Checkpoint

New Zealand has lost former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to the Australian netball league for 2027. The move comes as the fate of the domestic competition remains uncertain - with a possibility of more players following suit and looking abroad. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

An advocacy group is calling for more action to stop genetic discrimination when it comes to life and health insurance. At the moment insurance companies can request the results of genetic tests for the likes of cancer or neurological diseases and then use the information to restrict, deny or charge more for insurance. Advocacy group AGenDA is concerned the way insurance companies are using the information in a way that may discourage people from doing life saving tests. AGenDA founder, Professor Andrew Shelling spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about several Israeli airstrikes that hit a Syrian airbase. Syria has hit out at the attacks, labelling them a "flagrant violation" of the country's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israel alleges a buildup of Turkish troops at the military base is why it carried out the strikes.

The mayor of Gisborne has met with the Forestry minister after he appointed a facilitator to "reset the relationship between the local council and forestry sector. The government is worried the Council is scaring off investors with its tough approach to dealing with woody debris and sediment. Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lisa Owen.

The deaths in the fatal Mount Maunganui landslide were preventable according to a new report that details a litany of systemic failures that resulted in the tragedy in January. No one person is to blame, but the report says its central conclusion is "sobering in its simplicity" and that in all likelihood lives did not need to be lost. Waikato and Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore was at the review release and has more.

Hamilton families are struggling to put food on the table. As the city's first social supermarket opens today, it's a stark reminder that many are unable to afford basic necessities. Waikato Bay of Plenty regional reporter Rachel Moore reports.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a police investigation which is underway into an alleged sexual assault linked to players within the high profile Sydney Swans AFL team.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The man who discovered an ancient waka partially buried in dunes on Rekohu, Chatham Islands hopes after seeing it first hand the government will stump up the money to save it. Pieces of the waka - believed to be part of an early migration from Hawaiki centuries ago - were discovered nearly two years ago. Hundreds of fragments have been recovered but the bulk of the Waka is still in dunes and exposed to damage. Vincent Dix, who first discovered the waka on his land in 2024, spoke to Lisa Owen.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says the Springboks series kicking off on Sunday is going to be a lot tougher than a world cup. The squad has made light work of the South Africa tour so far - remaining undefeated in three outings. However, tour-ending injuries and mind games from the hosts are testing the team before the first whistle blows at Ellis Park. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen from Johannesburg.