Checkpoint for Friday 25 July 2014

6:52 PM.Ngati Ruanui says it's opposing an appeal to the High Court by a company, which wants to mine iron sand from the south Taranaki coast; A Maori carver is aiming to bless Auckland, a city he describes… Read more Audio

6:37 PM.New Zealand First is relishing an opportunity to potentially be a kingmaker following September's general election. Audio

6:33 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:27 PM.Media students in Wellington have been left stunned by finding out about the personal information everyday companies are keeping about them. Audio

6:20 PM.Football fans are packing out bars and cafes across Wellington, but there aren't enough of them to fill the caketin stadium for tomorrow's historic double-header event. Audio

6:16 PM.Principals in rural North Island towns say poverty and students dropping out are behind the worst NCEA pass rates in the country. Audio

6:10 PM.The United Nations secretary general has made an impassioned plea for Israel and Hamas to end their conflict in Gaza after at least 15 people were killed when a shelter at a UN-run school was rocked… Read more Audio

5:56 PM.While the first gold medal of any major Games may be the sweetest, last night's one for New Zealand in the Glasgow velodrome was not exactly straightforward. Audio

5:45 PM.The war in Ukraine appears to be escalating with the U.S now claiming it has proof that Russia is firing weapons across the border targeting government military positions. Audio

5:43 PM.Firms are upbeat about the economy's prospects, despite higher interest rates and a sluggish global recovery. Audio

5:43 PM.The retiring National list MP, Tau Henare, says he's going to miss the buzz he gets from politics; Ngati Ruanui says it's opposing an appeal to the High Court by a company, which wants to mine iron… Read more Audio

5:38 PM.The High Court has ruled that Kaipara ratepayers must pay for debts the council ran up for the 60-million dollar Mangawhai sewerage scheme. Audio

5:36 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

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

5:28 PM.The Prime Minister is continuing to back his Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee even though Mr Brownlee is being investigated for breaching airport security. Audio

5:24 PM.Peter Edwards used his firearms licence to buy 72 rifles and shotguns last year. Audio

5:22 PM.An Air New Zealand plane has broken down at New Plymouth airport, stopping planes from landing or departing there. Audio

5:16 PM.There have been violent clashes across the West Bank and in Jerusalem, as Israeli soldiers confronted thousands of Palestinian protestors, angry at the blood shed in Gaza. Audio

5:12 PM.Penny Webster represents Rodney on the Auckland Council and is delighted by the decision. Audio

5:09 PM.A so-called "holiday highway" connecting Auckland to Northland, has been given the green light by a Board of Inquiry. Audio

5:00 PM.Yes to the Holiday Highway, Puhoi-Warkworth: 'economic highway for the north', Gaza protests turn deadly, No flights into New Plymouth airport, Jail for giving guns to the Head Hunters gang, PM… Read more Audio