Checkpoint

Some MPs have paused campaigning today, to attend former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe's tangi - but not Christopher Luxon, who announced his party's energy policy in Auckland. Act leader David Seymour didn't pause either - organising a whole event to take a crack at other parties' policies to break up the supermarket duopoly - including his coalition partner, National. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has the story.

For years the sound of Christchurch's tsunami sirens have been a signal to get away from the beach if there's an earthquake, but that's all going to change next week. They're being removed, and in their place the council's civil defence chiefs are urging people to rely on their own judgment in an emergency, as well as mobile phone alerts. Rachel Graham reports from New Brighton.

Reviews have been launched into more than a dozen medical clinics owned by a company that's already under the microscope over staffing levels and patient safety. The 16 centres are owned by OmniHealth, the parent company behind the Pahiatua Medical Centre, where seven staff tendered their resignations. The PHO manages the contracts at the OmniHealth clinics. PHO CEO Tony Wai spoke to Lisa Owen.

The glint of gold has drawn dozens of high-speed prospectors to Central Otago. The World Gold Panning Championship is under way in Cromwell, where more than 150 international competitors are vying for top honours. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd went along.

One of the WNBA's biggest stars has given her first interview to New Zealand media. Hailey Van Lith has joined her Connecticut Sun teammate Charlisse Leger-Walker at the Tokomanawa Queens in Wellington. The pair will debut in the NZ Women's basketball league this Sunday. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe was at the Queen's media stand up and spoke to Lisa Owen.

For the first time in more than eight months the main route into a tiny Northland community is finally open, after being badly damaged in extreme weather in January. A massive slip betwene Whangarei and Helena Bay left some homes and businesses in Helena Bay, Oakura Bay and other settlements around Whangaruru with limited road access. Owner of Whangaruru Beachfront Camp, Robynne Cooper spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about Australia's eSafety commissioner calling out some of the gaming industry's biggest names in a new child safety report.

Election candidates have faced a grilling today from young people calling for more restrictions for online gambling. Three political hopefuls were asked what their parties would do about the harm it causes. Many of the people they heard from felt pushed into action because they've grown up inundated by online ads for gambling outfits, and have seen firsthand their mates gamble away meagre student incomes. Bella Craig reports

A lawyer who resigned from her job after faking an obituary to justify bereavement leave has this week been censured by a professional body. The case is an unusual one, but it raises the question - how common is faking for sick or bereavement leave? Senior employment lawyer, Gerard Elwell spoke to Lisa Owen.

If you don't believe in rest and recovery at weekends you might want to join bikepacking enthusiasts taking on the Six Corners challenge in Golden Bay. Riders have to connect six points - Cape Farewell, the start of the Heaphy Track, Anatori River, Totaranui Beach, Rameka Track and Trilobite Hut - which is roughly 450km in 36 hours. Samantha Gee reports.