Checkpoint

Waitaki residents are describing anger and disbelief as their district council mulls proposed rate rises of up to 45 percent.

The Rennie regime is well underway. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie is back in the country and enjoyed a breakfast with media members on Tuesday. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kei te hia-hia he kawhe? Do you fancy a coffee? These might be some of the kupu or words people will hear at a Rotorua cafe that has made the decision to go full Maori immersion. Customers will be supported to give Te Reo Maori a go, but English won't be spoken at Rumaki Cafe. Rumaki's executive director, Miraka Davies, wants to see more everyday spaces where people can practice and speak Te Reo Maori. Davies spoke to Lisa Owen.

An American has tested positive for hantavirus after leaving the cruise ship at the centre of a deadly outbreak. 94 passengers have left the MV Hondius and have been or are in the process of being repatriated. That includes a New Zealander and five Australians who will arrive in Perth for quarantine later this week. US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

Ever thought about how irresistible junk food is? New research from Auckland University has found that Ultra Processed food or UPF is designed and marketed to achieve exactly those emotional and biological reaction. So, it raises the question; is over consumption of junk food just about personal choice or is big food taking advantage of how people think feel and behave? University of Auckland's Dr Joshua Clark spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Diane To spoke to Lisa Owen about the Labour Party's election walloping.

Nurses at Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital say they're dealing with burnout and anxiety because of their working conditions, including chronic under-staffing, dilapidated buildings and rat infestations.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A World Cup-winning Black Fern has been forced from the field after succumbing to a career-ending neck injury. Loosehead prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu has retired from international rugby with 10 caps to her name, saying she is grateful her body is still in one piece. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The coalition government is promising to "repurpose" the millions of tax payer dollars being spent on the fees-free policy for tertiary students. Winston Peters' confirmed the scheme, which has been through a few versions, will be scrapped. It was introduced in 2018, under Jacinda Ardern's government. Back then, students were eligible for their first year of study free and $194 million was paid in fees. Grant Robertson, was Labour's finance Minister when the fees-free policy was brought in and is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Otago. Grant Robertson spoke to Lisa Owen.