Checkpoint

Te Pāti Māori has severed ties with estranged MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, after a torrid period of internal conflict. Its national council voted to expel the pair at a hui on Sunday night for what it says are "serious breaches" of its constitution. It's another extraordinary chapter in a conflict that doesn't appear to be over - with the ousted MPs vowing to fight their expulsions. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

Crews fighting the fire at Tongariro National Park are reinforcing containment lines after the blaze burned through more than 2800 hectares. Rain has helped their efforts, along with helicopters and planes water bombing the area. FENZ says the focus is now on hard physical work on the ground. Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Nigel Dravitzki spoke to Lisa Owen.

A tourist helicoptered out of the Tongariro National Park to avoid the fire burning through the region has described the dramatic moments he realised there was danger in the air. Matthias Gerold was evacuated to Whakapapa village, and was then evacuated from there as the blaze continued. Wet weather has provided hope today for business owners nearby, who worry a long-term closure of the Tongariro Crossing could prove catastrophic for the region. This afternoon emergency services delivered good news, saying there's a significant improvement in conditions and residents are allowed to return to Whakapapa. Jimmy Ellingham filed this report from Waimarino.

A second-half slump wasn't enough to break the All Black's century-long unbeaten streak against Scotland. Despite a strong start, several yellow cards and a Scottish comeback threatened the All Blacks who scraped their way to victory thanks to a match-winning try from super-sub Damian McKenzie. With Scotland in the rear-view, the team's focus turns to this weekend's test against England in Twickenham. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

Blanket bans on pets in rental properties won't be allowed from next month, but there are concerns that landlords will find a work around. Tenants will still need to get their landlords consent to keep a pet at the property, but new rental rules mean from December there has to be a reasonable justification to say no. Andrew Nicol from property investment firm Opes Partners spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about more information emerging on the atrocities unfolding in Sudan, as well as the fragile ceasfire largely holding in Gaza, bringing more signs of a return to normality.

Traffic control and a shortage of volunteers have officially grounded Santa's sleigh in the small town of Piopio in the Waitomo District. At the Christmas eve parade Santa would normally float in via SH3, however the rising cost of closing the highway and managing traffic means Santa will instead park-up on a side street near the village with other floats. Chair of the Project Pio Pio Trust Melanie Simpson spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Andrew Mountbatten Windsor being summoned by US Congress over the Jeffrey Epstein case, as well as the manhunt continuing for one of the two prisoners accidentally released from Wandsworth Prison over a week ago.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The second season of the New Zealand derby in the A-League kicks off tomorrow night in Wellington. Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix will again play three times this season - with the Phoenix still chasing their first victory against the northern neighbours. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.