Checkpoint

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

A nationwide chain of indoor gardening shops has been shut down after a massive two-year undercover operation that police say has broken the cornerstone of the commerical cannabis industry. Audio

Dairy farmers are to receive a windfall of half-a-billion-dollars, with Fonterra increasing its forecast milk price for the season by 40 cents. Audio

The goverment has already dismissed one of the key recommendations in a major report on alcohol, ruling out an increase in excise tax on liquor. Audio

The best of Checkpoint. Audio

Venezuela's opposition parties are hoping to form a united front against President Hugo Chavez in legislative elections later this year. Audio

The writer Alan Sillitoe has died at the age of 82. Audio

In Britain the leader of the Liberal Democrats has said he won't support Gordon Brown as Prime Minister if Labour comes third in the popular vote in next month's general election. Audio

The National Foundation for the Deaf says many do-it-yourselfers don't realise the damage they're doing to their hearing when getting down to some serious DIY. Audio

The Southland District Health Board has received hundreds of submissions on a proposed extension and upgrading of Queenstown's public hospital. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

The British government's apologised after an internal memo poking fun at the Pope was leaked. Audio