Checkpoint for Monday 4 July 2022

5:07 PM.The country is heading into the middle of winter and Covid-19 cases are rising, with some health experts saying a newer variant could swamp Aotearoa in the next few weeks.

Cases of BA-5 are roughly… Read more Audio

5:11 PM.Director of the Malaghan Institute and Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Immunologist Professor Graham Le Gros talks to Lisa Owen about the likely second wave of Omicron. Read more Video, Audio

5:16 PM."This is a life-threatening emergency situation". That from the New South Wales emergency services Minister Stephanie Cooke as a dangerously sodden greater Sydney continues to be hammered with heavy… Read more Video, Audio

5:23 PM.Those leading a new methamphetamine harm reduction programme in Murupara say Covid restrictions unwittingly highlighted the serious nature of the community's drug problem.

Te Ahi Mauri is modelled on… Read more Video, Audio

5:29 PM.The Prime Minister has touched down in Melbourne, beginning a five day trip - a bid to reinvigorate the trans-Tasman bond as both countries re-open to the world.

It's the first trade mission to… Read more Video, Audio

5:36 PM.Flu infection rates this month hit a seven year high, according to ESR figures.

Those under 18 years old are being hit the hardest, with infection rates up to to five times higher than 18 to… Read more Video, Audio

5:45 PM.Aotearoa's biggest bank is offering low interest green for customers to go greener.

ANZ's launched a home top up loan where customers can borrow an extra $80.000 at a three-year fixed interest rate… Read more Video, Audio

5:49 PM.The calls for more support from GPs are growing louder under the weight of demand for their services.

Waiting rooms have been full to bursting, and that's if you can get in to see a GP as the… Read more Video, Audio

5:54 PM.Restaurant owners are hitting back after the Immigration Minister Michael Wood said they should offer better conditions and pay if they want to attract staff.

It comes after months of significant… Read more Audio

6:09 PM.ABC reporter Peter Ryan is in Sydney, where several areas are hit by flooding, and rain is continuing.

He talks to Lisa Owen.

  Read more Video, Audio