Checkpoint

There's been a tragic end to the search for a missing five year old in Australia's northern territory, with police revealing the child's body has now been recovered. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected for her first Commonwealth Games. The Dunedin athlete will compete in the 100 metres T47 in Glasgow in July. This year's Games will feature a record 47 Para sport medal events, making it the largest integrated Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

A health reseacher said getting rid of the harmful marketing of junk food and alcohol and reducing nicotine is imperative for a healthier future in Aotearoa. The Cancer Society has released it 2026 Election manifesto, essentially a five point policy wish listto improve cancer outcomes. It wants fully funded cervical screening, and national screening programmes for skin and lung cancer and the bowel cancer screening age lowered to 50. The cancer society is also pushing for stricter rules for nicotine, unhealthy foods and alcohol. Dr Victoria Egli, is an associate professor of health equity and innovation at Waikato Uni. She spoke to Lisa Owen.

An inquest into the death of a 15-year-old boy during a school caving trip three years ago is underway in Whangarei. Karnin Petera died when floodwaters surged through the cave he and classmates were exploring during a storm. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has more.

Former United Future leader Peter Dunne spent more than three decades as an MP, he was also a Minister. He supported a Labour coalition Government, New Zealand First was part of that arrangement and was also part of National led coalitions. Peter Dunne spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has put his hand up, admitting he made a mistake by not consulting the Prime Minister's office before releasing a bombshell email chain about the government's stance on the Iran war. But he's not apologising for making them public saying there's no reason they shouldn't be out in the open. The Prime Minister isn't happy, his office said he expects more of the man who's spent four decades in public office. Political reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Lisa Owen.

An albatross injured in last week's lower North Island storm is due for release off the coast of Napier today and two others hurt in the same wild weather are on the road to recovery. They've rehabilitated at Palmerston North's Wildbase Hospital, where they're treated to a diet of salmon, and swim in an indoor pool. The hospital's manager said the increasing frequency of storms is keeping the service busy. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham paid a visit.

The goverment wants to cap rate increases at between two and four percent a year, saying double digit increases year after year are unsustainable for households. It plans to bring in a new law by January 2027, with a two year transition to caps. S & P said councils don't look ready to comply, only 5 out of 78 managed to deliver a rate increase below four percent for the 2025, 2026 year. LGNZ Board member and Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith spoke to Lisa Owen.

An international crew of 10 women, including one New Zealander, sailed out of Auckland today on an expedition to trace plastic in the ocean. Their first stop is Aotea, Great Barrier Island, where they'll conduct a plastic cleanup. From there, they'll sail to the Bay of Islands. The South Pacific expedition, which also includes Tonga, is the first stage of a global voyage by eXXpedition's to map plastic pollution from sea to source. Jessica Hopkins spoke to crew members onboard eX-Xpedition's steel boat before they left.