Checkpoint for Thursday 18 May 2017

5:00 PM.Watch Thursday's full programme here. Video

5:08 PM.Vikas Singh was beaten and choked by what police have labelled uneducated, gutless, stupid, violent cowardly imbeciles who should be ashamed of themselves. Video, Audio

5:19 PM.Japan has surprised the New Zealand Government by throwing its weight behind the Trans-Pacific Partnership, beathing new-life into the trade deal. Chris Bramwell reports from Japan. Video, Audio

5:22 PM.Scientists have accidentally discovered a geothermal resource on the South Island's West Coast which could completely rejuvenate the area's economy. Video, Audio

5:32 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:35 PM.Eye specialist James Stewart says he was surprised more people weren't affected waiting for follow-up eye appointments after 14 patients suffered major or moderate loss of vision due to delays. Audio

5:42 PM.The head of the Canterbury Crusaders is calling for a stadium to be built in the middle of Christchurch as a matter of urgency, but an economics lecturer says the business case doesn't stack up. Audio

5:45 PM.Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton says there is great pressure ahead of the America's Cup, and the team wants as much practice time on the water as possible. Video, Audio

5:55 PM.Emma and Stephen Cliff were shocked to be billed $31,000 for roaming charges while on holiday in Rarotonga. Spark says the couple was repeatedly warned, but they deny this. Video, Audio

6:08 PM.Counties Manakau Detective Inspector Fa'amanuia Va'aelua let his anger at the recent increase in aggravated robberies loose today, partly blaming it on cigarettes. Video, Audio