Checkpoint for Wednesday 27 May 2015

6:54 PM.Foreign Minister blames Labour for messing up live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia but denies paying a bribe to avoid multi-million dollar court action; Questions on Housing; Budget Debate resumes. Audio

6:50 PM.More Maori are reaching out for help to deal with the consequences of quick-cash loans, mounting bills and rising rents; A Maori Women's Refuge spokesperson says the demise of Relationships Aotearoa… Read more Audio

6:41 PM.But the Voluntary Euthanasia Society has told the High Court that the Lecretia Seales case is about her doctor prescribing medication, for the purpose of relieving her suffering. Audio

6:36 PM.The High Court's been told disabled and elderly people would be at risk if a terminally ill woman is allowed to enlist her doctor's help to die, without fear of prosecution. Audio

6:27 PM.Many Australian soldiers are not mentally tough enough to cope with the stress of combat with new research saying their rates of trauma are probably double current estimates. Audio

6:24 PM.Four Taliban gunmen have been killed after trying to storm a guesthouse in a diplomatic area of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Audio

6:19 PM.Checkpoint has learnt there was a male teacher-aide on the Auckland school bus from which children jumped when the driver refused to stop. Audio

6:17 PM.Compensation claims by patients suffering damaging complications caused by a controversial surgical mesh are mounting. Audio

6:12 PM.Sweeping changes to health and safety laws in the wake of the Pike River disaster have been shelved for two months because of resistance from National MPs. Audio

6:07 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:56 PM.New Zealand Rugby believes signing-up All Blacks Julian Savea and Brodie Rettallick for the next two World Cups will stave off overseas clubs from poaching other top New Zealand players. Audio

5:53 PM.More Maori are reaching out for help to deal with the consequences of quick-cash loans, mounting bills and rising rents. Audio

5:50 PM.Some counselling services say they don't have capacity to take on clients from Relationships Aotearoa unless they can also take on staff laid off from the just-axed agency. Audio

5:46 PM.A teacher in Auckland has been found guilty and convicted of masturbating in a classroom during the school lunch break. Audio

5:40 PM.Auckland motorists face higher fees for long-term parking, higher fines and having to pay to use park-and-rides which at the moment are free. Audio

5:34 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:29 PM.Former politician and businessman Sir Bob Jones was thrown off an Air New Zealand flight this morning after failing to comply with a safety briefing. Audio

5:25 PM.The Government is being accused of paying a multi-million dollar bribe to a Saudi businessman who threatened to sue New Zealand after it banned live sheep exports. Audio

5:22 PM.An investigation is underway into how a 14 year old boy got lost on a school trip to Mt Taranaki. Audio

5:18 PM.Sweeping changes to the country's health and safety laws in the wake of the Pike River disaster have been shelved for two months because of resistance within the National Party caucus. Audio

5:14 PM.The High Court's been told the disabled and elderly people would be at risk if a terminally ill woman is allowed to enlist her doctor's help to die, without fear of prosecution. Audio

5:08 PM.Auckland drivers face many more parking restrictions including heavier fines, new residents only zones, and charges for using park and ride areas which at the moment are free. Audio

5:00 PM.More parking restrictions for Auckland; Court told disabled and elderly at risk; Health and safety laws held up after resistance; Investigation into how 15 year old boy vanished; Government accused of… Read more Audio