Lisa Owen

Tonga's economy is being hit by a severe downturn with both exports and local sales in decline.

In January this year, a volcanic eruption sent tsunami waves and ash rain that devastated the nation… Audio

Amnesty International NZ's executive director Meg De Ronde told Checkpoint it's a huge relief to have the deal for 450 refugees to come here from detention in Australia and offshore centres.

"Amnesty… Video, Audio

There is a David and Goliath struggle going on between a small picturesque town in regional Germany, and fast food giant, McDonalds.

The tiny town of Tubingen, near Stuttgart, has just 90,000… Video, Audio

Madeleine Albright, America's first female secretary of state has died at the age of 84.

Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed her to the role, called her "extraordinary" and says her death is… Audio

The US has officially declared that Russian troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine - days after President Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

It comes as Biden arrives in Europe for… Audio

Some of the country's most at-risk people say the government is trading off their safety by easing restrictions so soon.

From April 5, vaccine passports will not be required anymore - and many… Audio

Omicron cases have surged among Māori, with tangata whenua now having the highest rates.

As another pandemic inequity emerges, the health ministry is again defending its response for Māori.

Jamie… Audio

After months at home workers can trade the trackies and kitchen commute for a return to the actual office, with the government ending most mandates from early April.

The question is will they?

Some… Video, Audio

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

Police have been combing a property in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes after six people were injured by gunfire early this morning.

They say people approached a house about three-o-clock and fired… Audio

The weather system bringing the torrential rain to Tairāwhiti is moving down the island.

An orange alert has been issued for Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa.

Metservice meteorologist David Miller is on… Video, Audio

Gisborne remains cut off this evening - roads are closed all around it - after heavy rain battered the region, causing slips and widespread flooding.

The sun was shining for most of the day but slip… Video, Audio

New Zealand's helping bail Australia out of a long running controversy over asylum seekers locked up in offshore detention centres.

In 2013 it introduced a policy preventing anyone arriving by boat… Video, Audio

Russian forces have destroyed over 90 percent of Mariupol - pummelling the the southern port city with rockets and missiles and cutting off access to electricity, water and supplies.

If Mariupol is… Audio

Sports fans are being welcomed back to stadiums from this weekend.

There are no limits on attendance at outdoor Super Rugby and Cricket World Cup games - but numbers at indoor netball venues will… Audio

Air New Zealand has brought back 800 furloughed or former staff as the border soon reopens to tourists.

Today the airline also revealed it will be flying non-stop to New York City from September.

… Video, Audio

A Manawatū mural of "Wal and Dog" from Murray Ball's Footrot Flats has fallen mighty flat.

It was painted as part of the Manawatū Street Art Festival, but it went up without the consent of the family… Video, Audio

As flooding strikes the East Cape, hundreds of people further north are grappling with soggy, smelly and expensive repair work in Auckland - and and an apparent shortage of commercial dehumidifiers.

… Audio

A state of emergency is in place after torrential rain caused flooding, rescues and evacuations.

State Highway 35 - around the East Cape - was closed early on Wednesday morning because of slips, but… Video, Audio

The government is scrapping Covid mandates for teachers despite low vaccination rates among primary aged children.

In a loosening of Covid restrictions, from Saturday there will be no outdoor… Video, Audio