Checkpoint

A new survey has found most New Zealanders want the creators of the Hobbit to pay back government subsidies. Audio

The brewer, Moa, says it sold nearly 100-thousand cases of beer in the last year, and is on track to reach its sales target of around 4.4 million dollars. Audio

Accommodation is booked out and ticket sales are up on last year for the 9th Womad New Zealand festival starting tomorrow in New Plymouth and the Bowl of Brooklands. Audio

The central bank has no plans to move the benchmark interest rate from its record low any time this year, amid concerns the economy is making an uneven recovery. Audio

The Opposition seized on fresh ammunition today to pressure the Government over Solid Energy, after its former chief executive and chairperson fronted up to MPs over its debt woes. Audio

In his first address to the faithful, Pope Francis has asked Roman Catholics to pray for him as he assumes leadership of the Vatican. Audio

The President of Myanmar has been formally welcomed to New Zealand for the first time ending decades of limited contact between the two countries. Audio

Wellington is bringing in a total ban on using water outdoors, including to water the garden or wash the car, as the fire risk mounts and water levels drop in a capital beset by urban drought. Audio

One of three family members accused of killing two teenage girls in a car crash near Tauranga on Christmas Day 2011 has changed his plea as the trial nears its end at the High Court in Hamilton. Audio

Maori Catholics are celebrating the election of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church; A Rotorua lawyer who stole money from a Maori organisation has been banned from working in the profession… Read more Audio

The former boss of Pike River Coal wants his trial moved to Wellington because he believes he will be abused by members of the public if it's held in Greymouth. Audio

Pope Francis the 1st is now the Catholic Church's new leader and the world's first Latin American pope. Audio