1 NEWS’ Barbara Dreaver has the latest coronavirus news from around the Pacific. view all

 

 
The COVID-19 media conference with officials will start at 4pm today. Speakers: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health
 
The COVID-19 media conference with officials will start at 4pm today. Speakers: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health view all

 

 
Kia ora koutou, tonight: The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand continues. view all

 

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Released April 16th, 2020
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Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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We start this episode at a time before the Brits arrived and what conflict resolution looked like back then, and how the community was involved and came first.  When the Brits did arrive, they refused to follow local Iwi law so instead brought their own dispute resolution system from home.  Robbie looks closer at New Zealand's court systems and what the purpose for each one is, along with what actually happens if you need to go to court and what options New Zealand citizens have. 
 
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The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

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Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.
 
  view all

 

 
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Released April 16th, 2020
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Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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Before money was introduced to Aotearoa everyone worked within their Hapu to grow, work and trade for what was needed in their community.  Then the Brits arrived and introduced “Special tokens” that were used at markets for trading goods and services, this is what we call money.  In this episode, Robbie looks at this “special token” system and what the rules are and how the government of New Zealand is involved. 
 
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The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
 
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Released April 16th, 2020
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Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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How did the New Zealand government come to be?  Robbie talks us through how the 1852 New Zealand constitution gave settlers the right to create laws to do… well, pretty much whatever they wanted. 
 
 
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The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 
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Released April 16th, 2020
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Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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We begin in the 1800s when British settlers thought that their colonising army was too expensive so they replaced them with the armed constabulary which was cheaper, that was then replaced by the armed police force which eventually became a big organisation called the New Zealand Police Force.  Robbie goes deep into how your skin colour can affect your odds of being suspected by the police or agency.
 
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The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.
  view all

 

 
 
 
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Released April 16th, 2020
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Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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In the final episode of The Citizen’s Handbook, Robbie explores how New Zealand used to interact with the rest of the world and how it does now.  The United Kingdom used to run our International relations which made no sense, so in 1943 The Department of External Affairs was introduced. Robbie looks at all the special relationships New Zealand has with other countries and what role climate change has in all of this. 
 
 
 
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.
  view all

 

 
 
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Released April 16th, 2020
---
Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
---
In this episode, Robbie explores the colonisation of New Zealand.  In the 1700’s Captain Cook came to New Zealand on a ‘scientific’ expedition.  When Cook’s notes about how beautiful the country was reached his home shores, a steady flow of British settlers embarked on these fair shores.  It was only a matter of time before word spread of Aotearoa’s many resources including seals, whales and gold and settlers from all over the world flocked to get a share. 
 
 
---
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
 
---
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
---
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
---
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
 
The Citizen’s Handbook is a ten-part Video and Podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind A Desk.

The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations.  In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers’ room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate.

Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen’s Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, we’re demonstrating that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future.

It’s also really funny.

---
Produced for RNZ by Kevin and Co.
Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund. view all

 

 
Under Covid-19 Alert Level Three New Zealand's glamorous shopping strips have become ghost towns and there are fears they might never be the same again. 

Expensive rents and a sales downturn meant the retail sector was already struggling - the coronavirus has only compounded that. 

There is no clear end in sight. Under the just-announced Level Three rules, stores will only be able to open for delivery and contactless pick-up. 

Lydia Batham reports. view all

 

 
Police Minister Stuart Nash discusses the details of what Covid-19 Alert Level Three will look like when New Zealand moves out of Alert Level Four lockdown. view all

 

 
Police Minister Stuart Nash discusses the details of what Covid-19 Alert Level Three will look like when New Zealand moves out of Alert Level Four lockdown. view all

 

 
News from the business sector, including a market report.
 

 

 
Former travel managers, bar staff, event crew, and lighting technicians are among the dozens of staff who have started jobs stacking shelves at a new Countdown supermarket. 

The Auckland store is New Zealand's first online-only supermarket and will be able to fill up to 15,000 orders a week when it reaches capacity. 

It has created more than 100 new jobs - many of those have been filled by people whose worlds have been turned upside down in recent weeks from the Covid-19 fallout. 

On Thursday, Checkpoint cameraman Nick Monro and reporter Nita Blake-Persen went to meet some of them. view all

 
 
 
 

Regional health services are working harder than ever to look after vulnerable communities during the Level 4 lockdown. 

One of those is Hora Te Pai Māori health services in Kāpiti, who - aside from offering their usual medical services - is also giving out food to people who have lost their income or are struggling with the lockdown. 

This comes as the seriousness of Covid-19 hits home for the region, with confirmation this week a 70-year-old Kāpiti man died due to the disease. 

Hora Te Pai invited Checkpoint reporter Logan Church and cameraman Dom Thomas to see how they and their community are coping. view all

 

 
Covid-19 lockdown week three down and it is time to check in with two bubbles keeping video diaries for Checkpoint during the lockdown. 

The diaries come from the Oliver family of Pukekohe, including four children, and 73-year-old Tricia who specifically moved in with her son and his partner for the lockdown, making it a snug bubble of three near Wellington view all

 

 
Under Covid-19 alert level 3 rules students up to Year 10 can return to classrooms if they want to.

The Prime Minister says more people will be allowed to go back to work under level 3 and children under the age of 14 cannot legally be left home alone. 

But teachers and students will still have to keep their social distance. 

Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O'Connor has criticised the government's decision to reopen schools up to Year 10 under Alert Level Three. 

"I've got no idea how it's going to work...  It is from my mindset one of the most irresponsible decisions for New Zealand education in my time," he told Checkpoint. view all

 

 
 
Lockdown has sent many New Zealanders diving into the back of the pantry to whip up a meal from what can be found. 

Checkpoint has been swamped with queries about how long a can of peaches or beans will last, and if it is safe to eat something that does not have an expiration date on it.

Steve Thompson is the boss of Wattie's Food Safety and Quality. He revealed some secrets about the codes on the cans. view all

 

 
Kia ora koutou, tonight: The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand continues.
  view all

 

 
 
Education Minister concedes a decision to partially reopen schools at alert level 3 is as a much about childcare as education, and the preference is that students stay away.

It follows a vocal backlash from teachers and principals who say the decision to partially reopen schools is irresponsible and will be a complete shambles.

At level 3, early childhood centres and schools would open for students up to year 10, but attendance will be voluntary.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins talks through the details with Lisa Owen. view all

 

 
 
New Zealand has reported its lowest daily number of new Covid-19 cases since it went into lockdown - with the total climbing by just eight.

It brings the national total to 1,409 - of which nearly 60 percent have recovered. 

The encouraging development though comes with more sobering news - the death toll has climbed by two to reach 11. 

RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the story. view all

 

 
 
With schools closed until the country moves from alert level four lockdown to level three, many kids around New Zealand have been missing their friends.

But one West Auckland father has used his kiwi ingenuity to keep his 10-year old daughter connected to her two best friends, who happen to live right next door.

Indira Stewart and video editor Simon Rogers have the story. view all

 

 
News from the business sector, including a market report.

 
 

 
 
At least 400 people lined up outside a Christchurch supermarket on Friday to get tested for Covid-19 - part of a targeted network of testing stations set up in New Zealand. 

In addition to Christchurch, the Ministry of Health has so far set up stations in five Waikato locations, and one in Queenstown. 

Many of those who lined up say while it was a long wait and a rather uncomfortable swab up the nose, it was all worth it for their health. 

RNZ Christchurch reporter Anan Zaki and cameraman Nathan McKinnon went to talk to those getting tested. view all

 

 
 
 
 
Living in the Jenkins household at Ōhope beach is like living in the land of the giants. 

Those are the words of Mark Jenkins whose three sons - all rowing champions - had to rush home from their universities in the US when Covid-19 panic hit. 

And the travel dramas didn't stop there - parents Mark and Mia were mid-flight as the global crisis unfolded. 

Now they are all home they have settled into a routine that involves a lot of eating, study and exercise.

Sharon Brettkelly reports. view all

 

 
 
How much has our life changed in 50 days? That's how long New Zealand has been living with Covid-19. 

Since our first confirmed case at the end of February, we've seen a rush on supermarkets, the stockpiling of hand sanitiser, cleaning products and toilet paper, our borders closed, airlines have stopped carrying passengers, an unprecedented economic bailout package and a four-week nationwide lockdown. 

As of April 17 we have 1,409 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths. We've learned to live life the best we can in our bubbles. 

Lydia Batham takes a look back at the past 50 days. view all