Checkpoint

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about how the Iran war is approaching the 11-week mark. She also spoke about how Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to meet in Washington to try bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and how Turkey's foreign minister has visited Qatar to discuss the Iran war.

Rules around high-powered electric dirt bikes are not fit for purpose, according to AA. The motoring association's writing to the transport minister, asking him to look at the problem. Police have expressed serious concerns about electric bikes that can hit high speeds, but in some cases are being ridden in pedestrian areas. Terry Collins from the AA spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm with the latest from across the ditch.

The Commerce Commission has released its first State of Competition report talking about how competition is working. Businesses are also reporting widespread economic damage caused by the Middle East conflict. Business reporter Nona Pelletier spoke with Lisa Owen.

The Wellington Phoenix women's inaugural captain Lily Alfeld became a cult figure off the field when a back injury ended her playing days prematurely. Alfeld was the first ever signing for the team five years ago, but for the past three years she's been working for the club with community engagement. The former goalkeeper said she's still the team's biggest cheerleader as they head into the A-League Grand Final on Saturday. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Group goes into no-go heritage site Banbury Mine near Denniston. Biodiversity ranger Sean Judd spoke with Lisa Owen.

The organiser of an Auckland push bike ride that ended with several arrests and dozens of tickets handed out says the police presence was excessive and he plans to meet with them later this week. Four people were arrested on the Sunday cycle ride through Henderson and New Lynn and 53 infringement notices were issued. About 120 mainly young people took part in the event that lasted about three hours. Organiser Kimami Ngaluafe spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's nothing that'll clear a beach quicker than the sight of a dark fin silently ploughing through the water, followed by the panicked shout of "shark". In Dunedin a bell is used to warn surfers and swimmers it's time to get out because the apex predator is lurking. It was installed after fatal attacks back in the sixties. But there's concern some beachgoers have become complacent, even though it's been rung four times in the past two weeks. Tess Brunton has more.

There's no sugar coating it, in the chocolate industry most farmers do not earn a living income .. forests are being destroyed and child labour is still a major problem. That's according to the 7th edition of the Chocolate Scorecard. The scorecard's run by the not for profit Be Slavery Free and it ranks businesses based on a number of environmental and ethical factors. The director of Chocolate Scorecard Fuzz Kitto spoke to Lisa Owen.

Renters advocates are calling for better protections to stop students and vulnerable people falling prey to what they term 'slumlords.' Three flat mates are taking their previous landlord to the Tenancy Tribunal after their flat constantly flooded and was riddled with mould.It's added to growing calls for greater accountability and stronger enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy Homes Standards. Bella Craig reports.