Checkpoint Top Stories for Friday 17 October 2014

Ex diplomats say cutbacks will make it harder for NZ, Former Australian Foreign Minister - on Security Council, Top basketballer convicted of assault, Coroner criticises lack of support for over-17s from CYF, Police officer's wife who took drug money avoids jail, Novopay still unpopular despite ownership change and Churchman wins $40,000 in Saturday work fight.