Checkpoint

Auckland Council's seeking feedback on plans to test a new scheme over six months, starting in February next year, but only in select suburbs. In those areas household rubbish bins will move to fortnightly collections, instead of once a week. Daniel Newman is the current councillor for Manurewa-Papakura, he voted against the trial and talks to Lisa Owen.

The government has released a plan to address high energy and power prices that have become crippling for some homes and businesses. The independent report by Frontier Economics made some bold recommendations - most of which were ignored by the government. Instead, it will look at trying to drum up investment into natural gas imports and has told the big power companies it's willing to use tax payer money to fund new investment. Despite fierce criticism from some quarters, the Energy Minister Simon Watts says he's confident the changes will be enough. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the details, and head of advocacy and strategy for the Employers and Manufacturers Association Alan McDonald talks to Lisa Owen.

Carter Holt Harvey confirmed yesterday that it will be closing its Tokoroa Plywood Plant... leaving 119 workers without a job. It comes just months after the town's paper mill closed its doors, cutting another 130 jobs. It's a tough time for the timber industry, with five mills closing over the past year. With jobs dwindling, Tokoroa locals may be forced to leave to find work, but many remain determined to stay in their home town. Evie Richardson reports.

"Predictably underwhelming," "lacking in bold action," and "defined by what's missing rather than what's included." Those are some of the dim reviews of the government's new energy security plan. An independent report's confirmed a lack of reliable back up power when renewable energy supply is low.... is pushing prices up and causing market uncertainty. But the government has rejected the reports boldest recommendations. Minister for Energy, Simon Watts, talks to Lisa Owen.

Nurses at Thames Hospital say they're still facing understaffing and under resourcing within the wards, Emergency Department and District Nursing team. Last year Thames Hospital nurses picketed for 21 full-time nurses and ten were approved. But the New Zealand Nurses Organisation says Thames Hospital is still a minimum of 26 full-time nurses short. It's prompted calls for better resourcing, especially as the summer months approach, and patients travel to Thames to avoid long wait times in their own regions. Bella Craig reports from Thames.

The home summer of cricket kicks off this evening in Mount Maunganui. In a trans-Tasman double-header, both the Black Caps and White Ferns will meet their Aussie rivals on the same night, however they will be almost 12,000km apart. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Nico the Great has been nicking knickers in Hamilton. For the record Nico is a cat burglar, an actual cat that is a burglar; apparently sneaking onto people's properties day and night collecting their smalls and other bits and bobs. Nico trumpets his return to his Hamilton home meowing repeatedy when its been a successful hunting party and displaying the ill-gotten gains for his whanau. But Nico's thieving has reached epic levels. Since April he's collected about 200 items that need to be returned to their rightful owners. Nico the Great's owner Kateshe Clark spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about the rising death toll after a large earthquake in the Philippines, ongoing recovery efforts after a boarding school collapsed in Indonesia and the Taliban shutting down the internet in Afghanistan.

Almost two dozen sunscreens in Australia have been recalled, paused or are under review because of concerns over their SPF ratings. Some of them are available in New Zealand or can be bought online. In Australia Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ was voluntarily recalled following inconsistencies in its sun protection factor. Tests showed it had SPF results rating anywhere from four to 64. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration says the base formula is used in numerous sunscreens and further tests show it is unlikely to have an SPF greater than 21. It's also raised concerns about a testing lab used by a number of sunscreen makers. Consumer NZ senior research and test writer, Belinda Castles spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia appears to have stolen the march on its global competitors with an Australian-made laser weapon set to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.