Checkpoint

New Zealand has scored its lowest ever ranking in an international test of 15 year old's reading, maths and science skills. Audio

New figures show one in ten Wellington office buildings were shut down as a result of the earthquake. Audio

Two former Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff have recieved compensation and an apology, for their treatment in an investigation by their State Services Commission. Audio

The queue outside of Auckland's City Mission is getting longer, with people needing help to bring Christmas to their families. Audio

The father of Olivia Hope, who was murdered alongside her friend Ben Smart, has met with the man convicted of killing his daughter. Audio

Solid Energy says it is wreckless for uninformed people to claim the Pike River Mine can be safely reopened. It made the comments in a paid advertisement in the New Zealand Herald. Audio

Two Wellington kindergartens are devastated the university which owns the land they're built on is selling up, saying they'll be forced to shut. Audio

The Children's Commissioner is welcoming the decision to raise the youth justice age to 18, meaning 17 year olds will no longer be dealt with in the adult system. Audio

National MPs Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges have both put their names forward to replace Bill English as Deputy Prime Minister - and both want Mr English as leader. Audio

Voter turnout in the Mt Roskill by-election was less than half that of the general election. John Campbell asks why people voted the way they did - or why they didn't at all. Audio

A Maori MP is criticising fellow Parliamentarians for being uninterested in addressing historical injustices after very few politicians turned out to listen to treaty settlement bills being read. Audio