Checkpoint

The Government is going to fund an extra 75 weight-loss operations a year for the next four years. Audio

Former champion runner Sir John Walker is to become Auckland's ambassador in a new regional heirarchy unveiled today. Audio

Villagers in Indonesia are trying to return to their homes on the slopes of a volatile volcano, despite eruptions that have killed at least 29 people. Audio

An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

The mayor of the Far North says his council is looking at legal action to end the Taipa sailing club occupation by Ngati Kahu. Audio

Witnesses say this morning's bomb scare in Balclutha was more amusing than scary. Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

The scale of destruction caused by a tsunami that struck Indonesia's remote Mentawai Islands on Tuesday morning is becoming clearer as rescue workers arrive. Audio

The chief of the Defence Force says it has been severely embarassed by the case of a top level official who was not honest about his qualifications and experience. Audio

Sir Peter Jackson has spent the day in meetings trying to put the films' production schedule back on track. Audio

Opposition parties are accusing the Government of selling out New Zealand's sovereignty by agreeing to pass the law, as part of the deal to keep production of the Hobbit movies here. Audio

The Government moves to complete its bargain with Hollywood. The Far North's mayor is ordered off land being occupied by maori and Sir John Walker becomes Auckland's new ambassador. Audio