Lockdown
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson
Rebecca talks to Kathryn about why Christmas shopping means more than ever this year for the retail sector. Audio
Auckland teens talk about skipping NCEA exams
Auckland teenagers are citing exhaustion, being busy, and strategic thinking as reasons for skipping some or even all of their NCEA exams.
The exams began today and in Auckland, Northland and… Audio
Stephen Fry: The day I stalked Andy Warhol
The inimitable Stephen Fry is an actor, comedian, director, and writer whose newest book about neckwear, Fry's Ties, is an ode to the 64-year-old's decades-long obsession with man's most trusted and… Audio
Taking a walk on the Wild Twins' side
Not many people can say they have survived naked in the African wilderness for three weeks, but Waiuku twin sisters Amber and Serena Shine (The Wild Twins) can. Their new book, The Wild Twins: Tales… Audio
Calling Home: Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson in Singapore
This morning on Calling Home we talk to Grant Rawlinson. The Taranaki native lives with wife Stefanie and twin daughters Kate and Rachel. He's Calling Home this morning from Singapore. Audio, Gallery
Lockdown Libraries
Mirla Edmundson, who is the General Manager for Connected Communities at Auckland Libraries takes us though the services they'll be offering as alert levels change including eCollections, lockdown and… Audio
'A great day' for Sylvia Park mall as level 3 step 2 starts
Sylvia Park mall spokesperson Linda Trainer tells Checkpoint it was 'a great day' as shops reopened to customers on the first day of level 3 step 2 restrictions.
Video, Audio
Jane and Jimmy Barnes: the couple that cooks together
When Covid struck and put a halt on touring, rockers Jane and Jimmy Barnes (as the Jane Barnes Band) launched a series of online performances, which attracted millions of views from around the world… Audio, Gallery
Calling Home: Mia Ayoub in El Gouna, Egypt
Former North Shore resident Mia Ayoub spent her formative years in Egypt before moving to New Zealand with her family when she was eight. But she always thought she'd return to the country of her… Audio, Gallery
Traffic expert suggests spot checks for Auckland border travel
Director of the University of Auckland's Centre for Supply Chain Management Tava Olsen told Checkpoint a system for Auckland travellers to cross the border in the summer holidays would be "doable" if… Video, Audio
NZ couple allowed to fly from Australia to reunite with baby son
A New Zealand couple have been given the opportunity to bring their baby son to their new home in Australia after they were facing the possibility of being separated from him until border restrictions… Video, Audio
Education Ministry details primary online learning resources
Primary school students stuck in level 3 are still waiting to hear if they'll make it back into an actual classroom this year.
In the meantime remote learning is continuing. Ministry of Education… Video, Audio
Far North nervously waits to see if Covid has spread
Far North communities are nervously waiting to see if Covid has been spreading unchecked through their towns.
The top of the motu is in level 3 lockdown as health officials work to trace any links… Video, Audio
Covid Response Minister details alert level changes
Auckland retail should be able to fling open the doors next week, if Cabinet gives the final sign off.
The Prime Minister says the high vaccination rates in the city means the risk of spread in shops… Video, Audio
Mental health becomes a pandemic political football
There's been plenty of media coverage on the mental health effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mental Health Foundation Shaun Robinson says a lot of it has been too simplistic, or just plain wrong.
Coming up
My Current Song: Yourego 'If Your Not Here'
Yourego were formed in August of this year by veteran musician Paulego - otherwise known as Paul Marshall. The group consists of artists based in different parts of the world who combine their talents… Audio
I'm Listening To This: Meg Mason
Foxton-born author Meg Mason would be forgiven for feeling like the last 12 or so months have passed in a blur. Although it was her second novel (and third book overall), the release of Sorrow and… Audio
Two Covid cases, but Christchurch stays at level 2
Christchurch has avoided a snap lockdown, despite two community cases, who visited several locations of interest.
Both people were unvaccinated, one of them was working for four days during their… Video, Audio
Using social media to keep calm under Covid - and lift morale
Living in Auckland in Level 3 for so long has been taxing - and continues to be. No wonder some people have been venting their frustrations on social media - even though doing so probably doesn't do… Audio
Nicola Legat on Covid-19's effect on publishing
The lockdown in August and the lockdown dragging on in Auckland has seen people turn to books for an escape This despite bookshops unable to sell books during level 4, and only post them to online… Audio