Checkpoint

New Zealand is looking at joining a new defence treaty that would see Fiji added to our list of formal allies. Earlier this week, Australia and Fiji signed a landmark deal that cemented their formal allegiance - now the government here says it's an opportunity to grow Pacific unity and build stronger partnerships. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has made plenty of tweaks for this weekend's sold out test against Italy in Wellington with a third of the starting XV switched out. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lisa Owen.

A 19 year old will be taking a plunge into the ice cold Lake Wakatipu as part of the Wakatipu Legends swim on Saturday. But the gruelling swim is just part of extensive training for Jemimah McIlroy before she swims the Cook Strait. Next week, the Otago Polytech sport and exercise student will set off on a 50km swim from Glenorchy to Queenstown. Jemimah McIlroy spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's rinse and repeat in South Wairarapa with back-to-back storms dumping huge amounts of rain, flooding rivers, and closing roads across the district in recent days. The heavy rain yesterday and overnight has seen the main routes into holiday hotspot Martinborough shut for the second time in 24 hours. Mary Argue reports

The ceasefire is "over" according to the US President as tensions with Iran boil over once again. The US Military has carried out fresh strikes against Southern Iranian targets along the Strait of Hormuz. It says the latest action is in response to the a spate of Iranian attacks against tankers in the strait. US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

Almost two dozen driver testing officers have either been suspended or stood down, following an NZTA investigation. 650 drivers will have to res-sit their practical tests. The transport agency says the suspensions are due to concerns over "abnormal" test results. NZTA Director of Land Transport Mike Hargreaves spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Grace Thomas spoke to Lisa Owen about Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, resigning from parliament in order to stand for his seat again in a by-election, amid mounting controversy over financial donations.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Three strikes for burglars and it will be three years minimum behind bars if ACT has its way after this year's election. It launched the law and order policy this afternoon. The party says 184,000 New Zealanders were victims of burglary last year, and nearly three quarters of burglars are recidivists who end up being sentenced again. ACT's Deputy Leader Nicole McKee spoke to Lisa Owen.

SH1 north of Kaikoura is reopening, but the road south could be out for days after two days of torrential rain. Emergency Maangement and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell viewed the "significant" damange from the air this afternoon. NZTA Regional Manager for the Lower North Island and top of the South, Mark Owen spoke to Lisa Owen.