Checkpoint

Many people have abandoned their homes in Avonside, but those who remain are determined to stay put. Audio

The Prime Minister's assured farmers near the epicentre of the Canterbury quake that the government won't leave them to pick up the pieces on their own. Audio

An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

Australia's finally got a new government, but it's only day one and potential sparks are already starting to fly. Audio

Retail spending rose in August, but consumers remained cautious about opening their wallets too wide. Audio

A major review of resthome care has revealed planning is urgently needed now to cope with up to 20 thousand more people who will need looking after in 16 years' time. Audio

People in Lyttelton are on edge following a strong aftershock within five kilometres of the port town this morning. Audio

The Government is flying more than thirty counsellors into Christchurch, to help people feeling the strain of the earthquake's aftermath. Audio

The estimated cost of the Canterbury quake has doubled to four billion dollars. Audio

New Zealand universities have all slipped down the rankings in a major international survey with Auckland University the only one in the top 100. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

The Finance Minister, Bill English, has used a ministerial statement in Parliament to defend the Government's pay-out to depositors in the failed South Canterbury Finance. Audio