Checkpoint for Friday 20 September 2019

5:10 PM.After the build-up and preamble the Rugby World Cup finally kicks off on Friday night with the opening ceremony and the first match between hosts Japan and Russia in Tokyo.

The game is a sell-out, as… Read more Video, Audio

5:13 PM.Rugby fans will be holding their breath tonight as the the Rugby World Cup kicks off. And it's not necessarily the score they wil be worrying about, but Spark Sports living-streaming of the matches… Read more Audio

5:18 PM.Those at the frontline of Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago's housing crisis say the problem is now too big to be solved locally. They say legislation is hamstringing authorities and reliable… Read more Audio

5:22 PM.A new housing report paints a picture of 'greedy' landlords exploiting tenants with inflated prices, adding to a housing affordability crisis in Central Otago. Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:40 PM.The Ritchies bus company has been fined and ordered to pay $750,000 in reparations to the families of those killed and injured in the 2016 Christmas Eve bus crash.

The bus was carrying 53 people from… Read more Video, Audio

5:45 PM.WARNING: THIS STORY INCLUDES DISTURBING CONTENT.

The Crown has closed its case against a pair accused of what it calls the "barbaric" torture and murder of an Auckland teenager. Toko (Ashley) Shane… Read more Audio

5:50 PM.An ad campaign encouraging people to vote in local body elections - which features a poo emoji and the catchphrase 'Give a shit - vote today' - has kicked up a stink in New Plymouth. Read more Video, Audio

6:08 PM.There has been another huge haul of methamphetamine, with police saying Kiwi drug users are being targeted because they are prepared to pay a premium for their high.

Police have seized 216 kilos of… Read more Audio

6:15 PM.While tonight's opening ceremony and opening match in Tokyo between hosts Japan and Russia at the Rugby World Cup are the major focus for today, the All Blacks went through their captains run this… Read more Audio

6:20 PM.When kiwi teenagers reach 16 years old, they can legally get a gun license, have sex and even get married - but they're not allowed to vote.

But a campaign is underway to change that, with young… Read more Audio

6:37 PM.Is he optimistic? or does he just have too much money? We're wondering which applies to the man who has bet $50,000 on New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup. And that same bloke has bet another… Read more Audio