Checkpoint

Woolworths New Zealand has been fined thousands of dollars for failing to properly deal with a rat infestation at its South Dunedin supermarket. More than 20 rats were caught when the supermarket closed for close to three weeks in February 2024 to eliminate the furry problem. The company was charged and pleaded guilty last year before appearing for sentencing in the Dunedin District Court this afternoon. Tess Brunton spoke to Lisa Owen.

Americas correspondent, Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about Venezuela's former president Nicolas Maduro appearing in front of a US court today, as well as US-Cuba tensions escalating - with Fidel Castro's brother reportedly becoming involved in discussions between the two countries.

In Northland, a retired couple's Ōakura home has been flooded again while still being repaired after a storm in January that severely damaged the property. Ōakura was still in clean up mode after some people were forced out of their homes more than two months ago. The couple had only just moved back home before yesterday's rain. Ōakura resident Linda Kelsall spoke to Lisa Owen.

The severe weather that swept into Northland has moved swiftly down the island, leaving the region in clean up & recovery mode and others bracing for impact. Kaikohe residents are being asked to urgently conserve water after the town's treatment plant was damaged by flooding. In Kaitaia a rapid relief team's been serving free meals to evacuees. NZTA is urging caution with an number of roads damaged.

As war continues in the Middle East, Australians are reassessing their heavy dependence on fossil fuels -- in particular petrol and diesel - amid fears supplies will diminish in the weeks ahead. There are also concerns that rubbish could pile up on streets as the rising price of diesel puts pressure on waste collection services. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

The red heavy rain warning for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei remains in place until 4am..

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Finland's football team are the furthest from home many of them have ever been to play. The world number 75 side missed out on qualifying for the Football World Cup and are now in Auckland for two games in the FIFA Series. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand is turning into a no grow zone when it comes to vegetable processing. McCain and Watties are both shutting down processing operations, raising concerns about the health of manufacturing in New Zealand. Head of Advocacy & Strategy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Alan McDonald spoke to Lisa Owen.

A young mum facing life threatening delays for cancer treatment may be forced to raise more than a million dollars for a stem cell transplant overseas. Loran Geddes, who is 29, was diagnosed with Leukaemia last year and needs a stem cell transplant for any chance of a cure. But a lengthy waitlist means her treatment keeps getting pushed out, significantly impacting her chance of survival. What was at first a six month wait, is now nine months. She's now in remission and must stay this way to get the transplant that is still six months off, leaving her in a dangerous limbo. Loran Geddes spoke to Lisa Owen.