Podcasts about Checkpoint

The "brotherhood" of New Zealand photojournalists has answered the call of a terminally-ill colleague to help out the cash-strapped Taranaki Hospice. Rob Tucker - a former illustrations editor at the NZ Herald - is putting together an auction of 100 plus iconic images to raise funds for the organisation he calls "the angels in the night". Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.  

Commercial property owners in Wellington are worried they may be stuck with office towers no-one wants to rent or insure. There are now about 150 buildings in the CBD which share the same construction flaw as the Education Ministry's head office. The order came this week to evacuate that building after a new seismic assessment. Ruth Hill reports.

Would be parents using surrogates will no longer have to adopt their own child after its born if the government accepts changes recommended by the Law Commission. Its review has found laws governing surrogacy are outdated and need a significant overall. At the moment the person carrying the baby is the legal parent regardless of whose genetic material is used. Lawyer Zandra Wackenier has guided many New Zealand couples through the surrogacy process, she talks to Lisa Owen.

The cull has continued in the White Ferns with two more players from the World Cup squad finding themselves left right out. Vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite quit international cricket yesterday, after being dropped by New Zealand Cricket. Her wife Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay, Thamsyn Newton and Leigh Kasperek. Their experience has been replaced by six newcomers - including three teenagers. Felicity Reid reports.

Advocates say refugees due to arrive in New Zealand from Australia and detention centres in Nauru will need to be treated with care and dignity. In March, Australia agreed to allow 150 refugees to resettle in Aotearoa each year over the next three years - the first could arrive in the next few months. Robin Martin has more.

Locals living in the stench in Christchurch's Bromley feel a bit ripped off by the council's financial aid. Christchurch City council is promising to spend a million dollars to give some relief to the thousands of residents living there. It works out to be $200 per household. Tessa Guest has been gauging reaction.

New Zealand, Australia and the U-S are all eyes on the Pacific as China's Foreign Minister tours several islands. Wang Yi has just landed in Kiribati to talk bilateral relations with the country's President. RNZ Pacific's Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor reports.

The laws governing surrogacy in NZ are outdated and in need of a major overall according the Law Commission review. Top of the list changing the legal status of intended parents who use a surrogate; meaning they will no longer have to adopt their own child after it's born. At the moment the person carrying the baby is the legal parent regardless of whose genetic material is used. The review also calls for clarification of what costs a surrogate can be reimbursed for. But it does not recommend full commercial surrogacy. To discuss the findings is the Law Commissions principal adviser Nichola Lambie.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6306877945112

The Prime Minister has secured a meeting with the Leader of the Free World. Jacinda Ardern will sit down with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House next week. It's only the third time New Zealand's Prime Minister has met with the President in two decades. The meeting comes at a critical time - with the war in Ukraine and increasing competition in the Pacific. Here's our political reporter, Katie Scotcher.

The leadership of Gloriavale is publicly repenting...issuing a statement apologising for failing to protect sex abuse victims and exploited workers. A landmark court decision recently ruled that three former residents of the commune were employees from age six doing strenuous difficult and sometimes dangerous work - all unpaid. And several members of the reclusive West Coast community have been convicted of sexually abusing children. Today's statement attributed to Gloriavale's current leadership also calls for any leavers who were harmed in the commune to come forward. Daniel Pilgrim - who took an employment case against Gloriavale, and won, talks to Lisa Owen.

Another jab is on the agenda for those most at risk of serious illness from Covid. The additional booster shot has been recommended by the Ministry of Health vaccine advisory group and is intended for the elderly, aged and disability care residents and severely immunocompromised people over the age of 16. Potentially that is several hundred thousand people - but the final list is yet to be decided. The booster will be given six months after the last one. Covid Minister Chris Hipkins talks to Lisa Owen.

A call for peace in a town grappling with gang violence. A hikoi through Kaikohe today culminated in a rāhui being placed over the Far North town in the hope it might quiet a bitter feud between rivals. The town has seen multiple shootings and a daylight brawl on its main street in recent months. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6306874492112 Police believe events in Kaikohe are linked to a feud in Auckland between the Tribesmen and their former feeder gang the Killer Beez. Meanwhile, locals say police presence is all good and well, but it'll take far more to bring peace. Nick Truebridge and Marika Khabazi have this story from Kaikohe.

A man is on the run in Auckland after what police are describing as a brutal stabbing of a man in Mount Albert. Police have named the suspect they're looking for - he is 22-year-old Christian Eteuati. He's wanted in relation to the death of a man on Tuesday night. Checkpoint reporter Louise Ternouth has the details.  

It's part 2 of our coverage of the 75th Cannes Film Festival, including first reactions to Elvis, Decision to Leave, Crimes of the Future, & more. Plus, there's box office talk from Downton thru Top Gun and reviews of Men, Senior Year, Sonic 2, and Rescue Rangers. What Is This Episode - Top of the Show BOX OFFICE UPDATE - 5:04 Downton Abbey's Last Weekend + Top Gun Projections. CANNES FILM FESTIVAL COVERAGE PART DEUX Reviewing The Reviewers Is ELVIS another BoRhap? - 10:59 Did Park Chan-wook reach “Master” status with DECISION TO LEAVE? - 16:48 Will you go see CRIMES OF THE FUTURE after these reactions? - 21:50 Can HOLY SPIDER live up to the David Fincher test? - 25:52 And does TRIANGLE OF SADNESS pit critics against pundits? - 29:08 R.M.N., Tori and Lokita, The Silent Twins, Brother and Sister, The Stars At Noon - 32:03 Acquisitions Update: Who bought what? And which studios have Oscars street cred? - 35:30 What I'm Watching: Alex Garland's MEN - 40:19 My trip to NDNF to see Onoda, Full Time, & The Innocents - 44:08 The Outfit, Senior Year, & Our Father - 48:50 Candy, starring Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynski - 51:02 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Rescue Rangers - 52:19 Outro - 56:02

You may notice that something will sound different about Morning Report, Midday Report and Checkpoint from Monday. We're keeping the bird, we're keeping the pips - but we're getting a sonic refresh. Ruth Hill reports on the history and future of the Morning Report theme.

Two people have been arrested after a spate of drive by shootings in Auckland - according to the Police Minister, Poto Williams. Police have laid the blame for the shootings - along with several frightening incidents in the Far North - squarely at the feet of two gangs. They say the violence stems from rivalry between the Tribesmen and the Killer Beez. Our reporter Katie Todd has been taking a look at the checkered past of the two gangs - and how it reached boiling point.

Work is well underway to connect Otago's cycle trails into a continuous network of more than 600 kilometres. Consents have been lodged for the next steps that will see the area's great rides connected and expanded further. Our reporter Timothy Brown and camera operator Nathan McKinnon went to check out the plans and filed this report.

Five NZDF personnel are on their way to the UK to help with the Ukrainian war effort, with another 25 to follow early next week. They'll be training Ukrainian military personnel on how to operate a specific type of gun. Our reporter Soumya Bhamidipati and cameraman Samuel Rillstone visited Linton Military Camp, to see how preparations are going.

White Ferns vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite has been dropped by New Zealand Cricket. The decision has left her team mates in shock. The 35-year-old was told she wouldn't get a White Ferns contract next season as the national selectors turn their focus to younger players. As Felicity Reid reports, the decision means Satterthwaite has called time on her international career.

The leader of the Bastion Point Takaparawhau occupation has been laid to rest on the land he fought to get back for his people today. Joe Hawke, who was 82, died on Sunday. Māni Dunlop and our cameraman Nick Monro were there today.

A few million dollars to help small retailers secure themselves against ram raiders and robbers. The government's made a long awaited announcement about how it will support victims of crime. It's being labelled a welcome start, but too little, too late. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham and camera operator Marika Khabazi have more.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6306828166112

Christchurch City Council has approved a million-dollar support package for residents living directly around a damaged wastewater treatment plant. A fire in November last year has left rotting material - sending a stench across Christchurch's Eastern suburbs. Communities across the city have been feeling trapped and concerned for their health, but the financial aid will only reach residents in Bromley, where the plant is. Tessa Guest reports.

The Prime Minister found herself drawn into the national outpouring of grief and anger in the wake of the Texas shooting. Jacinda Ardern has has a day of high level political visits on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where all attention was on the tragedy at an elementary school in Texas. Our political editor, Jane Patterson, was there and filed this report.

Police Minister Poto Williams talks to Lisa Owen about the rise in gang tensions and recent shootings at houses.  

And the gang turf war's spread beyond Auckland to the Far North town of Kaikohe. Police there say they've seized a pistol and meth in vehicle stop. And there's now a heavy police presence in the town. It follows an all out brawl between rivals and what locals describe as drive by shootings. Far North District Councillor John Vujcich talks to Lisa Owen.

The rivalry between two Auckland gangs appears to have spun out of control, with two more houses shot at last night, after seven drive-by shootings the night before. Houses were fired at in Massey and Mellons Bay last night, following seven shootings on Tuesday. The violence is being blamed on rivalry between the Killer Beez and the Tribesmen gangs. On the streets, Aucklanders say they haven't seen such a spate of gun crime before, and they're wondering who's next. Rayssa Almeida reports.

This week we wrap up the month of May with a very laid back girl talk about waiting seasons, prioritizing emotional wellness, and more !

Fifteen gamers have been named in the E-Blacks - New Zealand's first esports rep team. Esports will be a pilot event at this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with aspirations to becoming a full medal discipline at the 2026 Games. Felicity Reid reports.

The US is reeling yet again after a school shooting left 19 young children and two teachers dead in Texas. The gunman was an 18-year-old man who was himself shot dead by police. The tragedy comes less than 10 years after the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre in November 2012 which left 26 people dead. The horror has reignited calls for gun control in a country that's historically been resistant to change. Joining Lisa Owen from Uvalde is KHOU11 news reporter Anayeli Ruiz.

A new pay offer could see allied health professionals get paid more than a KFC worker, according to their union. The workers are basically everyone outside of doctors and nurses. Last week about 10,000 of them went on strike over stalled paid negotiations with the DHBs. But the latest pay offer has been made public in this afternoon and PSA organiser Will Matthews is here to talk through the details.  

A remote-operated digger has started work on Christchurch Cathedral removing rubble from the historic building. It's a job project managers are describing as a world first - and a significant breakthrough in the clean up of Christchurch's earthquake damaged Cathedral. Adam Burns reports.

An Aussie artist has started a project to lift the spirits of Ukrainians living in bomb-scarred cities. Janno McLaughlin is making an enormous sunflower quilt, and wants to drape it over bombed out building, or train stations, or to cover a mass grave. She's already got some quilt patches from around the world and is calling for more.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in New York and has made a third appearance on Stephen Colbert's The Late Show. The PM is in the US for a trade mission and charm offensive - convincing Americans New Zealand is open for business and holidaying. Her appearance with Colbert began on a sombre note - as the US reels from yet another school shooting. Stephen Colbert opened the interview by talking about New Zealand's gun laws which were changed following the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019. Jacinda Ardern has previously expressed confusion at the United States' lack of reform despite multiple gun massacres. The host and comedian asked about New Zealand's experience since banning banning military style semi-automatics and assault rifles. The subject is sure to feature in the Prime Minister's discussions tomorrow when she meets top Republicans and Democrats in Washington DC - including Chuck Schumer and Mitt Romney. The full episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air on Prime at 11pm in New Zealand.

The latest devastating school shooting in the US has led to renewed calls for gun control. At least 19 children and two adults have been killed after a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary school in Texas. It's reignited the debate around firearm legislation, but Conservatives appear unwilling to budge. Worldwatch's Max Towle has this report.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6306761878112

Another Kainga Ora development has locals up in arms - fearing it could change the character of their neighbourhood. But, community representatives in Millwater - in north Auckland, say there's no NIMBYism in their backyards. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

The cost of living is about to get a whole lot pricier if you've got a mortgage and there could be yet more pain coming down the pipe. The Reserve Bank has raised the official cash rate half a percent to a six-year high of 2 percent, in a bid to reel in out of control inflation that's at a 30-year high. Eyes are on retail banks to pass rate hikes on to customers. The Reserve Bank's also signalled it will maintain its approach of "briskly" lifting the OCR. KiwiBank chief economist Jarrod Kerr is here to explain what it all means and what to expect.

Seven drive-by shootings in one night have Auckland police scrambling to calm tensions and renegotiate a truce between rival gangs. There have been 12 reported drive by shootings in Auckland since Sunday. This afternoon, police revealed there's likely been more. But so far zero arrests have been made. Meanwhile, innocent neighbours say they're terrified of being shot as they sleep, with bullets flying far from their intended targets. Nick Truebridge and camera operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

"When in God's name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?" The words of an exasperated and angry US President Joe Biden, after as many as 19 children aged between seven and 10 years old and two adults were killed at a primary school in Texas. An 18-year-old gunman opened fire in the school, before being killed by officers. Investigators say he was armed with a handgun and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the shooter, Salvador Ramos, abandoned a vehicle before entering the school to "horrifically, incomprehensibly" open fire. One of the adults killed was a teacher. Anguished parents arrived at the school desperate to get to their children.

In Tauranga, bus drivers and patrons are being terrorised by passengers brandishing tasers and knives and hurling racial abuse. And the shocking reality is that the perpetrators are young teens, under 14 years of age. Now the regional council has cracked down on free student fares, in a bid to stop the hoodlums wreaking havoc anytime they please. Bay of Plenty reporter Leah Tebbutt has more.

A Wellington park that's turned into a trouble spot is getting a makeover - in a bid to improve safety and stomp out anti-social behaviour. 

Auckland's being told to start a campaign to bring back workers, visitors and students back to the city. A global expert in revitalising cities after the pandemic says Auckland needs to catch up. Hundreds of business and civic leaders met in Auckland today to discuss the city's future at an event hosted by the economic development agency Auckland Unlimited. Reporter Amy Williams was there.

A new weapon has been launched to fight the enemy of the sewer - the mighty fatberg. Wet wipes get stuck on the way down, catch fat and cooking oil and grow into monsterous globules that bog up the whole system. Now a new standard has been developed to make sure those wipes and other things marketed as "flushable" actually are. How does it work? WaterCare Head of Service Delivery Sharon Danks explains to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6306705285112

Criticising our politicians is close to a national pastime, but are you all talk or prepared to put your hand-up for a spot on your council? Local body elections are coming up in a few months, and one council is actively trying to boost the number of contenders. Carterton Council - north of Wellington - has launched a campaign calling for more people to throw their hats in the ring. Council's spokesperson Elisa Brown talks to Lisa Owen.

Golfers are accusing Auckland Council of foul play over a plan to develop their courses into more versatile public spaces. The council wants local boards to acknowledge it isn't sustainable, to keep $2.9 billion dollars worth of public land locked up exclusively for golf, saying only six percent of the city play the sport. But Golf New Zealand is trying to stop the council in its tracks, saying their claims are outdated, misleading and unfair. Katie Todd reports.

The government is looking to grow the plant-based meat market investing more than $1 million in a sustainable food company. The loan is from the $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund which aims to build sustainable, inclusive and productive regional economies. The Kāpiti based Sustainable Foods' brand Plan*t markets fake meats like vege-based mince, sausages and chicken nuggets. The Minister for Economic and Regional Development is one of four Ministers who signed off on the deal. Stuart Nash says it is no an admission that we're relying too heavily on unsustainable agriculture.

The housing of 65 families in emergency accommodation could be under threat, as the Rotorua Lakes Council takes legal action against several motels. They say nine emergency housing motels have refused to engage and show they're compliant. Emergency housing is the talk of the town in the tourism hotspot, with some saying operators are costing the destination its prized reputation among visitors. The council says accommodation operators also providing emergency housing are required to have a dialogue with council on regulatory compliance. But some have failed to come to the table. Nick Truebridge has the story. The Ministry of Social Development has just responded to that legal action. Bay of Plenty Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant says MSD has a good relationship with Rotorua Lakes Council and is happy to work through issues as required.  He acknowledges the council's role overseeing the Resource Management and Building Act, and that enforcement action may affect suppliers and MSD clients. Bryant says steps to comply with council regulations are for the motels to take, given they are private businesses. However, MSD has encouraged them to engage with Rotorua Lakes Council.