Checkpoint

The Prime Minister had told striking public servants they should be at work. 10,000 public service workers are set to walk off the job next week. The public service minister has called the strikes politically motivated - a claim the union rejects. While a newly-released letter has revealed the number of agencies that could be cut, the government's kicked that til after the election. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

A sculpture has been stolen from outside the iconic Hundertwasser Art Centre in what seems like an unsophisticated heist. Police want to hear from anyone who saw a person on a bike cycling around Whangarei with a big wooden sculpture tucked under their arm. Hundertwasser Art Centre director, Joost de Bruin spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Children under five can get their flu vaccinations free from today - a year ahead of schedule - as the health system strains under the weight of a late-winter outbreak. Changes announced last week made an extra 260,000 kids eligible for a free shot from next year. But Pharmac today confirmed, in response to a recent surge in flu cases, that it's brough the change forward, effective immediately. Anya Fielding reports.

One of the greatest ever in football is hanging up his boots. Argentina's Lionel Messi is retiring from international football after 207 appearances for his country. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A Christchurch cafe is offering up a single cup of coffee for $100. Rook Cafe is brewing up the specific cup from some of the most expensive beans in Panama. The cafe's co-owner, Kyle Cabangun managed to get his hands on a rare variety, and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United States correspondent, Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a guilty verdict in the Tupac Murder trial bringing the near 30 year cold case to a close, as well as dozens of people who are still unaccounted for after deadly flash flooding.

A privatised competition for elite domestic netball is back on the cards for 2027, but Netball New Zealand has told Checkpoint the agreement commits to a "number of years" to gauge success. The body announced today it has signed a non-binding term sheet with Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, the sporting and business couple who are also co-owners of Auckland FC. Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennah Wootten spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United Kingdom correspondent, Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about the US reportedly considering threatening Britain's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, in a bid to push the UK to spend more on defence.

Crown prosecutors have claimed a minor traffic accident led to the double murder of an Auckland couple in their home in 2023. Lok Fung Lorrence Li is charged with the murder of Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and his wife Mei Han Chong at their Ellerslie home. He's also charged with conspiring to murder another person, who's identity is suppressed. Finn Blackwell, who was in court today and heard the opening statements from the lawyers.

News from the business sector, including a market report.