New Zealand
PM moves to reassure businesses about economic headwinds
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered her first big economic speech of 2019 to a business audience this morning outlining economic challenges facing the country, the impact of Brexit and… Video, Audio
Red Cross supporting 'psychological first aid' during fires
The emotional impact on people being forced from their homes is starting to rise to the surface. There to support them are Red Cross workers from around the South Island. Video, Audio
Don't be complacent, Nelson mayor urges
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese urges locals and visitors to be incredibly cautious and listen to warnings and have an evacuation pack ready - just in case. Video, Audio
More Wakefield residents told to evacuate
Fresh evacuations are underway in Wakefield near Nelson as Fire and Emergency battles to contain fires across the region. Civil Defence controller Dennis Bush-King says more than 300 households and… Video, Audio
Walters Bluff fire flares up again
Residents in Nelson are reporting a flare up of the fire on Walter Bluff. Audio
1000 people run, bike, kayak in biggest ever Coast to Coast
As the clock struck seven this morning, the first hardy athletes set off on foot from from Kumara beach on a 243 kilometre mountain traverse across the South Island. Audio
Crowds descend on Eden Park for T20 series
Huge crowds have arrived at Eden Park for the sell-out White Ferns and Black Caps double-header, the second matches of the T20 series. Reporter Joanna MacKenzie joins Checkpoint live from the event. Video, Audio
Tasman Glacier sheds millions of tonnes
An 'incredible' chunk of ice has broken off the Tasman Glacier in the middle of the night, floating into the Aoraki Mount Cook National park. Guide Charlie Hobbs describes the massive icebergs to Lisa… Video, Audio
Dunedin may send rubbish to Canterbury
Dunedin City Council may have to resort to exporting its rubbish in coming years, due to a lack of planning and foresight. The council says it's an unlikely scenario but contingency plans need to be… Audio
Govt plans to 'abolish' all polytechnics, National says
National was looking to throw a spanner in the works as the Prime Minister delivered her first big economic speech of the year - making public what it says are leaked details about major reforms… Video, Audio
Evening business for Friday 8 February 2019
News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio
Record temperatures prompt water, fire restrictions
Councils across the country are urging residents to cut down on their household water usage after weeks of hot and dry weather. Audio
Ahipara scrub fire suspicious - Fire and Emergency
Firefighters suspect a wild fire that threatened houses at Ahipara near Kaitaia this morning was deliberately lit. Far North volunteer fire crews arrived on the scene about 1.30 this morning to find… Audio
Govt announces support for Nelson-Tasman farmers, growers
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has announced $50,000 to help Nelson-Tasman farmers and growers in what has been described as a medium-scale adverse event. He joined Checkpoint live. Video, Audio
Wakefield residents prepare to evacuate
Wakefield residents have packed their most precious belongings into their cars, as they heed advice to be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Video, Audio
Central Nelson fire likely suspicious - FENZ
Resources were diverted from the Pigeon Valley fire in Tasman today to another blaze in the hills near central Nelson. Fire and Emergency incident controller John Sutton says they're treating the… Video, Audio
Is it time to change New Zealand's name?
There's been an observation that both of our international cricket teams; the White Ferns and the Black Caps swapped "New Zealand" for "Aotearoa" on the front of their shirts for Waitangi Day. Audio
Samoa inks agreement with NZ during talks
Samoa has inked a partnership agreement with New Zealand during talks in Wellington this week.
Advisory groups set up to help improve lives of Pasifika in NZ
Two advisory groups have been formed to help one of New Zealand's largest government agencies improve the lot for Pasifika people living in the country.
Christchurch volunteers begin training to work with refugees
Christchurch is preparing to welcome the first refugees to settle in the city since the 2010 earthquake, but it needs more volunteers to help them transition into their new lives. Audio
