Checkpoint

A new species of giant rat, similar in size to a household cat, has been found deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Audio

The challenges facing Japan's new Government are formidable, and one of them is what to do about the country's chronic labour shortage. Audio

The global economic downturn may be leading to more violence against women. Audio

New technology is promising a gentler form of Chemotherapy. Australia's national science agency is helping develop a skin patch encrusted with tiny diamond particles which release the chemicals slowly… Read more Audio

A report prepared for the Australian Government has found major gaps in the security systems set up to protect its ports from terror threats. Audio

A group campaigning to curb the country's alcohol habit says it will petition the government to ban liquor advertising. Audio

The Australian government is to clamp down on the way drug and medical companies push their products, by lavishing inducements on doctors. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

Some Christchurch city councillors are sceptical about the Christchurch mayor's suggestion that the council buy and demolish a Wainoni house where the bodies of two women were found buried under the… Read more Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

The Hubble telescope has sent back the first pictures of deep space taken by a new camera fitted earlier this year. Audio

The partial defence of provocation has been called a"homophobic hangover"that should have been done away with long ago. Audio