Checkpoint

There are concerns a growing number of migrant bus drivers could miss out on gaining residency due to English-language requirements that treat them the same as university masters students. Checkpoint has spoken to drivers who fear the path to residency for them and their families is blocked because of what they say are unfair rules. But Immigration NZ has defended its requirements, saying anyone at that level of proficiency can communicate well in most settings. RNZ Asia's Blessen Tom reports.

The All Blacks will be without captain Scott Barrett for this weekend's opening Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park. He suffered a shoulder injury in the record defeat to South Africa in Wellington and hasn't recovered in time to take on the Wallabies. However, a few other frontline players are back from injury, with coach Scott Robertson making several changes from the team that suffered a record defeat to the Springboks. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Rottweiller dog in Hawkes Bay is helping calm people's nerves as they prepare to sit the theory test for their learner's licence. Three-year-old therapy dog Penny Pickles is part of the team at Learner Licence Theory Tararua. Many of the people they help through the test have additional learning challenges and Penny is there to offer a helping paw or four. Nikki Martin is Penny Pickles' right-hand human and spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwilich spoke to Lisa Owen about a deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement centre in Texas.

Are Kiwis pessimists? The most recent GDP figures took a hit recently - shrinking more than expected. Cost of living is up, August figures show grocery prices up more than four and half percent on the year previous. The unemployment rate was about 3.6% in June 2023 and is now 5.2%. Robert MacCulloch holds the Matthew S. Abel Chair of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland and is regarded as a leading voice on "happiness economics". He spoke to Lisa Owen about whether all the stats are really getting us down.

UK correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump's sharp words for Europe at the United Nations General Assembly.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Silver Ferns can win the Taini Jamison trophy if they beat South Africa in the second Test in Napier tonight. Despite the turmoil surrounding Dame Noeline Taurua's shock departure the Ferns pulled off a dominant victory on Sunday. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland councillors have voted on two plans for housing intensification, which one says is like choosing between a firing squad and a lethal injection. The future allocation of up to 2 million new homes was covered by what's known as Plan Change 78. It allowed three-storey residential buildings anywhere in the city, but the government is letting the council back down from this if it comes up with a replacement. Jessica Hopkins reports.

The Prime Minister and Finance Minister are brushing off the bruising verdict of business leaders as sentiment sours on their performance. The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has canvassed the views of 150 executives and chairs as the government battles to turn around the flagging economy. And despite holding the most pivotal Cabinet positions, neither Christopher Luxon, nor Nicola Willis, are ranked in the top 10. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.