Checkpoint

Philip Polkinghorne's sister has described a catastrophic scene when she arrived at her brother's Remuera home on the day Pauline Hanna was found dead. Ruth Hughes was not called as a witness at Dr Polkinghorne's 2024 murder trial, where he was found not guilty, but today she was called on to give evidence at the inquest into Hanna's death. Jessica Hopkins reports.

A Disputes Tribunal win by a Christchurch couple whose twins played with asbestos-laced playsand has given others confidence. The case against Kmart has seen more parents speak up today about their fight to hold the retailer accountable. Lucy Xia reports.

Official data shows the past couple of weeks have been the worst in three years for school absences due to illness and medical reasons. Last week almost 10 percent of class time was lost across the country due to illness. President of the New Zealand Principals Federation Jason Miles spoke to Lisa Owen.

The same day heavy machinery is starting up at the site of Southland's new $5 billion AI factory, the company behind it has pitched its case directly to local business leaders. Some people have been demanding more details about the project's vast use of resources like power and water. As Katie Todd reports, Datagrid has unveiled a trimmed-down footprint for the project and promised full transparency.

Parliament has been a muddle of messages today - with both the coalition and opposition scrambling to clean up their confused communications. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

After years in the educational wildnerness, philosophy will be included in the school curriculum from 2029. It is part of a new subject, Civics, Politics, and Philosophy that will be an option for students in Years 12 and 13. Philosophy teachers met in Wellington today and they're excited. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

A date has been set for the historic New Zealand State of Origin match. It will be just the second time the rugby league showcase will be hosted outside of Australia. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Five students from Rotorua Boys High are set to release their protest song that secured them a top spot at the Smoke Free Tangata Beats competition last year. Kotahi Te Ra took out top honours with their last minute entry of "Boogie Man's Disguise", a song about the unauthorised use of a Kuia's image in a Hobson's Pledge political campaign opposing Maori wards. Lead singer and songwriter, fifteen-year-old Teuamairangi Webster-Tarei spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump talking up his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, seven years on from their last meeting. Yesterday the US president vowed to cut back joint military drills with South Korea, criticising the East Asian ally for a lack of participation in the Iran war. The move is seen as an attempt to reheat diplomatic relations with North Korea - but it's raised several questions and concerns for the region.

Several Auckland Councillors have come out against plans to reinvestigate a second Waitemata Harbour crossing from Meola Reef in Point Chevalier. The government has commissioned a detailed business case for an additional crossing, and it will look again at the option of a bridge from Meola Reef to the North Shore if Auckland Council wants that and is prepared to split the bill. The Mayor is keen, but some councillors aren't so much. Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.