Checkpoint

This week's been one of despair for New Zealand cricket lovers, after the Black Caps were outclassed in the twenty-20 world cup final. But, today is a special anniversary in cricket history - it's 70 years since New Zealand won its first test match, after 26 years of trying.The win over the West Indies at Auckland's Eden Park came in our 45th attempt. None of the New Zealand players from that match survive, but our reporter Jimmy Ellingham has tracked down a couple of supporters who saw the historic occasion firsthand.

DOC could be on the fast track to court over allegations it's illegally closing iconic walks due to maintenance issues. The Department has permanently shut the track to Harwood's Hole ..which is the country's deepest natural sinkhole and part of a cave system in the Abel Tasman National Park. It says its closed for safey reasons due to an unacceptable risk. But a collective of recreational groups claims shutting the track is illegal and there's a wider pattern of unacceptable closures across the conservation estate. The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand is threatening legal action if DOC does not take down any material sayng the track is shut. Club President, Megan Dimo-zantos spoke with Lisa Owen.

New Zealand's first full rubber road has been laid in the Selwyn district.The local council is trialling the surface in Glentunnel with the hope of rolling it out to other parts of the district. Timothy Brown went along to see if it gets the rubber stamp.

Claws are out over a directive to restrict the movements of two popular moggies at Taranaki Base Hospital. Mr Pip and more recent arrival - Pablo - are a common sight at the hospital, but staff have been told the animals are not permitted in hospital buildings - citing infection prevention and clinical safety standards. Taranaki Base says only approved service animals are allowed in hospital buildings. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

Lisa Owen is joined by sports reporter Jonty Dine to discuss the burgeoning beef between the Blues and Moana as the teams prepare for battle in Auckland on Sunday.

Christchurch's Court Theatre is selling off a collection of oddities including props, costumes and even a fake horse? The theatre lost its home at the Art Centre after the 2011 earthquake and moved to a shed in Addington. They're now back in the central city and having a bit of clean out..with a public garage sale tomorrow. Court Theatre operations and facilities manager Flore Charbonnier spoke with LIsa Owen.

Americas correspondent Katie Silver joins Lisa Owen with news from the region.

There's concern Northland families already using buy-now-pay-later services for essentials like food and petrol will be forced further into debt with rising fuel prices and the ongoing cost of living crunch. Nga Taonga o Kaikohe works with whanau in financial hardship in Kaikohe, Hokianga and beyond. It says many are rural and rely heavily on cars to get around, including to essential health appointments. Nga Taonga o Kaikohe founder and director Megan Hepi spoke with Lisa Owen

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about one of Australia's most respected bureaucrats and security officials has quit the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism. Former Australian spy boss Dennis Richardson says he has nothing useful to contribute to the investigation into whether more could have been done to prevent the Bondi Terror Attack.

News from the business sector, including a market report.