Checkpoint

A risky operation is being carried out in the Far North to save a large humpback whale entangled in ropes. The Department of Conservation says the whale will die unless it is freed from the nylon… Read more Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has appointed his youngest son as a four-star general, just ahead of the scheduled opening of the biggest ruling party meeting for 30 years. Audio

News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

Wigram MP, Jim Anderton is accusing Christchurch mayor Bob Parker of avoiding local body election debates for political reasons. Audio

A last minute cheque, for more than a quarter of a million dollars, has saved the Wellington Phoenix football club from being taken to court. The Accident Compensation Corporation had launched legal… Read more Audio

There are predictions hundreds of council workers laid off in Auckland may be re-hired as Super City consultants on inflated wages. Audio

The head of Child Youth and Family admits mistakes were made in the case of a woman sentenced today for the manslaughter of her baby who drowned in a bathtub. Audio

Child Youth and Family admits mistakes, 1223 workers to join Auckland unemployed, Man pleads guilty to Raymond Piper's death, Phoenix squares bill for unpaid ACC levies, Parker accused of avoiding… Read more Audio

Beekeepers are questioning whether border controls are up to scratch, after the discovery of a potentially damaging parasite in New Zealand hives. Audio

Venezuelans have been voting for a new parliament, with opposition parties poised to return to the National Assembly after a poll boycott in 2005. Audio

News from the Waatea team. Audio