Checkpoint for Thursday 21 September 2023

5:52 PM.JJ Smith tells Lisa Owen why his Jack Russells Hazel and Spruce should be permitted on public transport. Read more Video, Audio

5:48 PM.The country is officially out of recession, by the numbers at least. The latest growth figures out today show a stronger-than-expected bounce-back, pulling the country out of recession and maybe… Read more Video, Audio

5:44 PM.Dozens of firefighters are now fighting two fires in the Mackenzie district. A fire near Lake Pukaki has now burned through 165 hectares, while another large fire has been reported at Mount Gerald… Read more Video, Audio

5:38 PM.Returning to our earlier story, Gore is under a state of emergency after significant surface flooding inundated the town. Our reporter Tess Brunton is in Gore and speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed]… Read more Video, Audio

5:26 PM.Disgraced New Zealand long-distance runner Zane Robertson has been arrested in Kenya. According to local media Robertson was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm at his home on the outskirts… Read more Video, Audio

5:17 PM.Yet another report into Oranga Tamariki has revealed a litany of problems including allegations of bullying, harassment, sexual and physical assault. The rapid review of Oranga Tamariki's secure youth… Read more Video, Audio

5:12 PM.The news Queenstown may be boiling water for months has gone down like a cup of cold sick with businesses in the town. The Queenstown council's been served with a compliance order for its Two Mile… Read more Video, Audio

5:07 PM.The Gore District is under a state of emergency. Heavy relentless rain set in early this morning and hasnt stopped causing surface flooding. The Gore and Mataura storm and waste water systems have… Read more Video, Audio