Checkpoint

The scale of damage to State Highway 3 at Awakino Gorge has been laid bare ahead of the route reopening to single-lane, escorted convoys tomorrow afternoon. More than 30 slips, including a 16 thousand cubic metre monster, came down during a severe weather event two weeks ago, and 10 significant underslips have further undermined the road. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in the Awakino Gorge and filed this report.

It's now five weeks exactly since Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was "actively consulting with industry, local Government and other community stakeholders" about who would be on the list. Earlier this week, Shane Jones told Checkpoint officials are finalising the list but didn't want to rush it and would confirm a timeline at another time. Nathan Surendren is Chair of the think tank, Wise Response Society, a group of people from various walks of life and experience who look at the imminent risks facing New Zealand. Surendren spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Remember internet cafes? Well, in Nelson they're making a comeback of sorts, with what's thought to be the country's first AI cafe. The initiative, by the Nelson AI Sandbox, aims to let people grab a coffee and try out a bunch of AI tools, so they don't get left behind by the new wave of technology sweeping the world. There's even a hardworking AI assistant on hand to help. Samantha Gee reports.

From Saturday, new plumbing rules come into effect which would remove lead from all products allowed in new build homes and buildings. This change was signalled as far back as four years ago, so it's likely that those products will have been phased out over builds in the transition period too. However, Water New Zealand said older homes could still have pipes with lead in them and there are things you can do as a precaution to make your drinking water safer. The changes have been brought in in response to scientific research which found lead could have potential health impacts and especially for children. Gillian Blythe, chief executive for Water New Zealand spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A parent of a teenager who eats only plain foods including bread, crackers and pasta says it's terrifying to learn such restrictive diets can cause permanent vision loss. It follows two eye specialist's warning that there are children in Aotearoa who have gone blind due to malnutrition. Local researchers are now gathering data on children's eye-health to better understand the problem. Amy Williams filed this report.

While LIV Golf might struggle to survive past this season, golf experts believe it will have a lasting legacy. sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Given time to play on YouTube, there aren't too many 8 year-olds who would choose to watch chess tutorials. But that's what Aarush Khanolkar did four years ago when he started learning. He clearly paid attention, because he is now about to head off to the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Sri Lanka later this month. Now 11 years old, will represent New Zealand in the under 12 category. Khanolkar spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Three Northland men are likely celebrating being alive this evening after their boat capsized in the Bay of Islands last night, leaving them clinging to a chilly bin for survival. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf reports on the rescue.

Americas correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about the latest news from the region.

The cost of fuel to get there aside, ticket prices have long been creeping up and in North Auckland at Orewa College they were originally set at $230. After that news went out and some parents balked at the price. Just a few hours ago, the school put out an update saying they had reviewed that carefully and the ticket price will now be $195 and remain at their chosen venue, the New Zealand International Convention Centre. There's bells and whistles on top of course, our research into the average cost found for hair, makeup and dress - students pay an average of $350 and for tux hire, you're looking at around $160 for basics. Orewa College Principal Wiri Warriner spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.