Checkpoint for Tuesday 5 July 2011

6:54 PM.Private schools in Christchurch have asked the government for help as they try to cope in the aftermath of February's earthquake. Audio

6:50 PM.Rebel commanders in western Libya say it will not be long before they have control of the capital Tripoli. Audio

6:48 PM.The wife of the Destiny Church Bishop Brian Tāmaki, has been left off the voting list for the presidency of the Māori Womens' Welfare League, but her spokesperson says she'll continue the fight for… Read more Audio

6:44 PM.Claims by the outgoing Federated Farmers dairy chairman that trout are the stoat of waterways, causing a decline in water quality are being scoffed at by scientists and anglers. Audio

6:36 PM.The Fire Service is recognising fire crews who responded to the February earthquake at an event this evening in Christchurch. Audio

6:32 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:20 PM.The brakes are on the Auckland housing market, as cautious home owners put off selling. Audio

6:17 PM.Making it to work on time can be hard slog especially if you live in Takapuna or Petone, which have topped a list of the worst commutes by car in morning traffic. Audio

6:08 PM.The Saudi Arabia Consul General has written to the Human Rights Commission to complain about two muslim women being refused a ride on a bus because were wearing veils. Audio

5:53 PM.Hopes are fading that a New Zealand journalist detained in Yemen will be freed anytime soon. Audio

5:50 PM.The Education Minister is waiting for the Canterbury Earthquake Royal Commission to report back before considering a national survey of all school buildings in the country. Audio

5:48 PM.The court case of entertainer, Tiki Taane, has been delayed because of the Rugby World Cup. Audio

5:46 PM.Hannah Tāmaki, the wife of the Destiny Church Leader Brian Tāmaki, is promising to keep fighting to be elected president of Māori Womens' Welfare League; The Government says two Muslim women wearing… Read more Audio

5:43 PM.Venezuela's ever-theatrical President, Hugo Chavez, has thrilled thousands of his supporters with an emotional pledge to win the fight to regain his health. Audio

5:40 PM.At least one economic forecaster thinks there's good reason for optimism. Audio

5:36 PM.Business confidence is recovering strongly as many firms put the Canterbury quakes' shock behind them, though some sectors are still struggling. Audio

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

5:28 PM.After the warmest May on record we've now had the third hottest June. Audio

5:26 PM.The Labour Party is to unveil its tax package next week and already speculation about what it might contain is running rife around Parliament. Audio

5:23 PM.Police investigations into the former Act MP David Garrett have cleared him of allegations of fraud. Audio

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

5:17 PM.Several Christchurch City councillors are outraged 2-point-8 million dollars worth of contracts have been signed off behind closed doors - bypassing a proper tender process. Audio

5:14 PM.The country has been shaken by a large deep earthquake. Audio

5:11 PM.The head of a bus drivers' union says he's had calls today from members worried about security risk posed by women wearing veils. Audio

5:08 PM.Two Auckland bus drivers who say they have a fear of people with their faces covered will be sacked if they ever again tell Muslim women to remove their veils. Audio

5:00 PM.Bus drivers will lose jobs if they tell women to remove veils; Union says members worried about women wearing veils; Quake rocks Wellington; Chch councillors alarmed at $2.8 mill; Police clear ex MP… Read more Audio