Checkpoint

There are accusations immigration officials misled ministers, deliberately withheld information and used creative accounting to avoid scrutiny of a failed technology upgrade that blew through tens millions of dollars before being mothballed. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford today launched a scathing take down of her Ministry off the back of a report detailing a litany of expensive mistakes in the biometric project. MBIE is the Ministry responsible, and chief executive Nic Blakeley spoke to Lisa Owen.

The All Whites sent fans on a rollercoaster ride in their opening game of the Football World Cup against Iran. After leading twice, New Zealand ended with a 2-all draw in Los Angeles today. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Christchurch charity growing and selling veges on a pay what you can afford model is hoping to break even this year. Te Waerenga Trust has gardens in several peoples' backyards and also land in Addington Park. General manager, Wilby Le Heux spoke to Lisa Owen.

Old chemicals found in two historic Antarctic huts could be explosive according to a chemistry professor. The chemicals, which have remained at Scott's hut and Shackleton's hut for over 100 years, could contain pictric acid crystals and peroxide crystals. Antarctica NZ is aiming to dispose of the chemicals, but it will depend on sea ice conditions as to when they'll be able to get there. Luka Forman reports.

A rise in unmet need and an on-going lack of investment in Māorimental health services could compromise outcomes for tangata whenua. That is according to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, which is calling for an urgent Maori-specific plan by mid-next year. Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission CEO Karen Osborn spoke to Lisa Owen.

Health and Safety campaigners are launching a last ditch effort to stop law changes they say will make workplaces more dangerous and cost lives. The Health and Safety at Work Amendment bill would exempt businesses with fewer than 20 workers from legally having to manage non-critical safety risks. Mike Cosman from the Institute of Safety Management spoke to Lisa Owen.

Labour is committing to fully funding maternity scans, alongside its three free GP appointments a year - paid for by it's capital gains tax. The sonographer appointments are currently subsidised but still mean expectant parents can pay up to $90 per scan. This is something Labour says is putting pressure on families and prevents parents and babies from getting care. Field correspondent Charlotte Cook reports.

A donut business repeatedly targetted by theives has decided to call it quits. The Daily Glaze in Lower Hutt has been operating for less than a year but owners say they no longer feel safe working there after repeated break-ins. While the shop will close its doors this weekend, Police insist a retail crime taskforce operating in the area is helping tackle thefts. Anya Fielding reports.

Football fans had barely sat down before the All Whites had them up celebrating their opening goal of the Football World Cup against Iran. Against the odds the New Zealanders put two goals past the world number 20 side but had to settle for a 2-all draw. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Thousands of animals are needing foster homes this winter, and it's not just cats and dogs. There are plenty of the farmyard variety. Viv Moore, SPCA's National Foster and Volunteer Manager spoke to Lisa Owen.