Checkpoint for Friday 8 June 2012

6:53 PM.The Ministry of Economic Development says it's listened hard to iwi - and has decided to reduce the number of areas that will be searched for oil and gas; A Maori academic says his ongoing research… Read more Audio

6:35 PM.Public outrage and threats of rebellion have forced the Government into a complete backdown over its plan to change teacher pupil ratios, just a fortnight after the May 24th budget. Audio

6:33 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:23 PM.News from the business sector. Audio

6:15 PM.In a sign of China's nervousness about an economic slow down its central bank has cut interest rates for the first time in four years. Audio

6:12 PM.The International Monetary Fund says the enormity of New Zealand's household debt is unique among highly indebted countries. Audio

6:08 PM.Health officials are warning about a looming shortage of nurses within the decade as well as an over supply of new doctors in many countries. Audio

5:55 PM.Kapiti coast locals opposed to compulsory water meters are organising a petition calling for a vote of no confidence in the District Council. Audio

5:52 PM.A violent rampage by Indonesian soldiers in the town of Wamena in Papua province has sent thousands of residents fleeing to the bush. Audio

5:49 PM.The Ministry of Economic Development says it's listened hard to iwi - and has decided to reduce the number of areas that will be searched for oil and gas; A national body representing many Maori… Read more Audio

5:42 PM.Drivers in Auckland may soon have to fork out far more to park in the city centre. Audio

5:37 PM.As the police hunt for the gunman who fired two shots at an officer last night in central Auckland the Police Association has yet again called for front line staff to be armed. Audio

5:33 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:28 PM.The Backbencher pub opposite Parliament and some of its famous MP puppets have gone up in flames. Audio

5:26 PM.Police have identified skeletal remains at an Auckland property as a 25 year old man who was murdered three years ago. Audio

5:24 PM.The Minister of Education began mending her relationship with school principals this afternoon. Audio

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

5:16 PM.Hundreds of people have turned out for a memorial service in Wellington this afternoon for the triplets killed in the Qatar shopping mall fire. Audio

5:13 PM.Tears flowed in the High Court in Wellington today as the widow of the slain Feilding farmer Scott Guy gave evidence about what happened on the morning her husband was killed. Audio

5:10 PM.The shooting in Auckland has once again brought calls from the Police Association for for front line officers to wear guns on hips. Audio

5:07 PM.A pistol bearing man who shot at police in Auckland is still on the loose tonight. Audio

5:00 PM.Police hunt for the gunman who shot at a officer. Scott Guy's wife Kylee and sister Anna take the stand and hundreds farewell the triplets killed in the Qatar shopping mall fire. Audio