Checkpoint

A Whakatane based alcohol free drink brand is going global. Wai Mānuka, which makes an alcohol free manuka honey RTD, is now sold through dozens of New York retailers. Founder Joe Harawira spoke to Lisa Owen.

Patients wating for life-changing medicines to be funded say people should not have to fundraise, got into debt or travel overseas for treatments and therapies that could be administered here. The Forbidden Pharmacy at Auckland's Shed 10 is an installation showing shelves of medicines locked behind doors, representing what people may need but can't access because they are not funded by Pharmac. Amy Williams reports.

A new report suggests a growing number of people are finding themselves homeless for the first time. The snap shot prepared by the Salvation Army and Community housing Aotearoa says the profile of people with nowhere to go is changing. The Salvation Army's principal policy analyst Paul Barber spoke to Lisa Owen.

The family of slain policewoman Lyn Fleming have told her murderer that he may have taken her life, but he will never erase her legacy. 33-year-old Hayden Tasker was found guilting of murdering Fleming after a two week High Court trial in May, and has today been jailed for life with a non-parole period of 22 years. Samantha Gee reports.

Southland will become a war zone tomorrow as close to 500 New Zealand Army and Australian Army Reserve personnel take part in a training exercise. Exercise Tauwharenīkau has been underway near Gore since last weekend with a major training battle planned for tomorrow. Tess Brunton headed to the frontline.

A "national shame" is what the latest report into child poverty reveals, according to the outgoing Children's Commissioner. Doctor Claire Achmad finishes up next week, after she wasn't reappointed in the role. MSD's Child Poverty report released yesterday shows about 170,000 children are living in material hardship - that's one in seven. Claire Achmad spoke to Lisa Owen.

Port Taranaki has reassured locals that initial assessments of a proposed LNG import terminal show it's unlikely to impact on the residents or popular recreational areas. In a letter sent to hundreds of nearby homes, chief executive Simon Craddock confirms both shortlisted proposals involve a ship being moored alongside the Main Breakwater. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

An historic weekend for womens rugby awaits. A record crowd is expected at Te Kaha tomorrow for the Super Rugby Aupiki final between hosts Matatu and defending champions the Blues. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's basically no bridge too far for the man behind the new Hooker Valley suspension bridge at Aoraki Mount Cook. The marvel of design and modern engineering is due to open next week. It spans more the 185 metres across the Hooker River and replaces the old one that closed due to erosion caused by storms. The man behind the design, bridge architect and engineer, Dan Crocker spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Lisa Owen about the latest in the conflict, with Saudi tankers hit in the Red Sea, and strikes across the region not letting up.