Checkpoint for Thursday 3 February 2022

5:07 PM.Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says people travelling to New Zealand do not currently need to have had their booster shots, but he's not ruling it out for the future.

He spoke to Checkpoint… Read more Video, Audio

5:16 PM.The plan to reopen New Zealand's border is the light at the end of the tunnel many sectors have been crying out for.

But industries grappling with critical labour shortages say the timing of the plan… Read more Audio

5:20 PM.A faster border reopening and snappier release from home isolation is still on the wish list for the government's Covid business adviser.

The Prime Minister's laid out the time line for "reconnecting… Read more Video, Audio

5:27 PM.A 17-year-old fresh out of high school and a World Cup veteran have both been named in the White Ferns side for the Cricket World Cup next month.

The tournament is being held here in New Zealand… Read more Video, Audio

5:30 PM.The speed limit on a notorious stretch of road is being hotly debated in Napier tonight. Local mayors, councillors and other leaders have been meeting Waka Kotahi, over the decision to lower the speed… Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.Fortress New New Zealand is finally opening up - but it will be several months before we can expect to see backpackers return - and another nine months before the borders are fully open.

The… Read more Video, Audio

5:44 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:48 PM.Rain continues to fall in Buller, and Westport is on high alert for severe flooding, similar to that which devastated hundreds of homes in July.

Civil Defence is monitoring the situation closely and… Read more Video, Audio

5:55 PM.Businesses in the heart of Tauranga have had a big boost today with the opening of a new $200m development.

The private development, which includes 120 apartments, shops, apartments and restaurants… Read more Audio

6:06 PM.Nearly two years after Aotearoa's borders slammed shut, they're finally set to open again.

Missed weddings, funerals, births and everything in between - it's been an excruciating wait for many.

But… Read more Audio

6:10 PM.It's the second time the Prime Minister has made a Reconnecting New Zealand announcement.

But Jacinda Ardern says people can make solid plans this time around.

She spoke to Lisa Owen at Thursday's… Read more Video, Audio