Facebook is restoring access to news content in Australia, after apparently reaching a compromise with the federal government. The ban had come in response to proposed new media laws which would have forced Facebook to pay to show Australian news. The Australian government says the amendments clarify the laws - while also allowing for a fairer negotiation process for Facebook. Australian treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, spoke a short time ago - announcing that Facebook had "re-friended" Australia.

RNZ: Checkpoint

Facebook restores news content for Australians

A man who's accusing a prominent businessman of fondling him in bed says he secretly recorded one of the man's associates trying to bribe him with $15,000. The accused, who has name suppression, is charged with three counts of indecent assault and two of perverting the course of justice. Jordan Bond has been in the High Court in Auckland - a warning - some details in his report are distressing.

Indecent assault trial: Man claims he was offered bribe

Latest child poverty stats show improvements were being made before Covid-19 hit - but officials warn any progress is now likely to have been undone by the pandemic. Figures released by Stats NZ for the year ended June 2020 only includes data gathered up until the March lockdown. The nine different measures of child poverty all record an improvement on 2018, but Māori and Pacific children, as well as those with disabilities, continue to suffer disproportionately. RNZ social issues reporter Sarah Robson has the story.

Covid-19 likely to have undone child poverty improvements - officials

The government is being urged to pump money and resources into mental health services, to counter what one medical professional has described as "chronic underfunding". Some young people are waiting more than four months to be seen by a mental health specialist in the public system. Checkpoint has also heard from a clinical psychologist who's been working on the front line - and says staff burnout is a major problem. Health Minister Andrew Little discusses the issues with Lisa Owen.

Mental health services improving but still way to go - Little

It's been another hot dry summer for Auckland, and for those on tank water it's been drying up quickly. Watercare has rolled out a new mobile tanker to help fill the gap - while people wait for more decent rainfall. As Checkpoint reporter Louise Ternouth and cameraman Nick Monro found out, Watercare is using a bit of Kiwi ingenuity - powered by the sun.

Watercare rolls out solar-powered filling station for dry tanks

A mentally ill man jailed for seven years for attempting to kiss a woman on a Wellington street is challenging the decision in the Supreme Court. Daniel Clinton Fitzgerald, who has schizophrenia, was sentenced in 2018 for the assault. He had been convicted twice before for assaulting women on the street and the third conviction invoked the three strikes rule under the Sentencing Act and therefore the maximum sentence for the crime. Eva Corlett was at the Supreme Court today.

Man jailed for 7 years over kiss appeals in Supreme Court

Airborne Covid-19 particles from bowel movements may have contributed to Auckland's Pullman Hotel outbreak. Guests caught the virus from each other in the hotel last month, sparking a small community outbreak and widespread testing Auckand and Northland. A Ministry of Health report into the outbreak says ventilation may have contributed, including from the toilets. RNZ health correspondent Rowan Quinn reports.

Bowel movements may have caused Pullman Covid-19 outbreak

SKY TV is warning it may cost more to watch sport on its platforms, because of a more expensive rugby rights deal. But the company is promising subscription fees won't change this financial year. Sky TV has more than trebled its net profit to just under $40 million for the six months to December. Chief executive Sophie Maloney told Checkpoint executive producer Annabel Reid the company has some big costs in the next half of the year.

Rugby rights deal may push SKY TV prices up - CEO

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6234540966001

Evening business for 23 February 2021

A health professional who has been on the front line of the mental health crisis in Aotearoa says the sector is "chronically underfunded" and fears dire consequences if it continues. Dr Marthinus Bekker left his job as a clinical psychologist at Auckland District Health Board this month. He told Checkpoint staff burnout and growing wait lists are major issues that need immediate attention.

Ex-DHB psychologist claims chronic failings in mental health services

Papatoetoe High School Principal Vaughan Couillault joins Lisa Owen to discuss the latest Covid-19 case - another student at the school.

Papatoetoe High School principal on latest Covid-19 case

After news of a new Covid-19 community case linked to Papatoetoe High School, Lisa Owen asks Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins to clarify the status of the school - will it open again this week?

Covid-19 Response Minister responds to new Papatoetoe case

The Covid-19 rollercoaster continues in Auckland after a new community case of Covid-19 was identified this morning. The Ministry of Health says the 'casual plus' contact, also a student at Papatoetoe High School, tested positive yesterday 13 days after the original index case was last at school on February 10. And that means all 1500 students plus teachers and some household contacts will all need to be tested again. This from our reporter Ella Stewart and camera operator Simon Rogers.

Mobile testing back in Papatoetoe after new Covid-19 case

'Flippant', 'opaque' and 'lacking mayoral leadership'. Wellington Mayor Andy Foster is not winning any popularity contests with some of his city councillors, as they grow increasingly frustrated with his management style. But others maintain he's the best person for the job, while he himself has cast criticism against him as 'pure politicking'. Eva Corlett reports.

Foster's leadership questioned over Wellington library saga

In the years that have followed the devastating Christchurch earthquake, there have been many stories of the struggles people have faced. Tonight we bring you the tale of the little school in Christchurch's east that took on Wellington's big decision makers and won. Redcliffs School finally reopened last year, after spending the best part of a decade battling for its survival. Our reporter Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nate McKinnon caught up with Redcliffs' principal Rose McInerney to reflect on a tumultuous last 10 years.

Redcliffs School's post-quake long battle for survival

Checkpoint is RNZ’s weekday drive-time news programme. Our multi-media show broadcasts on 101FM, and you can also watch it live on our website, Freeview Channel 50 and Face TV on Sky Channel 083. Hosted by Lisa Owen.

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RNZ: Checkpoint

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