Checkpoint for Friday 16 April 2021

5:07 PM.The government's priorities are being questioned after it announced it's giving Amazon a $100 million-plus boost to film the Lord of the Rings television series here.

Under a Memorandum of… Read more Audio

5:10 PM.Greyhound racing could face a "fundamental" shake-up if its shown to be dragging its feet over animal welfare.

And the Minister of Racing can't rule out shutting the industry down altogether. The… Read more Video, Audio

5:18 PM.Film director James Cameron is defending his decision to graze hundreds of dairy cattle on his farm, despite being an outspoken critic of animal agriculture.

Cameron and his wife, environmentalist… Read more Video, Audio

5:27 PM.A bereaved Wellington father has finally received an apology following mental health system failings in the lead up to his 23-year-old son's death.

But Wainuiomata's John Carter says that's not… Read more Audio

5:33 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6249151628001 Video, Audio

5:41 PM.Police are interviewing businesses at Auckland's Viaduct for a second day following a shooting at a luxury hotel.

Armed police swarmed the upmarket Sofitel Hotel yesterday morning after shots were… Read more Audio

5:44 PM.Exhaustion has forced two of the country's leading female athletes to take a break from their sport, in recent weeks. Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio will miss the start of the national… Read more Audio

5:48 PM.Jacinda Ardern's urged people at Auckland's Polyfest to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Prime Minister made a surprise appearance at the Manukau Sports Dome today, which was alive with vibrant song… Read more Audio

5:55 PM.It is curtain call for legendary actor Rawiri Paratene.

The Whale Rider star will be the first to tread the boards at the new auditorium of Aotearoa's only  independent kaupapa Māori-led theatre… Read more Video, Audio

6:07 PM.Greyhound racing is being put under a fresh microscope by the government.

The Racing Minister has launched a review into how well the sport is cleaning up its act. It comes after a review three years… Read more Audio

6:13 PM.Auckland Zoo does not believe its attraction will be diminshed by the loss of its two lions, and the planned departure of its elephants. Earlier this week it says it was forced to make the extremely… Read more Video, Audio