Checkpoint for Thursday 4 December 2025

5:45 PM.Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about an unofficial roll out of the country's social media ban beginning today with the tech giant Meta starting to delete accounts held on its… Read more Audio

5:32 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:28 PM.The Black Caps are well in control of the first cricket test against the West Indies in Christchurch, as day three belonged to the kiwis who now have a lead of well over 300. Sports reporter Jonty… Read more Audio

5:24 PM.A blend of former soldiers posted from a range of conflicts, gathered together today to mark the 75th year since their military unit was formed. The 16th Field Regiment was formed to fight in the… Read more Audio

5:18 PM.After all the planning and waiting, the Swedish furniture megastore IKEA has opened in Auckland. While hundreds of customers, including the Prime Minister celebrated the much anticipated store… Read more Audio

5:12 PM.A government decision to reject stronger climate targets is pitiful, and will cost households in the long run, scientists, advocates and opposition politicians say. The coalition today released its… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.The New Zealand Transport Agency has frozen $6 million dollars of funding to police until it's satisfied they've met their alcohol breath test targets. It comes after RNZ revealed 30,000 breath tests… Read more Audio

4:45 PM.Two time Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt will dive into training in Australia in the new year as he chases the dream of a medal at the LA 2028 games. The 26 year old has announced he's moving from… Read more Audio

4:38 PM.Long-awaited changes are coming for retirement villages meaning residents will be fully repaid within 12 months of leaving a unit, but some advocates are worried they still don't go far enough. The… Read more Audio

4:29 PM.The first of two big World Cup draws happened this week, with the Rugby World Cup version happening last night in Sydney. The timing of the draw has raised a few eyebrows as the tournament is about… Read more Audio

4:29 PM.Auckland commuters spotted digital motorway signs with warnings to beware traffic delays with IKEA opening in Auckland this morning. The Swedish homeware store takes up a whole block in Mount… Read more Audio

4:14 PM.United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a number of new photos from sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's island that has been released to the public, as well as a Pentagon review… Read more Audio

4:06 PM.San Francisco is suing the makers of ultra processed food or UPFs, arguing local government is picking up the bill for the serious health consequences from their products; including conditions like… Read more Audio