RNZ: Checkpoint

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about how there is fresh doubts about the viability of a planned ban on social media for those aged under 16 and the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie Jaws.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Run It organisers have come under criticism from a coroner who said it should not be considered a sport. Bruce Hesketh has slated the competition as a perilous activity that makes no attempt to mitigate head injury. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group of Auckland dog lovers are planning legal action over a decision to ban off leash pooches at a popular suburban park. Auckland Council is currently reviewing dog rules at dozens of local and regional parks and beaches. Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia spokesperson Jonathan Sweeney spoke to Lisa Owen.

Nearly 20 million dollars in development assistance to the Cook Islands is on pause as New Zealand reacts to its Pacific neighbour's ever-closer ties with China. Wellington claims it was not consulted before the Cook Islands signed a partnership agreement with China in February, an alleged breach of the Cooks' committments to this country. The funding freeze was revealed in a front page splash in the Cook Island News, awkward timing for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he prepares to meet with China's President Xi Jinping. Caleb Fotheringham has more.

A dispute over school boy rugby is kicking off; with claims a proposed new competition is discriminatory and could lead to an arms race where colleges aggressively recruit top players to the detriment of the game. A collective of South Island boys' schools confirmed they're looking to launch a new first XV competition as part of wider efforts to improve educational outcomes for young men. Dozens of other principals are rallying against the plan. Darfield High School principal Andy England spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been fielding questions about New Zealand's relationship with the Cook Islands as his government cuts nearly $20 million in funding to our Pacific neighbour. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed the funding freeze after the Cooks signed partnership agreements with China without consulting New Zealand. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen from Shanghai.

It has been 10 years and tens of millions of dollars in the making, now Cardrona Alpine Resort is set to show off a whole new side of the mountain. Skiers, snowboarders and the resort's staff are rejoicing as the major expansion into Soho Basin is almost ready to ride. Otago Southland Reporter Katie Todd went up for a look.

So far in 2025 Northland's been battered by record-breaking rain, a cyclone and even a tornado. But the region has also had to contend with a long-running drought, and nowhere was that more keenly felt than in Dargaville. Peter de Graaf reports from the nation's kumara capital.

Paul Gallen certainly isn't holding back as he prepares to finally square off in the ring with Sonny Bill Williams next month in Sydney. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A growing number of people are turning to the Government for help just to keep the roof over their head. Data shows almost 400,000 households are receiving the accommodation supplement, which helps when rent or mortgage payments are unaffordable. It's costing bilions of dollars a year, and some are suggesting we need a better way. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Washington DC correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Lisa Owen about how President Trump is keeping the world guessing about whether or not the US will join Israel in attacking Iran, and how international student visa applicants are now required to unlock their social media accounts for screening. He also spoke about how one of America's most iconic sports teams is set to be sold for a record breaking deal.

People in Kaikoura wanting to to sit their licences are being driven out of town, having to go hundreds of kilometres away to get pratical test. A mobile testing unit comes to Kaikoura regularly but that's only for licence renewals and theory exams, so this means a trip to Blenheim or Rangiora. Kaikoura doesn't have an approved practical test route despite locals saying they have all the elements they need, including roundabouts. Mayor Craig Mackle spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Edward O'Driscoll spoke to Lisa Owen about global genetic testing company, 23andMe being fined millions by a UK watchdog over a massive data breach, as well a cyclist who suffered devestating facial injuries now being the owner of a 3D-printed face.

A supermarket boss says the first look inside a popular shopping spot ravaged by fire in central Auckland was a confronting scene. 24 hours after a massive blaze broke out New World Victoria Park forcing shoppers to abandon their trolleys and vehicles, the building was given back to Foodstuffs today. Staff and shoppers were emotional seeing their workplace and beloved local supermarket in ruins. Jessica Hopkins reports. 

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Things are heating up ahead of game two of State of Origin tonight. While Queensland need a win to keep the series alive, the spotlight has instead fallen on coach Billy Slater for controversial comments made regarding his late predecessor. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government has given itself new powers to override councils, if they their decisions will negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has said the new regulation would stop councils stalling on housing developments. But the opposition said Bishop is annointing himself the chief council despot and it's a massive over-reach. While councils said they shouldn't be blamed for a lack of housing growth. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

The Prime Minister is rattling through a blitz of business promos on his first day in China, showcasing New Zealand's wares, and pitching it as a tourist destination. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen. 

A senior doctor has said she's kept awake at night by having to ration care at Whangarei hospital which she says is understaffed and under resourced. Others say it's frustrating, exhausting and like being on the deck of the Titanic. Senior Northland doctors, who are union members walked off the job and onto the picket line this morning, on a 24 hour strike, after a break down in negotiations over pay and conditions. All hospitals in the region, including Whangarei Hospital and its emergency department are still open, although Te Whatu Ora says some planned treatment and appointments are being disrupted. Checkpoint called the Whangarei doctors who were striking and they spoke to Lisa Owen about thieir experiences.

The father of Sophia Crestani, who was crushed to death at an over-crowded Otago student house party, is calling for a liquor store in the heart of Dunedin's student quarter to shut an hour earlier. Bede Crestani is campaigning for a safer student environment through the Sophia Charter for Community Responsibility and Wellbeing. He spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealanders have filled out their last traditional Census form, with the five-yearly count to be scrapped from 2030. The census, which has existed in a similar format for more than 70 years, will be replaced with a combination of data gathered from other government agencies and other surveys. It comes after falling response rates and concerns over the rising costs. Samantha Gee reports. 

A new research lab in Porirua has been built to be set on fire. The Building Research Association said the $40 million facility can simulate the way fire spreads through multi-storey buildings, providing some of the most advanced fire testing capabilities in the Southern Hemisphere. Kate Green reports

The man who was given a restraining order for stalking British tennis player Emma Raducanu earlier this year has been caught trying to apply for tickets for this month's Wimbledon Championships. Tournament organisers blocked the man's attempt to enter the public ballot and have promised beefed up security for the event. It comes as another British player, Katie Boulter, has revealed the scale of online abuse she's suffered, including death threats. Sports reporter Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

The price of butter has seen a number of schools ditch traditional fundraisers in favour of selling blocks of butter instead. Westgold has been supplying the 250 gram blocks which go for $4, and schools get to keep $1 a block. It's a bargain compared to supermarkets where some 500 gram blocks are hitting $11. But Kaitangata School in South Otago has manged to cash in on the deal, raising thousands. Teacher and parent at the school, Brittany Morrison spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a volcanic eruption in Indonesia that has left many tourists, including New Zealanders, stranded in Bali, meanwhile two suspects have been arrested after an Australian tourist was shot and killed in Bali.

Chiefs fans have been told that cow bells are not welcome at the Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch on Saturday. The Waikato supporters are known for enthusiastically ringing the metal bells that were traditionally tied around cows necks. But the Crusaders have warned fans metal bells will be confiscated at the gate at Apollo Project stadium, and they may be melted down. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge spoke to Lisa Owen.

Cyclists on Auckland's North Shore can finally take the bus across the Harbour Bridge. Buses in the city don't have bike racks - and the only public transport option cyclists have had to get across the harbour is to catch a ferry. RNZ reporter Jessica Hopkins tagged along on one of the 15 Auckland Transport's North Shore Express buses with the newly installed bike racks.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald's Trump early departure from the G7 summit leaving other world leaders hanging, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The US President Donald Trump has bailed out of the G7 summit in Canada early because of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The Trump administration had been poised to meet with Iran to discuss reviving a deal over its nuclear programme when Israel launched its attack on Friday. Correspondent Mitch McCann was there and explained how the conflict has overshadowed the summit.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

White Fern Sophie Devine will retire from one day internationals after this year's Cricket World Cup. The 35-year-old has 298 international caps across ODI and T20s. She captained New Zealand to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as victory in last year's T20 World Cup. Earlier this year Devine took a break from cricket for her well-being. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A senior doctor has claimed patients are being treated in cupboards, offices and tearooms as Whangarei hospital bursts at the seams. This comes ahead of a public meeting at Forum North in Whangarei to discuss the state of healthcare in Northland. Checkpoint has been told in the last fortnight there's been several examples of patients being put in makeshift beds or wards at Whangarei Hospital. Dr Marion Leighton works in General Medicine at Whangarei Hospital and will be at the meeting, she spoke to Lisa Owen.

It is forecast there will be more than 15,000 new job openings for accountants in the next five years. But the number of people enrolling in the degree has fallen off a cliff. Now, a campaign is underway to make accounting cool. Government affairs leader for Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand Lydia Tsen spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Unemployment is at a four year high; 5.1% or 156,000 people, and that means competition is fierce. There were 21,000 more people on the jobseeker benefit in May compared to last year. This year's career expo in Auckland has attracted thousands of job hunters, not just those looking for a new job, but also new careers. Louise Ternouth reports.

A major fire has ripped through a supermarket in central Auckland. Emergency services were called to the blaze at New World supermarket near Victoria Park in Freemans Bay, where 20 crews battled the blaze. While the fire is now contained, firefighters are expected to continue fighting the blaze for some time. Amy Williams reports from the scene.

An Auckland business owner has described current sick leave entitlements as 'manifestly unfair', and said it is a significant burden in tough economic times. In 2021 minimum paid sick leave for workers went from five to 10 days, regardless of how often a person works. The government has confirmed it is changing the law to a pro rata system, or proportional leave; where sick day allowances will be different for part and full-time workers depending on how many hours or days they work. Entertainment business owner Kathy Aspden said her sick leave costs have increased 400% since the allowance doubled. Kathy Aspden spoke to Lisa Owen.

Any time it rains heavily in Northland, residents of Moerewa brace for flooding. The small town has gone underwater in recent years more times than they'd care to remember. But now the flood-weary residents finally have reasons to be hopeful about the future. Peter de Graaf reports.

The New Zealand women's water polo team are chasing an Olympic first. The White Caps have a golden opportunity to qualify for the LA Games after narrowly missing out on Paris. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The fire at an Auckland supermarket is now under control, but has sent thick black smoke out across the city. 20 fire trucks have been on the scene at the New World Supermarket by Victoria Park. Fire and Emergency NZ sent out a cellphone alert warning that smoke is travelling southwest across the city and to close all windows and doors. Reporter Lucy Xia spoke to Lisa Owen from the scene.

Washington DC correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump's early departure from the G7 summit today, which he said was down to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

A breast cancer patient self funding her treatment has said it's unfair she has to pay GST on the drugs that are already costing her ten of thousands of dollars. Wellington woman Amanda Broughton has stage 3 breast cancer and has had nine of 17 Keytruda infusions as part of her treatment. The drug is only funded for late stage cancers. Even after a discount from the drug company the mum of two is fundraising to cover the six figure bill hat's after. However, 15 % of that is GST, or tax, going to the government. Amanda Broughton spoke to Lisa Owen.