Checkpoint

Four astronauts are strapped into their seats taking a ten day journey through space where they'll whip-round the moon before returning home. Nasa launched the mission - dubbed Artemis II - just before midday without a hitch. United States correspondent Todd Zwillich is the author of "The Man Who Knew the Way to the Moon" - a book that uncovers the behind the scenes details of Apollo 11, the first ever mission to the Moon. He spoke to Lisa Owen from Washington DC.

Greenpeace is claiming victory after an out of court settlement with Fonterra over what it said is an open and shut case of greenwashing. A label on the diary giant's Anchor butter read; 100 percent New Zealand Grass Fed. Greenpeace claims that gave the impression Fonterra dairy cows exclusively graze on grass, when they are actually also fed palm kernal products. In 2024 the environmental group filed a law suit, but the pair has now resolved the dispute. Greenpeace agriculture campaigner Sinead Deighton-O'Flynn spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about how Donald Trump has taken aim again at the UK and how the National Health Service is starting to encounter shortages as a result of the Iran war. She also spoke about how Donald Trump is set to meet King Charles.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen about the White Ferns taking on South Africa Women for the second of three ODI matches.

Is it an own goal for the government's $70 million major events and tourism fund? The Tourism Minister has announced the fund is backing a football festival featuring a game between English premier league team Tottenham Hotspur and Auckland FC at Eden park in July. The fund has also come underfire for financially supporting pop star Robbie Williams' tour to New Zealand. Act MP Todd Stephenson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday alcohol sales could be gone as soon as this long weekend - if a member's bill gets the support of enough MPs this afternoon. Labour MP Kieran McAnulty's bill would allow venues that are already open anyway to serve drinks without the confusion of what, exactly, is a substanial meal. The bill's currently being debated in Parliament. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

Mind the growing gap between the minimum and living wages, the difference between the two is now about $6 an hour, with official increases on Wednesday. The adult minimum wage is $23.95 cents an hour after a $0.45 increase. That's about $958 dollars for a 40 hour week, before tax. On the other hand, the living wage is officially going to $29.90 an hour or about $1200 before tax a week. Charles Waldegrave, from the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's growing concern about the rehoming of hundreds of greyhounds with the dog racing industry due to be shut down in just four months time. A bill banning the sport by August, is likely to come up for its third and final reading in Parliament tomorrow. ACT has pulled its support for the legislation raising concerns about the crown effectively confiscating the private property of law abiding business owners. It's also worried about the rehoming of 1600 greyhound or more and said it will take considerable resources. Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell spoke to Lisa Owen.

NZTA Waka Kotahi is consulting on how it's going to pay for the first section of the multi-billion-dollar Northland Expressway. Many motorists accept they'll have to pay to use the new road, but the question is: How much? Reporter Peter de Graaf has more.