New Zealand
Otago town of Henley still cut-off after Tuesday's floods
There are three roads in to Henley and unless you have a four-wheel drive or gills, none of them have been able to be crossed since the Taieri River broke its banks on Tuesday. Video, Audio
Restored Kaikōura train ‘the best it’s ever been’
The first passenger train from Piction to Christchurch since the devastating Kaikōura earthquake has arrived in the Garden City - Kathy Templeman was on board and says it was an emotional experience.
…Govt plans crackdown on vaping in bars and workplaces
The government plans to stub out vaping in bars and restaurants and restrict the sale of e-cigarettes in the same way as tobacco. Audio
Appeal for CCTV footage as police investigate woman's death
Police are appealing for the public's help for more clues as to how the body of a pregnant Wellington woman ended up on a remote Wairarapa beach. Video, Audio
Secondary school teachers to strike
Secondary teachers across the country have voted to strike next year. As Emma Hatton reports, many describe the latest offer as an absolute joke. Video, Audio
Govt orders review of NZTA's regulatory functions
Minister of Transport Phil Twyford has ordered the Ministry of Transport to review NZTA's performance of their regulatory functions - but he declined to discuss the situation with Checkpoint. Audio
Concerns raised about City Rail Link after company crashes
Officials are scrambling to determine how Auckland's massive rail project will cope after the parent firm of one of its contractors collapsed. RCR Infrastructure New Zealand was jointly awarded one of… Video, Audio
Sport: Fiji, NZ seal semi final spots in OFC Women's Nations Cup
Fiji and New Zealand have booked their spots in the OFC Women's Nations Cup semi finals after crushing victories over Tonga and the Cook Islands in Noumea last night.
Weekend weather: More rain expected in parts of the country
MetService is predicting heavy rainfall in parts of the South Island, but just about everyone heading outside should have their umbrellas at the ready this weekend.
Sport: NZ make ominous start to OFC Women's Nations Cup
New Zealand have made an ominous start to the OFC Women's Nations Cup in New Caledonia, thrashing Tonga 11-0 in their opening match in Noumea.
NZ to join Australia and partners on PNG electricity project
New Zealand will help Australia and other partners in a project to provide electricity and internet to around 70 percent of Papua New Guinea's population.
Adult diabetes increasing in NZ's Polynesian children
Research from New Zealand's Liggins Institute shows that a form of diabetes previously found only in adults is increasingly being identified in Polynesian children.
Wheels on the bus go round, but not to this retirement village
Changes to a Christchurch bus stop have escalated into a months-long row in which angry retirees have accused the regional council of betraying them. Video, Audio
NZ Music Awards kick off in Auckland
Six 60, Alien Weaponry, Unknown Mortal Ochestra and Drax Projects are all nominated for four awards at the NZ Music Awards in Auckland tonight. RNZ Music's Alex Behan joins Checkpoint live from Spark… Video, Audio
Police decision won't hinder Pike River re-entry - Andrew Little
Pike River Minister Andrew Little says police will be involved in the re-entry regardless of whether they commit officers to go underground, but that will not stop the project of recovering the drift… Video, Audio
Onions on top of sausages, Bunnings tells fundraisers
Bunnings has issued new guidelines to community groups running fundraising sausage sizzles at its stores, and it's become far more controversial than managers ever dreamed. Alex Perrottet and camera… Video, Audio
Central Hawke’s Bay doctors call for hospital to remain open
Residents in Central Hawke's Bay are outraged at the district health board's decision to close a small rural hospital over Christmas, without consulting its staff or the community. Audio
Tradies earn more than university graduates at age 30 - study
High school students who want to avoid mountains of student debt are being urged to consider a career in the trades - where their earning potential could top their classmates heading off to… Audio
NZ to host 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup
New Zealand has won the rights to host the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2021. It will be the first time the women's World Cup has been in the southern hemisphere and will run for six weeks in July and… Video, Audio
SBW out of All Blacks’ game due to shoulder injury
Sonny Bill Williams is out of the All Blacks' game against Ireland this weeked with a shoulder injury he picked up in last week's win over England, meaning Ryan Crotty starts at second-five with Anton… Video, Audio
