Checkpoint

The Silver Ferns squad taking on South Africa in the Taini Jamison Series has just been named. The team heads into the competition without coach Dame Noeline Taurua who was suddenly stood down by Netball New Zealand last week. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent, Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about a crucial summit taking place as Qatar plans how to respond to last week's Israeli attack on Doha, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel.

Could hope finally be on the horizon for Auckland's inner city hospitality sector? As part of the Government's $70 million tourist spend - $40 million will go towards drawing big international events to our shores. It's hoped the funding will provide a boost to Auckland Bars, cafes and restaurants have been struggling. Mandy Lusk co-owned Vivace - which went into liquidation last year - she's now back in the inner citY, leading food and beverage operations at Hotel DeBrett. Mandy Lusk spoke to Lisa Owen.

UK correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Prime Minister Keir Starmer sacking his US ambassador due to his links with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Tomorrow night's test against the Springboks will be a special one for All Blacks wing Leroy Carter. The Chiefs star will make his test debut in the Rugby Championship clash in Wellington and he will be wearing the All Blacks famous no.11 jersey. Joe Porter reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The s are now at the business end of their Rugby World Cup campaign. The side is into the knockout stages and will meet South Africa for the second time ever in this weekend's quarter final in Exeter. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Golf Warehouse is pitching a $20 million redevelopment of the Takapuna Golf Course on Auckland's Northshore. Auckland Council plans to turn half of the 18-hole golf course into a floodwater catchment to mitigate the city's increasing flood risks. But the Golf Warehouse plan would see the park transformed into a series of recreation zones. Founder and Chairman of Golf Warehouse NZ Eric Faesen-Kloet spoke to Lisa Owen.

Should shopkeepers be allowed to defend themselves with pepper spray? It is an idea the Ministerial Advisory Group on Retail Crime has consulted on with industry players. But, the proposal faces stiff opposition due safety concerns around what is a restricted weapon. It comes amid questions about the advisory group's value for money. But the chairman, who has been paid over $230,000 in the group's first 12 months vigourously defends its worth. Jimmy Ellingham and Louisa Cleave report.

Bowled over by a lack of cricket in Queenstown this summer, a local mum is on a mission to the bring the game back to the town's oval. Queenstown's picturesque John Davies Oval has in past hosted several One Day Internationals. But this summer, it is a cricket drought. Local Emma Chisholm has launched a petition to change that, but there's questions about whether the ground is up to scratch. Emma Chisholm spoke to Lisa Owen.