Checkpoint for Thursday 8 August 2019

6:24 PM.Papua New Guinea's West New Britain province is facing a stern test of its ability to cope with disaster after the latest eruption of Mt Ulawun. Johnny Blades reports. Video, Audio

6:18 PM.After surviving the March mosque massacres that killed 51 and left dozens injured, a group of almost 200 victims and family members have arrived in Mecca to complete the hajj, one of the five pillars… Read more Video, Audio

6:13 PM.Thousands have gathered today at a rugby pitch in Masterton to farewell rugby great Sir Brian Lochore. They heard tales of Sir Brian's life, his love not just of rugby, but farming, his wife Pam, and… Read more Video, Audio

6:08 PM.Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of abortion law reform at the first reading of the bill. Political reporter Jo Moir says the 94-23 vote had a bigger margin than expected. Video, Audio

5:49 PM.All Black selectors have signalled their intentions to keep the Bledisloe Cup well and truly locked away at New Zealand Rugby headquarters for another year, as coach Steve Hansen names what appears to… Read more Audio

5:46 PM.More than 1500 bras donated by government employees are heading to the Pacific, where they will give women a new sense of freedom, allowing some to go to work, nursing mothers to leave the house and… Read more Video, Audio

5:39 PM.Christchurch residents who can't live in their homes damaged by the massive Northwood gas explosion have been given a roughly 50 percent discount on their rates. Audio

5:35 PM.Police will minimise their presence at Ihumātao and have promised there won't be a repeat of Monday night when a tense standoff ensued with protesters. Māni Dunlop reports. Audio

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

5:23 PM.Winnipeg Free Press reporter Tessa Vanderhart says there was a collective sigh of relief in Gillam, Manitoba, as it was confirmed the bodies of two murder suspects had been found. She told Alex… Read more Video, Audio

5:20 PM.An estimated $3 million worth of cocaine has washed up on a rugged west Auckland beach, much to the surprise of locals. No arrests have been made, and police are trying to work out where the drugs… Read more Video, Audio

5:14 PM.Police are continuing to search for Liam Strickland in relation to a hit-and-run incident in Christchurch yesterday, in which a well-known homeless man was killed. Logan Church reports. Video, Audio

5:09 PM.MPs are about to vote on the highly contentious issue of abortion reform. As Political Editor Jane Patterson reports, the legislation has not just caused division in Parliament, but also prompted… Read more Audio

5:00 PM.Watch Thursday's full programme here. Video