Checkpoint

A rangitahi-led advocacy and support service is among those honoured for its outstanding work empowering people with disabilities to live their best lives. The first ever Enabling Good Lives Award were announced earlier today. I.lead designs and delivers programmes for youth with disabilities. I.lead national chair, Amy Clements spoke to Lisa Owen.

A convicted murder in a high-profile case has returned to court, this time as a witness. Prosecutors say Shu Man Poon schemed with his church friend Lok Fung Lorrence Li to commit murder in 2023. Li denies killing Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and his wife Mei Han Chong and plotting to murder his landlord. Poon has been sentenced for his part in the deaths and is a crown witness. Finn Blackwell reports.

Some big hitting Americans have reached the semi-finals of the US Tennis Open. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

The National Party has fallen foul of advertising standards with a flyer that makes a false claim about a Labour tax policy. The brochure that was mailed directly to some voters stated Labour's Capital gains policy would hit the the family bach, rentals, small businesses and Kiwisaver. The Advertising Standards Authority found National's claim about Kiwisaver being subject to CGT under Labour was likely to mislead and confuse people. Professor of Marketing at the University of Canterbury, Ekant Veer spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Lisa Owen about conflicts between the US and Iran continuing, and now the Houthis have upped attacks against Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Israel has hit out at the UK over its move to sanction illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Waikato University is asking for millions of dollars in ratepayer subsidies for its new medical school. It wants Hamilton Council to waive more than $5 million in development contributions which help pay for infrastructure. On top of that it's asked the council to pitch in $250,000 a year for five years. Hamilton Councillor, Sue Moroney spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Otago Peninsula is cementing its reputation as a birdwatcher's delight, after it was officially declared possum free in March. The milestone marked more than 15 years of hard mahi championed by community members, who say they're already reaping the rewards. It's a far cry from a few years ago when possums were so abundant they'd even let themselves into the peninsula's landmark castle. Tess Brunton reports.

Tickets for Saturday's Warriors-Dolphins NRL qualifying final have sold out within minutes of going on sale to the general public. The sell out sets the scene for the boisterous reception for the Warriors as they open their play-offs campaign. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

A man has appeared in court this afternoon after a woman and two children were killed in Rotorua. Police earlier said they arrived at a property in the suburb of Glenholme on Monday night, where they found two dead children and a woman with life-threatening injuries. The woman later died at the scene. Waikato-Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore spoke to Lisa Owen.