Checkpoint

The quest to find a host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games is coming to a close. After the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as the original host in July because of rising costs several other… Read more Audio

A former cabinet minister says MPs need to stop turning down payrises and take what they're offered. It's been six and a half years since Members of parliament got a pay bump. Jacinda Ardern… Read more Audio

A central Auckland lodge decimated by a fire was among 37 boarding houses investigated after the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington. Ten people were evacuated from Parnell's City Garden Lodge yesterday… Read more Audio

The Prime Minister has outlined nine measureable goals or so called Better Public Service Targets. Among them; An aim to get 95% of people elective treamtments within four months. Getting 95% of… Read more Audio

MPs could be in for a pay rise after having no increase in the last six years. The independent Remuneration Authority is due to deliver its decision on MP pay in the next couple of weeks. Georgie… Read more Audio

New Plymouth ratepayers are being asked to choose between closing the much-loved Brooklands Zoo or funding up to nine million dollar of upgrades. Most of the work is required to meet regulatory… Read more Audio

Ethnic communities say the proposed changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme is a positive step but more needs to be done. Immigration minister Erica Stanford announced the changes Sunday… Read more Audio

It's a monster budget hole that could mean Christchurch Cathedral remain in ruins. The Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Trust said cost of rebuilding the iconic building has ballooned from 104… Read more Audio

The big dry has been creeping across parts of the top of the South Island into the Tasman District. A drought was declared in the region last month - with some saying its the worst they've seen in 50… Read more Audio

After four Olympic Games and five FIFA World Cups Football Fern Ria Percival is hanging up her boots. The midfielder played 166 times at senior level, more than any other female or male player in New… Read more Audio

The Prime Minister has set nine government targets for the public service - giving it until 2030 to achieve them. Christopher Luxon said he's bringing back targets - originally introduced by Sir John… Read more Audio

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown speaks to Lisa Owen about Israel announcing it's withdrawing a large number of troops from southern Gaza, a new round of ceasefire talks getting underway in Cairo… Read more Audio