Checkpoint for Friday 6 May 2011

6:53 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:38 PM.For the second week running, politics has been dominated not by the major parties, but by the activities of two minor-party politicians at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Audio

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

6:18 PM.The listed takeaway chain, Burger Fuel, has moved into Iraq. Audio

6:15 PM.An Australian apple grower says orchardists here should not be dancing in the street yet over draft rules that could finally open the way for exports across the Tasman. Audio

6:09 PM.The Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a flag-burning peace activist, setting a precedent that will make it harder for police and easier for protesters. Audio

5:57 PM.A new survey has found that more than a third of animal lovers think their pet is better than their partner at telling them how they feel. Audio

5:48 PM.A major phone company has cut the cost of mobile calls by a third, but is predicting other companies may dig their toes in. Audio

5:46 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

5:44 PM.Hundreds of people lined Queen Street in central Auckland this afternoon to celebrate the Breakers' historic win in the Australian National Basketball League. Audio

5:42 PM.Genesis offered power at more than 19 thousand dollars a megawatt hour in late March, during a planned power shutdown in the upper North Island, prompting complaints that was four times higher than… Read more Audio

5:40 PM.The police are backing officers heavily criticised in two separate Independant Police Conduct Authority reports into pursuits. Audio

5:33 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:25 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:23 PM.Petrol prices could start coming down over the weekend or at the latest by Monday after big drops in the price of oil overseas. Audio

5:18 PM.The police have released a statement contradicting the Labour Party's claim that the Prime Minister is responsible for a blow-out in the budget for diplomatic protection. Audio

5:14 PM.A coroner has found that a police officer whose patrol car hit and killed a Northland boy, had been sending and receiving text messages before the crash and he'd received a text just 23 seconds before… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.The Supreme Court has let off a flag-burning peace activist, setting a precedent that could make it harder for police to prosecute protesters. Audio

5:00 PM.Flag burner gets off, setting precedent; Coroner's report finds officer texting before crash; Police undermine Labour claims on DPS; Petrol could be cheaper by Monday; The police are backing officers.