Checkpoint

The first convoy of 50 private cars has made it to Kaikoura on the inland route - but bad weather meant the return trip back to Kaikoura had to be called off. Video, Audio

A man fishing in the Kaipara Harbour on the afternoon the Francie sank says the disaster could have been much worse because 21 people were due to be on the doomed fishing trip that day. Video, Audio

Veteran South American soccer correspondent Tim Vickery talks to Checkpoint about the Brazilian football team Chapecoense, which were travelling on a plane which crashed in Colombia. Video, Audio

Brazil's President has declared three days of mourning after a charter plane carrying a Brazilian football team crashed in Colombia killing 75 of the 81 passengers onboard. Video, Audio

Checkpoint has asked repeatedly to talk to Solid Energy CEO Tony King. Today, he told Checkpoint the company has not changed its position on sealing the mine. Video, Audio

The families of the men who died in the Pike River mine were told by Solid Energy today that it will seal the mine, without question. The father of one of the 29 men, Bernie Monk, reacts. Video, Audio

Watch Wednesday's full programme here. Video

A long time friend of the late musician Ray Columbus, archivist Grant Gillander, says his friend tore up the charts at a time when every hit was by the Beatles. Grant Gillander joins Checkpoint. Video, Audio

The world's best bowlers are battling it out in Christchurch, which is playing host to the World Bowls Championships for the next couple of weeks. Video, Audio

Controlled public convoys are to be allowed on the Inland Road in and out of Kaikoura for the first time from tomorrow morning. RNZ reporter Kate Newton joins Checkpoint with the latest. Audio