Checkpoint for Friday 8 December 2023

5:55 PM.A kiwi gamer says he's spent around $16,000 on loot boxes, or virtual treasure chests, in online video games. Games like Counter-strike and FIFA, now EA FC, allow players to spend real money to open… Read more Audio

5:46 PM.Otorohanga College is being forced to close its rundown boarding hostel because it doesnt have the money to fix it up. It broke the news to parents and students this afternoon after unsucessfully… Read more Video, Audio

5:40 PM.Tairawhiti's rescue helicopter service is sounding the alarm that lives are at risk due to its inability to fly in low cloud. As early as last week, it had to abandon a potential rescue of people… Read more Audio

5:28 PM.A Napier neighbourhood's allegedly been dogged by noise that's driving them barking mad. A pair of fluffy Shih Tzu crosses Ruby and Simba living on Napier Hill, have 17 complaints against them for… Read more Video, Audio

5:25 PM.One of the worlds best golfers has defected to the Saudi Arabia backed LIV Golf tour. Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm will leave the PGA for a reported $920 million. Sports reporter Jonty Dine… Read more Video, Audio

5:18 PM.The Prime Minister has been told there needs to be action in Wairoa to get the cyclone-hit town back on its feet. Christopher Luxon drove crumbling State Highway 2 with a handful of MPs this morning… Read more Audio

5:15 PM.Auckland Transport plans to spend the summer holidays working on the city's pothole problem. But the agency says it needs more funding to get ahead of its massive backlog of damaged roads. Felix… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.New Zealand's joined its five eyes partners calling out Russia for malicious, sustained and politically targeted cybers attacks on the UK. The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre claims… Read more Video, Audio