Checkpoint

News from the Waatea team. Audio

The Green MP, Sue Kedgley has approached Parliament's Speaker to request that her animal welfare bill go to a conscience vote. Audio

We cross to China now, where our correspondent Michael Bristow has the latest on diplomatic row between China and Japan. Audio

An update from the RNZ sports team. Audio

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal which would have allowed homosexual men and women to serve openly in the American military. Audio

Aviation enthusiasts are clamouring for one of the airforce's mothballed skyhawks, with a US company's deal to buy them looking increasingly shaky. Audio

Investors are backing the appointment of four new directors to the troubled investment company, Guinness Peat Group, founded by Sir Ron Brierley. Audio

Another group of detainees is staging a rooftop protest at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney. Audio

In Canterbury, those carrying out sentences of community service are being put to good use - with teams of workers out helping with the post-earthquake clean-up. Audio

Listening to that interview was the Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker. Audio

Some Christchurch people who live in one of the suburbs hit hardest by the quake are feeling abandoned and neglected. Audio

Early childhood education leaders are unhappy the government has stopped passing on kindergarten teachers' pay rises to other early childhood services. Audio