Checkpoint

Auckland University researchers are developing an AI tool that can help analyse and select the most viable embryos for IVF. At the moment the process of selecting a fertilised egg for transfer to recipient relies heavily on a visual assessment of embryo videos and can be subjective and prone to variability. It is hoped the use of artificial intelligence will make selection a precision process. Nicholas Knowlton is a senior research fellow at the University of Auckland and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about Israel launching a series of deadling air strikes on Gaza, as well as cutting of all aid into the strip. Israel said the strikes were in response to a Hamas attack on two Israeli soldiers. Regional leaders are now scrambling to try and de-escalate the situation and get the ceasefire back on track.

A Christchurch school is offering financial incentives to families whose kids meet attendance targets. The government has set a target of 80% of students being in class 90% of the time by 2030. Te Kōmanawa Rowley Primary School has set a slightly lower target than the government in a bid to boost attendance. Students who turn up for 80% of the time in term four will get a new uniform for next year and free stationary. Principal, Graeme Norman spoke to Lisa Owen.

Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen about the hefty cost of living remote.

One girl became so sick she needed a blood transfusion after drinking contaminated water during a school trip to a popular North Canterbury campground. An outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by the water supply at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp sent six people to hospital, while at least 10 others fell ill. The camp's a popular destination for school trips and there's anger nothing was done to halt visits when the risks of sickness became apparent. Keiller MacDuff reports.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the boss of MI5 intervening in a row over the collapse of the alleged Chinese spy case, as well as Johnson & Johnson facing legal action from thousands of people in the UK.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Australian Diamonds coach has seen all the headlines surrounding the Silver Ferns since the shock suspension of coach Dame Noeline Taurua. But despite all the turmoil she doesn't think the Silver Ferns will be vulnerable as the two sides prepare to square off in Melbourne tonight. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

There have been stormy scenes in Mangawhai today as the Kaipara District Council tried for a second time to hold an emergency meeting about allegations of election irregularities. Yesterday's meeting was adjourned by outgoing Mayor Craig Jepson after just 25 minutes when a 76-year-old protester approached the council table and refused to sit down.

The mood appears to be souring between coalition parties over the sale of well-known New Zealand's dairy brands to French multinational Lactalis. New Zealand First says the move to sell Fonterra brands like Mainland and Anchor is not in the country's best interests. But ACT's leader David Seymour is championing a free market approach, saying it's the farmers that should be making the decision. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the details.