Checkpoint for Thursday 29 April 2021

5:07 PM.It was a resounding 'yes' from provincial unions today for New Zealand Rugby's plan to sell a portion of the organisation to US firm Silver Lake.

All 26 unions and the Māori Rugby Board gave the deal… Read more Video, Audio

5:11 PM.Laurie Mains has been playing rugby since he was a child, and went on to play for and coach the All Blacks.

He says he cannot fathom why the professional players are not getting in behind a deal that… Read more Video, Audio

5:19 PM.Misinformation and isolation are being blamed for Northland's slow Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

It has been revealed Northland is the worst performing DHB when it comes to distribution - falling short… Read more Audio

5:24 PM.Auckland's mayor has stepped in to try to get the Ports of Auckland to communicate with union bosses.

The Maritime Union today appeared before Auckland Council to discuss the recent health and safety… Read more Audio

5:28 PM.Queen Street businesses are suing the council over a pedestrian trial - which they say has left Auckland's main street a "disgrace".

Barriers originally put in place for Covid-19 distancing were kept… Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6250997658001 Video, Audio

5:40 PM.The government was repeatedly warned by officials its massive housing shakeup could hurt vulnerable renters - resulting in rent hikes or overcrowding.

Newly released documents show Housing Minister… Read more Audio

5:45 PM.A social housing provider says it is ridiculous the government is not already providing social workers for everyone living in emergency accommodation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today indicated a… Read more Audio

5:48 PM.A woman who shot and killed her partner, thinking he was an intruder trying to steal her cannabis, has been sentenced to nine months' home detention.

Amy Smith was found guilty of the manslaughter of… Read more Audio

5:54 PM.A big pōhutakawa in the Auckland suburb of Mount Eden is at risk after the council left it off its protected tree schedule.

The community petitioning the authority to protect the century-old native… Read more Video, Audio

6:07 PM.The message from grassroots rugby to the professional players is clear - get onboard with the Silver Lake deal.

All 26 unions and the Māori Rugby Board approved plans to sell a 12.5 percent stake in… Read more Video, Audio