Checkpoint

A charity is calling for more investment into children's eye care as many families shy away from getting regular tests because of the cost. Painga Project says support for kids' vision is inadequate, and more must be done so they don't fall behind at school. Anya Fielding reports.

Some mayors and councils have been left frustrated and annoyed after the government pulled the handbrake on its local government reforms out of the blue. Councils were given three months to present their proposals for regional amalgamation or the government threatened to do it for them. But the government has now revealed it won't make any decisions on final plans until after the election. Local Government Minister Simon Watts spoke to Lisa Owen.

Before vast numbers of Kauri trees were felled to build the villas of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn for early European settlers, Auckland's Waitakere Ranges were covered in ancient forests. But this century they've faced kauri dieback. There is no known cure but a collaboration between mana whenua, scientists, Auckland council and volunteers is providing a glimmer of hope. 2000 strong kauri seedlings have been planted in the ranges and it is hoped the young trees are resistant to the disease. Matthew Theunissen reports.

89 days after exiting the Football World Cup at the group stage, the All Whites are back on the field in an historic match tonight. A game against Palestine in China will kick off this new cycle but very few people will see it happen. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Streets around the world bear his name, a depression era hero with an enormous heart, who was ahead of the field. Phar Lap, the legendary race horse, will be celebrated in his home town of Timaru next week on the 100th anniversary of his birth. After winning 37 races, Phar Lap died suddenly in the US in 1932. Nearly 100 years on debate continues over whether Phar Lap was intentionally poisoned. Secretary and racing manager at the South Canterbury Racing Club, Mary Gazzard spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about China's President Xi Jinping touching down in the US for his first visit in over a decade, as well as a feud involving Dolly Parton's nephew and her estate breaking out almost a month after her death.

A growth advocacy group wants to let up to 300 exceptionally talented people a year move to New Zealand with no job offer required. Growth New Zealand is floating the idea of a "Catalyst Visa", where unlike other options people would not need a job offer or sponsor ahead of their arrival. Applicants would have to prove they're top talent in their field, with a record of " internationally exceptional achievement". Growth NZ co-founder Maya Pan spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Prime Minister Andy Burnham meeting with US President Donald Trump on the side lines at the UN General Assembly, as well as Earl Spencer being forced to apologise over a factual inaccuracy in his new memoir.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The countdown is on to a blockbuster home summer of cricket. The Black Caps today named their first squad for the T20 series against India starting on October 22. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.