Checkpoint for Wednesday 31 August 2011

6:53 PM.Two of the All Blacks biggest competitors have touched down in New Zealand today, and while the English believe they have a chance at winning the Rugby World Cup, the French aren't so sure. Audio

6:49 PM.The Maori Affairs Minister, Dr Pita Sharples, has announced the names of two new members to fill vacancies at the Waitangi Tribunal; A Whanganui River kaumatua, Te Anatipa Morvin Simon, says the new… Read more Audio

6:45 PM.Australia's highest court has ruled against the Federal Government's plans for a refugee swap with Malaysia. Audio

6:35 PM.The first details surrounding the deaths of 18 people in the PGC building collapse in February's earthquake have been revealed at an inquest in Christchurch. Audio

6:32 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:26 PM.An economist is warning any move to raise interest rates before the middle of next year will worsen New Zealand's vulnerability in a deteriorating world economy. Audio

6:23 PM.Shares in Telecom have plunged seven percent after the telco released more detail about plans to split into two. Audio

6:20 PM.Growers in Australia say the rejection of a consignment of New Zealand apples vindicates their bid to keep them out. Audio

6:16 PM.The Prime Minister has agreed in part with an assessment by American diplomats that Solomon Islands would lapse into chaos within weeks without the Regional Assistance Mission. Audio

6:11 PM.A Wellington stock broker says small investors already burnt by share market failures and finance company collapses will need convincing to buy into state owned companies such Meridian and Solid… Read more Audio

6:06 PM.A man's been charged with stealing more than 800 military medals from the Waiouru National Army Museum, and at least 500 are still missing. Audio

5:56 PM.New Zealand's new Governor General says it is an honour and a privilege to take on the role. Audio

5:54 PM.A warmer than usual spring is being predicted this year, with above average temperatures expected for most of the country. Audio

5:51 PM.Auckland councillors are backing a new downtown plan that promises public spaces teeming with people and new corridors and parks filled with trees. Audio

5:48 PM.A Whanganui River kaumatua says the new Governor-General who was sworn in today deserves the honour, after a distinguished career rising through the ranks of the New Zealand Army; The Maori Affairs… Read more Audio

5:42 PM.Wikileaks has put out documents alleging a New Zealander who has been living in Australia has links to al-Qaeda. Audio

5:38 PM.Tens of thousands of motorists have been caught running red traffic lights in recent years. Audio

5:35 PM.More than 800 military medals have been stolen from the Waiouru National Army Museum, worth a quarter of a million dollars. Audio

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

5:27 PM.Gaps in the government's insurance cover will leave many schools damaged by the earthquakes in Canterbury out of pocket. Audio

5:21 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:15 PM.The State-owned Enterprises Minister, Tony Ryall, explains why it's been set at ten percent. Audio

5:12 PM.The National-led Government's plan to limit private shareholdings in State-owned companies to 10 percent has been criticised by both the Labour and ACT parties Audio

5:07 PM.More than 800 military medals have been stolen from the Waiouru National Army Museum, worth a quarter of a million dollars. Audio

5:00 PM.More than 800 medals are stolen from the War Memorial Museum in Waiouru. Shares in State Owned Enterprises will be capped at 10 percent and gaps in the government's insurance cover will leave many… Read more Audio