Checkpoint

The number of diabetes related lower limb amputations has jumped more than 50% in less than a decade, But experts believe the loss of limbs is avoidable with the right resources. Type two diabetes can lead to poor blood flow and nerve damage which can mean cuts and injuries go unnoticed and its harder to fight infections leading to serious complications including amputations. Podiatrist Lawrence Kingi sees around 16 patients a day at clinics run through two South Auckland marae and spoke to Lisa Owen.

The New Zealand government has paid the Samoan government $6 million in compensation following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui. Today marks a year since the New Zealand Navy ship hit the Tafitoala reef off the south coast of Upolu and sank, damaging 5000 square metres of the reef and spilling 200 thousand litres of diesel and oil. For six months locals in nearby villages were unable to gather seafood in their usual fishing grounds and they say the fish have still not returned. Local businesses and a leading marine scientist say communication has been scarce since the sinking and there are concerns about the vessel being left on the reef 35 metres below the surface. Louise Ternouth reports.

A drinking water contamination scare has shut down several Waikato schools on what was supposed to be the first day back after the holidays. On Saturday the Rototuna Reservoir tested positive for ecoli, it supplies about 12,000 properties in North East Hamilton, Gordonton and Puketaha in Waikato District. About 30,000 residents have been told to boil tap water before using it for cooking, drinking, preparing baby formula or cleaning their teeth. Hamilton City Council's Three Waters unit director Maire Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

The families of three New Zealanders detained as part of the Gaza protest flotilla say they deeply admire them - but are also deeply worried. Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida and Samuel Leason were detained by Israeli troops last week after their boat tried to cross an Israeli blockade of Gaza as part of an international flotilla. Their families have been speaking at a media conference today, calling on the government to help them and their cause. Rowan Quinn reports.

Criticism is ramping up about the government's proposed new threshold for young people needing to access the benefit. From next November, 18 and 19 year olds will have to take a parental assistance test when applying for a benefit - and will be ineligible if their parents earn more than $65,000. Both the Council of Trade Unions and the Taxpayers union have pointed out it could work as a disincentive, where parents might be worse off for earning more. Political reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Lisa Owen.

The parents of 3-year-old who died from septic shock say they'll never recover from the death of their eldest child. An investigation by the Health and Disability Commission found Alexzander Sutherland-Hunt died after multiple missed opportunities in his care at a rural hospital. The little boy was a month shy of his 4th birthday when his parents took him to then Grey Base Hospital with a fever and vomiting in July 2020. Natalie Akoorie reports - a warning that some details in this report are confronting.

The first witness to give evidence at a coronial inquiry looking into the deaths of 13 people during Cyclone Gabrielle says Gisborne's civil defence was better organised than Hawkes Bay. Ken Cooper was the central Team Leader for Urban Search and Rescue during the cyclone and was deployed to Tairawhiti first, before moving on to the Hawkes Bay region. Mr Cooper's evidence is part of a three week inquest at Hastings District Court to examine the emergency response on preparedness of authorities during the devastating 2023 storm. Alexa Cook reports.

The All Blacks have ended their Rugby Championship campaign with a win, but not the ultimate prize. They beat the Wallabies 28-14 in Perth, however the competition trophy was handed over to the Springboks later that night. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

Allegations of cartel behaviour and bid rigging - a group of South Island brick layers have fallen foul of the Commerce Commission after an investigation into pricing information being shared by competitors. Commerce Commission chairman John Small spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about Hamas which has agreed to release Israeli hostages as part of a US-backed peace plan. It's a key part of a proposal to end the war in Gaza which Donald Trump announced alongside Benjamin Netanyahu last week.