Checkpoint for Friday 14 February 2025

5:44 PM.Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a deadly explosion that ripped through the floor of a mall in Taiwan, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visiting the White House and what… Read more Audio

5:35 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

5:31 PM.Alice Robinson has made history on the slopes in Austria winning New Zealand's first alpine ski world championships medal. Robinson claimed the silver medal in the giant slalom behind an athlete from… Read more Audio

5:23 PM.The "drinking" water supplier for a small Far North town that's been subject to a boil water notice for close to a decade claims he's never had any complaints. The 2015 public health notice was issued… Read more Audio

5:18 PM."A bitter blow for the south Waikato." That's the reaction from the union for 230 workers who today had it confirmed they would lose their jobs at Kinleith's pulp and paper mill at the end of June… Read more Audio

5:09 PM.The abrupt resignation of the Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati leaves the health system in a "perilous" position, fear doctors and health experts. Dr Sarfati, the Government's top health… Read more Audio

4:44 PM.US President Donald Trump could be about to ramp his economic assault on trading partners. Trump has ordered up a plan for reciprocal tariffs - which are new tariffs to match taxes on US goods… Read more Audio

4:41 PM.People around the country are having to wait months or even years to have crucial surveillance colonoscopies due to staff shortages. Health New Zealand said it's trying to schedule procedures as soon… Read more Audio

4:33 PM.Two years ago, the deadly Cyclone Gabrielle pummeled the North Island's East Coast. Hundreds of Hawke's Bay residents were forced to climb onto their rooftops and trees to escape the rising… Read more Audio

4:28 PM.Sports Journalist Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about Super Rugby Pacific's opening match in Christchurch and the grand final rematch between the Blues and Chiefs in Auckland. Audio

4:24 PM.Sporty couple Mark Smoothi and Alyssa Coe will renew their wedding vows during the challenge Wanaka Half; a triathalon that includes an almost two kilometere swim, 90 kilometre bike and a run of more… Read more Audio

4:15 PM.Holidays to Rarotonga, free TVs and even cold-hard cash have all been used as extra incentives by banks to try and win people over when it comes to mortgages. Now, it looks like some property… Read more Audio

4:10 PM.Federated farmers says families are being forced to abandon rural life because they can't get their kids to school after cuts to bus routes. Its spokesperson Toby Williams spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio