Checkpoint

A pub in the heart of the Southern Alps is getting a new lease of life after sitting empty for years. The Chalet - a Swiss-style lodge in Arthur's Pass - is being renovated, and there are plans to re-open it later this year. South Island correspondent Timothy Brown reports.

As the countdown to the election ticks on, politicians arriving at Turangawaewae Marae for the annual Koroneihana celebrations have received a loud and clear message - respect the Treaty and treaty settlements. Political parties, alongside chiefs from across the Pacific, gathered in Ngaruawahia today for the third day of the annual celebrations, with some notable exceptions. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Rugby League has been on the agenda as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with leaders in Papua New Guinea. In two years time PNG will join the NRL and Luxon expects Warriors fans will add Port Moresby to the away game destinations. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Guyon Espiner.

A dedicated crew of volunteers who have spent thousands of hours helping families in need by mending curtains are now turning to the public in an appeal for help. With their shelves looking bare, the Rotorua Curtainbank's are calling for donations to replace their dwindling supply of curtains. Co-ordinator Judy Gregor spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Thousands of American sailors caught up in the Iran War finally have a chance to stretch their legs, after a record 286 days at sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln was last docked in November, and since then there have been claims of deteriorating mental health and food shortages aboard. It's now tied up near Pattya, in Thailand. Thailand-based journalist, Mike Firn spoke to Guyon Espiner.

NZTA is cutting the amount of funding it gives some councils to help with essential infrastructure, causing them to seek an urgent review. Among them is Tararua District Council, which says the agency's decision to cut it's contribution to the roading network will cost the district more than $1.2 million over three years. Tararua District Council is one of more than a dozen councils that have seen their Financial Assistance Rate, or FAR, from NZTA reduced over the next three years.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about national debate flaring up again over what can be done to stop a flood of illegal tobacco products from entering the country.

Evening business including a market report.

The All Blacks are just a few hours away from revealing their team to play the Springboks in the third test in Johannesburg, and coach Dave Rennie is expected to inject some fresh legs into the side. A few changes are expected from the team that lost to South Africa last weekend. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Melissa Chan-Green from South Africa.

A new lifejacket rule passed just as boatie season is about to ramp up, is expected to save at least ten lives a year. Lifejackets will now need to be wron, not just carried, by everyone - adults and kids. The law applies to vessels six metres and under. Dr Shane Reti was behind the bill, and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.