds and heavy rain. Reporter Jemima Huston speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342833833112

Mount Albert residents are concerned a major residential development on Auckland's Carrington Road could cause huge strain on local infrastructure and access to amenities. Over the next decade more than 4,000 homes are destined for the almost 40 hectare site seven kilometres from the CBD. Proposed changes to the unitary plan that local residents were notified about last month could allow some buildings to be up to 72 metres. Louise Ternouth reports.

Sir Collin Tukuitonga has resigned as Chairperson of the Te Whatu Ora Pacific Senate saying he has "no confidence" in the new coalition government. Sir Collin was knighted last year for his services to Pacific and public health and has held several high profile roles in the health sector including advocating for Pasifika during the pandemic. The Senate was established in January to provide advice to Te Whatu Ora. Sir Collin's resignation came just days after the coalition government was sworn in but has only been made public this afternoon. He speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342759679112

Ever experienced that awkward Christmas work do where someone is on the wrong side of boozed, standing inappropriately close trash talking the boss who is behind them? Or your coworker dancing like nobody's watching; but actually everyone is, cause it's a bit ropey! Maybe an alcohol-free work Christmas party is the way of the future - removing one of the risk factors altogether. Apparently it's a growing trend here and in Australia. The Drug Detection Agency specialises in workpkace drug testing and education. Its chief executive Glenn Dobson speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342760642112

East Auckland residents are in shock after a person drove through a bus stop and injured six people on Sunday evening. Two people were treated at the scene and four others were taken to hospital. A 22 year old man was arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court this afternoon. Felix Walton has more.

100 day plan: Minister on repealing FPAs and extending 90 day trials [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342758103112

News from the business sector, including a market report [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342756572112

A Te Papa exhibit with the English translation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been trashed by protestors. The wooden panel displaying the english words hangs on the fourth floor of the museum near the cafe. A protestor appears to have abseiled down the wall and sprayed it in paint. Police say 12 people have been arrested. Te Papa kaihautu, Maori co-leader, Dr Arapata Hakiwai speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342755518112

The sometimes rocky relationship between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia won't impact on the future of Super Rugby Pacific. That is the message from the chair of the competition Kevin Malloy as both countries come together to figure out how to 'reignite the flame' of the competition and get more eyeballs. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Lisa Owen in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342753531112

The new Prime Minister has described New Zealand's immigration settings as way too loose, signalling a move to scale back the numbers of people arriving. Even Labour accepts it's now time to reconsider the policies: a significant shift from both major parties. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

The government says it'll repeal Fair Pay Agreements by Christmas. It's also restated its intention to extend 90 day trials to every business in the country, not just those with fewer than 19 workers. The move has put the government on a collision course with unions, who rallied outside David Seymour's office in Auckland today. A leaked Cabinet paper has revealed the Workplace Relations minister, Brooke Van Velden, ignored advice from Treasury and claims there was no consultation. Emma Stanford was there.

The injury count could continue to climb after an illegal street racing meet up involving more than 1,000 people near Hamilton over the weekend. Two people suffered serious stab wounds, and a baby was found in the back of a car being driven by someone who didnt have license at the event on State Highway 27 near Matamata. Now police are investgating whether a bystander was sideswiped by a car drifting at high speed. 12 people have arrested and more than 200 tickets given out for various driving and alcohol offences at the event that was promoted via social media. Investigators are now searching CCTV footage to identify more people who were there. Inspector Will Loughrin says the community's had enough of the high risk, high speed antics [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342752594112

A kiwi gamer says he's spent around $16,000 on loot boxes, or virtual treasure chests, in online video games. Games like Counter-strike and FIFA, now EA FC, allow players to spend real money to open them, and win in game rewards. Problem gambling groups are worried about the sums of money being spent on loot boxes, which they say operate in much the same way as real-life gambling. Luka Forman has more.

Otorohanga College is being forced to close its rundown boarding hostel because it doesnt have the money to fix it up. It broke the news to parents and students this afternoon after unsucessfully appealing to the Ministry of Education for financial help. The school's suffered a $600,000 financial loss since 2019 in keeping Kainga Rua Falloon House running. And the board says it has less than half the boarders needed to break even with operating costs. Chair of the Otorohanga College board, Duncan Coull speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342567273112

Tairawhiti's rescue helicopter service is sounding the alarm that lives are at risk due to its inability to fly in low cloud. As early as last week, it had to abandon a potential rescue of people needing help. Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust needs big bucks for a new chopper, and says it's becoming urgent with the region's roads continuing to crumble - leaving no other way out of some communities. Reporter Lauren Crimp has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342567404112

A Napier neighbourhood's allegedly been dogged by noise that's driving them barking mad. A pair of fluffy Shih Tzu crosses Ruby and Simba living on Napier Hill, have 17 complaints against them for excessive noise. They include barking and howling, sometimes for hours at a time according to the Napier City Council. After three years of warnings, the dogs' owner was issued with a complaince notice in September. It requires a combination of remedies; including using anti-barking collars, keeping the dogs inside and away from distractions, and getting help from an animal trainer. But the dogs' owner, Nuzia Scaranci is challenging the notice at a council hearing next week. She speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342566045112

One of the worlds best golfers has defected to the Saudi Arabia backed LIV Golf tour. Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm will leave the PGA for a reported $920 million. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342565511112

The Prime Minister has been told there needs to be action in Wairoa to get the cyclone-hit town back on its feet. Christopher Luxon drove crumbling State Highway 2 with a handful of MPs this morning to reach the small Hawke's Bay town. There he met with leaders to hear what it needs from the new government. Kate Green was in Wairoa.

Auckland Transport plans to spend the summer holidays working on the city's pothole problem. But the agency says it needs more funding to get ahead of its massive backlog of damaged roads. Felix Walton has more.

New Zealand's joined its five eyes partners calling out Russia for malicious, sustained and politically targeted cybers attacks on the UK. The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre claims groups with strong links to Russia's Federal Security Services have targeted high profile individuals and entities; attempting to interfere in UK politics and democratic processes. It includes phishing parliamentarians over the past 8 years, hacking and leaking sensitive trade and other documents, as well as targetting Universities, journalists, NGO's and government departments. Aotearoa, the United States, Canda and Australia all threw their weight behind the UK govenrment, condemming the actions of Russia. Minister for the GCSB, Judith Collins speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342563133112

Rampaging raptors are causing havoc along some popular walkways. There's been several falcon or Karearea attacks, the most recently on a track at Pareora Gorge near Timaru where a man was left bloodied after being clawed by a swooping bird. There have also been incidents in Rotorua and Nelson. Ron Lindsay is from the New Zealand Raptor Trust that looks after sick and injured birds hawks, falcons, and owls and he speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342502279112

After years of waiting there are finally plans to move some of the crumbling old Auckland commuter trains blighting the main street of central North Island town Taumarunui. The local mayor says once they've gone, it will give residents the opportunity to realise the town's potential and to once again become the heart of the main trunk line. Jimmy Ellingham reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342500967112

More than 10,000 businesses have defaulted on $177 million worth of loans given out as part of the previous government's Covid support package. Two years on from the pandemic, IRD's now calling for 129,000 customers to start paying back $2.3 billion worth of Small Business Cashflow loans. Those who don't or cant pay-up are put on payment plans. IRD says more than 70 percent of customers have to pay up to $500 a month; with around 4 percent required to pay $1,000 dollars a month. Head of Advocacy for the Employers and Manufacturers Association Alan McDonald speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342500672112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342499690112

The police commisioner has been put is on notice, with the government outlining its expectations around law and order. In a letter to Andrew Coster the new police minister Mark Mitchell says the force needs to use its full legal powers to stop gangs taking over public roads, towns and spaces. And to significantly disrupt gang and organised crime in the community. The Minister also expects a back to basics approach with a highly visible presence in the community and a continued strong focus on youth crime. Mark Mitchell signs off his letter of expectation by saying meeting these expectations will require strong and decisive leadership. Police commissioner Andrew Coster speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342497201112

Former US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu will have her fingers crossed for a sunny start to the new year in Auckland. The 21 year old British star has been given a wildcard to the ASB Classic, a tournament that left her in tears in January. Raducanu departed New Zealand after firing a parting shot at Auckland's indoor courts, something that now seems to be water under the bridge. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342497280112

The previous government's plans for a second Waitemata Harbour Crossing have been roundly rejected by Auckland council. The draft business case was for the construction of two underwater road tunnels, and light rail connecting the CBD to the North Shore. It would have cost $56 Billion. Aside from one councilor who abstained due to a conflict of interest, all members of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee voted to oppose the plan. Acting committee chair Christine Fletcher speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342498527112

"No person with any ounce of moral courage can see this as anything but horrific." Labour's Damien O'Connor has made an impassioned speech in the house saying Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters called on all those involved in the conflict to urgently take steps towards establishing a ceasefire this afternoon. But opposition pleas for a stronger statement on the conflict in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, have gone unheeded in Parliament. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

The future of flying could be electric. Air New Zealand has purchased its first battery powered electric aircraft to pursue emissions free flying on all small regional flights by 2030. According to figures published this year ,12 percent of New Zealand's carbon emissions were from aviation compared to the world average of just 2.8 percent. Air New Zealand is hoping to change that, aiming for takeoff of its first cargo only, carbon zero flight in 2026. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Nick Monro went for a sneak peek.

A Waipukurau pensioner who for has for years dressed-up as Santa and gifted presents to local children, has had his front lawn Christmas display trashed. Ken Mildenhall, who also volunteers at the local op shop, was away on Saturday night and returned to find the display destroyed by vandals. Ken says his wasn't the only one hit. Ken Mildenhall speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342437797112

New Zealand Rugby has called referee abuse unacceptable and chief executive Mark Robinson has met with leading officials this week to try to come up with solutions. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342438558112

Hundreds of dollars of counterfeit notes have been palmed off in Waikato, with retailers being warned to keep a sharp eye out during the Xmas rush. Since October police say there's been seven incidents with alleged fake notes, including fifties, twenties and ten dollar notes. And they've been across Waikato including Hamilton East, Te Rapa, Frankton, Te Awamutu, Beerescourt, and Paeroa. In one case, a few real bills were mixed in with a significant wadge counterfeits. Waikato Prevention Manager Inspector Hywel Jones reckons the fakes are pretty good. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342438139112

Aotearoa's craft beer industry is hoping for a profitable summer as it continues to wrestle with high brewing costs. A fourth craft beer business has hit major financial trouble this week as importer and distributor Beertique is in liquidation. It follows Deep Creek, which is also in liquidation, and Brothers Beer which is in voluntary administration. Meanwhile beer fans say they're finding it harder to afford their favourite crafties, as the cost of living bites. Felix Walton has more. Note: Epic brewery was in liquidation but is now under new ownership.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342437412112

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins re-entered the Parliamentary ring this afternoon, exchanging vicious blows in the first debate of this term. It followed the pomp and pageantry of this morning's State Opening where the Governor General delivered the traditional speech from the throne. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Auckland Council is no closer to deciding on its Budget, after a full day of debate on what parts to put out for public consultation. The plan proposes rates rises, overhauling public transport to make it faster and more reliable, and creating a multi-billion dollar investment fund for the city. Councillors spent the day picking apart the mayoral proposal, going section by section to question council staff on what mayor Wayne Brown has set out for the 10 year plan. Our reporter, Finn Blackwell, was there.

The government has partially walked back comments that it's looking to put a stop to bonuses for public servants proficient in te reo Māori. Public Services Minister Nicola Willis told RNZ she was asking for advice on halting the remuneration for fluency policy yesterday. She's now changed her tune. More than a dozen state agencies pay te reo allowances between $500 and $3,500 per year. In 1984 Dame Naida Glavish was a toll operator at the post office and was threatened with the sack because she greeted callers with "kia ora". She refused to back down and at the time support came from an unexpected quarter. She's unimpressed with the government's take on te reo payments.

A family from the far north has travelled to Rarotonga as they fight to preserve their language learn more about their ancestors. Ngā Tamariki Mānihera is a music performance group. They homeschool their kids who speak fluent Te Reo Maori. Lydia Lewis caught up with them while they were in Rarotonga.

If today's protests over the new government's policies on co-governance and the Treaty are anything to go by, next year's Waitangi Day celebrations could be a heated affair. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he intends to visit Waitangi on the 6th of February, as does ACT's David Seymour. Ko taku manuhiri inaianei ko Pita Tipene, Pita is the chair of the Waitangi National Trust Board and speaks to Lisa Owen. (V) [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342370729112

For 10 years Granny's Christmas Grotto in the Rangitīkei town of Marton has brought the joy of Christmas to thousands of visitors. But after it closes its doors this year, everything will be auctioned off as the woman behind it all retires because of ill-health. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham takes a peak inside. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342371590112

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Northland, which is getting hit by heavy rain and could have some flooding. It's getting about 40mls of rain an hour in some areas and there's a rain watch in place for Northland and Auckland until 7pm tonight. Metservice Duty Forecaster Heath Gullery speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342372584112

If you have a love of horses, a need for speed and weigh under 55kgs, a job as a jockey could be just for you. Recent suspensions and an exodus of local jockeys to greener pastures overseas means there's a real shortage of jockeys at the moment. Now efforts are being ramped up to invest in apprentice jockeys here, with hopes they'll stick around to race on hometurf. Reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator Nick Monro went to find out what it takes to be a jockey. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342370543112

Crate day antics in four wheel drives have destroyed the eggs of endangered birds nesting along a Canterbury river. There's several colonies of the Tarapiroe, black fronted terns and banded dotteral nests along the Ashley Rakahuri river. But despite signage warning people away from the birds, last Saturday dozens of four wheel drivers ripped up and down the river sending rocks flying into nests and precious birds scattering. The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare group has been monitoring the damage done on crate day for several years. Its spokesperson Grant Davey speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342371677112

News from the business sector, including a market report [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342370132112

Boaties are being warned to beware treacherous booby traps hidden below exceptionally high lakes levels in the Rotorua Region. A number of lakes in the area have water at levels that haven't been seen since since the 1970's. In some cases that means whole boat ramps and picnic tables are submerged. Add to that a flood of summer visitors and it's a recipe for extreme caution. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Senior Maritime Officer, Roly Bagshaw describes how the lakes are looking. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342370029112

The White Ferns' home summer is off to a disastrous start. An unexpected series defeat to Pakistan was sealed with a 10 run loss in this afternoon's T20 in Dunedin. The White Ferns had never lost to the visitors in the shortest format of the game before falling short in the series opener over the weekend. We're joined by sports reporter Felicity Reid [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342369133112

Thousands took to the streets today protesting against the new government's policies on co-governance and the Treaty of Waitangi. At least 20 demonstrations were held across the country, coinciding with today's opening of the 54th term of Parliament. Soumya Bhamidipati reports. And ACT Party leader David Seymour speaks to Lisa Owen.

Protest has coloured the opening day of Parliament this term, with activists gathering outside the halls of power and Te Pati Maori MPs going off script inside. Today was the swearing-in ceremony for all MPs, but not all were happy with the oaths required to the monarch King Charles. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Twelve years after the CTV building collapsed during the Christchurch earthquake, families of the victims killed inside have told an engineering disciplinary hearing they want justice and accountability. 115 people died when the six-storey building came down in February 2011. A complaint against an engineer whose firm designed the building is being heard by an Engineering New Zealand disciplinary committee. Dr Alan Reay lost a High Court bid to stop the hearing. Anna Sargent reports.

The end of year school prize giving is known to send a shiver up the spine of a few parents. A couple of bum numbing hours...waiting if you are lucky to clap your child onto stage, full of pride and anticipation. The reward outside of basking briefly in greatness by association.. is usually a pretty solid group performance of some sort. But this year's big number at the St Andrews College prize giving was an absolute show stopper ...120 singers and musicians on stage.. absolutely bringing the house house down... you might recognise the tune.. And the lead singer there was Year 13 student Grace Burnett, lead guitarist Mia Fraser, also a Year 13 student. The acoustic guitarist was year 12 student James McIver Joining us now us St Andrews college Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson and guitarist James McIver [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342318860112

It could be several months before a broken sewer in Central Auckland is fixed. Work on a sewer line in Parnell that collapsed and opened a massive sinkhole won't begin until early next year. Nearby businesses have endured loud noises and unpleasant smells since the line broke in September. Felix Walton has more

The new Finance Minister is accusing her Labour predecessor of finding "clever workarounds" to hide the true state of the government's finances. Nicola Willis has also confirmed the coalition government will deliver its mini-budget on December 20. Speaking from the Beehive, Willis said she was aware the previous government had committed to a number of long-term policies, but had only funded them for the short-term. But having now looked under the hood, Willis says it's clear the Labour government upheld the "letter of the law, not its spirit." Willis says she is still waiting for advice on how many "essential" initiatives would soon run out of funding. But initial advice, she says, suggests billions of dollars over the forecast period could be needed to cover the cost of them. Willis says this has prompted her to consider changes to the Public Finance Act. Responding a short time ago, Labour's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson has rubbished the accusations. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342317415112

New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has received an early Christmas present with All Blacks back Beauden Barrett re-signing until the end of 2027. Barrett's contract extension makes him available for the next Rugby World Cup, potentially giving him a fourth shot at the title. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342316898112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342316894112

The boss of Auckland's long anticipated underground rail network is giving no guarantees it will hit its opening deadline of 2026. It has suffered several budget blowouts and will cost the city $220 million per year once it opens. Auckland Council's Budget Committee is meeting this week to look at increasing rates to meet "unavoidable" cost pressures brought on by the City Rail Link. The city's mayor is proposing an 8 percent rates increase for the financial year 2026 to 2027, as part of the council's 10 year budget, to soften the blow of City Rail Link costs. Finn Blackwell has more.

Short of a personal reindeer and sleigh, many kiwis will be relying on Air New Zealand to get where they want to be this festive season. On Christmas day alone the national carrier is expecting to fly 30,000 passengers. Air NZ made it back into profitability this year after a punishing period during the pandemic. But there are challenges on the horizon, including passenger disruptions next year due to unscheduled aircraft maintenance. Chief executive Greg Foran joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342313876112

The Corrections Minister is confident the country's jails will be properly staffed and able to take on as many prisoners as needed as the government gets tough on crime. National coalition deals promise increased funding for Corrections to ensure there's "sufficient prison capacity as required" . Right now Aotearoa's jails are about 370 prison officers short. Mount Eden Jail is 62 staff short and Rimutaka Prison is down 68 prison officers. The 18 adult jails have 11,000 beds, but staffing shortages mean they can only use about 9,250. And as part of the government's 100 day work programme it is drafting new legislation to ban gang patches and stop gang members gathering in public places. Mark Mitchell is the Corrections Minister and he's confident the Department can get the staff it needs. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342315516112

The Corrections Minister is confident the country's jails will be properly staffed and able to take on as many prisoners as needed as the government gets tough on crime. National coalition deals promise increased funding for Corrections to ensure there's "sufficient prison capacity as required" . Right now Aotearoa's jails are about 370 prison officers short. Mount Eden Jail is 62 staff short and Rimutaka Prison is down 68 prison officers. The 18 adult jails have 11,000 beds, but staffing shortages mean they can only use about 9,250. And as part of the government's 100 day work programme it is drafting new legislation to ban gang patches and stop gang members gathering in public places. Mark Mitchell is the Corrections Minister and he's confident the Department can get the staff it needs.

Israel's military says it has intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza. There has been no claim of responsibility from Hamas for the launch but the IDF says its Iron Dome missile defence system had intercepted the projectile. And air raid sirens are sounding in Israeli communities near the border for the first time since the truce seven days ago. In the past few minutes, the ceasefire has officially expired. It's estimated 6000 children are among those killed in the Israel-Hamas war; although the death toll is impossible to independently verify. More than $1.1 million displaced people are now living in UN shelters. And during the pause in fighting UNICEF has been trying to get 30 aids trucks a day into the territory. James Elder works for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, and has been travelling through Gaza. He describes the overwhelming mood in the area. And a warning, listeners may find parts of our conversation confronting. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342145809112

It's officially the first day of summer and according to Niwa, warm weather and high winds are on the menu for the rest of the season. During an El Niño, New Zealand summers tends to mean strong winds from the west, meaning eastern parts of the country dry out and western areas receive more rain. Niwa says the current El Niño is almost certain to carry on through summer, and there's an 85 percent chance of it continuing through autumn. In Hawke's Bay, locals have their fingers crossed for a clear Christmas, but others aren't getting their hopes up. Our reporter Kate Green has more.

The Prime Minister's used his first day out and about in the top job, to focus on education. Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford visited Manurewa Intermediate to reinforce their new approach to education. That includes a ban on cellphones and enforcing an hour an hour of reading, writing and maths in schools. Felix Walton has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342137075112

Buyer beware of gift cards with short expiry dates this festive season, that warning from Consumer NZ. An estimated $10 million in unspent vouchers go unspent each year. Consumer NZ says that makes them a gift to the retailer not the recipient. It's head of head of research and advocacy, Gemma Rasmussen speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342137574112

It's set to be an historic night of boxing in Northland this weekend with two local heroes headlining a blockbuster card. Mea Motu and Lani Daniels, who both hail from the far north, will defend their world titles in Whangarei tomorrow night. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342135682112

Nurses and other staff at Wellington Hospital warn plans by the council to restrict nearby parking could force some to quit their jobs. Over half of those who responded to consultation on the plan oppose or strongly oppose it, with many of the concerns coming from healthcare workers. The council says it's listened to public feedback and has modified its proposal, but it may not be enough for hospital staff. Nick James reports.

A storm's brewing over a Bay of Plenty Coffee cart and some instant parking tickets. The drive through coffee shop is on a lot behind a service station at Tauriko on State Highway 29 just out of Tauranga. The Bean n Gone cart owner apparently leases the site and uses another company to police the parking. Painter Peter Wise pulled into get a couple of takeaway coffees, pausing long enough for his workmate to hop in the van. It turned out to be one of the most expnesive caffeine hits in the bay. The nasty aftertaste kicking in about a week later when he got a ticket in the mail. Paul Marston from Tauranga Tasting Tours believes it's just a massive money spinner. One of his drivers got pinged when he stopped on the lot to pick up a passenger. He reckons the signs posted by Parking Services Limited are small and obscured and the fines are grande. Daniel Haines owns Driven Auto, it neighbours the Bean n Gone lot. He noticed a camera go up on a pole several weeks back Daniel says annoyingly some people do block the coffee drive through and that is not on. But most genuinely mistake the site for a parking lot and he is frequently warning people to steer clear. Checkpoint contacted Parking Services Limited boss, Jacob Thomas. He declined to be interviewed, asked Checkpoint to email him questions and then hung up. Checkpoint emailed him, asking questions about his signage, what he defines as parking, the number of tickets he's issued, what constitutes a fair fine and how much he is adding on for late payments. We are yet to receive a response. Checkpoint has also contacted the owner of the property occupied by the coffee cart and Gull Service station. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342135249112

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire has been extended just minutes before it was due to expire. Israel's military says a truce with Hamas will continue "in light of the mediators" efforts to continue the process of releasing hostages'. It comes just an hour after Hamas released a statement saying discussions were at an impasse because Israel had declined to receive seven women and children hostages and the bodies of three others the group says was killed during Israel's bombardment. It is understood there was debate between Israel and Hamas over the names of the hostages due to be released. On each day of the ceasefire Israeli hostages taken by hamas during the October 7 attacks were traded for Palestianian prisoners. Up to 200 aid trucks a day have also been crossing into Gaza..but that's still woefully short of what is needed according to aid groups. Dcotors treating the wounded in Gaza are appealing for some of the most basic supplies like gauze, burn cream, pins wires and fixtures for broken and crushed limbs. Dozens of aid workers have been killed in war on Gaza since the October Hamas attacks and taking of hostages. Two Medecins Sans Frontiere doctors and a colleague were killed in a missile strike on a hospital in Northern Gaza earlier this month. Joining us now from Jerusalem is Dr Natalie Thurtle, MSF Deputy Medical Coordinator for the emergency response in Gaza

A security review is underway after a series of brazen breakouts from a Waikato wildlife sanctuary. In the past two months three Kakapo have gone over the wire at Sanctuary Mountain, Maungatautari, near Pukeatua. The famously curious parrots apparently making short work of the 47 kilometre pest proof fence. Repeat offender, Motupohue, and two other Kakapo have been transferred to another protected area for their own safety. Deidre Vercoe, DOC operations manager for Kakapo explains how they think the flightless birds are busting out. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342042734112

More than 250 jobs are going from Weta Digital, after an American tech company ended its agreement with the Wellington-based company. The company acquired Weta Digital from New Zealand owned Weta FX in 2021. Weta FX says it will now try to rehire back as many staff as possible. Our reporter Krystal Gibbens joins us now with more. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342040038112

Tory Whanau says she's received hundreds of messages of support after admitting to having a drinking problem. But some councillors are questioning whether she's up to the job. The Wellington mayor revealed to RNZ yesterday she's getting professional help after another drunken episode in public earlier this month. Nick James reports.

Wellington Zoo's welcomed a baby Giraffe... the first to be born there in almost two decades. And its a girl ..born to Mum Zuri and Dad sunny, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Wellington Zoo Animal care manager Nic Dunn confirms she's just delicious. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342039499112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342038257112

Allegations of blackmail have been levelled at the owners of a North Shore property which is blocking access to walkers on a popular beach path. The owners want a heritage status removed, so they can sell the property for what it's worth. While the dispute rolls on with the Auckland Council, they've erected a fence on the popular Milford to Takapuna walkway which passes through their property. The path is also part of the 3,000km Te Araroa trail, which runs the length of the country. The owners' lawyer believes a commonsense agreement can be reached, and took the issue to a council committee meeting today. But he was met by mayor Wayne Brown who was not on the same page. Louise Ternouth reports

Women's football is failing its players in key areas including medical support and pay, according to a survey from this year's World Cup. The survey found 60 percent of respondents said they lacked mental health support, while one in three earned less than $48,000 per year from football. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342037393112

Dozens of people, including young children will have to spend the night at their church after flames ripped through their homes. Multiple buildings have been razed to the ground at the Akoteu Faka Kalisitiane Ko Namoa church complex in Mangere Bridge in Auckland. Public health officials instructed some schools to close today while they assessed an asbestos risk, but none has been found. The fire service says it's very lucky everyone escaped with their lives. Emma Stanford has the story.

A pharmacist fears bringing back over the counter cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient used to make meth, will see the return of P houses and chemist shop burglaries. Losening the rules around the medicine is an ACT policy, agreed to by National in its coalition deal. And its part of the new government's 100 day work prgramme. The drug has been prescription only since 2011, a policy introduced by the National Prime Minister of the day John Key. Key was concerned about backyard cooks and gangs using the medicine to make Meth or P. Mangawhai Pharmacist Lanny Wong speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342035877112

Coromandel residents and holidaymakers are just weeks away from being able to cross the peninsula via the main road again. State Highway 25A was washed away in the summer storms, and a massive rebuild operation's been underway. The building of a bridge to span the huge abyss the washed out road left, has come in under budget and three months ahead of time. Crews have been working close to 24/7 to get the crucial connection rebuilt, with many having moved to the area to get the job done. Alison Craigie is an engineer for the builders of the SH25A bridge and is pretty excited about progress so far. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341954048112

Thieves have cleaned out a small Canterbury church taking its brass altar pieces and other precious religious items that are likely to be melted down. And its the second time St Marks in the Christchurch suburb of Marshland has been hit. People are being asked to contact police if they see any of items for sale. Tammy Watson Wells, who you may know as the Briscoes lady, has been playing the organ at the little anglican church since was 13 years old. Tammy speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341952210112

Auckland's mayor is proposing to sell council assets to fund the rising costs of running the city, and put the brakes on rates rises. Wayne Brown wants the money to go into a $3-4 billion fund that would also make provisions for climate change risks. But opponents to the proposal are calling it asset stripping, and a generational sale. Finn Blackwell has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341950001112

'Only he can be the killer' Crown lawyers have been laying out their case as to why they believe David Tamihere is responsible for the death of two Swedish backpackers 34 years ago. He was convicted of the murders of Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen in 1990. The case is at the court of appeal because the former Governor-General declared a royal perogative of mercy, which triggered the appeal hearing. Jemima Huston has been in court.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane thinks New Zealand Rugby should reconsider not picking overseas-based players for the All Blacks. Cane has just started a sabbatical in Japan and while he won't miss any tests, others like Richie Mo'unga have signed multi-year deals offshore that rule them out of All Blacks contention. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341948224112

A recently retired intensive care specialist is calling for Health Minister Shane Reti's resignation over the Government's backtrack on smokefree legislation. The National-led government wants to scrap the legislation, which would have reduced the number of stores able to sell cigarettes to around 600 nationwide, limit the strength of nicotine, and make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after 2009 But Dr Stephen Streat, who was also the clinical director of Organ Donation New Zealand for more than a decade, says he saw patients get limbs amputated, suffer heart attacks, stroke, lung disease and pneumonia- all from their exposure to smoking. And as Luka Forman reports, he's not the only one furious about the decision.

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has admitted to more drunken antics in a central city bar. She's confirmed to RNZ she has a drinking problem after multiple council sources, including supporters of the mayor, told RNZ about footage showing her in an intoxicated state. Our reporter Nick James has been investigating and he joins us now. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341947884112

The Maritime Union is warning of potentially massive price hikes on freight if the Auckland mayor pushes through plans to privatise the port. National secretary Craig Harrison speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341948273112

Just days into the new Coalition and Christopher Luxon has already been accused of losing control of his Cabinet. Labour is challenging the new Prime Minister to lay down the law and rein in his outspoken deputy Winston Peters as New Zealand First continues to cause a sideshow. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

An agreement's been reached to extend the Israel-Hamas truce with the militant group expected to free another 10 hostages a day for two days. Today, 11 hostages were released by Hamas and are now back in Israel. Thirty-three Palestinian prisoners were freed in return. It brings the total number of Israeli hostages released to 69, mainly women and children, and Palestinians freed to150. Checkpoint talks to Sarah Davies from the Red Cross.

Animals control officials are pleading with people to think twice about getting a pet rabbit this Christmas, due to the number of the invasive pests being found abandoned in parks and reserves. Because they breed, well, like rabbits, it doesn't take long before a population starts causing serious environmental problems. Fortunately, there's an ace team of rabbit catchers on the case. Border terrier cross Abby is the only certified rabbit detector dog in the country, and over the last eight years she's been sniffing out bunnies with her handler Gary. Louise Ternouth joined them on a hunt.

A senior tactical operator has defended how police units were deployed on the day of the Christchurch mosque attacks. The coronial inquiry into the 2019 terror attacks continued at Christchurch today, The Zero-Alpha officer who cannot be named touched on the uphill battle of coordinating police units as reports of attacks at multiple locations across the city flooded in. Adam Burns was at the inquest.

A decision to close State Highway One through the Brynderwyns for vital repairs has been delayed so Waka Kotahi can consult with the local communities. The main route in and out of Northland needs to be completely closed for a number of months for recovery and rebuild work. The road suffered significant damage in various extreme weather events this year. $62 million is earmarked for the job, but dates are yet to be signed off, with businesses worried the closure will mean a big economic hit. An Independent report put the cost of an earlier closure of the Brynderwyns at almost $2 million a day. Waka Kotahi regional relationships director Steve Mutton speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341878028112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341876453112

Testimony from a notorious jail house snitch should never have been put to the jury in David Tamihere's first double murder trial, the Court of Appeal has been told. Tamihere was convicted in 1990 for the murders of Swedish tourists Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen, who were killed the year before. In 2017, Roberto Conchie Harris was found to have lied when he claimed Mr Tamihere had confessed to murdering the pair. Tamihere was granted a rare Royal Perogative of Mercy in 2020, which triggered an appeal hearing today in Wellington. Jemima Huston reports.

The Super Rugby Aupiki squads for next year have been named. A total of 120 women have been contracted to the four franchises for an extended third season of the competition. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341877134112

The start of the cruise season has been anything but cruisey. For the second time in a fortnight high winds meant the Ovation of the Seas has not come into port. The ship can carry almost five thousand passengers. Earlier this month the Royal Carribean ship chose not to dock in Dunedin due to blustery conditions, today it was in Wellington. In a separate incident the P&O Ship, Pacific Adventure, was denied entry into Aotearoa due to biosecurity concerns over its dirty hull. Cruise Ship Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341876383112

The deputy prime minister Winston Peters has had another crack at the media, derailing the start of the new Government's very first Cabinet meeting. It follows his unsubstantiated claims of bribery levelled at the media at Government House yesterday. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

The new government's plan to walk back some smoke free laws will be a huge blow to cancer prevention, as well as costing thousands of lives and billions of dollars according to health advocates. But health Minister Doctor Shane Reti is adament it's the right decision, saying there's an increased risk of ram raids and growth in the black market for cigarettes if they if they don't. As part of its coalition deals National has agreed to repeal smoke free legislation. That includes slashing the number of cigarette retail outlets from about 6000 to 600, lowering nicotine levels and making it illegal to ever sell tobacco to anyone born after 1 January 2009. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has conceded ditching the restrictions will significantly boost the government coffers, prompting allegations that its using increased smoking revenue to fund tax cuts. Lisa Owen speaks to Health Minister Doctor Shane Reti. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341874701112

Clearing Cyclone debris away from Hawke's Bay beaches rivers and bridges is costing up to $16 million a month according to the Regional council and silt recovery taskforce. It's dealt with about 150,000 tonnes of wood washed up around the region, either stacking it into piles, chipping shredding or burning it. But the budget is about to run dry and the problem is a long way from being solved. The initial deadline is May 2024 for clean up completion. Task force lead Darren de Klerk speaks to Lisa Owen. ( [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341825356112

There was no breakdown in communication. That was the assurance offered by a senior police controller who was in the southern communications centre on the day of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Coronial proceedings entered a fifth week today following a recess last week. The controller faced a thorough interrogation about the synergy between police and ambulance staff in responding to the attack at the Linwood Islamic Centre. Adam Burns was in court.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341818721112

Northern Hawke's Bay and Tai Rawhiti are back in cleanup mode after heavy rain fell steadily over the weekend. The region's infrastructure bruised and battered from previous storms, and each downpour adds to the price tag for recovery. Wairoa farmers say the damage to farm tracks and fences is worse in places than in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Our reporter Kate Green has more.

The Black Caps are looking to bounce back from their World Cup heartbreak on their tour of Bangladesh. The first of the two test series gets underway tomorrow afternoon. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341818521112

Consumer NZ says some motorists are losing hundreds of dollars a year due to their insurance policies, as premiums skyrocket. It carried out a survey which found they've increased up to 38 percent in two years, so it's encouraging people to shop around to save some cash. Checkpoint wanted to find out if people are aware they might be missing out. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham headed to the car parks to find out.

It's another woody wash out for Tai Rāwhiti, with rough weather over the weekend leaving recently cleaned beaches coated in slash again. It could be weeks before they're pristine again. The Harbourmaster's put out a warning to boaties to be on the lookout for floating wood. Swimmers are also being told to steer clear of contaminated beaches. Helicopters were up today surveying the extend of the debris. Manu Caddie from Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti, the group which forced the ministerial inquiry into land use in Tairāwhiti, speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341816352112

New Zealand officially has a new Prime Minister. Christopher Luxon was sworn in as this country's 42nd Prime Minister during a ceremony in Wellington this morning. He will lead his first Cabinet meeting tomorrow, the first of two meetings this week. It's expected the coalition government will discuss and get sign off on its 100-day plan. Political reporter Katie Scotcher has the story.

Lego land is replacing limbo land this weekend in Palmerston North. While politicians were busy hammering out coalition arrangements, some of New Zealand's more creative minds turned their attention to the Palmy Brick Show. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham turns the clock back to childhood

It's the biggest retail event of the year marking the start of the festive season shopping. But after last weekend's traffic chaos at Westfield Newmarket, when motorists queued up to three hours in the carpark, Auckland Transport has tried to ease congestion this Black Friday. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera operator Nick Monro have the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341689746112

Blood splattered wet wipes and bedding, and footage from a sophisticated CCTV set-up could hold clues to who killed the toddler know as Baby Ru. The toddler now called Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, but also know as Baby Ru died at Hutt hospital in October from blunt force injuries. The police say there were three people in the Taita house at the time the little boy was fatally injured. Investigators are also appealing for help tracking a Nissan Sentra sedan they believe was used to take evidence away from the property. That's including a hard drive that could contain footage from several cameras, and one recording inside the house. Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard says its time for the truth. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341687964112

News from the business sector, including a market report [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341686600112

New Zealand Rugby has launched a strategy to help connect more Pacific communities with the game. The strategy is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and aims to create more equitable opportunities for Pasifika at all levels of rugby. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341684543112

More threatening emails have been received by schools, courts, hospitals and places of worship today around the country. At least 70 emails, which police describe as "of a concerning nature", have been sent out since yesterday morning, causing major disruption. Multiple schools were shut around the Auckland region, hospitals have been targeted, and the Auckland High Court evacuated because of a bomb threat. Police initially said they were confident the threats were coming from just one source. Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Naila Hassan speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341686022112

National Party leader and incoming Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341684446112

National, ACT and New Zealand First will lead the country's first ever three party coalition government. Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called the Governor General confirming he can form a government. Today the full details of the deals were released, revealing which policies survived negotiations and which didn't. And in another first, the job of deputy prime minister will be shared, with Winston Peters and David Seymour taking turns at the role. Political reporter Katie Scotcher reports. And political editor Jane Patterson joins Lisa Owen for analysis. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341685386112

Today the Governing Body at Auckland Council met to go over plans to sell the city's downtown carpark. The building has been a sore spot for the council, with a number of central city groups objecting to the sale. Some groups are threatening legal action if it goes ahead.

After a series of online threats today, police have been searching a school, hospitals and other insitutions across the country. At 9:00am this morning, Auckland's St Kentigern's College received a threating email and were advised by police to shut down immediately. Students sitting NCEA exams had to be moved and will be able to apply for a 'derived' grade. Police also attended Auckland City Hospital, Wellington Regional Hospital and Bowen Hospital in the Capital, and Burwood Hospital in Christchurch. Paul Spain from Gorilla Technology joins us.

ACT Leader David Seymour speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341643787112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341641697112

Three protected native Geckos have been returned to the wild after illegally being kept in captivity for years with tens of other lizards and skinks. Manawatu man, Richard Brosnan has been fined 7,000 for keeping 63 geckos and skinks from 11 species, which is forbidden under the Wildlife Act. He'd previously had a permit to keep skinks but that expired in 2016. The extent of his menagerie was revealed after DOC launched an investigation last year. Unfortunately, many of the lizards can't be released back into their habitat. DOC's principal investigations officer, Matt Davis speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341642555112

New Zealand boxing champion Mea Motu has lost her world number one ranking. The IBO World Super Bantamweight Champion has been unseated at the top by Somalia's Ramla Ali. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341640981112

Auckland businesses say the cancellation of SailGP feels like a "gut punch." Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has confirmed that SailGP won't be hosted in the city next year, due to unavailability of Wynyard Point for spectators. The land has been used to store petrol and chemicals and has not been approved for use. Rayssa Almeida has more.

Hospitals and schools around the country have spent the day dealing with email threats of a "concerning nature". Police confirmed the emails had been sent to a number of organisations this morning. Reporter Jemima Huston is outside Wellintgon Regional Hospital, one of the organisations that received a threatening email today. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341640650112

It took 40 days and 40 nights, but the three leaders trying to form a government have emerged with a deal in hand. The agreement between National, ACT and New Zealand First is now going back to the various parties' board for approval, with the grand reveal expected tomorrow. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch. And political editor Jane Patterson joins Lisa Owen for analysis. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341640641112

A large pile of smahed glass has been given a new lease of life for use in roads and pathways. A Manawatu contractor is crushing it up into little pieces and is hoping to soon offer the product to its clients. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham walked over broken glass to file this report.

A bio security cat-tastrophe has been avoided after a pet cat was found on a cruise ship travelling around Aotearoa. The American cat was discovered in a passengers cabin onboard the Ovation of the Seas when the ship arrived into Wellington at the end of October. The cat is now in the care of the Captain, who is responsible for keeping it onboard. Diane McDermott from Biosecurity NZ says the cat will be be deported, at the expense of the cruise company. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341585208112

The Far North faces another summer without its vital lifeline, State Highway One through the Mangamuka Gorge to Kaitaia. The gorge has been closed on and off for three years due to extreme weather causing cracks and slips. That means for the past sixteen months visitors and residents have been forced to take the long way around; detouring onto state highway ten via Kerikeri and Kaeo to Awanui and then on to state highway one to Kaitaia. Due to ongoing land movement and yet more slips, Waka Kotahi recently revised the reopening date to late 2024. Andrea Panther from the Kaitaia Business Association speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341583688112

Newly released documents show Auckland's mayor supported a plan to keep up to 15 percent of the money set aside for buying up flood-damaged homes. The proposal was later voted against and councillors instead opted to retain 5 percent of each home's buyout. But some affected home owners say they're disappointed that the council even considered taking such a large sum from struggling families. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341580096112

Passengers in the capital are still dealing with the flow-on effects of 130 flights being canned yesterday. Low lying cloud meant planes couldn't get in or out of Wellington Airport, disrupting travel plans for thousands of people. Nick James reports [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341581338112

The All Whites coach says his side were unlucky to come away without a win over Ireland in Dublin this morning. The teams drew 1-1 and New Zealand pushed for a late winner, but they were unable to snatch the victory. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341579157112

Israel's cabinet has approved a deal that will see the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, in exchange for a four-day ceasefire in Israel's air and ground campaign. Speaking from Tel Aviv, CNN's Oren Liebermann told Lisa Owen there is now a 24 hour window for the deal to be appealed. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341578357112

The position of deputy prime minister is continuing to hold up the completion of coalition talks. The contest has narrowed today, as National's Nicola Willis publicly removed herself from the race. That leaves just ACT's David Seymour and New Zealand First's Winston Peters in the running. So how much longer will it take? Here's our deputy politcal editor Craig McCulloch.

Sail GP has left Auckland out in the cold, as land at Wynyard Point is no longer avaliable for the March event. The international competition sees high performance catamarans battle it out on the water in a series of grand prix style events around the globe. The land, where the spectator stand was planned to be placed, is still being cleared of old fuel tanks and is decontaminated. Auckland council's event agency, Tātaki Unlimited says none of alternatives were acceptable to event founder Sir Russell Coutts. Tātaki CEO Nick Hill explains [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341577131112

A lower hutt suburb is getting a well over due spell check.. The council has voted this afternoon to support an application to change the spelling of Petone to Pito One; meaning "end of the sand beach." That was its original name in keeping with the local Pa, but following a colonial settlement it was apparently mispelt in 1850 and it stuck. The Lower Hutt council was asked to support an application to the geographic board to change it back to its rightful moniker. Here's what some local residents had to say. Mayor Campbell Barry speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341526588112

28 premature babies have been evacuated from the Gaza Hospital seized by Israeli troops to the safety of Egypt. Photos show rows of medics at the Rafah Border lifting the fragile new borns who are wearing tiny green hats & nappies into portable incubators and transfering them to egyptian ambulances. The babies captured international attention when footage emerged of them lying side by side for body warmth after their incubators stopped working due to a lack of power at Al Shifa hospital. Israeli troops earlier seized Gaza's biggest hospital, which they claim has a network of tunnels running beneath it containing a Hamas command centre. The I-D-F also believes Israeli hostages have been kept there. Jason Lee is Save the Children's Country Director for the occupied Palestinian territory, he speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341527641112

Academic staff at Massey University have made a bid to save their jobs and ensure the future of sciences at the institution. Staff and the Tertiary Education Union have today sent Massey an alternative plan to the cuts the university is proposing as it stares down an unprecedented deficit. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story.

Jonathan Benjamin is facing 20 charges, including four of rape, during his time at the Gloriavale Christian Community between 1986 and 2017. Crown lawyer, Kerry White, says some of the complainants were aged between six and 14 when they say they were attacked. The five complainants, police and other witnesses will give evidence over the next three weeks. Nive Chittock reports from the Greymouth District Court.

Passengers flying in and out of Wellington have been left stranded after more than 50 flights were cancelled due to low lying cloud. Air NZ says its been actively rebooking customers to travel on the next available services, but due to limited availability, some won't travel until Thursday. Passenger Andrew McDouall is at Auckland Airport and he speaks to Lisa Owen. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull is at Wellington airport.

Passengers flying in and out of Wellington have been left stranded after more than 50 flights were cancelled due to low lying cloud. Air NZ says its been actively rebooking customers to travel on the next available services, but due to limited availability, some won't travel until Thursday. Passenger Andrew McDouall is at Auckland Airport and he speaks to Lisa Owen. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull is at Wellington airport. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341527175112

As we wait and wonder, how long is a piece of string, how many weetbix is one too many & when we might have a new government. There are a number of other questions that may have simpler answers like are new MPs being paid while they wait and what about old ministers? Graeme Edgeler is a Wellington Barrister and expert in electoral law and he speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341522432112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341521430112

Abuse towards Woolworths staff risen towards Christmas Daily abuse towards supermarket staff has risen significantly over the past six months in the lead up to Christmas. Woolworths says instances of physical abuse has risen by 131 percent, with 159 cases recorded. FIRST Union General Secretary Dennis Maga says some members are being threatened, shoved and spat at. Abuse is also being recorded at retail stores, Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young is urging shoppers to be patient and courteous. Felix Walton has more.

A new sports franchise is coming to Auckland. The long awaited entry of an Auckland A League team was officially confirmed today. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341520416112

One of Queenstown's treatment plants will get its pipes flushed tomorrow as the town tries to clean up its water supply. Parts of the top resort spot have been under a boil water notice since September due to an outbreak of the parasitic bug cryptosporidium. It was revealed that the council did not have UV filter on its Two Mile Treatment plant to protect against the protozoa. There have been 73 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium since the outbreak, 20 probable cases and just one case in the last two weeks. Human faecal contamination in the water supply has been identified as the likely cause. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341518899112

Safety should come at a reasonable cost, not any cost, according to Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson. He's calling out Auckland Transport over its spending on new pedestrian crossings ..with walk now signals as part of its ongoing safety programme. The agency's spending more than twelve and half million dollars on 27 crossings around the city; that works out at about 460 thousand dollars a pop. Mark Lambert from Auckland Transport speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341519973112

The ministerial jobs is all that's left to debate over, for the three parties stitching together a government. ACT and New Zealand First have agreed to each other's policy documents, but incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will still not put a timeline on finishing the talks. At the same time, ACT's leader David Seymour has been touting his credentials to be deputy Prime Minister. Political reporter Anneke Smith is outside the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, where meetings have been taking place. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341520249112

Hobby lords, a shop that offers unlimited holidays and sick leave to its staff is becoming popular with job applicants. The shop deals in trading cards, board and other games and is looking to expand its stores around the country. At the weekend, it moved into a revamped Dunedin store, where it currently has ten employees. Lisa Owen speaks to Hobby Lords managing director Liam O'Neill. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341466141112

The Coromandel's getting an early Christmas, with State Highway 25A opening three months ahead of schedule. But holding back their cheers are some in Cathedral Cove, who will miss out on the usual summer trade. The Department of Conservation closed the walking track to Cathedral Cove after extreme weather in January and February, which caused up to 180 landslides and rock falls in the area. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

Dog breeders struggling to sell their puppies are filling up an animal shelter that has reached full capacity. South Auckland Animal Rescue is home to 41 puppies and is receiving daily requests to take in more. Amateur backyard breeders are struggling to sell breeds like pit bulls, Rottweiler and Ridge backs. Recently, the shelter also took in 11 puppies handed over by a gang member. Lisa Owen speaks to South Auckland Animal Rescue Founder Yvonne Packer. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341465863112

It's crunch time for the Hauraki Gulf's marine environment. Two public meetings this week will help shape the response to an underwater pest described as one of the world's most invasive weeds, but time is running out. And the solution could mean stopping boats going to Great Barrier Island this summer. Peter de Graaf reports. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341464481112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341463233112

Traffic chaos at one of Auckland's most popular malls has raised concerns about what the christmas rush could bring across the city. It was gridlock trying to leave the carpark at the Westfield Newmarket Mall on Saturday aftenoon, with people caught in the queue to get out of the basement for up to three and a half hours. The Newmarket Business Association estimates about 70,000 people decided to pass a rainy day at the shops on Broadway and about 60 percent of them arrived by car. So should the city be the brace position for Black Friday sales this week and the holiday season rush still to come? Martin Glynn from AA speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341463803112

Australia has triumphed over India to claim a sixth Cricket World Cup title. In front of a packed stadium in Ahmedabad, the Indian players succumbed to the pressure as Australia cruised to a six wicket victory. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341462332112

The outgoing Labour team has been dutifully carrying out their role as caretaker government until National was ready to take over, but that changed yesterday. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has broken with convention and his role as caretaker prime minister, to go public with a call for a ceasefire in Gaza. That prompted accusations of playing politics from National, saying it too agreed there should be a ceasefire, but certain conditions from both sides have to first be in place. Here's our political editor, Jane Patterson.

A fire in Christchurch's Port Hills on a dry breezy day had residents hoping they weren't in for a repeat of the disasterous 2017 blazes. And it raises questions about whether we need to be on high-alert this fire season. At least four fire crews and three helicopters managed to contain today's blaze in just over an hour, but State Highway 76 between the city and Lyttelton closed to allow firefighters to carry out their work. The fire is now contained but earlier in the afternoon several locals told our reporter Rachel Graham they were getting ready to move. New Zealand's in for an El Nino summer. In the past that's meant stronger or more frequent winds from the west, causing drier conditions. And Europe has already experienced record breaking temperatures during its summer coupled with devastating and deadly wild fires. Fire and Emergency wildfire manager Tim Mitchell speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341462438112

Welcome to another episode in the coalition of contradictions. Christopher Luxon says a "significant milestone" has been reached in the ongoing talks to form a new government. The National Party leader has announced he's made policy agreements with ACT and New Zealand First. Arriving for another round of talks this afternoon, Mr Luxon said he was very relieved. Political reporter Giles Dexter joins us now from outside the Cordis Hotel, where the parties have been meeting. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341463497112

Day 14 of coalition negotiations today with talks expected to run into the weekend.. National's negotiating team met with NZ First but there was no meeting with the ACT party. RNZ understands that's because a deal with ACT is extremely close. Our political reporter Katie Scotcher is outside Auckland's Cordis Hotel where Christopher Luxon has just held an impromptu standup. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341281640112

An East Coast baker famous for paua pies has created a new delicacy, and it's brought her business back from the edge. Rachael Thomas, who owns Te Puia Springs Store an hour and a half north of Gisborne, was struck by inspiration driving home, thinking about what she could do with her leftover parengo, a type of seaweed. She'd let go of all her staff after the cyclone hit on top of years of Covid, with reduced forestry work dwindling her customer base. Now she's selling up to 90 pies a day, and is in the process of hiring back her staff. Kate Green has the story.

Staying with retail now, Black Friday is almost upon us when the silly season sales begins. The day itself isn't until this time next week, but stores are already starting to advertise their Black Friday Bargains. But with a cost of living crisis are we actually prepared to depart with our very hard earned cash? Krystal Gibbens reports.

Some shopping arcades in Auckland are looking like deserted waste lands with vacant shop after vacant shop. CBD business association Heart of the City says the numbers are improving but there are only four less vacancies in the six months to June than there were in the previous six months. Reporter Emma Stanford has the story.

A ground breaking mulch to prevent ground baking this El Nino Summer. Previously unusable fibrous green waste is being minced into an environomentally friendly ground cover...with Auckland council teaming up with private company Greencycle to make it happen. It's hoped the initiative will take up to one thousand five hundred tonnes of green waste out of the landfill each year. Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions, Parul Sood, talks us through the recipe for the new mulch.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341280348112

Have Victoria University students effectively been given a hall pass that gets them out of face to face lectures? After Covid restrictions were dropped the University anounced some students and courses would require students to physically turn up to lectures again. But the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association felt a blanket face to face policy would disadvantage a significant chunk of them , including those needing to work to fund their studies and people with mobility issues or family committments. Now the university has adopted a new policy that means staff must record lectures in rooms with the equiment to do so or provide other appropriate materials to student. But it says the recordings are not a replacement for in class learning. Victoria University Student Association President Jessica Ye speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341279641112

The New Zealand women's domestic cricket season starts tomorrow but not everyone is convinced that it's preparing the White Ferns for international cricket. And the Black Caps have been criticised for being too nice in the wake of their World Cup. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe joins Lisa Owen.

Just a day after two violent deaths in Hutt Valley, the community is still anxiously waiting for answers. Police have yet to name either the woman who was killed in a hit-and-run early in the morning, or the man shot dead by police as he held a woman hostage. Reporter Nick James spent the day in Wainuiomata and Naenae and filed this report.

The clock is ticking on an Invercargill institution, that is the H&J Smith Department store. After 123 years in business it will close its doors for the final time at three tomorrow, a victim of changing times and changing shopping habits, as well as stiff competition from multi-nationals and chain stores. Locals have been coming in to say their goodbyes. Long time CEO, John Green speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341279140112

Christopher Luxon's leadership skills have come under fire from political commentators today as negotiations to form the next government look set to continue through the weekend.

A scorching day in the Garden city brought masses of people to the second day of the New Zealand Agricultural show. Tens of thousands have flocked to see animals big and small, as the event marks its 160th anniversary. Our reporter Anna Sargent and cameraman Nathan McKinnon were there.

The Israeli military has published a video, which has not been independently verified, which it says shows Hamas weapons and equipment found in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital. Israel's army mounted an operation overnight at Gaza's main hospital in what it described as a "targeted operation against Hamas" It accuses Hamas of running a command centre in tunnels under the hospital and the US says it has intelligence that supports this Hamas denies this and says the raid on the hospital is a war crime - hundreds of civilians have been sheltering there, alongside patients and staff The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for "extended humanitarian pauses" in Gaza and the release of all hostages Doctor Margaret Harris from the World Health Organisation speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341214717112

The worst year for business in over 20 years, that's how one business owner describes the last ten months living without the Coromandel Peninsula's vital link, State highway 25A. The route between Kopu and Hikuai will re-open by the 20th of December, with a 124 metre bridge, which spans the abyss that severed the highway in late January. It's three months ahead of schedule, giving some businesses a lifeline before Christmas, but for others it comes too late. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

Dramatic recordings of police radio communications as the Christchuch mosque attacks unfolded show emergency services scrambling to respond. The coronial inquest into the 2019 terror attacks continued today. The recordings illustrate how communications centres and officers coordinated during the emergency, with police issuing a tense mission statement to all staff during that fateful afternoon. Adam Burns was at the inquest.

The US and Chinese presidents looked to have made progress in calming tensions at a summit on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco today. President Biden and Xi-Jinping met for the first time in a year looking to reduce tensions and make progress on security and trade issues. RNZ's Gyles Beckford has been at the summit and speaks to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Black Caps fell short in their quest for World Cup glory in Mumbai last night. India proved too strong for the kiwis and will progress to the final against either Australia or South Africa. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio.

Death and Taxes; apparently the two certainities of life and both could cost you big time. A report from the Funeral Directors Association shows a growing number of New Zealanders are chosing cremations over burials because of the cost of going into the ground. Last year 69 percent of people were cremated versus 27 percent buried. According to the Association, the average cost of a "very" modest funeral and burial is $10,000 dollars with the cremation equivalent coming in at $7,500 dollars. The cost of council cemetery plot went up anywhere from 9 to 20 percent last year - with the biggest hikes in Nelson and Auckland. So is it possible to go out on the cheap and what does that look like? Frances Potter from DIY Funerals speaks to Lisa Owen.

Auckland city council is a step closer to hitting peak hour commuters in the wallet - in a bid to coax some of them off the city's congested motorways. Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee voted 18 to 2 to set up a team to oversee the implementation of the 'time of use' charges. Mayor Wayne Brown had earlier proposed charges between $3.50 and $5 a trip for travel during peak times on State Highway One between Penrose and Greenlane, and State Highway 16 between Lincoln Road and Te Atatu Road. And those charges could come into effect as soon as 2025.

Coalition negotiations are 'scooting' along. That was the message from the leaders of National and New Zealand First, as speed-date-style talks to form the government reached their 13th day in Auckland. Yesterday's venue was the Pullman Hotel. Today it was a second former managed isolation hotel, the Cordis. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters met first earlier this afternoon and ACT leader David Seymour is due to arrive for a separate discussion shortly. All this after National's Campaign Manager Chris Bishop arrived late, dishevelled, splattered in spilt coffee and on a lime scooter. Our political reporter Katie Scotcher on the wild ride of coalition talks.

A man has been shot dead by police in the suburb of Wainuiomata whilst holding a woman hostage. And early this morning in a separate incident, a woman was killed in a hit-and-run in the suburb of Naenae. Jemima Huston has been at both scenes and joins Lisa Owen live.

The search for Gore District Council's next chief executive is gathering steam after a former chief financial officer, who says he was pushed out, announced his intention to seek the top job. Gore Mayor Ben Bell says he hopes the unexpected publicity boost will help recruitment and early next year the council can just get down to work. Our Otago-Southland reporter, Timothy Brown, has the story.

"This equity stuff is bollocks": Thats the verdict of Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown when it comes to introducing congestion charges to the city. The council's meeting tomorrow to discuss whether to bring in so called "time of use charges" for some of Auckland's busiest roads. It would cost drivers between $3.50 to $5 per trip during peak times. Congestion costs the city an estimated $1.3 billion a year. But there is concern the charges will hit the worse-off the hardest. Speaking on Morning Report the mayor's clearly not a fan of taking the idea back to rate payers. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341141009112

Two young school kids have discovered actual treasure, potentially worth thousands of dollars, at a secret spot on a coromandel beach. Nine year old Callan and seven year old Eva discovered a chunky lump of kauri resin or gum while out wandering the shore. In the past the fossilised resin, a byproduct from kauri trees has been used for chewing gum and medicines but is now mainly decorative when polished up. Previously a ten kilo lump of the stuff sold for $16,000. We caught up with Coromandel dad James McMillan and his children Callan who is 9, and 7 year old Eva to see what the young beachcombers plan to do with their find. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139807112

A social enterprise in Wellington is helping residents pay their power bills. Toast Electric uses its profits to cut bills for households struggling to afford heating and hot water during winter. And while experts welcome the move, they say regulation is needed to ensure fairness in the electricty market. Krystal Gibbens reports.

If you're sitting in on the motorway in traffic right now, Auckland's mayor wants you to pay for it. Wayne Brown is lobbying for a congestion charge to be put on motorways around the city for peak travel times, saying it would drive a change in behaviour. The so-called 'Time of Use Charge' would ping drivers a few dollars if they're hitting certain roads at certain times of the day. But there are concerns not enough alternatives are in place for people to choose a different route. Emma Stanford reports.

More details have emerged about an attempted breakout that ended in a stand-off on an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility's gym roof. RNZ has obtained reports about the incident, revealing what happened at Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo, in Rolleston near Christchurch, on Waitangi Day. It's not the only incident at the facility this year. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139583112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139301112

It has been almost two years since children Jadya, Maverick and Ember disappeared from Marokopa with their fugitive dad Tom Phillips and police are increasingly concerned they're being dragged into crime. Phillips reappeared briefly last week caught on CCTV allegedly trying to break into the Piopio superette and he had a helper with him. That person was heavily disguised but police say it's one of his children, who are aged between seven and 10 years old. One of the last times Phillips was seen he was allegedly armed and robbing a Te kuiti bank. Police say he had a petite person helping him then, although they cant say if it was one of his children. But at the time a witness told Checkpoint it was a girl and she was armed too. All of this raises signficant questions about Jayda, Maverick and Ember's welfare. Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland speaks to Lisa Owen. In a statement Oranga Tamariki says it has been supporting and working alongside Police, and staff have been across the issue since Mr Phillips and his children first went missing. A spokesperson says their priority is the children and ensuring that they are safe and well. They say it is in the best interest of the children for anyone with information to contact Police or Oranga Tamariki urgently. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139574112

It's crunch time for the Black Caps in Mumbai tonight. New Zealand will take on a rampant Indian side for a place in the Cricket World Cup final. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139185112

30 minutes: Excruciatingly long or unbearably short depending on what you're doing. It's about the number of precious minutes leaders Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters and David Seymour were in a hotel meeting room together for coalition talks this morning. The first time all three leaders have been face to face after an earlier misfire. Two of them had arrived in Wellington yesterday expecting to meet Winston Peters but he was a no-show and by late evening there was a hurried exodus back to Auckland, for a do-over at the Pullman Hotel. So a month on from the election how are punters on the street feeling about progress? Act Leader, David Seymour speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341138877112

The Israeli Defence force has released a video that it says shows evidence Hamas held hostages under a specialist children's hospital in central Gaza. The video, filmed in the basement of the Al-Rantisi Hospital, shows a cache of ammunition, grenades and suicide vests along with a rope tied around the base of a chair and a motorcycle riddled with bullet holes. Items of womens clothing and a baby's bottle were also found. It comes amid reports Hamas is asking for a five day truce in exchange for up to 70 hostages. CNN's Jeremy Diamond is in Sderot just a kilometre from the Gaza border. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341086369112

The first cruise ship of the season arrived in Napier bright and early this morning. Met with a cold gusty wind and clear skies, the National Geographic Orion sailed into port at 7am. More than 50 of its passengers headed out on buses to take in the sights, including the gannet colony, wineries and art deco walk, a boost for the region's economy, and its spirits. Our reporter Kate Green met them on the wharf.

The fascinators, colourful suits, and high heels were out in force in Christchurch today as about 13,000 people headed to Addington raceway for Harness Racing's biggest day. Cup Day is also the TAB's biggest betting day within New Zealand, and by late afternoon the meeting had a turnover of $3.9 million. Reporter Rachel Graham and cameraman Nathan McKinnon went along to check out the fun.

The US Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices in Auckland were vandalised by pro Palestinian protesters today. Tamaki for Palestine splashed red paint on the buildings and tagged them with the words "ceasefire now." It says the paint represents the thousands of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza. However Jewish representatives say the act was pointless, and went too far. Jordan Dunn has the story.

Few people report their own murder, but that's exactly what Dave Davan did as he lay dying in hospital. Two years on, friends and family still hope someone will be held to account for the death of the hard-case, hard-working Northland farmer. Reporter Peter de Graaf has more. 

The good news is fruit salad and vegetable stir fry got a little cheaper last month, according to the latest Stats NZ figures. Fruit and vege prices fell 3.4 percent from September to October. But you're still paying more than you were a year ago. LeaderBrand grows and supplies broccoli, iceberg lettuce, corn, asparagus, squash, and is one of the largest growers of bagged salads and spinach in the country. And some of that produce has taken the biggest dip in prices. Leaderbrand CEO Richard Burke speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341086031112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341084080112

Some students with covid are still turning up to sit their NCEA exams. But the Auckland Secondary Principals Association is predicting illnesses will mean a lot more so called derived grades, based on previous exams results because sick students are a no show. There's no mandatory isolation for covid anymore, just a recommendation to stay out of circulation for five days. So what are you supposed to do when you test positive in the lead up or worse still on exam day? Auckland Secondary Principals Association president Greg Pierce speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341084883112

There was good news and bad news for New Zealand Rugby today. Numbers reveal that while female participation is up across players, coaches and referees, junior male numbers continue to drop. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341082890112

A Marokopa man who has evaded police for almost two years has surfaced again this time trying to smash into a general store about an hour away from his old home, with one of his children helping him, according to police. Tom Phillips went missing with his three children Ember, Jayda and Maverick in December 2021. The last time he surfaced, Phillips and another petite person were linked to the armed robbery of Te Kuiti bank; he was also spotted getting supplies at two hardware stores using a stolen ute. Tom Philips has since been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm. Now police have released security footage allegedly of Philips with his face completely covered, along with what appears to be a child also disguised. They're trying to smash their way into the Piopio store. Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders describes how things unfolded. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341084750112

Christopher Luxon and David Seymour are in Wellington - but where is Winston Peters? Talks to form a government continued in the capital today - but without one of the major players. Despite New Zealand First's caucus having all gathered together, Mr Peters was so far a no-show. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

State Highway One, the main route in and out of Northland could be completely closed at the Brynderwyns for months for maintenance, starving the region of much needed visitors and income. A group of local businesses has already described the state of the roads in the region as an "economic barricade" to its potential. This will be an actual barricade on State Highway One. Waka Kotahi's board will make a decision on the recommended recovery and rebuild work this month but the agency is already planning detours and says it will work around key dates like Waitangi and Easter. Independent research released last month puts the cost of closures on the Brynderwyns at tens of millions of dollars. North Power chief executive, Andrew McLeod, speaks to Lisa Owen. In a statement Waka Kotahi says confirmed detour routes and closure dates will be advised next month following usual internal processes and approvals. It says it will engage with partners, stakeholders and the community to ensure the work is carefully planned to minimise disruptions as much as possible. A business case for long term resilience options is still being considered, alongside the proposed recovery and rebuild works. As this is unfunded, long term resilience options will follow our standard business case processes. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341082285112

Officials are working around the clock to evacuate nine New Zealanders who remain in Gaza tonight. 11 Kiwis and their families were able to get out of the enclave overnight and are currently being supported by the New Zealand Embassey in Cairo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it's working with New Zealand Defence Force to help those still in the region and is also urging all New Zealanders to register on the SafeTravel website. Meanwhile hospitals in Gaza continue to come under relentless bombardment as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. Hospital staff are working in dire conditions, with electricity and medical supplies either out or running low. The buildings that are still operating are now packed with residents trying to get shelter. Simon Eccleshall, from doctors without borders speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341030916112

A Christchurch primary school is trying to make the start of the school week more like a party rather than a chore, in an attempt to boost school attendance. School attendance rates are down across the country, with the Ministry of Education releasing figures last week showing only 47 percent of students came to school regularly in term 2 this year. Well Christchurch's Shirley Primary School is trying something a bit different to encourage kids through the school gates. Rachel Graham reports.

As the cost of living bites, people aren't taking in as many furry companions as they used to. And as kennels fill up, greyhounds whose racing days are over aren't being adopted. Libby Kirkby-McLeod went to meet some of the retired speedsters in need of a home.

A Kiwi couple based in Costa Rica is raffling off what they say is a "life less ordinary." Eco-tourism operators Jane and Fraser Tyrell are offering up the business they've run for 16 years in the Central American country, along with equipment and a chunk of cash to keep it running. The cost of a ticket is $81. To explain how it works, here's the owner of Costa Rica Rios Jane and Fraser Tyrell. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025318112

Kiwi shoppers will now have the power to help critically endangered wildlife like Orangutans and help protest rapidly disappearing rainforests. A free, smartphone app called 'PalmOil Scan' has today been launched in New Zealand and Australia which gives consumers the ability to check out a companies use of palm oil, and whether it's supplies are sustainable. Auckland Zoo has been closely involved in the app's development and Deputy Curator of Mammals Amy Robbins says it is as simple as scanning barcodes [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025716112

Aucklanders hopping to and from Waiheke Island are celebrating a new competitor offering trips on the route, with Island Direct setting sail for the first time today. Its 50-seater vessel is scheduled to complete 18 crossings between Auckland CBD and Waiheke most days, and some of its tickets are going for nearly half the price of the long-running ferry operator Fullers360. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi were up early to catch the very first Island Direct ferry [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026381112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341024786112

The incoming Prime Minister maintains his government will reduce taxes, but Christopher Luxon has been less willing to stand by the overseas home buyers policy that's meant to fund it. National's election promise would allow foregin buyers to purchase homes for $2 million or more, as long as they pay a 15 percent tax on the sale price. It predicted this would raise $740 million a year, a figure some leading economists dismiss as not credible. Christopher Luxon says the promised tax cuts will be delivered, but the way they're paid for may change as a result of the ongoing coalition negotiations with the Act and New Zealand First parties. So if it scraps foreign buyers tax, how will the government raise the money needed for its tax policy, estimated to cost 14.6 billion dollars over four years? Joining me now is Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026461112

New Zealand golfer Steven Alker has ended his season in fruitful fashion, winning the Charles Schwab Cup today, earning him almost $2 million. It was a nervy finish for the 52 year old who held a four shot lead heading into the final round, but the chasers were hot on his heels. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Susana Lei'ataua in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026550112

It's finished three months early and under budget. A huge sigh of relief for Coromandel residents and businesses with the announcement today that State Highway 25A will be open in time for Christmas. It means the two sides of the Coromandel Peninsula will be reconnected again. The highway has been closed since January after a massive slip, affecting families, businesses, schools and tourism to the region. Jo Wilton from Waka Kotahi speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025378112

The country's biggest bank has recorded a $2.13 billion profit, and is warning of some tough times ahead. ANZ's full year profit is down 7 percent, in a result the chief executive describes as a game of two halves. Antonia Watson says the bank had a tougher second half of the year because of the more difficult environment the country is entering. ANZ New Zealand chief executive Antonia Watson speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026244112

With government talks into their second week, National's tax relief package is proving to be a major sticking point. New Zealand First flatly objects to National's plan to fund the tax cuts by allowing foreigners to buy homes worth more than $2 million as long as they pay a 15 percent tax. The delay means the chance of Christopher Luxon making APEC is increasingly remote. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch

The Israeli Defence Force says it has captured a Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza after 10 hours of fighting, uncovering tunnel shafts and seizing weapons. The IDF has also promised a pause on military operations for four-hour periods each day allowing Palestinians to head south and for deliveries of aid to be made. However, there are reports that the entire health system has all but collapsed in Gaza, with hospitals crammed, morgues overflowing and doctors performing surgery without anesthesia. Dr Margaret Harris from the World Health Organisation in Geneva speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340846449112

An AOS medic says he was not aware of a "load and go" strategy employed by commanders at Christchurch's Linwood Mosque on March the 15th and believed ambulances were on their way. The admission came earlier today as the inquest into the 2019 mosque attacks continued at Christchurch. Later in the day, a senior police officer teared up on the stand as he recalled entering the Linwood mosque believing there was not one, but six gunman inside. . Adam Burns was in court. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340847383112

Kiwi endurance runner Sam Harvey is at it again, just weeks after claiming he was done with ultra back yard running "for now". Picked to be a favourite at the Big Dog's Backyard Ultra in Tennessee last month, he stunned the crowd when he pulled out after 91 hours, 73 kilometres short of the world record. The event is gruelling - with competitors running a 6.7km loop every hour, only finishing when there's one person left able to run. Sam is competing in the Arrowtown Backyard Ultra tomorrow and speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340845205112

Tourism operators say they don't want new technology to jeopardise the manaakitanga they offer visitors. The industry is facing a rapid rise in new technology they say offers opportunities as well as challenges. But they don't want to risk getting left behind. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. (A)

A South Island school is trialling a programme to learn about the risks of an Alpine Fault earthquake. Year 10 students at Ashburton College are using the resource for real-world learning about something they may well experience in their lifetime. Scientific research indicates there is a 75 percent probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake happening in the next 50 years. Alpine Fault 8 is a group set up and supported by all six South Island emergency management groups, as well as other government agencies. Its been doing road shows in the South Island to raise awareness about the risks, and help people get prepared. A-F-8 programme manager Alice Lake-Hammond speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340846366112

Negotiations to form a government continue, but the key players from all three parties are decamping the capital and heading home. Work is carrying on behind-the-scenes to reach a deal between National, ACT and New Zealand First - but a final agreement is highly unlikely to eventuate this weekend. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch. The Labour government's caretaker position was due to expire at midnight tomorrow, but will now be effectively extended by the Governor General. The arrangement was agreed after consultation with the incoming PM Christopher Luxon and will continue until a new government is appointed. Ministers will continue in their existing roles, except that Grant Robertson will also take on the Foreign Affairs portfolio as Nanaia Mahuta has left Parliament.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340845953112

Auckland ferry operator Fullers360 will still not have its fares regulated on the Waiheke route. Waka Kotahi has been reviewing the exemption granted to Fullers360, which means it operates outside of Auckland Transport control. That means Fullers can set their own fares, which has caused a lot of upset with locals who use it as a public transport service. A report for the transport agency has found the company does not generate super profits, and has a normal commercial approach. Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick blasted what she called the report's "inexcusable, circular, bureaucratic logic" and criticised the "extraordinarily expensive" prices Fullers charges Waiheke commuters. Fullers 360 chief executive Mike Horne speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340844992112

Black Caps batter Henry Nicholls is facing allegations of ball tampering. Footage has emerged from the Canterbury/Auckland Plunket Shield match in which Nicholls appears to rub the ball on a helmet. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Susana Lei'ataua in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340844187112

Tensions have been running high at the Pacific Island's Forum being held in the Cook Islands. Nauru's president David Adeang walked out of a leaders' meeting in Rarotonga and did not attend the Leaders Retreat today in Aitutaki instead returning home early this morning. It's understood he left after questions were raised about the nomination of Nauru's former president Baron Waqa to be the Forum's next Secretary-General. Joining us to discuss this year's Pacific Islands Forum is Dr Anna Powles, from Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340842699112

"This poor child suffered a violent death." Police have made another public appeal for information as they try to get justice for Baby Ru, who was killed nearly three weeks ago. The little boy was killed just days before his second birthday, suffering multiple head injuries. Police now want help from anyone who saw the car three adults travelled in, with Baby Ru, to hospital. They say critical forensic information is missing from it. Ashleigh McCaull reports.

A family's worst fears were confirmed this morning when the body of Mei Han Chong was found abandoned in bush in suburban Auckland. Police commenced a desperate search for Ms Chong after her husband, Fuk-Fu Kwok, known as Joseph Kwok, was found dead in their Ellerslie home on Monday after a brutal stabbing. It leaves the couple's child without a mother or father. After trawling through hours of CCTV footage, police managed to identify a man they believe to be responsible for the killings, and arrested him in Hamilton late last night. He appeared in Auckland District Court this afternoon facing two charges of murder. Reporter Amy Williams and camera operator Marika Khabazi have the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340844545112

Wellington City Council has voted to consult with the public on whether to sell its stake in the city's airport. The council has today been debating its long term plan as it grapples with mounting financial pressures. As part of that the council has agreed to consult on selling its 34 percent stake in Wellington International Airport. And community groups have been making a last-ditch effort to secure funding for their causes. Ashleigh McCaull reports.

Let me entertain you, or not. Some Robbie Williams ticket holders seem to be trying to get rid of their tickets, because they're struggling to find accommodation. The singer is playing at the Mission Estate Winery in Napier on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. But ticket resale platforms have dozens of tickets up for grabs from people who can't, or don't want to go any more. Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340781332112

While the nation waits for the next Government to be formed, important events are either underway or coming up and New Zealand risks not having a voice, or at least one that is clear and commanding. The Pacific Islands Forum is happening right now in Rarotonga, and while caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni and National's representative, Gerry Brownlee are there, Sepuloni herself has conceded she doesn't have the discretion to make decisions on the fly. The next big event is APEC next week. World leaders including Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are expected there. Winston Peters says it is 'seriously important' that we are, but the question is, who will go? Executive Director of the New Zealand Business Forum and APEC Business Advisory Council, Stephen Jacobi speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340780043112

Pacific leaders are meeting for their retreat on the island of Aitutaki on the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum. There is much for the leaders to discuss, including climate change, regional security and economic development. The leaders are also meeting as a cloud hangs over the forum regarding the controversial figure nominated to be its next Secretary General. RNZ Pacific's Eleisha Foon is in Rarotonga.

A new initiative is aiming to break down barriers holding Northlanders back from signing up for the police. The plan doesn't include donuts, but it does involve a lot of coffee. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf went to find out more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340779557112

A plan to revive a passenger rail service between Christchurch and Dunedin could be back on track. Save Our Trains Otepoti-Dunedin met with the Otago Regional Council today asking for a feasilbility study on the service between the two cities along with a local communter service on the Mosgiel/Dunedin/Port Chalmers line. Dave Macpherson from Save our Trains speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340779459112

Just weeks after the Rugby World Cup heartbreak, eyes are already on the future with the Super Rugby Pacific squads announced today. Some returning veterans, exciting rookies and international imports make up the 455 contracted players. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Susana Lei'ataua in studio. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340778854112

Pakūranga residents are hoping Auckland's mayor won't follow through on his suggestion to scrap the Eastern Busway project if the government gets rid of the regional fuel tax. Wayne Brown told Checkpoint yesterday if the National Party goes ahead with its election pledge to end the tax, the final stage of the 1.4 billion-dollar project might not go ahead. Emma Stanford reports.

Labour MP Ginny Andersen has been accused of bullying a teenage volunteer over a period of three years. The party's general secretary has confirmed the party is investigating the allegations. Political reporter Katie Scotcher speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340779817112

There's a real sense of momentum at Parliament today with a meeting between the three parties negotiating to become the government, imminent. It's been a hive of activity with leaders, caucus members and staffers shuttling back and forth between Parliament and various places nearby. In a significant development in the last half hour, it appears the New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has met with ACTs David Seymour. Here's our political editor, Jane Patterson.

Police have grave concerns for the wife of a man killed in his Auckland home, saying she too may be the victim of foul play. Mei Han Chong is still missing in a complicated homicide investigation the lead officer has described as a jigsaw puzzle. Police have also named the victim as 66-year-old nurse Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok who was killed in a violent attack at the weekend. Detective Inspector Scott Beard believes there may be more than one person responsible for his death. Our reporter Lucy Xia and cameraman Nick Monro have the latest. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340782364112

A tighter budget for Auckland's cultural agency is forcing it to get creative. The lack of international events and a $17 million budget cut at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has left next year's calendar bare. The agency hopes its new harbour-centric festival will keep tourists engaged. Felix Walton has more.

Port of Auckland is promising to make $1 million a week for the city, as the mayor continues to call for land to be freed up for the public. The roll on roll off operations where vehicles are brought into the country, is the port's most profitable operation. But it's also the part of the port the mayor has previously pinpointed as land he wants people to be able to use. So how does the port's desire to increase its profits tie in with the mayor's vision for the land it sits on? Our reporter Finn Blackwell and cameraman Nick Monro have the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340718383112

The official search has been suspended for a Waihi man who's been missing with his dog in Coromandel Bush for ten days, but his family is appealing to the public to keep looking. 29 year old Jordan van Deurson headed off on a day hike in the Wentworth valley area on Sunday 26 October. He was with his little terrier Bargo. The alarm was raised after his car was spotted still in the carpark the following Wednesday, by then the weather had turned incredibly bad with the tail of Cyclone Lola lashing the area. An air and land search hasn't turned up any clues. Jordan's uncle, Mario Kerkhof, says his family's holding up as well as one could hope for in the circumstances. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340718265112

Five weeks on from the Parnell poo pipe implosion several of Auckland's city beaches are still no swim zones, despite looking pristine. The beaches need a minimum of three consecutive days of testing where bacteria is below what is considered a health risk. But at several spots including Herne, St Marys, Mechanics and Hobson Bay that hasnt happened yet. Auckland Council says it's a hang over from the tens of thousands of litres of sewage pumped into the harbour after a sink hole appeared out of nowhere - damaging a critical pipe. The council head of healthy waters Nick Vigar explains what is going on.

An Auckland Jewish community centre's fence was vandalised overnight, including an attempt to set it on fire. Pro Palestinian graffiti was also sprayed on the fence of the Beth Shalom centre in Epsom last night. Rowan Quinn reports.

Some cancer patients have been forced to go private to get treatment within recommended time frames, with one woman having to spend her house deposit to get radiation therapy. Another woman told Checkpoint, she had to wait four months for a scan after finding a suspcious lump in her arm pit that eventually grew to the size of a tennis ball before she was seen. Earlier this week it was revealed a man with a history of melanoma, now has terminal cancer after an unacceptable delay in getting an MRI despite being refered by a specialist. He was a patient in Te Whatu Ora southern in 2021-2022 and should have got the scan within 31 days but it wasnt done for 20 weeks; by then the cancer had spread to his spine. Aucklander Allison Kennedy took matters into her own hands last year after she was still waiting for a mammogram five weeks after her GP refered her for a suspicious lump that turned out to be cancer. Allison speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340713918112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340713270112

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340712863112

Australian Glenn Maxwell's stunning double century rescued his side from the brink of defeat, and did the Black Caps a favour in the process. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340710679112

A senior ambulance officer has broken down in court after being asked whether more staff could have saved lives at Christchurch's Al Noor mosque in 2019. The coronial inquest into the March 15th mosque attacks continued at Christchurch today. The experienced St John paramedic became emotional on the stand when asked whether ambulance staff had the capabilities to treat dozens of critically wounded people inside the mosque. Our Christchurch reporter Adam Burns was in court.

Police say the man found dead in his Auckland home suffered violent injuries, consistent with foul play. A post-mortem has been carried out on the man's body today, after he was found dead in his Ellerslie home on Monday night. A homicide investigation has been launched and police now believe he was dead before Sunday afternoon. They're searching for his wife, Mai Han Chong, who police say they have serious concerns about. They're also looking for the family's car - a blue Kia Rio. Our reporter Rayssa Almeida has the story.

Car parks are about to vanish from the iconic K road entertainment and shopping strip, to make way for more public transport. But some businesses are not along for the ride. From Sunday, more buses will be travelling along Karangahape Road outside of peak hours too. As part of the new western express connecting west and northwest Auckland to the city, buses will run the route every ten minutes. Auckland Transport believes banning carparking at all times on K Road will mean more consistent bus trip times and help encourage more people onto public transport. But some business say there was little consultation, the change is a shock, and they rely heavily on park and pop in customers. But late this afternoon Auckland Transport decided to pump the brakes on changes to the bus lane operating hours and apologised for not managing the process as well as it could. The extended bus lane hours wont come in until February next year. Karangahape road Business Association chairperson Muy Chhour, who runs the popular Lim Chhour Supermarket, speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340710091112

As punters filled t he bars and restaurants along Auckland's Viaduct to watch the Melbourne Cup this afternoon, a group of animal rights activists was making their opposition to the event clear. A dozen or so protestors from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses chanted through a megaphone and held signs reading "is the party worth it?" and "horse racing kills". Reporter Jordan Dunn was there and spoke with protest organiser Nick Hancock.

Chris Hipkins has survived to fight another day as Labour leader, winning the support of his caucus colleagues in a confidence vote. Carmel Sepuloni will take over as deputy from Kelvin Davis. The party's MPs met at a conference room in Upper Hutt today to thrash out their election defeat and map a way forward. They emerged with a blank slate on policy, which mean a capital gains or wealth tax could be back on the table for next election. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

A video game developer has just reached the major milestone of 1 million downloads on Android mobile. Battlecruisers is an explosive strategy game, has rave reviews from players and is set to expand to other platforms. Its developer says it's a hard way to make a living and more needs to be done to keep talent in New Zealand. Reporter Tom Taylor and camera operator Nick Monro have this story.

Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of your couch. That's what the tourism industry is exploring while grappling with new technology that's emerging at a rapid pace. Hundreds of industry leaders have been discussing if they're ready, or not, at the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington today. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton is there.

A senior police officer admits improvements are needed in responding to major events like the Christchurch mosque attacks. The remarks came today during the inquest into the March 15 attacks that claimed the lives of 51 people. The emergency service response on the day are one of several things the coroner is weighing up. An ambulance staff member later got teary eyed on the stand recalling the horror of that fateful day. Adam Burns was in court

The opening ceremony of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit is underway in the Cook Islands. Leaders and high level delegations from 18 member states are there with the US and China also attending. Lydia Lewis speaks to Lisa Owen from Rarotonga. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340651823112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340653765112

Calling all mobile phone users, how long do you reckon your cell should keep working? It's a serious environmental question in an age of disposal goods where tech is constantly being updated with jazzier models and some things are acutally made so they cant be fixed or updated. Cantabrian Nic Smith has an iPhone 6 that's in good nick and does everything he needs: calls, email and apps, and banking. But things started to get a bit wobbly about six months ago, when his phone started sending him alerts saying its operating system no longer supported some of the applications. Unable to update his phone, functions are dying off. Nic's not impressed: Why should he be forced to chuck out something, that is technically not broken? Paul Spain from Gorilla Tech speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340653057112

For more on the Melbourne Cup, sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Lisa Owen in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340652947112

"A nightmare camping trip that doesn't stop." That's how one home owner has described their living situation after ten months sleeping in a tiny cabin waiting for the fate of their flood-damaged house. Auckland Council has begun the buyout process with owners of some of the worst-affected properties, but many remain in limbo. Some are yet to even have their site assesments completed and are worried they won't have answers by Christmas. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Nick Monro have the story [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340646914112

An appeal tonight for sightings of the wife of a man found dead in his Ellerslie home. Police are searching for a 67 year old woman Mei Han Chong, after a worried relative went to the couples house at about 8 oclock last night, when they couldnt raise anyone. The 66 year old's death is being treated as a homicide. Investigators say they're keeping an open mind and Mei could be a victim or a suspect. But there's an alert at the airport - should she try to leave the country. Detective Inspector Scott Beard says police are also looking for the family's blue Kia Rio car - it's missing too [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340647413112

A population of a rare lizards has been found in a back garden in Central Hawke's Bay. It's the first time the Hawke's Bay Skink has been found in the area, with the only other known population inside the predator-proof fence at Cape Sanctuary. A lounge of these lizards, yes that's the collective noun, has been spotted in a blackberry bush in Waipawa. Kate Green paid them a visit.

She's dressed a future Queen and a Prime Minister and now top end fashion designer Emilia Wickstead is onboard to create Air New Zealand's next uniform. The kiwi who is based in the UK was chosen from more than forty designers who pitched for the job. Once tested, the final design will be revealed in late 2024 and then progressively rolled to more than 5000 staff. Emilia Wickstead, who has dressed the Princess of Wales, says she couldnt be prouder to be designing uniforms for the national carrier [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340588690112

A Manawatu school is giving students practical help for a move into the trades after school. Palmerston North Boys' High School is giving students the opportunity to clip on a toolbelt and build houses. The construction programme at the school aims to get the teens into the industry with skills and experience. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham went to the school's building site.

Wellington Water says It's going to cost $1 billion a year over the next 10 years to fix the Wellington's crumbling water infrastructure. In some parts of the region over 40 percent of water pipes are leaking. And councils says they can't afford to fix the ageing infrastructure alone, and want reforms to ease the burden on local authorities. Ashleigh McCaull reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340586262112

New Zealand is edging ever closer to a new government, according to those negotiating its make-up. ACT's leader David Seymour says talks are progressing well and a draft agreement with National is near. Talks with New Zealand First, however, seems less advanced. Its leader Winston Peters was in the capital today, but with little to say. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Sam Cane will learn his punishment tonight for the dangerous tackle he made in the Rugby World Cup final. Cane was given a red card in the dramatic 12-11 loss to the Springboks. Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340586702112

Thousands of electronic cards used to travel on Auckland's public transport are about to run out of gas. The pre-paid Auckland Transport Hop cards allow commuters to take advantage of cheaper fares, with a cashless ticketing system. The oldest versions of the card are about to time out after ten years and need to be replaced. Stacey Van der Putten from AT speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340584452112

An unacceptable delay in providing an MRI scan to a man who had a history of cancer means the disease has spread to the point it's "not survivable." The office of the Heath and Disability Comissioner has found the care provided to the man by Te Whatu Ora Southern in 2021-2022, fell short of appropriate standards. The man, who'd had melanoma before, was suffering leg pain and was refered for an urgent MRI by an Orthopaedic surgeon. He should have got the scan within 31 days of the request, but it wasnt done for 20 weeks; by then the cancer was in his spine. The patient told the commission the delay meant further spread through his organs, resulting in the current situation where the cancer is not survivable. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director, Sarah Dalton, speaks to Lisa Owen. Te Whatu Ora Southern Chief Medical Officer David Gow was not available for an interview. But in a statement he said they accepted the findings and recommendations of the Commissioner's report and were committed to implementing the recommendations. He says Te Whatu Ora has sincerely apologised to the patient and their family for the distress and impact caused. He says since this incident occurred, changes to practice have been made, and he would like to reassure the community that the changes will reduce the chances of systems and processes failing in the future. This includes the installation of a second MRI Scanner at Dunedin Hospital in 2022. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340585514112

Time to polish the crown: Winston Peters is Kingmaker again. The final election vote count means New Zealand First is no longer a nice to have, it's a must-have for National to form a government. The party lost two seats in the final wash up, meaning it's down to 48 MPs and with ACT's 11 it is still short of a majority. The overall head count in parliament's expanded as well; Te Pati Maori has snatched another two Maori electorates seats from Labour creating an overhang of two seats. And after the Waikato by election the total numbers of MP will be 123. National leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the final count means he can accelerate negotiations toward a strong and stable government, but he can't give a time frame for delivery. RNZ's own coalition of experts speaks to Lisa Owen. Former ACT MP and Minister Heather Roy, former New Zealand First MP and Minister, Ron Mark and former National Party general Manager, Chris Simpson. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340411828112