Checkpoint for Wednesday 9 September 2009

6:59 PM.The United Nations says more needs to be done to improve literacy rates across Africa. Audio

6:55 PM.A Victoria University researcher says banning drivers from using handheld mobile phones probably won't have much effect. Audio

6:52 PM.As we heard earlier in the programme, the two year countdown to the Rugby World Cup is underway. Audio

6:49 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:47 PM.There's been a major drugs raid on the Spanish island of Ibiza - famous for its party lifestyle. Audio

6:41 PM.We cross now to China and our correspondent in Beijing, Quentin Sommerville. Audio

6:37 PM.Australian women could be serving in frontline combat missions in countries like Afghanistan. Audio

6:34 PM.An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

6:29 PM.Tomorrow President Obama will deliver one of the most important speeches of his presidency. Audio

6:21 PM.MPs have been told that getting a good outcome in a difficult birth is a matter of luck and an independent review of maternity services is needed. Audio

6:18 PM.News from the business sector. Audio

6:14 PM.Overseas visitors to Queenstown are skipping the country without paying millions of dollars in parking and infringment fines. Audio

6:13 PM.A small roti restaurant in Malaysia has won an eight year legal battle against McDonald's over the use of the name McCurry. Audio

6:11 PM.France's President Nicolas Sarkozy appears to be taking his anxiety about his diminutive stature to new heights. Audio

6:07 PM.It seems the lucrative travel allowances available to former MPs and their spouses is not unique to New Zealand politicians. Audio

5:56 PM.With 730 days to go before New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup the pressure is on to make sure the event is a success. Audio

5:52 PM.Hollywood heart-throb, George Clooney has been left red faced at the Venice Film Festival when a star struck fan was overcome by emotion at a press conference. Audio

5:50 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

5:47 PM.MPs have been told that getting a good outcome in a difficult birth is a matter of luck and that the country's maternity system needs an urgent review. Audio

5:44 PM.It follows a review that saw Federated Farmers and the Public Service Association warn against any cuts to frontline staff. Audio

5:41 PM.The Environment Minister Nick Smith has tried to reassure Aucklanders that the region's trees will not be left unprotected. Audio

5:38 PM.Gary's brother Greig Cunningham joins us on the line from Melbourne. Audio

5:35 PM.The Australian Federal Police have launched a fresh investigation into the deaths of five journalists in East Timor, known as the 'Balibo Five', including New Zealand cameraman Gary Cunningham. Audio

5:32 PM.An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

5:27 PM.A scrap is brewing, over just which New Zealand destination is in fact the most boring. Audio

5:25 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:21 PM.To Queensland now, where school girl skipper Jessica Watson is back on land after colliding with a bulk freighter overnight. Audio

5:18 PM.Wellington police commander Pete Cowan. Audio

5:13 PM.Wellington's police commander says he was horrified when he was told this week that a police officer had broken a teenager's neck with his baton. Audio

5:08 PM.Police have confirmed the second body found buried underneath floorboards in a Christchurch house is that of 28 year old Tisha Lowry, who went missing a year ago. Audio