Checkpoint

A service that works with vulnerable children and their whanau is calling on Oranga Tamariki and the Government to declare it an essential service in the event of fuel rationing. With the Prime Minister and Shane Jones hinting in recent days that more details will be released around that soon, The Family Start Collective is concerned they've been fobbed off. They say rising fuel costs are forcing providers to scale back critical in-home support, especially as they can travel up to 500 kilometres a week to support remote communities. Jaye Wainui is from KiriKiriroa Family Service Trust, which is part of that Collective and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A grandmother is seething after her grandchild was stopped twice from getting on a bus to her Auckland school because she'd forgotten her wallet. She said the drivers should've shown compassion and understanding, but instead the young girl was left stranded and vulnerable. It's a situation transport authorities say a child should never have been in. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

Steve Lancaster has been appointed to the top job, after stepping in as interim six months ago.

Bringing an animal back from the brink of extinction is an amazing feat, but when it's an animal that doesn't usually feature among the most talked-about endangered species it's especially exciting for one kiwi scientist. James Joseph is a champion of the humble snail. The Norfolk Island snail to be exact. About six years ago, an island resident came across the Campbell's keeled glass-snail listed as extinct 20 years ago. A team of scientists gave the invertebrate a fighting chance and they're reporting some very unexpected but positive developments. James Joseph spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A federal judge in the United States has unsealed a purported suicide note supposedly written by dead sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A New Zealand battery recycling business wants the Government to step in to ensure any company importing lithium ion batteries has safe end-of-life plans for them.

Europe correspondent Diane To spoke to Melissa Chan-Green

News from the business sector, including a market report.

While kick off is still a month away, Super Rugby Aupiki captains gathered at the SkyTower to officially launch the 2026 season. The competition is continuing to expand since its inception, however some players are still sacrificing plenty to play. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An Auckland psychiatrist said it is still a long process for an ADHD diagnosis because GPs have told him a 15 minute doctors appointment is just not enough time to assess. So Dr Sidhesh Phaldessai has come up with an app that would help people collate the information they need in advance. Dr Phaldessai knows what it is like to be on both sides of a diagnosis, having noticing his own ADHD symptoms as an adult while treating others. Dr Phaldessai spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.