Checkpoint

About 250 Otago University staff and students protested today against staff cuts proposed for its arts departments. Video, Audio

Protestors gathered at Parliament today to call on the government to step up and put pressure on the Australian government on its use of offshore detention camps. Audio

The people of Ranfurly are rallying together to oppose Westpac's plans to close the town's only bank. Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper joins Checkpoint from Clyde. Audio

Debt-laden dairy farmers have been given some relief after Fonterra raised its forecast payout by 50 cents to $4.75 a kilogram of milk solids. Audio

Wallabies will take on the All Blacks in Wellington this weekend, after losing five games in a row - four of those on home soil. Audio

Hastings District Mayor Lawrence Yule discusses the letter his council was sent by Hawke's Bay Regional Council about its investigation into the area's bores. Audio

Christchurch City Council has been slammed for not removing sea level rise warnings from property reports. It's been told to remove them immediately, but the council says it needs more time. Audio

Former Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly is in Cuba having treatment for terminal lung cancer. She told Checkpoint it's a "last ditch" attempt, and hope it buys her some time. Audio

Parliament has finally passed legislation that will make it legal for shops to trade on Easter Sunday, if their local councils agree. Audio

Hawke's Bay Regional Council's interim CEO Liz Lambert has informed Hastings District Council it is investigating the Brookvale bores, which she says 'may be in breach of consents and conditions'. Audio