Checkpoint for Friday 21 June 2024

5:41 PM.Asia correspondent Erin Hale speaks to Lisa Owen about tensions running high in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, Vladimir Putin's tour of Asia and Japan's tourism industry… Read more Audio

5:34 PM.Invercargill's embattled mayor Nobby Clark has refused to stand down following a Code of Conduct complaint. Audio

5:30 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:25 PM.Sports reporter Jonty Dine speaks to Lisa Owen about the Warriors heading to the Gold Coast to take on the cellar dwelling Titans on Saturday. Audio

5:18 PM.An internal investigation has confirmed a heavily pregnant woman aged in her 20s and her stillborn child died after the mother's admission to Palmerston North Hospital's intensive care unit was… Read more Audio

5:11 PM.A re-jigged grid means most of Northland has power back but the system is fragile with the risk of demand outstripping supply. Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darryn Fisher joins Lisa… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.There were broken coffee machines, a scramble for generators and businesses left out of pocket in the Far North town of Kaitaia after Northland was plunged into darkness yesterday, Lucy Xia reports. Audio

4:42 PM.The expiry date is looming for the $80,000 reward leading to the safe return of 3 marokopa children taken by their fugative father, California psychologist Doctor Rebecca Bailey, who has extensive… Read more Audio

4:30 PM.RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall speaks to Lisa Owen about the Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and the Blues. Audio

4:22 PM.Rotorua's seen a rapid reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour in the CBD over the past six months, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell speaks to Lisa Owen. Audio

4:14 PM.Canada correspondent Ashleigh Stewart speaks to Lisa Owen about a heatwave affecting millions across the country, Canada taking further steps to ward off foreign interferrence and an airline that has… Read more Audio

4:06 PM.Multiple investigations are underway after a pylon toppled over cutting off power to most of Northland yesterday. The pylon ended up on its side in farmland in Glorit north of Auckland. At this stage… Read more Audio