Checkpoint

After nearly 80 years of keeping the good people of Dunedin looking dapper, Brocklebanks Dry Cleaners is closing its doors this Friday. Three generations of the family have run the shop, first John Brocklebank in 1941, then his son Cyril, who passed the business to sons John and Roger. Owner Roger Brocklebank spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about the dust settling on the United States' announcement of "economic D-day" sanctions, as well as a vocational training centre operated by the UN for Palestinian refugees that has been raided by Israeli authorities.

A group of Gloriavale leavers are seeking tens of millions of dollars in lost wages, compensation and damages from a leader at the secretive Christian community. 61 former sect residents have filed an Employment Relations Authority claim, alleging the work they did amount to what they call modern day slavery. Lawyer Brian Henry spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about fears that the deadly H-5 bird flu could be set to devastate Australia's seal and sea lion populations.

A Coroner has heard that a pool where a toddler drowned in 2023 has failed multiple inspections. River Albert-Wihone had only recently turned one when he was found unresponsive in the backyard pool at his family home in Auckland. A Coroner's inquest is examing whether concerns about the pool's gate and fence were adequately dealt with. Finn Blackwell has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The All Blacks have some Lions to tame before they can think about taking out the Springboks again. The team returns to Ellis Park tomorrow morning to face Johannesburg's Lions in the fifth match of the Greatest Rivalry tour. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

The effects of obesity caused by western junk food diets can be passed to children through their dad's sperm. Research by the University of Auckland's Liggins institute suggests what the father is eating could, in some cases, be more influential than mother's diets, which has long been a focus. Senior research fellow Dr Ben Albert spoke to Lisa Owen.

A congestion charge may be coming for Auckland. There are three options for rush hour charges - with various catchments, one including some motorways. The fees could be anything from $2 to $7 a trip. Public consultation on the charges will open in November. Reporter Erin Johnson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Local Government NZ is questioning the government's 4% rates cap, saying "the maths just doesn't add up". Initially the target band for rates will be between 2-4%. The cap will be reviewed every six years. Local Government NZ president, Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lisa Owen.