Checkpoint

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about an investigation revealing the ingredients of many supermarket items aren't what they are supposed to be.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Your face could soon be your ticket to get through the turnstiles for a sports game. Facial recognition technology is being rolled out across the Tasman as an alternative to digital or physical tickets for selected live events. The new ticketing method has been met with mixed reactions from footy fans and academics. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Hoiho yellow-eyed penguin is set to face protection from fishers around the Otago Peninsula. From September 16th, emergency set-net restrictions to protect the birds around the Otago peninsula will become permanent. But is it enough to help the penguins, with number at critical levels and falling fast. General Manager of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, Norcombe Barker spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A man accused of threatening to attack two Auckland schools allegedly said that he wanted to kill more people than the Christchurch mosque terrorist. Tiedan Huo is on trial in the Manukau District Court facing a raft of charges relating to a manifesto threatening to kill people at Waiuku and Rutherford colleges. Huo denies all charges. Matthew Theunissen reports.

New Zealand horse racing is "over venued and under capitalised" according to independent consultants employed to come up with a masterplan to save the ailing industry. They recommend that major tracks like Trentham and Alexandra Park be closed permanently, along with 21 other courses. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Councils are calling for more time as some are still unable to find a partner or partners to create a group merger before the government's deadline. They have had three months to come up with their own deals under the 'head start' pathway, or get lumped with a plan forced on them instead. Acting Hamilton Mayor, Geoff Taylor spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New Zealand is being accused of spying on Russia, but experts are questioning just how likely that is. NZ authorities are refusing to comment on the arrest of the man accused of treason. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the story.

There was sweet success in the swimming pool this morning as Lewis Clareburt snatched New Zealand's first gold at this years Commonwealth Games. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An award-winning baker, who has dished up pies and hot cross buns in the same Christchurch shop for 40 years, has put the timer on his career. Michael Meaclem of Michael's Bakery in Hillmorton will walk out the door for good next week. Michael spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about President Trump saying there had been "good talks" between the US and Iran as things appear to simmer down following two weeks of back and forth attacks. Meanwhile, top broadcaster Savannah Guthrie has issued a new plea to help find her mother Nancy who has been missing since February.

More retailers are offering buy now pay later services to meet shopper demand, but an industry association says a significant number remain unconvinced the lay-by payment options are actually worth it. Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The All Blacks squad today made 10 additions for their tour to South Africa, including three new faces. As well as the debutants, a new 'tour captain' has been named to lead the side in the Republic. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

Wanted posters have sprung up around Christchurch for a feline explorer named Chase. But unlike your traditional 'wanted' poster, this one is to tell people that it is ok for Chase to roam. His owner Nick White set up the Facebook Page 'Has Anybody Seen Chase?' which now attracts daily updates with paparazzi-like shots of the celebrity cat on his latest exploits. Chase's owner Nick White spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. 

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Green Party is calling for a one-year pause on new AI data centres, until stronger rules and regulations are put in place - with some pleased at the idea of tighter controls. Some Southlanders are opposed to the $3.5 billion data centre being built near Invercargill, while others welcome the investment. Samantha Gee reports.

New Zealand clothing brands say they have had enough of offshore fast fashion giants using their images and ripping off their designs. For Aotearoa's fashion industry, the legal line between inspiration and straight up copying is thinner than a mesh top. It has prompted calls for tougher penalties and stronger monitoring across fast fashion sites, as well as better protections for small businesses. Bella Craig reports.

As greyhound racing enters its final week before a nationwide ban takes effect, a video has emerged of a confrontation between activists and people at yesterday's final meet in Auckland. What was said has raised concern among the activists about the welfare of the greyhounds. CEO of Greyhound Racing NZ, Edward Rennell spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Perth, 1962 and a New Zealand school girl was taking on the world's best at the Commonwealth Games. Against the odds it seemed like she'd won gold. That school girl was Vivien Boyd - Vivien Haddon as she was then - and the finish in the 100-metre breaststroke final was as close as you can get. But what happened next still rankles, even after six decades. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham caught up with Vivien Boyd.

New Zealand has an average of 31 wastewater overflows a day into land or water, and that might not even be the full picture according to a report looking at the most severe pressures on the water network. The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai says it is the first complete picture of the risks that could impact public health and the environment. Dr Sara McFall from the Water Services Authority spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Wellington Phoenix's longest-serving player, captain Alex Rufer, has spent nearly half his life playing professional football in the capital. Today the 30-year-old signed a two-year contract extension with the A-League club that will keep him with the Phoenix for a 14th and 15th season. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The government is celebrating more families benefiting from its Family Boost scheme. It comes as the National party announced it will extend paid parental leave to 30 weeks if re-elected into government, and follows the scathing response to comments by Stuart Nash about National MP Katie Nimon's paid parental leave. Political reporter Lilian Hanly spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about US president, Donald Trump choosing to halt attacks targeting Iran in favour of diplomacy, according to the United States' ambassador to the United Nations. The pause follows thirteen consecutive nights of US military strikes against the country. Meanwhile Iranian attacks on US bases across the region have also slowed down.

Analysis by a charity that support financial mentors says households are working harder simply to stand still. Yet for many, even that seems like a position to aspire to. FinCap's latest Voices report shows one in eight clients were seeking help for a KiwiSaver hardship application. Since 2015 there has been a 1046 percent increase in KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals nationwide. Senior policy advisor at FinCap, Jake Lilley spoke to Melissa Chan-Green

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham making policy announcements during his first week at the helm, as well as Europe continuing to bear the brunt of global warming as wildfires rage and a new heatwave brings temperatures over 44 degrees.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

There's basically no bridge too far for the man behind the new Hooker Valley suspension bridge at Aoraki Mount Cook. The marvel of design and modern engineering is due to open next week. It spans more the 185 metres across the Hooker River and replaces the old one that closed due to erosion caused by storms. The man behind the design, bridge architect and engineer, Dan Crocker spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Lisa Owen about the latest in the conflict, with Saudi tankers hit in the Red Sea, and strikes across the region not letting up.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a mixed bag of economic data emerging from Australia, with the country's property market in a downturn, while employment is defying expectations of going into a decline.

A "conscious and deliberate" act to help police secure a conviction, or a legitimate decision to exclude evidence that was deemed unreliable? Those are the key questions that a judge will consider as he determines whether two former officers attempted to pervert the course of justice in their handling of a 40 year old murder. Matthew Theunissen reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Warriors are not recruiting four-time premiership winner Nathan Cleary to the Auckland-based NRL club. Cleary is off contract next season and the Warriors were one club said to be on the current Penrith Panther's radar. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Six thousands toy cars are set to be sold over three days by a Dunedin auction house. All the toy vehicles come from private South Island collectors. Among them, an Invercargill man in his 90s who died recently after spending decades amassing match box cars. Ronnie Proctor from Proctor Auctions in Dunedin spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new front has opened up at the petrol pump, with global oil prices inching closer to $100 USD a barrel, as the Middle East conflict escalates. Earlier today, a tanker was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia's coast. It follows US President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iranian infrastructure in response to any attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Waitomo group CEO, Simon Parham spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mums of parliament have united against Stuart Nash, the New Zealand First candidate who was forced to resign. The former Labour Cabinet minister labelled his rival Napier candidate lazy after taking time away from Parliament to look after her newborn. MPs who've had babies while representing their electorates say they're anything but. Political reporter Lauren Crimp has more.

A Lower Hutt primary school is shooting for the stars. Maungaraki School launched a weather balloon on Tuesday which reached the edge of space. Anya Fielding reports.

The Green Party wants to force supermarkets to essentially recycle usable food instead of throwing it away. A members bill being championed by Kahu Carter would see big supermarkets legally required to donate edible surplus kai to a food rescue. Green MP, Kahu Carter spoke to Lisa Owen.

Victims of stalking say the behaviour does not always stay outside the workplace, it can begin there, or follow people into their jobs. Now the government has released a guide to recognising the harmful and unwanted behaviour, just months after stalking became a standalone criminal offence. Coco Lance reports.

It has been an historic Super Rugby Aupiki season. With players now in camp full-time, we have seen the most compelling competition to date heading into this Saturday's decider. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

An employment law expert has described virtual meetings where staff are forced to have their cameras on as an "insidious invasion" of privacy. It follows a UK employment ruling that says making workers turn their cameras on during calls, could amount to disability discrimination. Barrister and employment expert, Barbara Buckett spoke to Lisa Owen.

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about President Trump saying the US will destroy a bridge or power plant in response to any Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a new nuclear deal between the US and Saudi Arabia

Two part failures are to blame for a wide spread IT outage at multiple Waikato Hospitals. It left several hospitals offline for almost 12 hours, meaning they couldn't access the data centre, patient information and test results. Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ chief information technology officer Darren Douglass spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham making his presence felt three days into the job, as well as new details emerging in relation to the death of former British politician Ann Widdecombe.

While the Black Caps leave the Carribean with the series win, the West Indies got the last laugh today. New Zealand were 3-1 heading into the fifth and final One Dayer in Bridgetwon today and looking for a statement finish, but the hosts had other ideas. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand First's Stuart Nash is in trouble again for his comments about women. Politicians from across Parliament are outraged after the Napier candidate accused his competition of being lazy for taking maternity leave. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reckons Mr Nash is channelling the online manosphere, while Nicola Willis says his attitude belongs in the 1920s. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

A global study published today shows New Zealand doctors are using too many antibiotics, risking the growth of 'superbugs'. An Invercargill mum who suffered for months with an antibiotic-resistant infection says something needs to change. A warning, this story includes details some may find disturbing. Felix Walton reports.

A group of high profile pay equity campaigners are calling for politicians to do more to close the pay equity gap. Global Women is calling for cross party support to make it mandatory for businesses of a certain size to report their gender pay gap. According to the Ministry for Women, the pay gap for NZ women across the board is 5.2 percent. STILLMindingTheGap.nz campaign manager Jo Cribb spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The chair of a Northland iwi says plans to scrap iwi involvement in councils under the RMA will take away a seat at the decision making table for Māori. Recommended changes to the proposed RMA reforms include scrapping agreements dictating the role of iwi in council decision making - called Mana Whakahono a Rohe agreements. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira has more.

Inflation has hit a two year high, reaching 4.1 percent. The rate has been driven by higher fuel, electricity and housing costs. Emertius Professor of Economics at Auckland University, Tim Hazledine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Coroner's court has heard about the extreme prisoners unit where Ahamed Samsudeen was held before he attacked shoppers at an Auckland mall. Samsudeen was shot dead by police, ending his stabbing spree at LynnMall five years ago. A Coroner's inquest is underway into his death. Finn Blackwell was in court.