Checkpoint for Tuesday 5 June 2012

6:57 PM.The symptoms are worse, the recovery takes longer and more sympathy is needed if you catch it. Audio

6:49 PM.A High Court judge has heard that a Government Minister issued an oil exploration permit without investigating the possible dangers an oil spill might pose to the East coast of the North Island; The… Read more Audio

6:44 PM.New research shows the Canterbury earthquakes generated eight million tonnes of waste - forty times what would normally come from local households in a year. Audio

6:39 PM.After a decade fighting alongside NATO troops in Afghanistan, New Zealand has signed a new security agreement with the military alliance aimed at bringing the two parties closer together. Audio

6:36 PM.A farmhand has told a Wellington jury that jokes were made about Scott Guy sleeping in and being late for work on the day he was killed. Audio

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

6:26 PM.Whangarei District Council has apologised to the descendants of pioneers whose gravestones were demolished and then used as fill by past councils. Audio

6:24 PM.Australia has cut its benchmark interest rate amid market volatility and economic worries outside of the booming mining industry. Audio

6:21 PM.News from the business sector. Audio

6:11 PM.The prison officers union has today met with officials from the Department of Corrections to push its case for arming prison guards with tasers and pepper spray. Audio

6:08 PM.ACC's complaint over a whistle blower has hit a dead end with the police today saying they've concluded no offence was committed. Audio

5:51 PM.Telecom could be in for some serious competition if Vodafone buys Telstra Clear - according to one industry group. Audio

5:49 PM.A High Court judge has heard that a Government Minister issued an oil exploration permit without investigatiNG the possible dangers an oil spill may have to the East coast of the North Island; The… Read more Audio

5:46 PM.Meanwhile, the Education Minister, Hekia Parata, has just held a news conference at Parliament, where she says the Government won't be backing down on its plan. Audio

5:43 PM.The main school sector groups say they're forming an unprecedented united front to oppose the government's policy to change class sizes and cut teachers. Audio

5:37 PM.The family of a security guard killed in West Auckland is travelling to New Zealand to see the man charged with his murder and the place where he died. Audio

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

5:29 PM.Mila, the one-time circus elephant which killed its keeper, may have to be put down unless almost one-point-five million dollars is raised by the weekend. Audio

5:26 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:21 PM.We're joined now by Michelle Boag, who was Ms Pullar's supporter in her meeting with ACC. Audio

5:17 PM.ACC's complaint over a whistle blower has hit a dead end with the police today saying they've concluded no offence was committed. Audio

5:13 PM.The crippled yacht the Beau Geste has made it safely to Norfolk Island following a harrowing ordeal in high seas. Audio

5:07 PM.A Jury in Wellington has heard that a man accused of killing his brother-in-law, admitted torching a house belonging to the dead man and sending intimidating notes in an effort to force him off the… Read more Audio

5:00 PM.The trial begins of the man accused of murdering his brother-in-law Scott Guy. A terrifying ordeal on the high seas with a yacht about to break apart and the race is on to save a killer elephant. Audio