Checkpoint

An environment group says the government must urgently fix a proposed law allowing the sell off of conservation land. Forest and Bird says a bill going through parliament could allow land in Coromandel to lose protections against mining, something it thinks the government could be sneaking through by stealth. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Footballer Logan Rogerson's Bali Holiday took an unexpected turn after an SOS from All Whites coach Darren Bazeley. The Auckland FC midfielder is replacing Matt Garbett, whose Football World Cup has been cut short with a hamstring injury. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A humble Hawkes Bay choir is celebrating its 40th birthday. The Hastings Choral Society launched in 1986, the same year Dave Dobbyn and Herbs released "Slice of Heaven", and the Prime Minister was David Lange. Founding member of the choir, Eileen Von Dadelszen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Shane Jones is facing heavy fire over a thirty thousand dollar travel budget blowout for a trip to Canada. The opposition say he's not living up to the standards set by his own government, and he's been critiqued by his coalition partners too. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more.

"Embarassing" is how a union boss has described New Zealand voting against a suite of protections for gig or platform workers at an international labour conference. Aotearoa and the US were the only two countries that did not support the protections at the UN conference. NZ Council of Trades Unions secretary Melissa Ansell Bridges spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Canterbury Rams basketball player Tamenang Choh has always been in his element on the court, but in the water he was out of his depth. The American import has now decided to take the plunge and learn to swim as an adult, taking advantage of the fact his training court is right next door to Christchurch's new pool at the Parakiore sports centre. Rachel Graham reports.

A coup is brewing in the heart of Auckland city of the treatment of an outspoken advocate for the CBD. Heart of the City CEO was stood down by an elevent member executive committee after their relationship with her allegedly broke down. Now dozens fo businesses are calling for a special meeting to roll the committee. Auckland city businessman Greg Moyle is among them, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Planned cuts to the government agency combatting family and sexual violence don't go far enough, according to an advocate. David White, whose daughter was killed by her husband in 2009, says the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence is an "ivory tower" and a waste of money. But others say the centre has done important work, and worry the cuts will stunt its progress. Felix Walton has more.

Healthcare services have been left scratching their heads over what's behind an ongoing scabies outbreak plaguing Whanganui. The city has been hit by the highly infection skin disease for about a year. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.