Checkpoint

With interest in residential solar skyrocketing, a green energy advocacy group is renewing its call for the government to support a loan scheme with councils targeting home owners wanting to convert to rooftop solar. In the past year,10,344 residential properties were hooked up to solar, up about four percent on the previous twelve months. A breakdown by region showed Canterbury led the pack, with 2101 installations. One nationwide installer also said sales were up 50 percent this month compared to the same time last year. It believed that was due to rising energy costs, resilience concerns and people converting to electric cars. Mike Casey, chief executive of Rewiring Aotearoa, spoke to Lisa Owen.

Sustainability experts say environmental damage from cruise ships far outweigh any economic benefits for local businesses. Studies have found cruise passengers spend less money than other tourists and the ships themselves cause pollution. But business leaders say cruise ships bring tens of millions of dollars. Felix Walton has more.

The NRL's newest expansion team have been splashing the cash. Papua New Guinea-based club, which will join the competition in 2028, announced its first signings. luring some big names on big contracts. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

A mainland colony of sealions is roaring ahead, hitting a major milestone after a stellar breeding season. For the first time in more than a century the Otago Pakeke sealion population has delivered more than 35 pups. Shaun McConkey, chair of the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust spoke to Lisa Owen.

The sidekick of a notorious drug lord who had an $8-million NZD bounty on his head has been arrested. Earlier this year, Mexico's most wanted man, a top cartel leader known as "El Mencho," was killed in a military operation. His death triggered a wave of violence across the country. Now, one of his top aides, nicknamed "The Gardener," has been captured after authorities found him hiding in a ditch. Correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen from Mexico City.

Getting a day off in lieu for working any part of a public holiday could be a thing of the past if a new law goes ahead. The PSA said the government's Employment Leave Bill will reduce the pay of hundreds of thouands of workers along with their leave allowances. Senior employment lawyer Gerard Elwell spoke to Lisa Owen.

After a mammoth three-day rugby extravaganza at Christchurch's new stadium, fans and central city business-owners are delighted with how the weekend went. Around 75,000 people went to Super Round matches, with bars having some of their busiest days ever. Rachel Graham has more.

It was the worst mass shooting in modern Australian history and as the country marks the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, survivors and their families having been reflecting on the event that changed Australia. Correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

While the Wellington Phoenix are firmly focused on next season with the appointment of a new head coach, Auckland FC are still fighting to keep their A-League season alive. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.