Checkpoint for Tuesday 26 August 2025

5:44 PM.Australia correspondent, Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about the Albanese govenrment expelling Iran's ambassador to Australia, as well as a shooting in rural Victoria that has killed two police… Read more Audio

5:37 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:32 PM.One of the biggest names in the NRL is embroiled in a drugs and betting scandal. Rabbitohs and Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith will face court next month however he is yet to be stood down by his club… Read more Audio

5:25 PM.An action plan to help keep small airlines flying regional routes is expected to land on the desk of the Associate Transport Minster any day now. Air NZ serves 20 regional areas, but the smaller… Read more Audio

5:17 PM.There are calls for a Rental Warrant of Fitness to ensure student flats in North Dunedin are actually complying with Healthy Homes Standards. Since July 1, the standards set out minimum requirements… Read more Audio

5:07 PM.An online site that connects people with verified tradies is standing by its vetting and review system despite a number of customers being out of pocket after using a construction company they found… Read more Audio

4:47 PM.Firefighters have wiped tears from their eyes today as they've told a court of their efforts to save lives during the fatal Loafers Lodge fire in May 2023. They have been giving evidence in the trial… Read more Audio

4:44 PM.New Zealand ticketing and event listing business, Eventfinda, has been snapped up and bought by Ticketek. The boss of Eventfinda said there won't be any big changes for customers or staff. But… Read more Audio

4:33 PM.More than 700 horses and their young riders are being put through their paces at this week's Secondary School Equestrian Championships. Students from the Far North to Southland are competing at two… Read more Audio

4:29 PM.There's some promising news on the medical front for the Black Ferns after their big win over Spain in their Rugby World Cup opener yesterday was marred by several nasty-looking injuries to key… Read more Audio

4:28 PM.Could a four year government term be on the horizon? The select committee has recommended pushing ahead with a referendum, which would see Kiwi's voting yes or no for the government to have an extra… Read more Audio

4:20 PM.United States correspondent, Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who's unlawful deportation to El Salvador captured headlines earlier this year, who now may be… Read more Audio

4:08 PM.Raw sewage, gym socks, farts, pig poo, rotten meat and stale vomit. That is just a few descriptions of the aroma from the notorious durian fruit that is becoming more widely available in New Zealand… Read more Audio