Checkpoint

A Lower Hutt mum whose kids' Kmart play sand tested positive for asbestos says she's stressed out and worried about whether she's done enough to make sure her kids and house are safe. Several coloured… Read more Audio

A new weapon that aims to destroy invasive yellow hornets and their nests is about to be introduced in Auckland. Advanced tracking technology from the Netherlands has arrived to help Biosecurity New… Read more Audio

There is a renewed call for the Minister responsible for animal welfare to be stripped of his portfolio over allegations of an "egregious conflict of interest". Animal rights organisation SAFE… Read more Audio

The Black Caps' Test Championship campiagn has kicked off in Christchurch, with the first of three test matches against the West Indies getting underway this morning. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke… Read more Audio

The boss of a Southland RSA is not pulling his punches after thieves pinched burial plaques off soldiers graves at an Invercargill cemetery. Police believe they were stolen from the St Johns Cemetery… Read more Audio

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about tensions betwene Venezuela and America ramping up along with concerns over US air strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats, as well… Read more Audio

Small busineses are being advised not to panic over the arrival of retail giant IKEA. The 34,000 square metre store is stocked with 7,500 unique products, with forecasts suggesting up to 20,000… Read more Audio

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Chancellor Rachel Reeves rejecting claims that she lied about the UK's finances ahead of the budget announcement, as well as a… Read more Audio

News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

After nearly 20 years at the top, Football Fern Annalie Longo is hanging up her boots after tomorrow's game against Australia. Longo made her senior debut as a 15-year-old and has played more than 140… Read more Audio

A spate of youth crime in Christchurch has police urging parents to get in touch if their child is missing in action, so they can avoid becoming a statistic. It peaked in May with 162 young offenders… Read more Audio

Councils are once again being told to start living within their means and focus on the basics, with the government releasing details of its long-awaited rates cap. Instead of a fixed cap, the… Read more Audio