Checkpoint

A Dunedin high school band that will open for the Foo Fighters early next year says it's unlikely they'll play another gig organised by the city council. The band SEEK HELP! from Queen's High School is one of several young bands from the city's thriving music scene that played at New Year's Eve festivities in the CBD. Some councillors have objected to such a raucous punk band being hired in the first place, preferring dance classics to "get the crowd shaking their bits followed by the bag pipes and a new year countdown". Although bigger gigs are to come, the band says the experience has left them feeling undervalued and misrepresented. Adam Burns reports.

Two men accused of abducting and killing an innocent Sydney grandfather have appeared in court on murder charges. It's a case that captured global attention after authorities said the 85-year-old's disappearance was likely a result of mistaken identity. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The greatest of all time is hanging up her black jersey. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who came out of retirement for last years World Cup, has again announced she is bowing out of the international stage. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Deputy Prime Minister has got his own safety message for Air New Zealand after the airline posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. David Seymour has described the national carrier's ticket prices as "crazy", and has renewed his call for the government to sell its 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

A man present at a deadly Dunedin student party in 2019 says the night is burned in his memory. Samson Aruwa helped to free at least 30 people from a stairwell pile-up and carried 19-year-old University of Otago student Sophia Crestani outside where CPR was performed - all while wearing a moon boot. Sadly, Sophia could not be revived. Samson was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers in Dunedin this morning, who says his selfless actions prevented the tragic night from being so much worse. Tess Brunton has more.

The wives of two firefighter killed in a landslide during Cyclone Gabrielle have recounted the moment they learned their partners had died. Volunteer firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens were buried while responding to slips on Muriwai's Motutara Road on the 13th of February 2023. Craig Stevens was freed from the pile but later died in hospital, while Dave van Zwanenberg was found dead after two days of searching. A coronial inquest into their deaths is being held in Auckland. Felix Walton was there.

Police are seeing more incidents involving drivers who've been huffing nitrous oxide or nangs, that can cause black outs and dizziness. They say the risks are "clear and grave". It is illegal to sell nitrous oxide for huffing, but a Checkpoint investigation's found stores are selling large cannisters of the gas that contain hundreds of hits, with virtually no questions asked. Now police are planning to target retailers. Assistant Commissioner of Road policing, Tusha Penny spoke to Lisa Owen.

Air New Zealand could be in for a hard landing, as the CEO carries out a strategic review in the face of rising costs and falling profits. The national carrier posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. That's compared to a $106 million profit for the same period the year before. It is still blaming severe disruption caused by delays to unscheduled engine maintenance grounding up to eight planes, plus fuel and operating costs. Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Lisa Owen.

Child poverty activists say families are having to make impossible decisions and go without life's essentials following the release of new Stats New Zealand data. The agency says one in seven kids are living in material hardship according to research conducted between July 2024 and June last year. The government says reducing child poverty is a priority and that they are making changes to improve the lives of families. Nick James reports.

All motorists know what it's like learning to drive - the endless attempts to parallel park, the grinding gears, the lurches and the stalls. Now one instructor reckons he's found a way to confine those teeth-clenching experiences to the past, with his virtually reality programme that can help teach you to drive without even getting into a car. Ashley Gore is already running his VR lessons in Auckland and Napier, and he's hoping to expand his virtual driving school across the country. Evie Richardson reports.

The Wellington Phoenix and Chris Greenacre have been loyal to each other for nearly two decades. This week the A-League club turned to the former player and reserve team coach to get them out of a jam. Greenacre will coach the team for a fourth stint, and he says this time is different. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A kiwi nurse, who has launched an app to help decipher what is in packaged food, wants more honesty and transparency around ingredients. Kaiwise allows shoppers to scan the bar code on packaged items and get an analysis of the contents, it then grades the products using a health traffic light system. Kaiwise founder Peter Bird spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen a clash between Cuba's coastguard and a US-registered speedboat that resulted in the deaths of four people, as well as reports that the Department of Justice withheld records related to accusations against Donald Trump in the Epstein files.

Are New Zealanders generally ill mannered, impatient, and sometimes just plain obnoxious when they get behind the wheel of car? The government is looking to change a collection of road rules, including a mandatory passing gap for motorists overtaking cyclists or horse riders, and a requirement for drivers travelling under 60 km/h to give way to buses pulling out of the bus stop. AA's chief policy and advocacy officer Simon Douglas spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about British MPs backing the release of documents relating to Andrews appointment as a trade envoy back in 2001, as well as a medical breakthrough for women born with MRKH syndrome.

An estimated 15-thousand Southlanders could be drinking water polluted by nitrates according to a new report. The report exposed the increasing contamination in the region's groundwater, which has coincided with a dairy boom. It's prompted a call from Greenpeace for the declaration of a regional nitrate emergency, although Federated Farmers says this is an over-reaction.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The White Ferns have a new captain, new players and new vibes heading into tonight's first T20 against Zimbabwe in Hamilton. New Zealand hasn't played in an international in four months and the Zimbabwe series is the start of the build up towards the world cup in the middle of the year. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government is proposing to make it legal to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes, and have children 12 and under ride their bikes on the footpath. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says it is part of its work to "fix the basics" in the New Zealand transport system, with consultation opening today on two packages for rule changes. Political reporter Lilian Hanly spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wellington's mayor has taken a swim in front of the cameras to prove residents can swim again at southern beaches after a major sewage leak - but at their own risk. The city's southern coast has been off limits to beach goers, swimmers and surfers after the catastrophic failure of the Moa Point treatment plant three weeks ago. On average 70 million litres of untreated sewage is being pumped out to sea each day, but ongoing testing across 23 sites now shows it's safe to go back into the water, with some conditions. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little spoke to Lisa Owen.

Two dog attacks in as many weeks has put dog control laws back in the spotlight. Mihiata Te Rore was killed by three dogs while visiting a property in the Northland settlement of Kaihu. A few days later a father was seriously injured while protecting his son from a dog attack at a property they were visiting in Christchurch. In a small seaside settlement on the outskirts of Tauranga, the residents have been wrestling with an increasing number of aggressive dogs for years. Reporter Natalie Akoorie went on a walkabout.

A University of Auckland researcher is calling for tougher regulations around marketing ultra processed food to kiwi kids. Dr Kelly Garton says kai is political and she's urging people to scrutinse party policies around access to healthy affordable food with the consumption of ultra processed food, or UPF's growing. Checkpoint did a shop around to see how much UPF's are infiltrating supermarket shelves, and Dr Kelly Garton joined Lisa Owen in the studio to decipher the contents.

Care homes and pharmacies are falling back on their emergency backup plans to distribute medication, following the MediMap hack. The prescription portal is used by many aged care, disability, and hospice providers to track medication, but it's been offline since Sunday. Now the company is heading to court to try and block people from accessing and using the data that has been breached. Health correspondent Kate Green reports.

A pain that no one can understand. Those were the heartbreaking words of a grieving daughter who witnessed her mother being brutally stabbed to death at the hands of an obsessive stalker. Nathan Boulter was sentenced in the High Court at Christchurch today, having pleaded guilty to murdering Chantal McDonald in her Parklands home in July last year. He waived his right to be in court physically, instead appearing via audiovisual link. Christchurch reporter Adam Burns was in court.

SailGP has released its initial findings from its investigation into the high-speed collision between the Black Foils and Team France boats at this month's regatta in Auckland. Two sailors were hospitalised after the French and Kiwi boats collided at speeds approaching 90 kilometres an hour on day one of the SailGP event. Both boats sustained significant damage and are expected to be off the water for some time. Sports Editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

It was no time for modesty as the US President launched full throttle into his State of the Union speech. Donald Trump said he'd inherited a nation in crisis just a year ago but had achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before in "a turnaround for the ages". US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

Americas correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen from Mexico where the dust is settling after the death of a notorious drug lord sparked cartel-led destruction across the country.

Customer abuse of hospitality and tourism workers has nearly doubled in just a year according to a new study. The report commissioned by MBIE surveyed 957 people employed in the industries around the motu. The study found, that last year, about 50 percent of incidents where hospitality and tourism workers were harassed bullied, customers were the perpetrators - up from 26 percent in 2024. Lead researcher, Professor David Williamson carried out the study alongside AUT and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Momentum is growing towards the removal of the royal formerly known as "Prince Andrew" from the British monarchy's line of succession - amid growing concern the king's brother could theoretically one day sit on the throne. Australia has today led the way, becoming the first Commonwealth nation to publicly indicate that it will support the UK government removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's birthright. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Kiwi rugby league star Brandon Smith is on the road to redemption. The Rabbitohs hooker fell from grace last year after being embroiled in a drug and gambling scandal. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Taranaki cyclist is on crutches, with several deep puncture wounds after a roaming dog latched onto her leg sending her crashing off her bike while she was out on a country road. A spate of serious dog attacks, and residents in areas around the country forced to carry weapons to protect themselves from roaming animals has sparked fierce debate about reforming the 30-year-old dog control law. A New Plymouth resident was cycling a popular loop outside the city on Saturday morning, when she was rushed by an uncontrolled dog on Tikorangi East road. Amelia, who was chased by the dog, spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand would support the U-K government - if it decides to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office - over allegations that he'd sent confidential documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Christopher Luxon says government officials from NZ and the UK have been in contact over the issue in the past week. Meanwhile, Aucklanders have also weighed in, many saying that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from succession.

A United States Attorney is suing some of the biggest food manufacturers, accusing them of deliberately designing products to be addictive despite the harm they're known to cause. David Chiu has brought a lawsuit against prominent ultra processed food manufacturers including Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kellog and Craft Heinz. The lawsuit argues the government is picking up the bill for the serious health consequences from their products; including conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. David Chiu spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some Genesis Energy customer's are facing price shocks, at the same time the company's revealed a massive bump in profit. It yesterday announced a half year profit of $95 million compared to $70 million a year ago. Brimming hydro lakes and less use of coal and gas are credited for the strong lift in half year profit. Genesis Energy Chief Revenue Officer, Stephen England-Hall spoke to Lisa Owen.

A heated dispute between dog owners and Auckland Council is playing out at the High Court in Auckland. Last year, the Puketapapa Local Board voted four to two to ban dogs from running free in part of Hillsborough's Monte Cecilia Park. Locals set up a formal group, the Monte Cecilia Dog Lovers Incorporated Society, which is roughly 600 members strong, to challenge the decision with a judicial review, which began today. Jessica Hopkins reports.

A leading search and rescue operator says he told police he could hear a noise so the search for a missing firefighter could continue. A coronial inquest is exploring the desperate search and rescue operation after volunteer firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens were buried by a slip at Muriwai on Auckland's west coast during Cyclone Gabrielle. A warning, listeners may find details in this report by Felix Walton upsetting.

Warriors fans will have one last season to barrack for co-captain Mitch Barnett. The Kangaroos and State of Origin representative has been released from his contract with the club a year early so he can return home to Australia. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A council cost cutting decision has resulted in a local attraction. When the Horowhenua District Council stopped mowing residential berms to save money, it made Levin resident Louise McCarthy very grumpy. She refused to cut the grass herself and declined neighbours offers to trim it too, until she decided to transform the berm into an urban meadow full of wildflowers. Louise McCarthy spoke to Lisa Owen.

An unofficial select committee run by ten former MPs from across the political spectrum has found that last year's pay equity changes should be repealed. The People's Select Committee on Pay Equity heard nearly 1400 substantive submissions on the law changes which canned 33 pay equity claims. The findings were revealed at an event at the National Library in Wellington this morning. Nick James reports.

There has been widespread unrest and destruction in Mexico following the capture and killing of the notorious drug lord known as 'El Mencho'. One of Mexico's most powerful cartels set fires, destroyed vehicles and fought with authorities across the country in response to the kingpin's death. The retaliation has seen dozens killed - including several National Guard Troops - while tourists have been told to shelter in place amid the wave of violence. Correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen from Mexico City.

Move on orders for the homeless are shifting attention onto enforcement and away from the needs of people trapped on the streets. That is according to a researcher who spends to two days a week on Auckland streets talking to people who are sleeping rough. The coalition plans to give police the power to shift rough sleepers, beggars or disorderly people, as young as 14, in city centres. Researcher from AUT Business School, Cordelia Stewart spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about former PM Boris Johnson wanting to see British troops on the ground in Ukraine sooner rather than later, as well as the US confirming it won't back out of its tariff deal with the UK, amidst uncertainty from British businesses.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Wellington Phoenix have gone to their perennial choice to fill the coaching void for the men's A-League team. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano quit straight after the 5-nil trashing in the derby on Saturday and this afternoon the club confirmed reserves team coach Chris Greenacre would take on the role - for the fourth time. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Residents of Auckland's Muriwai have described their frantic escape from landslides during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. A coronial inquest is investigating the deaths of two volunteer firefighters after they were critically injured in a landslip. Felix Walton has more.

A Christchurch father and his teenage son are in hospital after being attacked by two dogs at a home in the suburb of Bryndwr. A 40-year-old woman has been summoned to court following the attack. But a friend of the dogs' owner says they are devastated by the attack and questioning how it happened. A warning, Timothy Brown's report contains details some listeners may find distressing.

From being chased by bulls to killing sheep and ensuring the budget is balanced, there's no end of things to learn from life on a farm. Now, 19 teenagers are being put through their paces in a new scheme helping youngsters enter the industry. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham joined them for a day and found they're already well into their work.

A business owner who has already lost tens of thousands of dollars due to Wellington's sewage leak wants a more targeted Rāhui so beach users can return to parts of the coast that are currently off limits. The city's southern coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed catastrophically sending about 70 million litres of untreated sewage the sea daily. Owner of Dive Wellington in Island Bay, Dave Drane spoke to Lisa Owen.