Checkpoint

A pedestrian advocacy group is pushing back against the Government's proposed changes to cycling on the footpath - saying only children aged 5 or younger should be allowed. Living Streets Aotearoa says the current proposal, which would see children up to 12 years old being allowed to ride bikes or e-bikes on the footpath with no speed restriction, is dangerous for pedestrians using the footpath. They also say some footpaths should be off limits to all bikes completely. President of Living Streets Aotearoa, Tim Jones spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Americas' correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about officials confirming that an American citizen was killed in yesterday's clash between Cuba's coastguard and a US-registered speedboat.

At the supermarket what makes you decide between fresh or frozen veggies? If it's price or nutritional value, then you may be interested to know what really comes out on top. According to the latest New Zealand Health Survey only 6.8 percent of adults and 5.8 percent of children are meeting the recommended daily vegetable intake. Dietician Julia Sekula spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Dunedin high school band that will open for the Foo Fighters early next year says it's unlikely they'll play another gig organised by the city council. The band SEEK HELP! from Queen's High School is one of several young bands from the city's thriving music scene that played at New Year's Eve festivities in the CBD. Some councillors have objected to such a raucous punk band being hired in the first place, preferring dance classics to "get the crowd shaking their bits followed by the bag pipes and a new year countdown". Although bigger gigs are to come, the band says the experience has left them feeling undervalued and misrepresented. Adam Burns reports.

Two men accused of abducting and killing an innocent Sydney grandfather have appeared in court on murder charges. It's a case that captured global attention after authorities said the 85-year-old's disappearance was likely a result of mistaken identity. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The greatest of all time is hanging up her black jersey. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who came out of retirement for last years World Cup, has again announced she is bowing out of the international stage. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Deputy Prime Minister has got his own safety message for Air New Zealand after the airline posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. David Seymour has described the national carrier's ticket prices as "crazy", and has renewed his call for the government to sell its 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

A man present at a deadly Dunedin student party in 2019 says the night is burned in his memory. Samson Aruwa helped to free at least 30 people from a stairwell pile-up and carried 19-year-old University of Otago student Sophia Crestani outside where CPR was performed - all while wearing a moon boot. Sadly, Sophia could not be revived. Samson was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers in Dunedin this morning, who says his selfless actions prevented the tragic night from being so much worse. Tess Brunton has more.

The wives of two firefighter killed in a landslide during Cyclone Gabrielle have recounted the moment they learned their partners had died. Volunteer firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens were buried while responding to slips on Muriwai's Motutara Road on the 13th of February 2023. Craig Stevens was freed from the pile but later died in hospital, while Dave van Zwanenberg was found dead after two days of searching. A coronial inquest into their deaths is being held in Auckland. Felix Walton was there.