Checkpoint for Friday 15 August 2014

6:48 PM.The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is planning for a Maori exhibition, including greenstone and bone carvings to tour South America; A language expert says a national language policy, reflecting the… Read more Audio

6:35 PM.Investigative writer Nicky Hager's book Dirty Politics has been immediately denounced by the Prime Minister as being full of baseless accusations that do not stack up. But email and facebook exchanges… Read more Audio

6:24 PM.Cliff Richard is strongly denying allegations of sexual impropriety after police investigating an historic claim of abuse against a boy, searched one of his homes. Audio

6:20 PM.The daughter of the late New South Wales premier, Neville Wran, has been charged with murder. Audio

6:15 PM.A Middle-east scholar believes the current crisis in Iraq vindicates Barack Obama's decision to withdraw US troops. Audio

6:10 PM.A visit to the Tibetan capital has landed the one-time mayor of Christchurch Sir Bob Parker into the middle of the highly charged politics around Chinese rule versus independence. Audio

6:06 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:55 PM.The All Blacks face Australia in Sydney tomorrow night with Conrad Smith almost certain to miss the game after darting back to New Zealand this morning to witness the birth of his child. Audio

5:52 PM.Anti genetic engineering campaigners are calling for the Minister for the Environment to butt out of council plans to create GE-Free zones in the north. Audio

5:47 PM.A language expert says a national language policy, reflecting the diversity of Aotearoa, would help the revitalisation of Te Reo Rangatira; The Maori Internet Society says choosing Te Mangai Paho to… Read more Audio

5:45 PM.The government's being blamed for a lack of progress in reducing cancer deaths. A lobby group says the wait to introduce a national screening programme for bowel cancer is unethical. Audio

5:43 PM.New Zealand shares rose; the Top 50 Index up16 points to 5078. NZ Equity Manager at JB Were, Rickey Ward, says the standout of the day was the launch of ERoad, opening at a 32 cent premium to its… Read more Audio

5:40 PM.The United States is now expected to ramp up its military aid to Iraq after Nuri al Malaki gave up his fight to remain Prime Minister. Audio

5:35 PM.A lawyer has been censured and ordered to repay $1300 in over-charged legal aid bills, as well as costs of $36,000. Audio

5:21 PM.Australia's tourism industry is calling for cheaper airfares and faster travel to make holidaying there just like a domestic flight for New Zealanders. Audio

5:17 PM.In Missouri, local police have been ordered off the streets of Ferguson as the State Governor moved to quell four days of violence that erupted after an officer shot and killed a black teenager. Audio

5:13 PM.The Labour MP Grant Robertson says it is past time for John Key to make good on his warnings to Judith Collins over the misuse of power and information. Audio

5:10 PM.The Prime Minister continues to back a senior front bencher Judith Collins over suggestions she may have misused her ministerial powers, saying he takes her word for it she hasn't. Audio

5:08 PM.The police in Queensland have charged a man with the murder of 26-year-old Lower Hutt woman, Rrie Wright. Audio

5:00 PM.Arrest in Gold Coast balcony death;Key not looking any further into dirty blogging claims;More from Labour MP Robertson;Missouri Governor orders state police to take charge of security;Aim to make… Read more Audio