Checkpoint for Wednesday 18 May 2022

5:07 PM.Patients and staff could start moving out of Hutt Hospital's quake-prone main block within weeks.

The building is at just 15 percent of the current code - meaning it needs to close and services move… Read more Audio

5:11 PM.ACT's candidate in the Tauranga by-election has called for Commissioner Anne Tolley's head.

In Cameron Luxton's words: "The right to choose who speaks for us is our democratic birthright, but nobody… Read more Video, Audio

5:18 PM.It's the day before Budget 2022, a day of big numbers, big promises and politics.

Checkpoint visited Ōtara Town Centre to heard what is important to residents as they deal with the impact of an… Read more Video, Audio

5:22 PM.The soaring cost of living is playing out in the Far North with people sleeping in cars, begging for food, and seeking support in 'astronomical' numbers.

When it comes to poverty and crime, Kaitaia… Read more Video, Audio

5:26 PM.The era of hybrid working could be upon us as inner city businesses invite employees back into the office.

Trade Me data also shows an increase of more than 200 per cent in listings that mention… Read more Audio

5:36 PM.Fewer Covid restrictions means it's not just humans now catching winter ills kept at bay during border closures, our canine friends are copping it too.

Cases of the highly contagious Canine… Read more Video, Audio

5:42 PM.Birds have fled, humans want to leave and even the midges have gone - Christchurch's damaged waste water plant is driving everyone away with its horrendous stench.

The plant's oxidation ponds double… Read more Video, Audio

5:49 PM.Connie the green turtle should finally be cruising free at sea after being released following a second stint in turtle rehab. Read more Video, Audio

5:52 PM.The government is being urged to implement long-term solutions to tackle poverty in Pacific communities.

There are also calls to address rising health issues for Pasifika which have been exacerbated… Read more Audio

5:56 PM.White Ferns wicketkeeper Katey Martin has pulled stumps after 21 years playing representative cricket.

Martin was at the top of her game for so long she played for New Zealand alongside a team-mate… Read more Audio

6:07 PM.Experts say antibody testing is being under-utilised as a tool to help long Covid sufferers - who never tested positive on a RAT.

One in five people who've had Covid are still experiencing symptoms… Read more Audio

6:10 PM.The future of public transport has arrived in the Wellington suburb of Tawa.

Metlink is trialling an on demand bus service which can pick up and drop off passengers at virtual stops, many of which… Read more Video, Audio