Checkpoint for Wednesday 18 January 2012

5:56 PM.The failure of a shear wall was crucial in the near collapse of the Hotel Grand Chancellor in last year's February quake. Audio

5:52 PM.The housing market has had its strongest finish in four years in December, with sales up 20 per cent compared with 2010. Audio

5:48 PM.Six-month-old Serenity Scott-Dinnington from Waikato died from non-accidental head injuries in April last year. Audio

5:42 PM.A lawyer for Northland's Zion Wildlife Gardens says the lives of its 36 big cats are still very much in danger even after a court hearing today. Audio

5:40 PM.More than 80 firefighters from all over Hawke's Bay, including rural volunteers, fought the blaze in October. The Fire Service had safety worries over how it stored its products. Audio

5:33 PM.The latest form the RNZ Sport team. Audio

5:25 PM.The latest Business News including a market update. Audio

5:20 PM.The independent funding agency is considering stopping some programmes it has funded from screening during election periods, to protect its reputation for political impartiality. Audio

5:17 PM.Methanex New Zealand says it will restart its second methanol manufacturing plant at Motunui, north of New Plymouth, after signing a ten year gas supply agreement. Audio

5:10 PM.The December the 21st attack came as the girl slept in a caravan beside her younger brother and just metres from her parents. Audio