Checkpoint for Friday 22 December 2023

5:42 PM.While Christmas is a time of coming together for many, not everyone has the luxury of friends or family in their town to gather with. An Auckland Yoga teacher says she's been in that boat before, and… Read more Audio

5:30 PM.If you're struggling to find time to catch up with your mates ahead of Christmas, the solution might be… chicken parmigiana? Well for one group of friends in Melbourne it has certainly helped. Andrea… Read more Audio

5:27 PM.Aucklanders who've spent the year dealing with storm-affected homes are getting some relief, as the first of the council property buyouts begins. Auckland Council has been working with insurers and… Read more Audio

5:23 PM.The Black Caps are allaying fears over the fitness of captain Kane Williamson after he was withdrawn from the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh.

Williamson and pace bowler Kyle Jamieson have… Read more Audio

5:19 PM.Emergency water tanks are selling out across Wellington, as the region moves closer to strict water restrictions. New modelling from Wellington Water shows the chance of an acute water shortage has… Read more Audio

5:16 PM.There will be security guards at 32 hospital emergency departments across the country this summer. The government is spending an extra $5.7m on short-term security after an increase in violent… Read more Audio

5:10 PM.It's a busy time on our roads and at petrol stations. Terry Collins, a Fuel Spokesperson for the AA, speaks to Jimmy Ellingham about the cost of filling up this festive season, and what tips or tricks… Read more Audio

5:07 PM.'Tis the season for reuniting with loved ones... and traffic jams and airport queues. It's the busiest day of the year for Auckland Airport, with 63,000 people expected to arrive or leave on flights… Read more Audio