Checkpoint

One of Auckland's best loved and long-running bookshops is on the brink of closure now its landlord, the Catholic Church, wants to sell up the historic central city property. Hard to Find books moved to the old Newton convent eight years ago, something the owner hailed a 'miracle' after they were forced out of their Onehunga store because of rampant rent rises. But the shop and its more than 200,000 books are one again in search of a new home and owner Warrick Jordan has no choice but to hope for yet another miracle. Evie Richardson reports.

Asia correspondent, Chris Gilbert spoke to Lisa Owen about the 80 year commemoraiton of the US dropping the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima.

After a 16-year absence, the World Triathlon Tour will be returning to New Zealand. Tauranga is set to host the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Final as part of a three-year partnership deal confirmed today. The government is investing $2.65 million from the major events fund to support Triathlon New Zealand in staging the events. Sport reporter Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Shoes are the soul of this Dunedin family. Cobbler Greg Paul has taken over the Country Cobbler in Mornington after its owner retired. Paul was taught by his father and now his teenage son is learning the trade, making three generations of shoe menders. In an increasingly disposable world mending and re-using is the flip side to fast fashion. Cobbler Greg Paul spoke to Lisa Owen.

Figures released today show unemployment is at a nine year high, at 5.2%. But Auckland is ahead of the pack on 6.1%. In the past year 16,000 more people have joined the snaking queue of people looking for work, bringing the total number to 158,000. Finance Minister believes the worst is over, but some economists believe it's even worse than it looks, the number of hours worked is on the decline for the sixth quarter in a row and there's an increase in underutilisation - people who want more work but can't get it. Salvation Army Principal Social Policy analyst Paul Barber spoke to Lisa Owen.

Evening business for 5 August 2025.

The Warriors have expressed their disappointment in the two match ban handed to a Dolphins player for breaking Warrior Jacob Laban's leg. Felise Kau-fusi caused the injury after diving at Laban's legs during their NRL clash on Friday night, sidelining him for the reminder of the season. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

While our foreign minister was a no show for the Cooks Islands celebrations, the Prime Minister has been in Papua New Guinea to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties there. Christopher Luxon spoke to parliament today, before getting a live mortar firing demonstration this afternoon. But it all comes against the backdrop of China's growing influence in the Pacific region. Political Reporter Russell Palmer has been travelling with the Prime Minister and spoke to Lisa Owen.

"My lifetime's work could be gone". That's the message from the head green keeper of Takapuna's beloved golf course as the community tries to stop a big chunk of it being turned into a wetland. The council has proposed converting half the course into a flood storage and recreational area to avoid a repeat of the suffering caused by the 2023 Auckland anniversary floods. But those backing the alternative proposal are confident keeping the course at 18 holes while safeguarding against flood damage is not only possible, but a better option. Jessica Hopkins reports .

The government has anounced rule changes for garden sheds, garages and backyard studios. Under the new rules single sheds or building structures under 10 square metres can be as close to your property boundary as you like. Single storey detached garages or studios up to 30 square metres will only have to be a metre back from the boundary with the neighbour with no building consent required. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk spoke to Lisa Owen.