Checkpoint for Wednesday 31 July 2024

5:48 PM.Africa correspondent Elna Schutz speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about dozens of Russian mercenaries being killed in Mali, a high-profile court case about tuna and how African nations have been faring so… Read more Audio

5:45 PM.Submissions on the legislation to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act have been heard this week at parliament, the overwhelming majority of them in opposition to the Bill. Most have… Read more Audio

5:38 PM.The Dunedin City Council has upheld the findings of a code of conduct complaint investigation - into race-based comments made by councillor Lee Vandervis. It found Mr Vandervis breached the code by… Read more Audio

5:33 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:30 PM.Tax cuts come into effect today, it's the first adjustment to tax brackets in 14 years. The cuts are expected to cost 3.7 billion dollars a year and are being funded by savings and other revenue… Read more Video, Audio

5:27 PM.The Black Ferns defended their Olympic crown this morning, winning gold in Paris with a 19-12 win over Canada in the final. New Zealand's sole medal puts the country 16th on medal table which is… Read more Audio

5:20 PM.MP's have also been told the publicly-funded, private schools will breach human rights and international labour agreements. The warnings came in submissions to Parliament's Education and Workforce… Read more Audio

5:15 PM.After a week of waiting, we've finally been able to spend today basking in the glory of our first gold medal at the Olympic Games. The Ferns beat Canada 19-12 in an exciting match played out this… Read more Audio

5:08 PM.Buller Health's acute stabilisation unit, also known as the hospital, will shut from 5.30pm tonight to 8.30am tomorrow morning, because of staff illness. It's at least the fourth time this month the… Read more Audio

4:46 PM.The trial of John Hope Muchirahondo is underway at the High Court in Christchurch. He is facing 22 charges of sexual violation by rape, and 9 of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one… Read more Audio

4:43 PM.A jury has been told that a rope found at Phillip John Polkinghorne's home failed a tension check that would mean it could bear the weight of a person. The retired eye surgeon is on trial for… Read more Audio

4:30 PM.Jonty Dine speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about the Black Ferns Sevens being the first Kiwis on the podium in Paris after winning their final 19-12 over Canada, the OlyWhites heading home and both… Read more Audio

4:24 PM.Reptiles like the Australian Water Dragon were recently found lounging amongst the Greenery by the Tasman District biosecuirty team. Water Dragons are traded and legally kept as pets here - but it's… Read more Audio

4:16 PM.Asia correspondent Erin Hale speaks to Susana Lei'ataua about a landslide in India claiming over 100 lives, protests against government job quotas in Bangladesh and a teenager in India becoming the… Read more Audio

4:06 PM.Currently, 22 facilities are managed by the council but 20 are already managed by third-party providers. Tomorrow, councillors will vote on whether to fully outsource operations of the remaining… Read more Audio