Checkpoint

Extraordinary powers for extraordinary times - the go ahead to rebuild Christchurch. Phil Goff says his leadership is strengthened after the Hughes affair and long awaited pay talks for sleepover… Read more Audio

A military court has heard that a naval rating had been drinking with a female sailor in the hours before he is accused of sexually violating her. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

Health authorities say doctors moonlighting in Australia earn huge sums of money, but it's not causing shortages here. Audio

French Polynesia's president, Gaston Tong Sang, has cut short his visit to Paris after the pro-independence opposition Union For Democracy lodged a no confidence motion in an attempt to oust his… Read more Audio

We cross to the United Kingdom and our correspondent in London is Barney Burnham. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

A helicopter pilot called to a fatal boating accident in Doubtful Sound says it appears the boaties may have misjudged the entrance to the Sounds in the dark, and ploughed into rocks. Audio

More wealthy investors are opening their wallets to help businesses starting up. Audio

The internationally acclaimed concert pianist, accompanist, teacher and mentor Maurice Till has died at the age of 84. Audio

Banking experts say restrictions on how much banks can lend as a percentage of a property's value could be at the top of a hit list of changes being considered by the Reserve Bank. Audio

The Government is putting another 91 million dollars aside to help out quake-hit Christchurch businesses and workers. Audio