Checkpoint

Australia correspondent, Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about the Albanese govenrment expelling Iran's ambassador to Australia, as well as a shooting in rural Victoria that has killed two police officers and left one injured.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

One of the biggest names in the NRL is embroiled in a drugs and betting scandal. Rabbitohs and Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith will face court next month however he is yet to be stood down by his club. Sports reporter, Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

An action plan to help keep small airlines flying regional routes is expected to land on the desk of the Associate Transport Minster any day now. Air NZ serves 20 regional areas, but the smaller carriers are the only ones flying to places like Wairoa, Masterton and Stewart Island. From the end of next month Sounds Air is canning its flights from Blenheim to Christchurch, and Christchurch to Wanaka, due to what it has described as out of control costs. Associate Minister of Transport, James Meager spoke to Lisa Owen.

There are calls for a Rental Warrant of Fitness to ensure student flats in North Dunedin are actually complying with Healthy Homes Standards. Since July 1, the standards set out minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage - and all rental properties are supposed to be up to scratch. But some students at Otago Uni have said their flats are not only in appalling condition but issues like mould are making them sick, as some landlords carry out the healthy homes checks themselves. Bella Craig reports.

An online site that connects people with verified tradies is standing by its vetting and review system despite a number of customers being out of pocket after using a construction company they found on the Builderscrack platform. Half a dozen former clients of Enzed construction have lost tens of thousands of dollars after the company director took upfront payments for work that wasn't completed or didn't meet standards. Co-founder of Builderscrack,Jeremy Wyn-Harris spoke to Lisa Owen.

Firefighters have wiped tears from their eyes today as they've told a court of their efforts to save lives during the fatal Loafers Lodge fire in May 2023. They have been giving evidence in the trial of a man accused of murdering five people by setting the Newtown boarding hostel alight. Lauren Crimp was in the High Court at Wellington and spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand ticketing and event listing business, Eventfinda, has been snapped up and bought by Ticketek. The boss of Eventfinda said there won't be any big changes for customers or staff. But industry watchdogs are not so sure, and have said there are some big questions about what it might mean for consumers. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds reports.

More than 700 horses and their young riders are being put through their paces at this week's Secondary School Equestrian Championships. Students from the Far North to Southland are competing at two concurrent events in Christchurch and Taupō. The number of students entering the champs has more than doubled since the event began three years ago. Anna Sargent reports.

There's some promising news on the medical front for the Black Ferns after their big win over Spain in their Rugby World Cup opener yesterday was marred by several nasty-looking injuries to key players. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.