Checkpoint

As the rugby world awaits the much-anticipated New Zealand-Australia clash on Sunday morning, tonight there's another trans-tasman clash that has a lot riding on it. Audio

New Zealand is denying suggestions that it was pressured by Israel not to bring a new resolution on the Middle East to United Nations Security Council. Audio

Top-flight rugby league brawler Russell Packer is facing possible deportation, the latest New Zealander to fall foul of Australia's tightened visa laws. Audio

Business confidence has rebounded into positive territory, according to the latest ANZ bank's monthly survey. Audio

More now on the 60 or so households mostly cut off after a bridge slumped in floodwaters just north of Upper Hutt. Audio

The construction sector remains buoyant despite the number of building consents falling for the second month in a row. Audio

History beckons for the winner of the rugby world cup final in London, but both the All Blacks and Wallabies are dismissing it as a factor, in the lead up to Sunday morning's match at Twickenham. Audio

A leading emergency doctor wants the sale of paracetamol banned for under 18s because too many people are overdosing on it. Audio

Asbestos dust has been discovered in the air in the school hall and the administration block at Kaiapara College in Helensville. Audio

Hundreds of people in Upper Hutt face having to clamber for an hour through the bush just to leave home, after surging floodwaters took out their bridge. Audio

Bush trek faces households cut off by bridge slump;Asbestos closes West Auckland high school;Push to ban paracetamol sales to young people;All Blacks and Wallabies dismiss history as history… Read more Audio

A Kapa haka exponent and cultural entrepreneur is one of five artist recognised with the Arts Foundation Laureate Award. Audio