Checkpoint

After well over a century, a rural school is closing its doors today. A victim, its principal says, of the cost of living. Papatawa School, near the Manawatu Gorge, had just two pupils return this… Read more Audio

People calling 111 in mental distress will soon be met by a joint response involving police, mental health professionals, ambulance officers, and in some cases, iwi. The Police Minister has announced… Read more Audio

Things have hit a bum note with Queenstown's famous singing sheep dog. Happy and his owner have been busking together in the resort for more than two and half decades. But an alleged gnarl up has led… Read more Video, Audio

Some Aucklanders are putting their houses on stilts to avoid flood waters. Research commissioned by NIWA says it's a cost-effective solution, but it won't work for everyone. Felix Walton has more. Read more Audio

Incoming New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink describes himself as a Test cricket romantic who will focus on the longer format of the game. The businessman and former Wellington… Read more Video, Audio

The National party's unveiled a tax plan worth $14.6 billion dollars over four years, that it says is targeted at the squeezed middle. National says a family with children and on the average household… Read more Video, Audio

Christchurch police fear someone could be killed as children in virtual car theft rings compete to steal as many vehicles as posible, driving them erratically and posting their near fatal antics on… Read more Video, Audio

The National Party has unveiled its long-awaited tax relief plan, which could see some families $125 better off, per week. National is promising to introduce four new taxes to cover the cost… Read more Video, Audio

After six months of waiting, dozens of Muriwai residents have been given the news no-one wanted. Your property might be bought out, but it might not. Residents will tonight be able to vent their… Read more Video, Audio

Mystery surrounds the appearance of a stylised skull carved into the sandstone cliffs at Waipipi Beach near Waverley in South Taranaki. The creation is reminiscent of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith… Read more Audio

There could be a decision on whether or not a proposed airport in Central Otago goes ahead within the next year. Christchurch Airport today unveiled details, including its preferred runway alignment… Read more Audio