Checkpoint for Tuesday 25 August 2020

5:09 PM.Two mental health units have been named and shamed by the Chief Ombudsman for what he describes as degrading, cruel or inhuman treatment.

Te Whare O Matairangi mental heath unit at Wellington… Read more Video, Audio

5:17 PM.Warning: story contains detail some may find distressing.

"This man is not one of us but that didn't stop him from slaughtering us" - just some of the many strong words directed to the Christchurch… Read more Video, Audio

5:23 PM.With many questions still outstanding about the Covid-19 cluster, the government is launching a seven-day testing blitz across the country.

It's set a goal of 70,000 tests over the next week to boost… Read more Audio

5:26 PM.Northland's towns and tourist spots will remain quiet until Sunday night due to the government's extension of Covid-19 alert level 3 restrictions in Auckland.

Businesses in the region say the last… Read more Video, Audio

5:31 PM.As lockdown drags on, the aviation industry has hit more turbulence.

Jetstar has today announced it is continuing its suspension of domestic travel because the social distancing requirements make it… Read more Audio

5:41 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:52 PM.Some bus and taxi drivers are worried they will be abused by angry commuters who do not want to comply with new rules making masks mandatory on public transport.

From Monday face coverings must be… Read more Audio

5:55 PM.The move to make masks part of our daily routine is being embraced in South Auckland, an area hard hit by the latest covid cluster.

Face coverings are becoming the norm in Manurewa - from bandanas to… Read more Video, Audio

6:09 PM.More victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks have detailed the pain and grief Brenton Tarrant's actions have had on them, at the second day of the gunman's sentencing.

Our reporter Logan Church… Read more Video, Audio

6:12 PM.The political jousting over the government's handling of Covid-19 continues, with the Opposition demanding more scrutiny and more support for businesses suffering under the continued Auckland… Read more Audio

6:16 PM.Tauranga City Council has narrowly voted in favour of establishing a Māori ward at the next local elections in 2022.

There was haka and applause in the public gallery as councillors voted 6 to 4 with… Read more Audio

6:19 PM.One hundred years ago today a small bi-plane made the first air crossing of the often treacherous Cook Strait.

The Canterbury Aviation Company's successful mission was a major milestone in New… Read more Video, Audio

6:25 PM.Wellington's famous cat, Mittens, is facing some Covid-19 restrictions of his own.

The fluffy ginger feline is known for appearing around the capital and has most recently found fame on the New… Read more Audio