Checkpoint for Monday 12 January 2015

5:54 PM.A shark biologist says more smartphones are the reason for a rising number of recorded shark sightings, rather than an actual increase in their numbers. Audio

5:47 PM.The American President, Barack Obama, is facing criticism from some politicians and media commentators for not joining other world leaders at a rally in Paris in response to this weeks terrorist… Read more Audio

5:45 PM.Two men at the centre of a kidnapping saga in Queenstown last year have denied the charges and elected a trial by jury. Audio

5:40 PM.The men's tennis tournament, the Heineken Open has kicked off in Auckland today. Audio

5:35 PM.Showers forecast for Canterbury and Otago this week won't be enough to ease drought conditions - or farmers' minds. Audio

5:31 PM.As Aucklanders' prospects of home ownership slip further away, renting is set to get harder too, with prices continuing to rise. Audio

5:21 PM.The ceremony comes just days after the attacks in Paris and the stars have made their own statements at the event - including Helen Mirren who was sporting a "je suis Charlie Hebdo" sign. Audio

5:17 PM.The Crown says what started as a festive night out on the town ended with a brawl in a bar. Audio

5:12 PM.The Foreign Minister, Murray McCully says New Zealand will do every thing it can to stop the serious crooks who are plundering the Southern Ocean. Audio

5:08 PM.A Rotorua Judge has sent what he thinks is a clear message to foreign drivers who come into New Zealand and cause what he calls mayhem on the roads. Audio