Checkpoint

In a pre-budget speech, the Labour leader David Shearer has said next week's budget will be one for the boardroom, not the smoko room. Audio

The Prime Minister has pulled his support for the National list, MP Aaron Gilmore, saying text messages don't match the version of a dinner that Mr Gilmore's given. Audio

The mayor of Timaru pleaded with MPs at Parliament today to remove party pills and legal highs from dairies as soon as possible. Audio

Martin Deakin from Tait Communications is with us. Audio

The South island has been hit by more job losses, with cuts proposed by Solid Energy and Tait Communications today. Audio

Parliament's Speaker has officially declared the seat of the late Parekura Horomia vacant, and a date has been announced for a by-election in his former electorate of Ikaroa-Rawhiti; Ngai Tuhoe… Read more Audio

The Education Minister, Hekia Parata, has indicated some education programmes will lose money in next week's budget. Audio

The Reserve Bank has admitted it has again intervened in the currency markets to bring down the New Zealand dollar. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

The Act Leader, John Banks, will fight accusations he took donations from Kim Dotcom and Sky City, and declared them as anonymous. Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

The Reserve Bank is tightening lending rules to safeguard the financial system from rising housing prices, but the move will hit home buyers in the pocket. Audio