It's our final Checkpoint programme of the year, we've done 226 shows in 2024, that's close to 500 hours of radio and we've covered a lot of really remarkable stories from Aotearoa and around the world. Back in February, the show was expanded from 90 minutes to two hours and our time slot was changed to 4 - 6. There has been more than enough bad news out there this year, but we've also had plenty of fun. So to wrap things up, our producer Johnny Sutherland pulled together some of the lighter moments we've had here on Checkpoint in 2024.
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9:57
Woman returns home after spending 14 years on death row
Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about a woman who's just returned home to the Philippines after spending 14 years on death row in Indonesia, China looking to make travel more accesible for would-be tourists and Fukushima set to name and shame anyone who doesn't follow the city's strict rubbish policy.
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3:16
Animals often neglected if given as presents - advocate
You wouldn't buy your child a sibling as a present, so don't buy a companion animal without thinking very hard. That's the message from Mini Vadke from Mama Mini's rescue in Palmerston North, who knows too well how often animals are neglected or abandoned if they're given to friends or family as Christmas presents. Shih tzu-loving reporter Jimmy Ellingham paid Mama Mini's a visit.
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3:57
Evening business for 20 December 2024
News from the business sector, including a market report
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4:04
Take two for White Ferns in Wellington
Game one of the Rose Bowl series against Australia was abandoned and both teams will be hoping for a better weather forecast at the Basin Reserve for game two. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.
New Zealand