Checkpoint

Big companies like Bayleys and Quinovic are named in a new report as the property managers renting out the mouldiest, coldest, dampest homes. The findings of the Aotearoa Renters Survey, but Renters United and Action Station, are igniting calls for stricter industry regulation. That is a call most of the property managers spoken to by RNZ have endorsed. Sammy Carter reports.

Lower rate rises are somewhere in your future - with officials estimating you'll save an average $34 a year from a new rates cap. The coalition has confirmed it will begin legislating the rates cap this year - but won't complete the process until after the election. If it is fully passed, then from mid-2029, councils won't be able to increase rates by more than 4 percent a year. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Pacific Islands region could soon be home to the world's newest country. A key decision is looming in Papua New Guinea's parliament about whether to grant independence to the autonomous region of Bougainville. The parliament is deliberating on the matter this week. RNZ Pacific's Johnny Blades spoke to Lisa Owen from Port Moresby.

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko doesn't get home often but she'll be back in seven months time. Over the last decade Ko admits her visits have been sporadic, however with the return of the New Zealand Women's Open on the horizon she's turned into a bit of a promoter to get other top players to make the trip down under. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland councillors are deciding which of three potential congestion charges they favour. The charges, which may apply to drivers coming into the central city during morning and evening rush hours could cost up to $7 a trip. Patrick Reynolds from adcovacy group Greater Auckland spoke to Lisa Owen.

Young people who have grown up on social media say they have doubts about whether a ban for under 16s is enforceable. If introduced, the law would require big tech companies to take reasonable steps to verify the age of users, and could face fines of billions of dollars if they don't. Children's Commissioner, Jane Searle spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the blame game between the US and Canada continuing as they argue over who is responsible for collapsing trade talks. There was optimism last week that a trade agreement could be reach, however, discussions ultimately fell apart. Now President Trump is threatening his neighbour with more tariffs, while Prime Minister Mark Carney promises retaliation.

Young people who grew up with social media are questions who the government will enforce a proposed ban for under 16s. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says social media is exposing young people to harmful content, addictive technology and pressure they aren't equipped to deal with. So, it's proposed that social media platforms will risk financial penalities if they don't take steps to verify the age of the users. But, some Auckland 17 and 18 year olds say they're not convinced a complete ban will work. Bella Craig reports.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Andy Burnham arriving in Ukraine for his first overseas trip as UK Prime Minister, as well as British security officials revealing new details about a recent cyberattack.

The grandmother of a toddler who drowned in a backyard pool is hoping his story can help save lives. A coroner's inquest into the death of River Albert-Wihone is underway in the Auckland District Court. Part of the inquest will look at issues with a pool fence and gate at the rented property where River drowned, as well as steps taken to address concerns raised by the family. Finn Blackwell reports.