Checkpoint

The sound of bittersweet strings will be ringing out in the lower South Island this long weekend. Queenstown is playing host to a special competition celebrating a quarter century milestone. But it's missing a special guest this year. Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about how a landmark report has revealed the impact rising youth unemployment and disengagement is having on the British economy. She also spoke about how the former First Minister of Scotland has spoken publicly for the first time since her estranged husband pleaded guilting to embezzlement and how a dog walk in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire has fetched quite the payday.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

It's the final round of the regular Super Rugby season. While some teams are resting front-liners for the playoffs, others are fighting to progress, while one may be set for their final ever game. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Metservice has issued orange heavy rain warnings for the top of the South Island and the West Coast with up to 600 millimetres of rain expected in some areas. There's a chance those orange warnings could be upgraded to red. Metservice meteorologist John Law spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some people are still recovering a year after two winter floods caused widespread damage across the Tasman district, while many work on being better prepared for the next storm. It's one of the key issues concerning a group formed to look after the health of the Motueka River, saying they consistently hear from residents who want more education around flood risks. Samantha Gee reports.

A extra half million dollars in funding could have kept Sail GP on New Zealand waters, according to event founder Sir Russell Coutts. Last month the government declined to fund the grand prix of catamaran racing, which travels around the globe each series. It's raced in Aotearoa four times before. Auckland was hoping to host it again and had committed cash. Sail GP Founder Sir Russell Coutts spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fresh off the back of the World Surf League Championship Tour stop in Raglan this month, the surfing community's focus turns to New Plymouth where the Egmont Honey Pro is bringing top-level longboarding to Taranaki. It's a surfing style often associated with older athletes, but this weekend's world tour qualifying event features dozens of teenagers. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to Fitzroy Beach to catch the vibe.

From 4,500 followers on social media to over 1.3 million, all thanks to an Argentinean influencer. All White Tim Payne's profile has skyrocketed after Valen Scarsini told his followers to back the man he called the World Cup's least-known player. It's been labelled a Cinderella story, but it's one Payne could use to his advantage. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Police will be taking a hardline on bad behaviour on the roads this long weekend. Officers will be quote "unapologetic," in focusing on seatbelts, speed and distracted or impaired drivers. Official figures show 141 people had been killed on our roads so far this year compared to 135 in the same time last year. Director of Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally spoke to Lisa Owen.