Checkpoint

Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen about how the digital giants in Australia are facing fines in the tens of millions of dollars if they fail to block under 16s from social media platforms. It's all part of tough new laws being pushed to deal with mental health issues from excessive exposure to social media.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Warriors path to NRL glory has been laid out with the release of the schedule for 2025. An ANZAC test in Christchurch, a trip to Vegas and the return of the women's side mark an exciting year ahead for the club. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

First year University of Canterbury students are being forced to go flatting as capacity in the university's halls of residence is completely maxxed out. Enrolment at UC went over 22,000 at the start of this year - up 20 percent from 5 years ago. But that's meant over 4000 students have applied for spots in the first year halls when there are only 2000 spaces available. With so many students forced to look elsewhere to live, flats are also becoming harder to come by. Bella Craig reports.

The Education Minister Erica Stanford has apologised in Parliament after allegedly calling her Labour Party counterpart Jan Tinetti a "stupid bitch" in the debating chamber. It comes at the same time that government parties have complained about standards slipping in Parliament, Deputy Political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has ratcheted up it's fees for having tables outside, in one case restaurant owner Blair Impey's bill has gone from $3200 to $51,000. The increased bill is due to be paid on December 1st but Blair Impey said he'll be sending a legal letter to council next week and hasd been told by his lawyers he can seek a judicial review. The Queenstown Business Association said the timing couldn't be worse, with the sector struggling, and Hospitality NZ said the Queenstown fee hikes are hard to swallow. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage spoke to Lisa Owen.

A southland doctor said he's having to sedate dementia patients because there's a lack of care options in rural areas. Doctor Daniel Allan is a psychiatrist for elderly people and this week he told a health select committee of the challenges getting appropriate care for people with dementia in more isolated parts of southland. He said he's deliberately having to use anti-psychotic medication for people with dementia and its a regular thing among other colleagues too, even though it is a last resort option because of a lack of places for them to go. Doctor Daniel Allan spoke to Lisa Owen.

While police say it sends a clear message to gangs about compliance, those living within gang communities are worried the new laws could lead to unneccessary violence. Alexa Cook sat down two senior gang leaders in Hawke's Bay to find out what the new laws mean to them, and police assistant Commissioner Paul Basham spoke to Lisa Owen.

Golfer Lydia Ko is preparing for the final tournament of the season, and a potential $7 million pay-day. Ko is chasing a third CME Group Tour Championship, however, it was her four legged friend and newly adopted good luck charm who stole the show at this week's media presser. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he hopes it'll never be necessary to arm police officers in New Zealand - but he's open to a discussion about it. The majority of officers are in favour of being armed. But experts say the move would be a step backwards for police with potentially tragic consequences for young Maori in particular. Bill Hickman has more.