Checkpoint

The company behind a vast gold mine planned for Central Otago says it is one of the most scrutinised projects in the region's history. Australian firm Santana Minerals is trying to get consent under the Fast Track Approvals Act but has been beset by delays, telling shareholders the process is extremely rigorous and difficult. The project has also been met with criticism from some locals who feel it poses huge environmental and social costs. Katie Todd reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The White Ferns haven't played a one-day international match in six months but believe they're well prepared for the 50-over Cricket World Cup in India. New Zealand open their campaign against the world number one side, and seven-time champions Australia tomorrow, in a tournament that lasts a little over a month. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Trump and his tariffs are the lead characters in a drama that could have serious consequences for Aotearoa's film industry. Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on all films produced overseas. Mr Trump provided little detail on how the tariff might work. New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Annie Murray spoke to Lisa Owen.

When it comes to cancer more patients are starting treatment within the government's 31 day target time according to new figures. Nationally 86.3 per cent of patients started treatment within that time frame up from 83.5 percent last year. The government's gunning for 90 percent by 2030. A breakdown of districts though shows wait times have acutally got worse in eight areas in the past three months. Head of Cancer Services at the Cancer Society Southern, Craig Watson speaks to Lisa Owen.

The Health Minister is celebrating shorter wait-times, faster treatment and more timely access to care for patients. New figures from April to June this year, show the government's progress towards its five key health targets for 2030 with shorter stays in emergency departments just shy of its milestone. But there are some targets falling well short of where the government hoped they would be. Child immunisation rates are among them with Northland significantly lower than other regions and the opposition says it highlights why adopting targets when it comes to healthcare is problematic. Political reporter Tu Whenuaroa Natanahira has this report.

A man dubbed the Bush Janitor hopes his caretaking efforts will result in kiwi being reintroduced to a North Canterbury sheep and beef farm in the next decade. It might sound ambitious, even outlandish, but he's got the backing of the farm's fourth generation cockie. Our reporter, Timothy Brown, spent the day at Island Hills Station and filed this report.

The region at the heart of a current measles outbreak has seen the biggest slide in child vaccination rates in in the country. The number of Northland children fully immunised at 24 months of age has dropped about four percent to just 62.3 percent in the past three months with the region lagging way behind other areas. That's despite an overall improvement nationwide. Health target data released today shows 82 percent of two-year-olds have had all their vaccinations up from 76.5 percent last year. There's currently four confirmed measles cases in Northland and one unrelated case in Queenstown. Health Minister Simeon Brown says there's a pop up vaccination clinic operating in Northland and the government's partnered with Hauora Maori organisations to raise immunisation rates. Childhood vacinations also dropped in Whanganui, Nelson Marlborough and Canterbury. Maori paediatrician and chairperson of the National Immunisation Taskforce Dr Owen Sinclair spoke to Lisa Owen.

"This is not over". That is the message from Auckland police as they encourage anyone who knows anything about the killing of American university student Kyle Whorral to come forward. The 33-year-old was attacked at a bus stop over Easter with a large bladed weapon and died in hospital. Auckland police have revealed they have found a machete but say the hunt for everyone who was involved in the killing goes on. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

Dame Noeline Taurua has been in negotiations with Netball New Zealand today to see whether she'll be able to coach the Silver Ferns again. Taurua and her coaching team were stood down ahead of the Taini Jamison series earlier this month, in what was a bombshell announcement from Netball New Zealand. With the Silver Ferns heading into their next camp on October 6, the clock is ticking to try and find a resolution and break what appears to be a deadlock between Taurua, the Players' Association and Netball New Zealand. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.