Checkpoint for Thursday 21 August 2025

5:55 PM.Opetaia Foa'i has been named the recipient of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award at this years' Pacific Music Awards. A pioneering artist, cultural ambassador, and founder of… Read more Audio

5:46 PM.Australia correspondent Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about tensions ramping up between the Israeli and Australian Prime Ministers, as the Albanese government repsonded to Netanyahu's comments. Audio

5:34 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:31 PM.Auckland FC have confirmed its worst kept secret. The club announced that there will be no womens side until at least 2027. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio

5:23 PM.It's understood owners Carter Holt Harvey want to shut down the Eves Valley Sawmill and consolidate its timber operation at its Kawerau plant. The closure will cost more than 140 jobs in the Tasman… Read more Audio

5:17 PM.The long-awaited refresh of the Defence Force's ageing aircraft has arrived. The government is buying five new 'Seahawk' maritime helicopters to replace its eight 'Seasprites'. It will also buy two… Read more Audio

5:14 PM.After providing help and support to women for almost four decades, Auckland's North Shore Women's Centre will close its doors in November due to funding shortfalls. And it's far from alone 236 service… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.Budget airline Jetstar has apologised for letting down its New Zealand customers as it faces a potentially hefty fine after pleading guilty to misleding flyers about their rights. The Commerce… Read more Audio

4:50 PM.Despite some fearing it threatens the industry's very existence, Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming a commonly used tool in film and television production. Tasks that would once take days or… Read more Audio

4:44 PM.Israel has begun the first stages of its controversial offensive on Gaza city. The Israeli government believes it is one of the last Hamas strongholds, and where the remaining hostages are thought to… Read more Audio

4:36 PM.Shocked and gutted. Those are some of the emotions workers at Carter Holt Harvey's Eves Valley Sawmill in Tasman District are feeling as they come to grips with its potential closure. Up to 150 people… Read more Audio

4:31 PM.The countdown to the Rugby World Cup has been dominated by one talking point: can England avenge their loss to the Black Ferns in the 2022 final? The English Roses are huge favourites to lift the… Read more Audio

4:24 PM.A Whangaparaoa local is calling for a ban on taking seafood from a popular bay on Auckland's east coast saying its virtually barren after being pillaged by people ignoring take limits. The local iwi… Read more Audio

4:14 PM.United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a divisive bill to redraw electoral boundaries in Texas which has just been drawn, as well as the Trump administation continuing its… Read more Audio

4:06 PM.Tirau locals are split over whether the arrival of a big burger and coffee brand could kill the village vibe or deliver dozens of jobs and an economic boost. The South Waikato council has appointed… Read more Audio