Shows / 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
- Checkpoint
Under fives to be eligible for free flu vaccines next year
Most under five year olds will be eligible for free flu vaccinations from next year, but that's not soon enough according to one doctor. Pharmac has announced…
- Checkpoint
Top ministry boss offers resignation over failed IT project
A top ministry boss has offered his resignation after being found to have deliberately misled MPs about a bungled immigration IT project. That offer has been…
- Checkpoint
Christchurch publicist reflects on working with Dolly Parton
Singer, songwriter, actor, activist and philanthropist. Many are mourning the death of the woman dubbed the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. She was 80 years…
- Checkpoint
Man who strangled partner to death had choked her twice before
A man who strangled his partner to death at her home in Auckland during an argument last year had choked her twice before, once causing her to lose…
- Checkpoint
Netball NZ closes in on domestic competition decision
Netball New Zealand is closing in on a decision over the future of its elite domestic competition. RNZ understands a series of key meetings are being held this…
- Checkpoint
Dunedin drycleaners passed through generations closing after 80 years
After nearly 80 years of keeping the good people of Dunedin looking dapper, Brocklebanks Dry Cleaners is closing its doors this Friday. Three generations of…
- Checkpoint
Dust settles on US announcement of economic sanctions
Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about the dust settling on the United States' announcement of "economic D-day" sanctions, as well as a…
- Checkpoint
Gloriavale leavers seeking millions in lost wages
A group of Gloriavale leavers are seeking tens of millions of dollars in lost wages, compensation and damages from a leader at the secretive Christian…
- Checkpoint
Fears bird flu could devestate Australian seals and sea lions
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about fears that the deadly H-5 bird flu could be set to devastate Australia's seal and sea lion…
- Checkpoint
Pool where toddler drowned failed multiple inspections
A Coroner has heard that a pool where a toddler drowned in 2023 has failed multiple inspections. River Albert-Wihone had only recently turned one when he was…
- Checkpoint
Evening business for 25 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
- Checkpoint
All Blacks to face Johannesburg Lions in fifth match of tour
The All Blacks have some Lions to tame before they can think about taking out the Springboks again. The team returns to Ellis Park tomorrow morning to face…
- Checkpoint
Fathers diet could be linked to obesity in children
The effects of obesity caused by western junk food diets can be passed to children through their dad's sperm. Research by the University of Auckland's Liggins…
- Checkpoint
Congestion charge may cost up to $7
A congestion charge may be coming for Auckland. There are three options for rush hour charges - with various catchments, one including some motorways. The fees…
- Checkpoint
Local government questions four percent rates cap
Local Government NZ is questioning the government's 4% rates cap, saying "the maths just doesn't add up". Initially the target band for rates will be between…
- Checkpoint
Property managers renting out mouldiest, dampest homes
Big companies like Bayleys and Quinovic are named in a new report as the property managers renting out the mouldiest, coldest, dampest homes. The findings of…
- Checkpoint
Rates rises to be capped at 4 percent
Lower rate rises are somewhere in your future - with officials estimating you'll save an average $34 a year from a new rates cap. The coalition has confirmed…
- Checkpoint
PNG debating granting independence to Bougainville
The Pacific Islands region could soon be home to the world's newest country. A key decision is looming in Papua New Guinea's parliament about whether to grant…
- Checkpoint
Lydia Ko to return to NZ for Women's Open
New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko doesn't get home often but she'll be back in seven months time. Over the last decade Ko admits her visits have been sporadic…
- Checkpoint
Auckland councillors to decide on congestion charge
Auckland councillors are deciding which of three potential congestion charges they favour. The charges, which may apply to drivers coming into the central city…
- Checkpoint
Doubts over whether social media ban is enforceable
Young people who have grown up on social media say they have doubts about whether a ban for under 16s is enforceable. If introduced, the law would require big…
- Checkpoint
US and Canada passing blame over collapsing trade talks
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the blame game between the US and Canada continuing as they argue over who is responsible…
- Checkpoint
Young people question proposed social media ban
Young people who grew up with social media are questions who the government will enforce a proposed ban for under 16s. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says…
- Checkpoint
Andy Burnham makes first overseas trip as UK Prime Minister
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Andy Burnham arriving in Ukraine for his first overseas trip as UK Prime Minister, as well…
- Checkpoint
Inquest into drowning of toddler underway
The grandmother of a toddler who drowned in a backyard pool is hoping his story can help save lives. A coroner's inquest into the death of River Albert-Wihone…
- Checkpoint
Evening business for 24 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
- Checkpoint
Warriors have maiden title in sight with two rounds remaining
It's dare to dream for Warriors fans as the club sits top of the NRL table with just two rounds remaining and have a maiden title in their sights. Sports…
- Checkpoint
Hundreds of thousands of hens in lockdown
Hundreds of thousands of layer hens are still in lockdown after the third case of avian flu was confirmed in a wild bird. The mosty recent case is a giant…
- Checkpoint
Not enough nurses to care for sickest patients
Safety complaints filed by under-pressure nurses reveal there are often not enough of them to care for the very sickest patients in North Shore Hospital's…
- Checkpoint
ACT party not supporting bill to ban social media for under 16s
The government is moving to ban under 16's from social media and will introduce the Online Safety Bill. If it becomes law, so called high risk social media…
- Checkpoint
Intermediate students build homes for Kororā penguins
Tenants are wanted for new houses installed today - but they must be feathered, blue and roughly 30 centimetres tall. The new builds for little kororā have…
- Checkpoint
Stricter alcohol laws could be in store for Dunedin under proposed changes
Dunedin could be inline for tough new alcohol rules that would restrict new licences, ban buy now pay later and some single beer sales. The council's draft…
- Checkpoint
Tourism industry questioning government commitment as bed tax ditched
A tourism leader is questioning the government's commitment to the industry after National ditched plans to explore a bed tax. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister…
- Checkpoint
Erin Routliffe eyeing match against blockbuster pairing in US Open
New Zealand's leading doubles tennis player is eyeing a match against a blockbuster pairing in New York. The revamped US Open mixed doubles begins this week…
- Checkpoint
Government introduces legislation to ban under 16s from social media
The government is introducing legislation to ban under 16s from social media today, and put greater responsibilities on technology companies to protect…
- Checkpoint
Government introducing under 16s social media ban
The government is introducing legislation to ban under 16s from social media today, and put greater responsibilities on technology companies to protect…
- Checkpoint
US to financially target Islamic Republic with new sanctions
Middle East correspondent, Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about the US treasury secretary talking up a plan to cripple the Iranian regime with new sanctions…
- Checkpoint
Bed tax ruled out, 'blindsiding' tourism providers
Regional Tourism NZ say they have been blindsided over an apparent political flip flop on a bed levy. The National Party has now ruled out any kind of…
- Checkpoint
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the UK
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK reigniting debate over their security…
- Checkpoint
Evening business for 21 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
- Checkpoint
Dave Rennie looks to draw first blood in South Africa
We're about a day and a half away from the first test between the All Blacks and Springboks in Johannesburg and All Blacks coach Dave Rennie believes his side…
- Checkpoint
Conservationist turns surrogate dad to two baby emus
An east coast conservationist has turned surrogate dad to two baby emus that escaped a feral cat attack on their nest. Ruatoria man Graeme Atkins rescued the…
- Checkpoint
Ranfurly Shield returns to Northland after nearly 50 years
Provincial rugby's crown jewel has returned after nearly 50 years. Te Tai Tokerau's Taniwha team blew away Canterbury last night at Te Kaha stadium to be the…
- Checkpoint
Tauranga councillors had report outlining landslide risk
Tauranga councillors had a detailed report showing there was a high risk people could die if their local campground got hit by a landslide but no one read the…
- Checkpoint
Should people be masking up as flu outbreaks surge?
Auckland's had its worst week for flu related hospitalisations in a decade; 177 people admitted across four of the city's hospitals. Health New Zealand says…
- Checkpoint
Twin brothers to go head-to-head on the rugby field
Twin brothers Tom and Reuben Allen will go head-to-head when the Hawke's Bay Magpies take on the Manawatu Turbos tonight. It's the first time the 22 year old…
- Checkpoint
NZ hydrofoil company expanding into US market
A New Zealand company making fully electric hydrofoil passenger boats is looking to expand into the US market, after raising $30 million from investors…
- Checkpoint
US vows to impose toughest economic sanctions in history
Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen about the US treasury secretary vowing to impose "the toughest economic sanctions in history" on Iran…
- Checkpoint
Auckland FC head to Saudi Arabia for Intercontinental Cup
Auckland FC are on their way to Saudi Arabia for the Intercontinental Cup with reassurances from FIFA that it is safe to do so. Next week's clash in Jeddah…
- Checkpoint
Tauranga woman fined $100 for three second passenger drop off
A Tauranga woman is describing a $100 ticket for double parking during a passenger drop off as 'the most expensive three seconds' of her life. The drop off was…
- Checkpoint
Healthline calls in reinforcements for flu surge
Healthline has called in reinforcements to cope with a deluge of calls following a surge in flu like illnesses. The boss of Health New Zealand says the entire…
- Checkpoint
Hundreds gather in Wellington to protest new Tiaki Wai bills
Stressed out, fed up, and worried about bills. Those are the messages some Wellington residents want to tell new water entity Tiaki Wait about what they see as…
- Checkpoint
Tragic end to search for missing teen in Australian bushland
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a tragic conclusion to the search for a teenager missing in bushland outside of Sydney.
- Checkpoint
Evening business for 20 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
- Checkpoint
Who will take the field in All Blacks first test?
The All Blacks are set to announce who will take the field against the Springboks in the first of four tests this weekend. With some players already ruled out…
- Checkpoint
Sharp rise in retail businesses shutting up shop
There has been a sharp rise in the number of retail businesses shutting up shop. The latest quarterly market report from BWA Insolvency shows retail businesses…
- Checkpoint
Nursing graduates struggle to find work while hospitals in crisis
Nursing graduates who have applied for hundreds of jobs and haven't found work say it is devastating to hear there is a shortage of nurses. The nurses union…
- Checkpoint
Geotechincal engineer responds to Mount Maunganui report
A review in to the Mount Maunganui landslide concluded no one person was to blame for the tragedy, but a litany of systemic failings led to preventable deaths…
- Checkpoint
Former mayor says landslide risk warnings never reached him
A former mayor of Tauranga says warnings about the landslide risk on Mount Maunganui never reached him in his 12 years as mayor. Stuart Crosby says a review…
- Checkpoint
Flu-related hospitalisations soar in Auckland
Auckland has had it's worst week for flu hospitalisations in a decade, while New Zealand is also close to the highest influenza rates in four years. Charlotte…