Checkpoint

More west Auckland homeowners have been blind-sided by news that their front and back yards don't meet resource consents requirements and have been hit with bills stretching into the thousands. Some properties in the Kumeu development were purchased over a year ago, and owners says neither their real estate agents nor lawyers told them that their homes weren't fully consented. The developer is now in liquidation, and the council has come after the homeowners to pick up the tab. Lucy Xia reports.

The names of five people seeking compensation for sexual abuse in state care were published online in a privacy breach by the Ministry of Social Development. The ministry has removed the link to documents naming the five, but Google searches of the names were still bringing up the MSD information in the search engine's AI summary as of yesterday morning. The ministry has apologised and says the breach was due to human error. Our reporter Jimmy Ellingham has the story, and a warning, this report contains references to suicide.

A player has been red carded in the English Premier League for slapping his own team-mate. Everton enjoyed their first Premier League win at Manchester United's home turf in 12 years - that's despite playing nearly the entire game with 10 men after the altercation. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Without hats there is no civilization" according to French fashion designer Christian Dior. But as people tighten their belts it seems headwear is suffering with a renowned Wellington milliner, Hills Hats fighting to stay open. The 150 year old business, one of Aotearoa's oldest manufacturers, is relying on crowd funding to help cover the cost of relocating to a more compact factory, and to keep going in the face of rising costs. Hills Hats chief executive Simon Smuts-Kennedy spoke to Lisa Owen.

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a judge dismissing two significant legal cases, including one against former FBI director James Comey, as well as the US upping pressure on Venezuela's president after designating a group in the country a terrorist organisation.

Consumers are being warned to assume imported products including kids play things are not being tested and its best to avoid anything that could be contaminated or faulty. An asbestos scare has prompted a recall of several brands of children coloured play sand. It expanded yesterday with two more products added. Some of the coloured sands are laced with Tremolite asbestos, despite it being illegal to import any product containing asbestos. University of Auckland law professor Alex Sims spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group of past and present students from Motueka High School are among the youngest competitors to take on the Godzone adventure race that begins later this week in Marlborough. Between them, the teenagers have some serious adventure racing experience, and have had coaching support from world champion Nathan Fa'avae. It marks the return of the world's largest expedition race after a two-year hiatus. Samantha Gee has more.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about a rise in Russian activity in UK waters, as well as poultry potentially being off the menu for some households in the UK this Christmas.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

After nearly a year away from red ball cricket, Kane Williamson will return to the New Zealand test side for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.