Checkpoint

NATO troops in Afghanistan are preparing for their biggest offensive yet. Audio

A Japanese company has confessed to faking safety reports on airplane seats that are used by dozens of international airlines. Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

The southern Cook Islands are preparing for a rough night ahead, as Cyclone Pat bears down. Audio

The Local Government Minister has poured cold water on a last ditch attempt by North Rodney residents to stop their inclusion in the Auckland Supercity. Audio

The former Green Party co-leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons has brought down the curtain on her career as an MP with a parting shot at the institution of Parliament. Audio

The search in Christchurch for a 27 year old woman who's been missing since Monday night. Audio

Large numbers of blood-sucking leeches are making their presence felt in Sydney, thanks to a combination of heavy rain and warm weather. Audio

The United States has warned Iran that there will be strong new international sanctions after an announcement from Tehran that it will step up its uranium enrichment programme. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

The Maori Party's most-watched MP Hone Harawira says a members' bill which flies in the face of the party's arrangement with the Government was put into the ballot by mistake. Audio

Economists are warning that plans to increase GST could make the economy more volatile and threaten its recovery. Audio