Checkpoint

The countdown to the Rugby World Cup has been dominated by one talking point: can England avenge their loss to the Black Ferns in the 2022 final? The English Roses are huge favourites to lift the trophy at home, but they have a rather large monkey to get off their back first, and that has not gone unnoticed in the lead-up to the tournament. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Whangaparaoa local is calling for a ban on taking seafood from a popular bay on Auckland's east coast saying its virtually barren after being pillaged by people ignoring take limits. The local iwi Ngāti Manuhiri has confirmed it is considering asking the Minister for a temporary rāhui or halt to collecting seafood at Army Bay to allow the area to recover. Long time Army Bay resident and founder of the Protect Whangaparaoa rock pools group Mark Lenton spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a divisive bill to redraw electoral boundaries in Texas which has just been drawn, as well as the Trump administation continuing its crime crackdown on Washington DC.

Tirau locals are split over whether the arrival of a big burger and coffee brand could kill the village vibe or deliver dozens of jobs and an economic boost. The South Waikato council has appointed independent commissioners to decide whether to green light a Starbucks and Burger King on the main road; with hearings this week. There's been 148 submissions, just 39 are in favour the development. Christina Phillips has lived in Tirau for 44 years and supports the international chains coming to town, she spoke to Lisa Owen.

Spark's profit has taken a tumble, in what the company is calling one of the most challenging periods in its history. Spark CEO Jolie Hodson spoke to Corin Dann.

UK correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about a temporary high court injuction to remove asylum seekers from a hotel in Essex which has caused controversy, as well as some children on Brighton Beach who saved the life of an injured seal pup.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A disability support service is worried the government could be about to cut a travel subsidy that helps people with disabilities get where the need to be. The Total Mobility Scheme is jointly funded by Waka Kotahi the New Zealand Transport Agency, Councils and the government, while card holders pay 25% of a taxi fare. The service is currently under review and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says future funding of the scheme is yet to be decided. Chief executive of Aspire Canterbury, spoke to Lisa Owen.

Members of the secondary teachers' union swapped classrooms for picket lines today. The one-day strike closed many schools as the Post Primary Teachers Association tried to pressure the government into improving its pay offer. But the government has said the union was too quick to go to a strike, and the bargaining seats were barely warm when they called it. Education correspondent, John Gerritsen reports.

The Reserve Bank's economic report card is out. Wholesale interest rates dropped 25 basis points to 3%, but inflation us expected to rise to 3% in September and hit its 2% sweet spot until mid next year. Unemployment is also expected to grow, according to reserve bank forcasts the unemployment rate won't get below 5% until December 2026. Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Lisa Owen.