Checkpoint

Tasmania may become the first Australian state to raise the legal smoking age above 18. Audio

A motorist heading along the Desert Road has described swerving to avoid being being hit by a small plane lining up an emergency landing. Audio

An Auckland same-sex de facto couple has won an historic court ruling allowing them to jointly adopt children. Audio

The police are working to find out if any parts of a new law on deported criminals, apply to a child rapist just sent back here. Audio

A New Year's Eve terror plot has been foiled in Indonesia amid alarm about a resurgence in militant groups inspired by Islamic State. Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

A New Zealand lifeguard's staying out of the limelight after he rescued the future heir to the Danish throne at a Gold Coast beach. Audio

It was sunhats, sunblock and jandals in the South Island today as temperatures reached 30 degrees in most eastern towns. Audio

New Zealand is continuing to draw people to work and play here in record numbers. Audio

Kane Williamson has finished the year as the world's number one test batsman after helping the Black Caps beat Sri Lanka today. Audio

Workers being paid just seven dollars an hour, no annual leave and employment records being manipulated and falsified. Audio

The police watchdog has found officers failed to properly investigate the death of a severely disabled boy who drowned in a bath while in care. Audio