Checkpoint

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.

Waikato district nurses say they're at the end of their tether as demand for their services soars. District nurses, who provide care for patients in the community rather than in hospitals or clinics, say they're severely understaffed and it's causing in burnout, stress and leading to widespread resignations. They also say it's putting their safety at risk. It comes as WorkSafe considers a complaint from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation that Health New Zealand's failure to improve district nurses' working conditions amounts to a breach of the Health and Safety Act. Bella Craig reports.

The Pacific Islands will once again be without Super Rugby in 2026. Tonga was set to host Moana Pasifika against the Chiefs on 11 April but is now searching for an alternative venue due to a lack of funding. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Police want to speak to two cyclists who were chased by dogs in a small Northland town where a woman was fatally attacked. 62 year old Mihiata Te Rore died after suffering what police have described as "unsurvivable injuries" cause by several dogs at the Kaihu house that she was visiting last Tuesday. Kaipara District Council has told Checkpoint it had visited the property with the dogs four times, including the day before the fatal attack. Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about fears of an all-out war between the US and Iran, and the military buildup in the region, as well as an American ambassador's comments about Israel which caused outrage.

Student Job Search has seen thousands more applications than it has vacancies on offer. In January it had just 4,600 jobs listed but 38,000 applications for positions. The nature of the work has also changed drastically, with very few permanent positions on offer. Chief Executive of Student Job Search, Louise Saviker spoke to Lisa Owen.

UK correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke with Lisa Owen about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Black Caps start the Super 8 stage of the Cricket T20 World Cup against Pakistan on Sunday. After playing the first part of the tournament in India the team has now moved to Sri Lanka to play three more matches. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke with Lisa Owen.

Five months on from a botched weight-loss operation in Turkey, a Manawatu woman is just days away from a full stomach reconstruction. Since returning home and falling unwell Helen Watson endured almost two months in hospital and half a dozen smaller operations. And while she hopes Monday's surgery signals the start of her recovery, her battle for compensation has stalled. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

There are growing calls to overall dog control laws that are almost three decades old, with pressure on government ramping up after a fatal dog attack earlier this week. 62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore was killed by three dogs while a property in the Northland town of Kaihu. She is the third person in the region to be killed by dogs in the last four years. Felicity Jefferies from the New Zealand Veterinary Association spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fire crews have been battling a large blaze that's left an Auckland school's historic sports pavilion in ashes. The fire at Northcote College sent smoke billowing into the sky above the city's North Shore, while onlookers watched the devastation. Reporter Finn Blackwell was there and spoke with Lisa Owen

Businesses in a small Waikato town are facing uncertainity after a vital bridge was taken-out in severe weather, resulting in a detour that is taking much needed customers away from them. It's been a week since heavy rain totalled the Mangati Bridge at Puketotara on State Higway 39 between Pirongia and Otorohanga. Tourists and traffic from the highway that would normally travel through Pirongia are now being diverted through Te Awamutu. Mountain Folk Cafe Retreat's owner Michelle Richardson spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Nelson organisation is marking 25 years of helping thousands of victims of crime by giving them the opportunity to express their feelings, while encouraging criminals to acknowledge the harm they have caused. People who have benefited from the process will speak at a Restorative Justice Nelson event tomorrow night, where they will share their experience losing loved ones and offering forgiveness. Samantha Gee reports.