Checkpoint for Thursday 31 March 2022

5:08 PM.A government tourism fund that handed out hundred of millions dollars is being criticised for a lack of transparency and clarity.

An Auditor General's report released today confirms many of the… Read more Audio

5:12 PM.Fiordland Jet co-owner Chris Adams got half way through applying for a loan under the Strategic Tourism Asset Protection Plan and gave up..

He's been reading the report, and talks to Lisa Owen.

  Read more Video, Audio

5:18 PM.Two young National Party members have resigned, and the party launched an investigation into allegations a Young Nat was behind an abusive and relentless campaign against Christchurch-based women… Read more Audio

5:22 PM.From Friday, Auckland Council will be asking for the public's feedback on a new parking strategy for the city.

Despite fears that many Auckland roads would lose their street parking, only three… Read more Audio

5:26 PM.Transmission Gully is open to the public, and there's already been a speeding ticket and a police car has found itself stuck.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, vehicles were allowed to start… Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.The labour shortage is not just tight - it's critical - that's according to new data out today.

The report by Sense Partners for Business NZ shows in most parts of the country, including the entire… 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=6302383016001 Video, Audio

5:42 PM.Lifeline Aotearoa is in need of financial help generous donors needed to fill a financial gap left after Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines got canned.

Lifeline operates a phone service for people who are… Read more Video, Audio

5:46 PM.A stubborn blanket of fog has been causing significant travel disruptions in and out of Wellington again today.

The capital has been under cover for almost three days now and it's grounded almost… Read more Audio

5:50 PM.Nearly a third of all current Covid community cases are children and teenagers.

Latest Health Ministry figures show 14.4 percent are children aged nine and under, and 17.4 percent are aged between 10… Read more Audio

5:53 PM.The parents of a teenager who died suddenly from meningitis have delivered a petition to MPs, pleading for the government to fund vaccines against the disease.

Currently, just one vaccine is… Read more Audio

5:56 PM.The All Whites are 90 minutes of football away from a fourth appearance at the World Cup.

This morning's 5-0 thumping of the Solomon Islands in the final of the Oceania qualifying tournament in Doha… Read more Video, Audio

6:08 PM.A top public watchdog has criticised the lack of clarity and transparency around a government tourism funding scheme that paid hundreds of millions of dollars to operators across New Zealand.

The… Read more Video, Audio

6:22 PM.Tributes are pouring in for the leading Māori legal scholar Moana Jackson, who has died after a lengthy illness.

He's being remembered as a tireless advocate for criminal justice reform and… Read more Audio