Checkpoint

Auckland-based Catholic priest Fr Douglas Al-Bazi was tortured by terrorists in Iraq and sheltered thousands of people fleeing from Islamic State. He tells Alex Perrottet his harrowing story and says… Read more Video, Audio

Auckland councillors have voted to give an extra $14.5 million of ratepayers' money to pay for cost over-runs for construction of the America's Cup village after they were warned it might not go ahead… Read more Audio

Police say there's no evidence of foul play in the disappearance of 22-year-old English backpacker Grace Millane, but they're keeping an open mind. Video, Audio

Quick thinking by a group of Southland neighbours to use inflatable rafts helped save a herd of calves as flood waters swept through their paddock. Video, Audio

Mycoplasma bovis has spread to Taranaki, with a farm on lock down after tests confirmed the region's first case of the cattle disease. Video, Audio

The Chinese embassy in Canada is calling for the immediate release of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Vancouver on the US' request and is now facing extradition. Audio

News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

Hundreds of Destiny Church supporters rallied at Parliament today, demanding access to prisons for their rehabilitation programmes and millions in funding. Government ministers welcomed a… Read more Video, Audio

Boys as young as 12 are being brought over from the Pacific Islands to boost the rugby performance of intermediate schools' teams. Te Puke Intermediate has been borrowing players for each season from… Read more Video, Audio

Fonterra is looking at the future of its only ice cream brand as part of an asset review that aims to cut its debt by $800 million. Video, Audio

Police are appealing for any information about British backpacker Grace Millane, who was last seen in Auckland on Saturday night. Detective Inspector Scott Beard spoke with Lisa Owen. Video, Audio