UK creating first role dedicated to climate security

Earlier this week Checkpoint spoke to the president of the Auckland Beekeepers association about the swarms of bees out and about in the supercity. The mild winter means there's lots of them around. They're keeping Ken Brown and his team of 50 bee keepers busy. They rescue swarms when they're reported by member of the public and authorities. Reporter Teuila Fuatai tagged along to this morning's mission to net about 9000 bees.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK government creating what's believed to be the world's first dedicated role focused on climate security, as well as David Walliams' books already disappearing from the shelves of some London libraries.

New Zealand are chasing double glory at the Rugby League World Cup. Sunday sees the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns clash with the defending champion Kangaroos and Jillaroos in Brisbane. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A travel tech firm making it easier for globe trotters to get behind the frosted glass doors of an airport lounge says business is soaring. LoungePair was founded in Aotearoa during Covid, a difficult time for a travel business. But with air travel rebounding, one of the company founders says they're going from strength to strength. Co-founder and Chief Executive of LoungePair, Daniel Kinnoch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Experts say the global Microsoft outage could costs billions in lost productivity globally, with Outlook, Teams and other services out of action for hours. The number of users hit worldwide is unknown, but in New Zealand government departments and local councils were dealing with various levels of disruption. Auckland University, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Ulrich Speidel spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Tokomaru Bay landowners with limited access to their properties are fuming after a $14.5 million pitch to replace a bridge destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle was knocked back by NZTA. The Gisborne District Council proposal has been labelled as unrealistic. The Pourau Incorporation has now put up a $3.8 million alternative. Robin Martin reports.

A major Microsoft communications outage is a stark reminder that we need a back-up plan in case of disaster, according to Auckland's acting Mayor Desley Simpson. Microsoft Outlook has been down for hours, with the company working aggressively to reduce the impact. The outage raises serious issues about resilience. Acting Mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Lisa Owen.

They're born to be wild, but philanthropy is the force behind a lower North Island motorcycle club on a mission to raise money for children's toys, and support tamariki. The patches displayed by the club's riders proudly carry their club name - Risk. It stands for Riders Supporting Kids. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins says claims he was involved in sandpaper-gate eight years ago are 'utter nonsense'. Cummins spoke at length with media today to respond to allegations in a new memoir from former Australia batsman Usman Khawaja. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.