Checkpoint

Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Lisa Owen about the US military launching more strikes against Iran. It comes almost a week after hostilities between the US and Iran kicked off again.

A second case of a deadly strain of bird flu has been confirmed, this time in a native bird in the Wairarapa. The discovery follows confirmation on Wednesday that a sea bird found on Petone beach had tested positive for the H-5 virus. Fiona MacMillan - who represents the Egg Producers Federation of NZ spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about businesses receving some welcome refund payments from the US government as they recoup money collected as part of a tariff regime deemed to be unlawful.

Witness descriptions have been brought to the forefront of the trial of two former police officers, accused of perverting the course of justice. The judge presiding over the trial of Alan Hall for the 1985 murder of Arthur Easton said a witness's first description of a suspect should always be provided to the defence because it may be more accurate than later recollections. One of the officers continued giving evidence today and was asked why he failed to meet that basic legal principle. Matthew Theunissen reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named his side set to defend the three-decade unbeaten streak at Eden Park. There are a number of changes to the squad gearing up to take on Ireland this weekend. It shapes as the biggest test of Rennie's short time in charge, with both sides entering the match on the back of two wins. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

Veterinary medication is being cut into cocaine and other drugs, according to High Alert, which is part of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau. Levamisole is an anti-worming drug, and is banned for human consumption. But it's being used as a cutting agent in cocaine, to bulk up the product. High Alert Supervisor Jen Vermeulen spoke to Lisa Owen.

A quaint seaside suburb in Auckland could soon have buildings towering six storeys above its heritage main street, if a property developer's radical plan gets fast-track status. Devonport locals, passionate about their Victorian and Edwardian-era village, have spoken out about the proposal at a fiery public meeting. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Female teachers say they've thought of quitting their careers because of harrassment driven by a rise in misogyny and extreme views being expressed in classrooms. They've also watched their students move schools because of misogynistic, transphobic and homophobic views, which they believe are being picked up from social media. Bella Craig reports on what the teachers are facing. A warning, this story refers to sexual violence.

Specialist MPI investigators have been combing the Petone beach where a bird infected with the H-5 virus was found. The ministry says there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or transmission between wild birds in Aotearoa. There is currently no detection in poultry. DOC had already started vaccinating some of our endangered birds before the H-5 arrived in New Zealand. DOC Senior Technical Advisor Suliana Teasdale spoke to Lisa Owen.