Checkpoint for Thursday 15 September 2016

6:20 PM.The father of an autistic man held in an isolated mental health unit is hopeful a petition before Parliament will help other people in his son's situation. Audio

6:14 PM.Commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme are taking place across France. Reporter Andrew McRae joins Checkpoint from Northern France. Audio

6:11 PM.An immigration lawyer is calling for an investigation into pay-for-work scams in New Zealand, saying the activity is rampant throughout the country. Audio

6:07 PM.Police are still looking for two women who dragged Nancy Voon from her car and attacked her. Meanwhile, her family are angry at just how brutal the assault was. Audio

5:55 PM.Ride-sharing service Uber has launched a self-driving pilot programme in the US and says it's confident it won't be the last. Audio

5:45 PM.An extra $4 billion has to be found to fund a list of transport projects agreed today between the Auckland Council and the government. Audio

5:42 PM.Half of New Zealand's helicopter operators admit cutting corners, and pushing the limits of their aircrafts, according to a new report for the Civil Aviation Authority. Audio

5:38 PM.Environment minister Nick Smith is leaving the door open to an agreement on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary - but says any "no-take" agreements with Maori would have to be written into law. Audio

5:32 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:31 PM.New Zealand's surging housing market is pushing the economy ahead, with gross domestic product up 3.6% for the year. Economics correspondent Patrick O'Meara reports. Audio

5:23 PM.Compass says it is committed to its nationwide food contract for hospitals, and says it is up to DHBs whether to take up the offer or not. Audio

5:16 PM.The savings from a controversial nationwide hospital meals contract could fall from $190 million to $30m, because only six DHBs have signed up. Health minister Jonathan Coleman speaks to Checkpoint. Audio