Checkpoint for Tuesday 31 May 2016

6:54 PM.Government MPs help Finance Minister, Bill English, defend his Budget by lobbing up patsy questions. Prime Minister, John Key, faces more difficult questions from Opposition leader, Andrew Little. New… Read more Audio

6:28 PM.Te Whānau O Waipareira Trust says people with after-hours illnesses should go to the hospital's Accident and Emergency Department. Audio

6:25 PM.New Zealand basketballer Steven Adams will not be going to the NBA finals, after his team Oklahoma City Thunder was beaten by Golden State Warriors. His manager Kenny McFadden joins Checkpoint. Audio

6:17 PM.The Auckland SPCA is urging pet owners to reduce the health impacts of second-hand smoke on cats, fish, dogs, and other pets. Audio

6:14 PM.A group opposing water consents attached to a piece of land in Ashburton are hosting a public meeting tonight to try and educate the public. Audio

6:11 PM.A review of the Ministry of Social Development has found more than 30 examples where it was not complying with the law, and some of those could mean the Government needs to fork out more money for… Read more Audio

6:09 PM.The latest Panama Papers investigation shows a business woman banned from working in the financial industry in Hong Kong for a decade is now a director of a New Zealand company. That's raised… Read more Audio

5:49 PM.After a gorilla was shot when a child crawled into his enclosure in Cincinnati, over 270,000 people have signed a petition calling for the parents to be held responsible. Founder Sheila Hurt joins… Read more Audio

5:46 PM.It will be at least another four years until the Wellington Town Hall reopens its doors - the heritage listed building was closed for earthquake strengthening in 2013. Audio

5:42 PM.Former All Black Keven Mealamu is among other athletes and industry figures pledging to make life easier for gay players and combat homophobia in sport. Audio

5:39 PM.An advocate for state house tenants in Invercargill says they are facing an uncertain future after the sole bidder pulled the plug on plans to buy the properties. Audio

5:36 PM.An urban Māori authority in West Auckland is urging its whānau to boycott an after-hours clinic because it's too expensive, and advising them to go straight to Waitakere Hospital for treatment… Read more Audio

5:33 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:23 PM.Family of a New Zealand woman feared dead after being taken by a crocodile are heading to Far North Queensland as the search for any sign of her continues. Audio

5:18 PM.The Christchurch Hare Krishna Centre have spoken out against a 'rogue group' operating near Nelson, which include a former member and volunteer at the Nelson Hare Krishna Society. Audio

5:15 PM.Taking advantage of World Smokefree Day, the government today unveiled plans to pass a law enforcing plain packaging, which may come into effect before the end of the year. Audio

5:12 PM.Payment problems at the Ministry of Social Development could be much bigger than initially thought, after a review found more than 30 examples where it was not complying with the law. Audio

5:09 PM.The Labour and Green Parties have announced an historic agreement to work together to change the Government, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their relationship. Audio