Checkpoint

Locals in South Wairarapa are at their wits' end after flooded rivers once-again caused widespread damage in the region - inundating farms and destroying roads. The washout at Turanganui Bridge - the second time in only four months - cut off more than 450 homes. It reopened just hours ago. Some residents say the lack of river management is to blame and they're pointing the finger at the regional council. Mary Argue reports.

The All Blacks reject that France are bringing a 'B' side to Aotearoa for the opening test of the year. Much has been made of France's decision to rest nine of its stars for the test, including two of the planet's premier players. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A report on the government's school lunch programme has raised questions about the quality of the food and significant waste. The auditor general's investigation says it's unclear whether the programme is improving food security and lifting student achievement because there's insufficient monitoring. Auckland University professor of population nutrition Boyd Swinburn spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

With school holidays on the horizon, South Island ski fields are watching the temperatures and a forecast dump of snow. Warm, dry weather has been keeping it away, causing ski fields to delay their openings. But nearby businesses say some recent falls have padded the slopes and they're preparing for a flurry of visitors from this weekend. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.

A report into the revamped school lunch programme has found it saved money, but it's not clear whether it is meeting its main goals of reducing food insecurity and improving student achievement, because there's no robust monitoring. The report by the Auditor General revealed only about 50 percent of school meals were meeting nutritional standards last year. Associate Minister of Health, David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland scientists are trying to replicate an almost extinct type of mussel that once played an important role in the ecology of the Hauraki Gulf. Horse mussels used to line the sea floor in many parts of Aotearoa, but over the past two decades they've been decimated by destructive fishing methods. The research is moving from lab to ocean, in the hope of giving fish and shellfish more places to live, and help to restore struggling fisheries. Bella Craig reports.

A GP and public health expert says ACT's welfare policy assumes people on health and disability benefits are getting them too easily. The party is campaigning on a welfare clamp down, and wants to make it mandatory for all health and disability benefits to be issued by MSD approved, designated doctors. Clinical director of the National Hauora Coalition, Dr Nina Bevin spoke to Lisa Owen.

Deciding what to do with the family farm when its management becomes too much, or there's no obvious succession plan is a growing challenge for many rural families. Holding on too long can put a strain on relationships and health, experts say. But it's a question more people are having to address as the number of farmers working past age 65 increases. Kim Savage reports.

The upsets keep coming at the Football World Cup. Four-time winners Germany have crashed out in a shock penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. Just a couple of hours later it was Netherlands and Morocco keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.