Checkpoint for Tuesday 18 October 2022

5:08 PM.'A shocker - to put it politely.' That's the assessment from Kiwibank economists to the biggest domestic inflation rise since records began.

Surging food and household costs have kept inflation close… Read more Audio

5:12 PM.Independent MP Gaurav Sharma has resigned from Parliament, forcing a by-election in Hamilton West.

The former Labour MP says he intends to stand in the by-election as an independent candidate.

… Read more Video, Audio

5:16 PM.No big city hospitals are meeting their target for treating emergency department patients within six hours.
 
A report into Middlemore Hospital described the emergency department as "dysfunctional,… Read more Video, Audio

5:20 PM.The draw for the biggest women's sports event in the world - the 2023 Football World Cup - takes place in Auckland this week.

Some of football's top brass are here to check out the facilities that… Read more Video, Audio

5:26 PM.Returning to our earlier story, housing is a key factor driving up inflation.

The latest Consumer Price Index shows rental prices had an annual increase of 4.6 percent in the September quarter.

… Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.The government's standing firm on its Three Waters proposal, despite plans from Auckland's mayor to try to flush the plan away.

Wayne Brown has sent a letter to Watercare, telling the organisation to… Read more Video, Audio

5:42 PM.The local body elections saw a change of guard in many of the country's councils. At the same time in West Auckland, residents have voted for new representatives on their liquor licensing trusts that… Read more Video, Audio

5:46 PM.Community members in Gisborne are kicking off a grassroots movement to try to stop a surge in gang warfare.

There's been gunshots, house fires and extra police on guard in the city over recent weeks.

5:49 PM.The Lady of the Lake - Queenstown's Earnslaw - has celebrated 110 years since it first set sail. And its owners say it hasn't run out of steam yet.

The TSS Earnslaw marked its birthday today with a… Read more Video, Audio

5:51 PM.The Silver Scroll Awards are on tonight, recognising the country's best songwriters.

It's the first full-scale ceremony since 2019, taking place at Auckland's Spark Arena.

Tony Stamp joins Rowan… Read more Video, Audio

6:08 PM.Those in the health sector say Middlemore's Emergency Department isn't the only one under serious pressure.

A report has described Middlemore's ED as "dysfunctional, overcrowded and unsafe".

Senior… Read more Video, Audio