Checkpoint

The Prime Minister says he has been given assurances that New Zealand's training mission in Iraq will be different to earlier interventions in that country. Audio

The New Zealand dollar's been quiet after a week of volatility. Audio

A Dunedin city councillor accused of bulllying staff, collegues and outside professionals is under investigation. Audio

Three or four people are feared dead after a light plane crash near Wanaka. Audio

The east coast of the North Island has been bearing the brunt today, with 100 people evacuating in the face of huge waves pounding the beaches. Audio

New Zealander Mike Crawford runs diving company Big Blue, in Port Vila. He lives on a hill overlooking the town. Audio

The grim toll from Cyclone Pam is becoming clearer under the state of emergency declared in Vanuatu - but still very little's been heard from devastated outer islands. Audio

The struggle to bring aid to the worst hit islands in Vanuatu. At least three people feared dead in a small plane crash near Wanaka and X factor fallout as judges are sacked. Audio

The organisers of a Wellington church fair have come across a copy of an historic 78 recording of Maori singers while sorting through items for a jumble sale. Audio

The national body that represents Maori language immersion schools has launched its new curriculum in the Far North today; The organisers of the World of Music and Dance festival in New Plymouth are… Read more Audio

The Government is still negotiating with Iraq to secure legal protections for New Zealand soldiers going to Taji Camp north of Baghdad. Audio

The United Nations is ready to send supplies and aid workers to the Solomons and Vanuatu once Cyclone Pam passes. Audio