Checkpoint

Australia has sent a tough message to asylum seekers announcing it has stopped processing all new refugee claims from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Audio

The pop impressario, Malcolm McLaren, whose name is inextricably linked with the punk era, has died in Switzerland. Audio

The Kyrgyz President is refusing to admit defeat after his political opponents dissolved parliament and demanded his resignation following violent protests. Audio

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has cancelled a planned visit to Washington next week where President Obama is to hold an international summit on nuclear security. Audio

The manager of a privately owned crematorium is defending plans by the New Plymouth District Council to almost double its fees. Audio

Five Grand and three Otago skinks have been transferred to new homes at a wildlife reserve in Christchurch as part of a captive breeding programme to stop the native species from being wiped out. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio

Meridian Energy says it will compensate a West Coast iwi for disrupting a river's life force if it builds a $300 million hydro dam near Westport. Audio

Some two hundred people are now feared dead after another landslide in Rio de Janeiro, following the heaviest rains in decades. Audio

In what it's describing as a landmark reform, the Family Court is speeding up the way it deals with child custody disputes, particularly where they involve the risk of violence or abuse. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

Specialist investigations teams are being set up to examine corporate and markets fraud, bribery, corruption and Police linked cases as part of a restructure of the Serious Fraud Office. Audio