Checkpoint

A Taranaki-based startup using fermentation to turn difficult food waste into living soil is gaining momentum. Green Loop collects not only organic waste but also processed foods, meat and dairy products which it treats on farmland at Korito near New Plymouth. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

New Zealand researchers are warning climate change may mean an increase in bacteria infected seafood and the water itself. The group of waterborne bacteria called Vibrio can cause stomach bugs, infect cuts if you're swimming in it, and seafood containing the bacteria can also make you sick. The bacteria flourish in a warm environment. Science Leader at the NZ Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, Nicola King, spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fourteen staff members have had to take time off work after being assaulted by patients at Palmerston North Hospital's new mental health ward, Ngā Wai Ngāro, since it opened in February. Now the brother of a former patient of the service, who died by suicide while under hospital care, says inadequate staffing levels are putting people at risk. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

The final whistle has blown on day one of the Football World Cup - and the opening of the 23rd edition of the tournament will be remembered for discipline issues on and off the field. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Conservations are calling for the Selwyn District Council to consider a by-law to stop people feeding Kea at Arthur's Pass, something they say can be fatal. It encourages Kea to hang around roads and built up areas, and that is where accidents happen. The Kea Conservation Trust's Renee Habluetzel spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about a peace agreement with Iran that could be reached this weekend accord to Donald Trump after calling off a fresh round of planned US strikes.

A nurse is calling for improvements to a fatal intersection on a popular holiday highway between Auckland and the Coromandel. There have been a number of fatal and serious injury accidents at the intersection of SH25 and Hauraki Road, known as Orongo corner. Local nurse Fiona Lagae is pushing for a review and remodel of the blackspot and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Students from the new Waikato medical school will have placements in five regions around the country from 2029. Dr Nathalie de Vries, Chief Medical Officer at Whanganui Hospital spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Australia's major political parties continuing to grapple with a surge in support for One Nation, after a recent survey put the party polling ahead of the governing Labor Party.

News from the business sector, including a market report.