Checkpoint for Monday 27 September 2010

6:55 PM.Beekeepers are questioning whether border controls are up to scratch, after the discovery of a potentially damaging parasite in New Zealand hives. Audio

6:52 PM.Venezuelans have been voting for a new parliament, with opposition parties poised to return to the National Assembly after a poll boycott in 2005. Audio

6:50 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:45 PM.The North Shore City Council has made an eleventh hour bid to buy just over 38 hectares to increase the size of the Long Bay Regional Park whcih runs alongside. Audio

6:43 PM.The Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce estimates up to 150 of the region's small businesses will fold if they're not given Government assistance to relocate from their earthquake-stricken… Read more Audio

6:40 PM.China's issued a health alert following an outbreak of plague in Tibet. Audio

6:35 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:27 PM.A rare flower with an unforgettable stench is drawing visitors to Wellington's Botanic Garden. Audio

6:25 PM.The Minister of Education faced a silent protest when she spoke to the Educational Institute's annual meeting today. Audio

6:20 PM.News from the business sector. Audio

6:12 PM.Food parcels and advice have today been dished out to some of the sheep farmers worst hit by a prolonged cold snap in the lower South Island. Audio

6:10 PM.The New Zealand Olympic Committee expects the team's quarters to be both clean and secure in time for the arrival of the first of the Commonwealth Games athletes in Delhi tomorrow. Audio

6:07 PM.The Government is making it harder for foreign investors to buy large chunks of farmland. Audio

5:57 PM.A new survey has found that immigrants to this country are by and large a contented lot - and happy in their work. Audio

5:53 PM.The Director of Public Health at the Health Ministry, Dr Mark Jacobs, has today withdrawn his name as a candidate for election to his local district health board. Audio

5:52 PM.The King of Tonga's Royal Residence in Auckland, with a ratable value of about 9 million dollars, has been put up for sale. Audio

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

5:45 PM.The country's leading bee scientist says a new parasite found in Coromandel hives will eventually spread across the whole country. Audio

5:40 PM.The Government is considering introducing a new law to cover any natural disaster of a similar size to the Canterbury earthquake. Audio

5:35 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:27 PM.The New Zealand Rugby Union and police are appealing for the return of a rare 100-year-old rugby jersey stolen during the Maori rugby centenary celebrations. Audio

5:23 PM.Labour is promising to take the GST off fresh fruit and vegetables if it wins next year's election. Audio

5:20 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:17 PM.An employment dispute involving Sir Peter Jackson's movie The Hobbit is making international headlines and, some say, smearing New Zealand's film-friendly reputation. Audio

5:10 PM.It's estimated up to 150 businesses will go bust following the Canterbury earthquake. Audio

5:05 PM.The Government is making it harder for foreign investors to buy large chunks of farmland. Audio

5:00 PM.The Government is making it harder for foreign investors to buy large chunks of farmland; 150 businesses could fold following the earthquake;"The Hobbit"dispute threatens NZ's reputation; Labour… Read more Audio