Checkpoint

A surprise tax cut for middle income earners and an unexpected cut in the company rate are part of what the Government is calling the most significant tax reform package in 25 years. Audio

Business and personal taxes come down as GST goes up to 15 percent. Angry Bluechip investors at court for the sentencing of the company's founder. Audio

Sean Plunket and RNZ correspondents review the Budget. Audio

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has signed a new foreign exchange law intended to strengthen the bolivar currency. Audio

The so-called 'pinnochio frog' is among several new species of animal discovered on an isolated mountain range in Papua New Guinea. Audio

The daughter of the president of the Church of Scientology in Australia has spoken out against the organisation - describing it as toxic and accusing the church of tearing families apart. Audio

The Swiss food giant Nestle has announced new guidelines on how the company obtains palm oil for its products including severing ties with companies that contribute to deforestation. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

Police statistics in Tonga show reported violence against women has quadrupled in the past decade - prompting calls for domestic violence to be defined as a crime. Audio

The World Health Organisation is holding its annual assembly in Geneva this week. Audio

A Canadian doctor who lists golfer Tiger Woods and baseball star Alex Rodriguez among his high-profile clients has been charged with supplying illegal drugs. Audio

A judge in the Christchurch District Court has thrown out charges against a horse trainer accused of stealing horses from a Canterbury stud. Audio