Checkpoint

Rare details marking the first interactions between Māori and Europeans in New Zealand have been released as part of a new archive of centuries-old journals, letters and documents online. Audio

Solid Energy says it knew it was going to disappoint Pike River families with the decision not to re-enter the mine tunnel. Audio

The trial of a St John ambulance officer has heard evidence showing he made two video files on his cellphone at the time a teenage girl claims she was abused. Audio

Kiwirail still does not know whether the Arahura ferry will be safe to sail tomorrow, after engine problems forced the crew to stop and drop its anchors so it wouldn't drift into nearby rocks. Audio

The New Zealand dollar fell more than one-and-a-half US cents today to its lowest level since June 2012. Audio

A packet of vacuum-sealed snake steak crawling with insects has caused a biosecurity alarm at Auckland airport. Audio

President Obama is promising to redouble his efforts to work with his Republican opponents after they secured control of both Houses of Congress in America's mid-term elections. Audio

A 13 year old girl swam to shore and ran for nearly half an hour to get help after a fishing trip went badly wrong. Audio

The Defence Minister and Prime Minister appear to be at odds over whether the SAS could be sent to Iraq. Audio

The AC-DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with trying to procure the murder of two people and threatening to kill one of them. Audio

The lawyer for the Pike River Families Committee Colin Smith is with us. Audio

Carol Rose is the mother of 31 year old Stu Mudge who died in the mine. She insists there's a good case for taking Pike River managers Peter Whittall, Doug White and Steve Ellis to court. Audio