Checkpoint

Te Pati Maori MP Takuta Ferris has doubled down on the controversial comments he made about race during the final days of the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. His latest social media post puts him at odds with his party's earlier apology, and was today roundly condemned by MPs from across the House. Mr Ferris posted on Instagram last week, criticising Labour for having "Indians, Asians, Black and Pakeha" campaign for its candidate, Peeni Henare. Those remarks prompted Te Pati Maori to clarify that its movement has always been for "the people", but in a further post, Mr Ferris has come out swinging at his critics. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira reports.

The former teacher of two children who's remains were found hidden in suitcase three years ago has given tearful evidence before the High Court in Auckland today. Hakyung Lee, is on trial, accused of murdering her children six-year-old Minu and eight-year-old Yuna Jo. The Crown claims she was aware of her actions, while her appointed counsel argues she was insane at the time. Jurors heard evidence from a forensic toxicologist, and hospices nurses who had looked after Lee's husband, before attention turned in the afternoon to the two victims. Finn Blackwell reports.

The Penrith Panthers could be in for some major disruption ahead of their finals clash with the Warriors this Saturday. An unofficial Warriors fan page on Facebook is circulating a list of ideas of how members can help make the opposition's stay in New Zealand uncomfortable. The Panthers have alerted the NRL to the page which has encouraged fans to cause a scene outside of the away team's hotel. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister has said there is tremendous unity amongst Pacific nations, as they get ready to sign a peace declaration and decide how to engage with development partners from outside the region. Christopher Luxon is in the Solomon Islands for this year's Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, which has been dogged by debate over the host nation's decision to bar non-Pacific so-called "dialogue partners" like the US, UK and China. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen from Honiara.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about an Israeli strike targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha that Qatar has described as "a criminal assault". Hamas has said none of it's leaders were among the six people who were killed. The attack has been met with widespread condemnation from international leaders and rage from the Qatari government which has played a key role in trying to mediate an end to the Gaza conflict.

Volunteer coaches and managers are becoming an increasingly scarce resource. According to the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association, the average number of volunteers per club has dropped more than 40% since Covid. The president of the Onehunga Mangere United Associated Football Club said there's been a growing numbers of kids wanting to playing in recent years but fewer parents putting their hands up for coaching. Chris Bierens spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about the country's e-safety commissioner wanting to place restrictions on AI chatbots, ahead of the nationwide ban of social media for children under the age of 16 in three months.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

England cricket coach Brendon McCullum is trying to bat away recent criticism of his team. The former New Zealand Captain says "misconceptions" over his side's style of play are "disrespectful". Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

The wife of a former All Black and NZ Māori player, Tutekawaka Wyllie, who is suffering from a brain disease caused by the game has said it is hurtful that they have never heard from NZ Rugby, offering the organisation to "come and feed him off a teaspoon if they like." Margaret Wyllie fought for years to get ACC to accept her husband has chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE, after suffering numerous head knocks playing top level rugby during the 1970s and 80s. Margaret Wyllie believes NZ Rugby has failed to acknowledge Tu's condition and spoke to Lisa Owen.