Checkpoint

Aside from the struggle to get power back on, farmers and contractors in Southland are grappling with huge amounts of damage from the devastating storm. Some say it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix the damage done to their properties and could take as long as a year to get sorted out. Charlotte Cook has been in Winton, near Invercargill.

Thousands of people are still without power in Otago and southland after the region was hammered by last weeks high winds, and it could be days before the lights are back on. Reinforcements on the way to the region with more than 200 field staff expected to be on the ground by tomorrow. But on going bad weather is making repair work challenging. Powernet chief executive Paul Blue spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister is trying to drum up some good vibes in Malaysia as part of a week long trip to the Indo-Pacific region. The aim of the trip is to deepen ties with ASEAN countries, in the hope the good relations will turn into future economic opportunities. Political reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Lisa Owen.

Southland and Clutha remain under states of local emergency and there are almost 7000 homes still without power, with some people now heading into their sixth night cut off. The Southland mayor says his region wasn't prepared for last week's fierce storm that hammered Southland and South Otago, knocking out power, water and communications. Anna Sargent reports.

Parents and caregivers of Wellington high schoolers say they are worried by an outbreak of measles, with thousands of close contacts identified. There are now 10 confirmed cases of measles nationwide - and the Health Minister days the number of close contacts is increasing rapidly. The government has moved to make the measles vaccine free for everyone, including visitors, and is urging anyone with symptoms to report them. Kate Green reports.

It took 111 years for Ireland to finally beat the All Blacks in 2016. Since then the Irish have come out on top five times and are now nipping at the All Blacks' heels in the world rankings. Coach Scott Robertson doesn't underestimate the challenge his side will face in Chicago this weekend. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen from Chicago.

The government has no plan for child and youth mental health, which is "appalling" according to the boss of the Mental Health Foundation. It has launched a petition today calling for Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey to take urgent action. Asking the government to deliver a child and mental health action plan in next years budget - with money to fund it. Mental Health Foundation chief executive, Shaun Robinson spoke to Lisa Owen.

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about questions being raised once again over whether or not Donald Trump would, or even could, run for a third presidential term.

It's the most progressive change to NZ's tax system in a generation according to Labour leader Chris Hipkins. The party's confirmed it will introduce a 28 percent Capital Gains Tax on commercial and residential properties, excluding family homes and farms, with the money used to fund GP visits. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Lisa Owen.

Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen about McVitie's having to call two of it's biscuits chocolate flavoured after an ingredient change and the rising price of cocoa.