Checkpoint

Checkpoint

Checkpoint with Lisa Owen is RNZ’s weekday drive-time news programme, Our people, stories and breaking news and interviews from 4-6pm.

Episodes

July 28, 2026 8 mins
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about an investigation revealing the ingredients of many supermarket items aren't what they are supposed to be.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
News from the business sector, including a market report.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Your face could soon be your ticket to get through the turnstiles for a sports game. Facial recognition technology is being rolled out across the Tasman as an alternative to digital or physical tickets for selected live events. The new ticketing method has been met with mixed reactions from footy fans and academics. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
The Hoiho yellow-eyed penguin is set to face protection from fishers around the Otago Peninsula. From September 16th, emergency set-net restrictions to protect the birds around the Otago peninsula will become permanent. But is it enough to help the penguins, with number at critical levels and falling fast. General Manager of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, Norcombe Barker spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
A man accused of threatening to attack two Auckland schools allegedly said that he wanted to kill more people than the Christchurch mosque terrorist. Tiedan Huo is on trial in the Manukau District Court facing a raft of charges relating to a manifesto threatening to kill people at Waiuku and Rutherford colleges. Huo denies all charges. Matthew Theunissen reports.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
New Zealand horse racing is "over venued and under capitalised" according to independent consultants employed to come up with a masterplan to save the ailing industry. They recommend that major tracks like Trentham and Alexandra Park be closed permanently, along with 21 other courses. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Councils are calling for more time as some are still unable to find a partner or partners to create a group merger before the government's deadline. They have had three months to come up with their own deals under the 'head start' pathway, or get lumped with a plan forced on them instead. Acting Hamilton Mayor, Geoff Taylor spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
New Zealand is being accused of spying on Russia, but experts are questioning just how likely that is. NZ authorities are refusing to comment on the arrest of the man accused of treason. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the story.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
There was sweet success in the swimming pool this morning as Lewis Clareburt snatched New Zealand's first gold at this years Commonwealth Games. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
An award-winning baker, who has dished up pies and hot cross buns in the same Christchurch shop for 40 years, has put the timer on his career. Michael Meaclem of Michael's Bakery in Hillmorton will walk out the door for good next week. Michael spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about President Trump saying there had been "good talks" between the US and Iran as things appear to simmer down following two weeks of back and forth attacks. Meanwhile, top broadcaster Savannah Guthrie has issued a new plea to help find her mother Nancy who has been missing since February.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
More retailers are offering buy now pay later services to meet shopper demand, but an industry association says a significant number remain unconvinced the lay-by payment options are actually worth it. Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
The All Blacks squad today made 10 additions for their tour to South Africa, including three new faces. As well as the debutants, a new 'tour captain' has been named to lead the side in the Republic. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Wanted posters have sprung up around Christchurch for a feline explorer named Chase. But unlike your traditional 'wanted' poster, this one is to tell people that it is ok for Chase to roam. His owner Nick White set up the Facebook Page 'Has Anybody Seen Chase?' which now attracts daily updates with paparazzi-like shots of the celebrity cat on his latest exploits. Chase's owner Nick White spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
July 27, 2026 3 mins
News from the business sector, including a market report.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
The Green Party is calling for a one-year pause on new AI data centres, until stronger rules and regulations are put in place - with some pleased at the idea of tighter controls. Some Southlanders are opposed to the $3.5 billion data centre being built near Invercargill, while others welcome the investment. Samantha Gee reports.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
New Zealand clothing brands say they have had enough of offshore fast fashion giants using their images and ripping off their designs. For Aotearoa's fashion industry, the legal line between inspiration and straight up copying is thinner than a mesh top. It has prompted calls for tougher penalties and stronger monitoring across fast fashion sites, as well as better protections for small businesses. Bella Craig reports.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
As greyhound racing enters its final week before a nationwide ban takes effect, a video has emerged of a confrontation between activists and people at yesterday's final meet in Auckland. What was said has raised concern among the activists about the welfare of the greyhounds. CEO of Greyhound Racing NZ, Edward Rennell spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Perth, 1962 and a New Zealand school girl was taking on the world's best at the Commonwealth Games. Against the odds it seemed like she'd won gold. That school girl was Vivien Boyd - Vivien Haddon as she was then - and the finish in the 100-metre breaststroke final was as close as you can get. But what happened next still rankles, even after six decades. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham caught up with Vivien Boyd.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
New Zealand has an average of 31 wastewater overflows a day into land or water, and that might not even be the full picture according to a report looking at the most severe pressures on the water network. The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai says it is the first complete picture of the risks that could impact public health and the environment. Dr Sara McFall from the Water Services Authority spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Hey Jonas!

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices