Checkpoint for Friday 25 January 2013

6:59 PM.New research from the ChangeMakers Refugee Forum shows disability services in the capital do not include refugees. Audio

6:52 PM.long-time objector to the use of a possum control poison has lost his latest legal attempt to stop a Maori organisation using the chemical called 1080; The formal part of the Ratana Church… Read more Audio

6:38 PM.This week politicians ended their long summer break and got back to work. But for two government ministers - Kate Wilkinson and Phil Heatley - the return to work came as a shock when the Prime… Read more Audio

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

6:22 PM.The multinational vehicle inspection company making a full takeover bid for Vehicle Inspection New Zealand, has upped its offer by nearly a third. Audio

6:20 PM.Copper leaching off boat hulls is much worse than thought in many marinas and harbours around New Zealand, bad enough to poison shellfish and crayfish. Audio

6:14 PM.The body of a man missing since before New Year's Eve has been found, and the police believe he was murdered. Audio

6:12 PM.Steve Penikett, a former manager at Kenn Borek, the company that owns the missing plane, tracked its flight path on a computer. Audio

6:08 PM.Rescuers searching for three Canadians in Antarctica say they still expect to find them alive almost two days after their plane went missing. Audio

5:58 PM.Novak Djokovic wiped the floor with his semi final opponent at the Australian Open last night. Audio

5:56 PM.Scientists flew over White Island earlier today taking samples to get a better idea of whether it might erupt. Audio

5:52 PM.The Prime Minister John Key has unveiled a new policy, aimed at creating about 14-thousand more apprenticeships than expected over the next four or five years. Audio

5:46 PM.The formal part of the Ratana Church celebrations near Whanganui are about to wind down soon as the last bell tolls calling the morehu or church members to their final whakamoemiti or worship service… Read more Audio

5:44 PM.A Waikato dairy farmer who penned up wild pigs to let his dogs attack for practice has walked free in the Hamilton District Court. Audio

5:40 PM.The Government is trumpeting an improvement in its books as further evidence that it is on track to reach its Budget surplus target. Audio

5:40 PM.Flooding has sparked more than 20 rescues in central Queensland since midnight. Audio

5:37 PM.A communications firm backing patients campaigning for a costly new drug has admitted it's being paid by the maker of the drug. Audio

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

5:25 PM.A blanket fire ban has been imposed in West Melton outside Christchurch where soldiers using grenades set scrub alight on Wednesday, endangering houses. Audio

5:22 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:14 PM.The Prime Minister has warned the Auckland Council the Government will act if the council does not make it easier for affordable homes to be built in the city. Audio

5:10 PM.Simon Trotter is head of programme support for Antarctica New Zealand. Audio

5:07 PM.A long-time friend of the Canadian pilot missing in Antarctica since Wednesday is holding on to hope that he and his two passengers will be found alive. Audio

5:00 PM.Friend of missing pilot optimistic he'll be found alive in Antarctica, John Key fires warning shot at Auckland Council, Blanket fire ban has been imposed in West Melton. Audio