Checkpoint Podcast Options

5:29 PM.The mayor of Marlborough and environmental groups are angry that the government is loosening the rules around resource counsents for marine farmers. Audio

5:24 PM.As Britain proposes a major clampdown on foreigners wanting to work in the United Kingdom, the British High Commission in New Zealand is seeking to reassure people they will still be able to work in… Read more Audio

5:22 PM.ANZ, Westpac and the Bankers Association will not respond to Checkpoint's requests to comment on bank closures throughout the country. Audio

5:17 PM.Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan describes the consultation process by ANZ over the closure of its banks as a "pantomime". Audio

6:27 PM.Christchurch Airport is to get one of New Zealand's first driverless vehicles, but Graeme Muller from NZ Technology Association says there could be hundreds on the roads by the end of next year. Audio

6:24 PM.Tauranga City Councillors have voted to drop New Year's Eve celebrations at Mount Maunganui's main beach, that usually attract thousands of young revellers each year. Audio

6:17 PM.The South African-owned insurance company Youi has been fined $100,000 by the Insurance Council for misleading sales practices. Audio

6:14 PM.The two men seeking the US Vice Presidency will go head to head in a TV debate tomorrow. Washington Correspondent Simon Marks explains who they are and why they would want the job. Audio

6:10 PM.Junior doctors are preparing to strike over their working hours - but how are things for their fellow shift workers? Alex Ashton reports. Audio

6:09 PM.As junior doctors prepare to stike over their working hours, their senior counterparts have weighed in, saying their hours can be just as bad. Audio

5:55 PM.A large bequest has enabled the Wellington SPCA to offer cut price cat desexing and microchipping, offering the service which normally costs $150, for just $10. Audio

5:50 PM.About 50 teenagers from schools around Auckland are spending their holidays in Rānui, attending the first wananga reo specifically for their age group, where they will speak only Te Reo Māori. Audio

5:48 PM.Syrian peace talks have broken down as Russia suspens a 16-year agreement with the US to destroy weapons. CNN's Foreign Affairs Correspondent Jill Dougherty joins Checkpoint. Audio

5:43 PM.A man who stabbed his pregnant partner to death in a brutal attack while high on methamphetamine has been jailed for at least 17 years. Audio

6:27 PM.The historic Auckland ferry which sunk in March, the Kestrel, will be made into a restaurant and hotel. Audio