Checkpoint

A Kiwi chick has been born on Waiheke island, the first in the area. The parents were recent arrivals too, among 10 kiwi released on the eastern most isolated side of Waiheke on Te Matuku peninsula last year as part of an urban re-population project. Emma Craig from Save the Kiwi spoke to Lisa Owen.

Fonterra's sale of its consumer brands to the world's largest dairy conglomerate based in France got an overwhelming vote of approval from dairy farmer shareholders today. Lactalis is paying the New Zealand dairy cooperative over four-point-two billion dollars to buy Anchor, Mainland and Kapiti. The decision to sell the brands was made during a short on-line special meeting this morning. Sally Wenley reports.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump's high-stakes trade meeting with China's Xi Jinping, as well as at least 60 people being killed in attacks on alleged drug boats following the latest US strike in the Pacific Ocean.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about reports that Prince William is involved in encouraging Prince Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, as well as Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Adern making an appearance in Scotland next month to promote her new film.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Silver Ferns need to win tonight's final Test against Australia in Christchurch to force a series decider, if they want to hold on to the Constellation Cup. The Silver Ferns have never won back to back Constellation Cups against their arch-rivals. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tired, cold and cut off from communications - dozens of Southland farmers are struggling to milk their cows and have had to rely on generators. Last week's devastating storm collided with peak milking season, adding another layer of complexity and frustration. More than 4000 customers in the districts are still without power. Fonterra has been helping co-ordinate efforts, and Group Director of Farm Source Anne Douglas spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Disgusted, absolutely ridiculous and past being disappointed". Those are just some of the reaction from Principals and teachers to the government's proposed primary school curriculum. The overnight publication of draft curriculums for six learning areas and recent changes to the already-published maths and English curriculums have prompted a virtual revolt by the Principals Federation. It says it does not trust the Education Ministry or Education Minister, Erica Stanford. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Trees are one of the root causes of power outages, it is costing customers big time and the line companies want urgent law changes to deal with the problem. About 95 percent of the outages in Southland and Otago during last week's storm were caused by trees taking out lines. In 2024 alone, lines companies spent $67 million on tree management, a cost passed on to customers. The government is planning law changes, but the lines companies dont think it's going far enough, fast enough. Electricity Networks Aotearoa Chief Executive Tracey Kai spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hornets are causing a biosecurity buzz in Auckland. A queen yellow legged hornet was found in the early stages of building a nest in Glenfield on the North Shore on October 17, while two males were spotted earlier in the year in Grafton and Albany. It is the first time a Queen has been found in Aotearoa. Biosecurity Neew Zealand northern commissioner Mike Inglis spoke to Lisa Owen.