Checkpoint

The Black Caps have taken a one-nil lead in the three-match test series against the West Indies after a nine wicket win in Wellington. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe was at the Basin Reserve and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Many parts of the country have been hitting temperatures in the high 20s - and even well into the 30s. So what's the best way to cool your house down without seeing your power bill soar? Is a heat pump the way to go? Or should you just make do with a good old rotating fan? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about the Australian Olympic Committee announcing new funding that allows athletes, who have given birth, to access a several thousand-dollar bonus - as long as they return to high performance sport.

Last month Air New Zealand flight 946 from Auckland to Rarotonga got all the way to its island destination but could not land despite best efforts because of strong cross winds. Instead it had to head back to Auckland. Passengers on board got an email that the flight was being diverted due to weather, outlining compensation for some transit customers for accommodation and meals. British-American traveller Karen Chapman was on the flight but says Air New Zealand declined to reimburse her costs. Karen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a legal case that's underway that could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry across the Tasman - with a jailed problem gambler who stole to finance his addiction suing three of the country's biggest online betting agencies.

The debate over a debate between Finance Ministers - past and present - has descended into farce - with both sides now accusing the other of chickening out. Nicola Willis had challenged Ruth Richardson - who chairs the Taxpayers' Union - to a public debate over the government's fiscal strategy. But they can't seem to agree on a location. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The second test between the Black Caps and West Indies is finely poised in Wellington. After rolling the visitors late yesterday evening, the Kiwis have lost eight wickets today with just the bowlers left to try and build a big lead. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Athletes have been put through their paces today at the Special Olympics National Summer Games on in Christchurch. It's the first day of competition - over the next four days, more than 1200 competitors will take part in 10 different sports. Cameron Easton was just eight when he participated at the special Olympic games as a swimmer. But he has since turned his hand to Bocce, the Italian lawn bowling game. His mum Vivian is the coach of the Horowhenua Bocce team and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Behind a sea of road cones, diggers and traffic chaos businesses on a busy Auckland road are crying out for help. Shop owners in the suburb of Grey Lynn say they've been struggling to stay afloat since a year long roadwork project began on Great North Road. With access often cut off and shops hidden from view one business is surviving off loans while another says times are the toughest it's been in 23 years including during Covid. They keep being told the work is about to wrap up but with multiple delays already some fear the end could be a long way off. Evie Richardson reports.