Checkpoint for Wednesday 18 July 2018

6:25 PM.An anonymous letter sent to neighbours warning them Housing New Zealand had bought a nearby property has caused outrage in the North Waikato town of Tūākau. The handwritten letter, delivered to… Read more Audio

6:21 PM.There are fears the number of people drowning at New Zealand beaches will rise if more isn't done to raise awareness of the dangers. Video, Audio

6:16 PM.Kaikōura District Council has slashed its proposed 17 percent rates increase, opting for a rates increase of around seven percent across the board - but it's going to have to use most of its rainy day… Read more Video, Audio

5:53 PM.Bowie the Cavoodle has been reunited with her owner after she was stolen from outside an Auckland burger shop nearly three months ago. Read more Video, Audio

5:44 PM.A couple who drowned at Muriwai earlier this week left behind nine children, and donations for the family are coming in from as far afield as the UK. Video, Audio

5:40 PM.The 240 staff at New Zealand financial services firm Perpetual Guardian who took part in a trial that saw them work four days a week - but get paid for five - say it has immeasurably improved the… Read more Audio

5:36 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:29 PM.US President Donald Trump is blaming a slip-of-the-tongue as he seeks to calm a growing storm over his failure to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for meddling in the 2016 US… Read more Video, Audio

5:14 PM.Checkpoint's John Campbell investigates the startling trend of owner-operator courier drivers who are earning less than minimum wage, and are often without protection of Employment Law because they… Read more Audio

5:09 PM.A senior Auckland doctor says the murder of a severely disabled woman at the hands of her mother could happen again, unless adult disability services are improved, and care givers are better funded. Video, Audio

5:00 PM.Watch Wednesday's full show here. Video