Checkpoint for Thursday 22 October 2009

6:57 PM.The Rugby World Cup Minister is denying the government has clashed with the International Rugby Board over the volunteer uniform for the 2011 World Cup. Audio

6:53 PM.Bus drivers in Wellington are being pulled up for rude, unhelpful behaviour and bad driving habits. Audio

6:50 PM.There are calls for Pacific Island countries to given enough time to fully consult with their people over a planned regional trade deal that could lead to a common market in goods and services. Audio

6:46 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:42 PM.Draft laws have been introduced to Australia's parliament making it easier for New Zealand trained doctors to work across the Tasman. Audio

6:38 PM.Tensions over asylum seekers has wound up a notch in Australia with an MP linking them with terrorists. Audio

6:34 PM.An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

6:29 PM.Maori artists are lamenting the loss of a special trade mark which took $1,000,000 to set up, saying it will be a significant loss for struggling young artists. Audio

6:26 PM.News from the business sector. Audio

6:24 PM.The authorities in Afghanistan have just over two weeks to organize a second round of voting in the presidential election. Audio

6:21 PM.Another Act party MP is charging people to come and hear her speak as a Minister at an Act party fundraiser in Christchurch. Audio

6:17 PM.Hundreds of people have taken to the streets in Nelson and Blenheim this afternoon, supporting the Tasman Makos which faces the threat of demotion from rugby's top division next season. Audio

6:12 PM.The Labour Party says it's clear the move towards competition has been National's plan all along. Audio

6:07 PM.The Government has announced it intends to open up ACC's workplace account to competition, as part of a deal with the ACT Party to support the ACC reform Bill. Audio

5:56 PM.It might be time to choose between owning a large dog or driving a large car... that's if you care about your carbon footprint. Audio

5:53 PM.A former Waikato primary school principal who collected thousands of dollars for a relief teacher who never taught at the school has been sentenced to 12 months in jail with leave to seek home… Read more Audio

5:50 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

5:47 PM.The police have recovered one body and say they do not expect to find two other men alive following the capsizing of a fishing boat on Lake Tekapo in south Canterbury yesterday Audio

5:44 PM.Education groups have reacted with dismay over cuts to science, PE and art in primary schools. Audio

5:36 PM.An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

5:32 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:26 PM.Back now to the deal between National and ACT opening up ACC to competition. Audio

5:23 PM.Police are hunting for a convicted murderer who's escaped from Tongariro Rangipo Prison. Audio

5:20 PM.Plans to give local councils, the commerce commission and even the boxing and wrestling federation the same powers as the police to search and watch over people are being stronly challenged in… Read more Audio

5:16 PM.A man who stole war medals including 9 Victoria Crosses has been described as a cruel and calculating career criminal. Audio

5:07 PM.The Accident Compensation Corporation looks set to face competition from private insurers. Audio