Rowan Quinn

Convicted double murderer David Tamihere will be released from Springhill Prison today after more than two decades behind bars. Audio

Agricultural exporters are celebrating the announcement of free trade talks with Russia, saying such agreements are important for all New Zealanders, not just farmers. Audio

A book which appears to promote paedophilia has not been classed as objectionable in New Zealand, but the censor's office says it could still be illegal. Audio

Rugby World Cup officials say they have a lot to learn from the success of the World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro. Audio

The rowing fraternity is hailing this year's Rowing World Championships on Lake Karapiro, as one of the best regatta's ever. Audio

New Zealand has won three medals at the World Rowing Championships - but none of them are gold. Audio

The new Auckland Council is just one day old and there are already signs that the mayor and the Prime Minister have clear differences about the new city's priorities. Audio

It's a largely ceremonial affair, with the first day of regular council business taking place in a separate meeting tomorrow. Audio

Auckland is predicted to be heading for a housing shortage of more than 90-thousand homes. Audio

Rugby fans desperate to get to Rugby World Cup games at Eden Park may have to decide if they're happy to miss a try or two. Audio

Several Auckland Regional councillors have used their last meeting to take a swipe at the new super city, with one labelling it a train wreck. Audio

The Auckland Iwi, Ngati Whatua o Orakei, says Maori seats on the super city council are inevitable - and the new mayor Len Brown will help provide some momentum. Audio

Some of the Auckland Supercity's new councillors are already telling the government it had better take note of its new clout. Audio

Rowan Quinn is at the party! Audio

Rowan Quinn asks what the impact of the Auckland super city will be for the rest of the country. Audio

Tensions are brewing between Japan and Russia, in their long-running dispute over a Pacific island chain. Audio

Staff at Auckland Zoo are mourning the loss of one of its oldest residents, the 50 year-old hippopotamus, Snorkel. Audio

A man who caused a fatal car crash while trying to flee the police has pleaded guilty to two charges of manslaughter. Audio

There's been a large fire at Sir Peter Jackson's film studios in the Wellington suburb of Kilbirnie. Audio

Checkpoint Top Stories for Thursday 30 September 2010. Audio