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
CheckpointFriends create a custom retirement village in one house
A retirement village custom built just for you and your friends is surely not possible, or is it? Three friends from Hamilton have decided to do just that…
CheckpointDozens reportedly killed in Yemen attacks
Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about attacks between government forces and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, with dozens…
CheckpointPacific leaders fail to agree on statement about China missile
Pacific foreign leaders have failed to agree on a joint statement about the nuclear-capable missile China fired into the region's waters last month. Winston…
CheckpointShould drug companies advertise direct to consumers?
The Advertising Standards Authority has investigated a complaint about the font size and layout of mandatory information on a billboard for weight loss…
CheckpointPart of woman's genitals wrongly removed in medical mishap
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a horrific medical mishap which led to doctors removing part of a woman's genitals by…
CheckpointEvening business for 6 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
CheckpointJoseph Parker setting sights on return to action
Now that Joseph Parker's name has been cleared, he is setting his sights on a return to action. As for who Parker wants to fight? "Everyone can get it" the…
CheckpointFirst Kiwi to go to space launches Canterbury aerospace hub
The first New Zealander to go to space is now launching what is hoped will be a hub for Aerospace in Canterbury. New Zealand's space sector already supports a…
CheckpointCRL opening date announced as billboards reveal it early
After budget blowouts and years of delays - ironically when it came time to announce the date Auckland's first underground rail will open, the Council and…
CheckpointNew proposed subjects may sway number of early leavers
The government's new plan to introduce industry led subjects for senior students has the potential to stem the flow of early exits from school, a principal…
CheckpointKiwi climbers saved after eight days trapped on Solomons' highest peak
The mother of a Kiwi climber trapped in ravine in Solomon Islands for more than a week says her son and his friend are doing well, after a pretty harrowing…
CheckpointLuxon catches caucus off-guard with MMP referendum promise
Christopher Luxon has caught his caucus off-guard with an off-the-cuff campaign promise today, telling talkback radio that he'll hold an referendum on MMP if…
CheckpointNew scheme developed to prevent copper thefts as numbers jump
Police say last year saw a 50 percent increase in burglaries involving copper and recyclable metals, with over a million dollars worth of metal going missing…
CheckpointChelsea football stars arrive for clash against Auckland
Some of the biggest names in women's football will be playing in Auckland on Saturday in a rare exhibition match. English side Chelsea have just arrived for…
CheckpointPrimary school students prompt quick change from the council
A group of nine to 11 year olds have successfully prompted change from the Council over road safety concerns. The year five and six students at Lyall Bay…
CheckpointMichigan election could send shockwaves through Democratic party
United States correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a major election that has wrapped up in Michigan, with the result potentially…
CheckpointNine new subjects to be introduced for senior students
Nine new secondary school subjects have been announced by the Government. Subjects like Next-Gen Manufacturing and Applied Intelligent Systems will be…
CheckpointFormer minister Peter Dunne weighs in on MMP referendum
Christopher Luxon has promised to hold a MMP referendum if re-elected, saying he wants to know if it's a system New Zealanders want. Back in 2011 former MP…
CheckpointUK PM announces raft of changes to prison system
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Prime Minister Andy Burnham announcing a raft of changes to the prison system, as…
CheckpointEvening business for 5 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
CheckpointJetstar introducing extra payment to use overhead lockers
Budget-conscious travellers will need to think twice before rolling their carry-on case to the airport - from next year. From February next year, Jetstar…
CheckpointSchoolboys injured, dog killed in violent Auckland rampage
Smashed cars and crumpled bicycles were left on a main road in Central Auckland after a man allegedly went on a violent rampage during this morning's busy…
CheckpointNetball NZ in talks with private investor to secure future of competition
Netball New Zealand is understood to be in talks with a private investor to secure the future of the domestic competition. It comes amid a period of…
CheckpointHow will the cold snap affect your power bill?
RNZ Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about what the cold snap could mean for household power bills as energy use soars.
CheckpointElectricity demand soars during cold snap
A cold snap has people reaching for the heater switch, with a record for the country's highest electricity use recorded this morning and another peak…
CheckpointCold snap set to intensify, concerns for vulnerable people
The cold snap gripping the country is set to intensify tonight - with MetService warning of double-digit negative temperatures in parts of the south. The icy…
CheckpointLuxon criticised for using Air Force flight after attending National Party fundraiser
Christopher Luxon is digging in over his use of an Air Force flight after attending a National Party fundraiser, saying he has a "busy job". Labour's Chris…
CheckpointNearly half of children under five have developed tooth decay
Frustrated dentists say it's not fair that rates of tooth decay in the country's smallest kids have not improved in 25 years. The dental association has…
CheckpointFormer All Blacks captain combatting concussions in community rugby
A former All Blacks captain is doing his part to combat concussion in community rugby. Same Cane has become an ambassador for 'Hit Kit', an education and first…
CheckpointKiwi apprentice competing to be world's best refrigeration specialist
A Kiwi apprentice is set to appear on the world stage in a competition showcasing trade skills. The WorldSkills competition in Shanghai tests the world's best…
CheckpointAmerican officials optimistic about Strait of Hormuz reopening
Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about American officials being optimistic that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could…
CheckpointYoung people hit hard as unemployment reaches 11 year high
The Salvation Army is seeing greater numbers of young people turn to them for help - as today's unemployment figures show nearly 96,000 aren't in jobs…
CheckpointWarnings to brace for mass wildlife deaths as bird flu takes hold in Australia
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Australians being warned to brace for mass wildlife death as the H5 bird flu outbreak…
CheckpointEvening business for Tuesday 4 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
CheckpointAll Black injured and out before South Africa tour kicks off
The All Blacks' tour of South Africa hasn't even kicked off yet, but one player is already headed home injured. Hooker George Bell has suffered a calf strain…
CheckpointKiwi born runner breaks record for crossing eight countries
Climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest from sea level 12 times sounds beyond human possibility in itself - let alone doing it in 29 days. But that is what…
CheckpointPolkinghorne breaks down during inquest into wife Pauline Hanna's death
An inquest into the death of Auckland health manager Pauline Hanna came to a temporary halt today after her husband Philip Polkinghorne broke down in tears…
CheckpointRare snowfall for Wellington as freezing temperatures hit country
It has been an uncharacteristically white day in Wellington as snow dusted the capital. Further south the polar blast touched down too, with snow and ice…
CheckpointCanterbury roads plagued by thousands of potholes
Snow on the road across Canterbury might further deepen a problem residents have been reporting to local councils. Christchurch City Council has received…
CheckpointPeters not apologising for 'racist' comments towards Green MP
Winston Peters is not apologising for his comments towards a Green MP last week - comments that politicians across the House, including the Prime Minister…
CheckpointLong time Breakers fan newest addition to coaching staff
A long-time Breakers fan is the club's latest addition to their coaching staff. Josiah Maama has had a rapid rise through the basketball coaching ranks and…
CheckpointMajority of drivers not following basic road rules
AA Research suggests the majority of drivers wouldn't score more than 70 percent in a basic road rules test. The survey of 535 licenced drivers also found that…
CheckpointDoubt over whether new US and Iran negotiations happening
US correspondent, Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about the US President saying it's "the last chance" as new negotiations with Iran get underway…
CheckpointOtago Uni trialling attendance tracking as numbers stay low
The University of Otago wants to increase the number of students attending its lectures, and it's trialling special attendance tracking technology. The…
CheckpointPolar blast brings snow across the country
The polar blast is hitting much of the country - brining a rare flurry of snow for the capital this afternoon and MetService says there's more to come, with…
CheckpointBritish pilot among survivors of Greece deadly helicopter crash
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a British pilot who is among the survivors of a deadly helicopter crash in Greece…
CheckpointCalls for gasfitting changes eight years after 12yo boy dies
A gasfitting expert says changes are needed to prevent unsafe installations, after a 12-year-old Otago boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the shower at…
CheckpointEvening business for 3 August 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.
CheckpointAll Blacks receive warm welcome ahead of South Africa tour
The All Blacks have been reminded of how much the team is revered in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town, after thousands of fans showed up to welcome them…
CheckpointWellington residents have questions over new water costs
Ridiculous, unreasonable, confusing and stressful. Those are just some of the words Wellington region residents are using to describe bills from new water…
CheckpointWhat next for netball after Silver Ferns Commonwealth win?
The Silver Ferns triumphant win at the Commonwealth Games overnight breaks a 16 year drought in the event after much public adversity. But if their win has…
CheckpointWidespread issues found in cervical cancer screening register
A review of the national cervical cancer screening register has found widespread issues that could have led to undetected harm, while the public can't be…
CheckpointInquest into death of Pauline Hanna begins
An inquest into the death of Pauline Hanna has begun in Auckland today - with a reminder that her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, is not on trial. Hanna was…
CheckpointSchools struggle with dangerous driving during drop off and pick up
Primary schools involved in a pilot programme say being able to close nearby roads during drop off and pick up times is helping curb dangerous driver's…
CheckpointPM apologises after 'parent-child' remarks to businesses
The Prime Minister has apologised for his remarks to businesses, admitting it has been a tough time for them. Christopher Luxon told a business audience in…
CheckpointNPC kick off and dog surfing champs make for jam packed weekend of sport
While most eyes were on the Commonwealth Games there was plenty of other sport flying under the radar at the weekend. From the start of the NPC, to the 10th…
CheckpointWildlife devouring cat caught after three year hunt
A cat renowned for devouring wildlife in the Bay of Islands has been caught after three years. The feline fugitive is so infamous he has earned the nickname…
CheckpointNegotiations between US and Iran set to take place
Middle East correspondent Madeline Croad spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about negotiations between the US and Iran set to take place shortly according to Donald…
CheckpointBusinesses insist they are innovative after PM's comments
The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce is insisting the city's businesses are innovative, after finding itself at the centre of debate about a 'parent-child'…
CheckpointEvening business for 31 July 2026
News from the business sector, including a market report.