Checkpoint

A leading New Zealand research institute is passing the hat to fund the final stages of a clinical trial into a cutting edge treatment for blood cancers. The Malaghan Institute is currently doing clinial trials for CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancer, non-hodgkin lymphoma, with the hope of making it accessible in the public health system. Malaghan Institute Clinical Director, Doctor Robert Weinkove spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister maintains things are looking up despite GDP data showing the economy shrank more than expected in the last quarter. He's backing his Finance Minister to stay the course, despite calls for her resignation. Another former Finance Minister today weighing in, saying the government needs to cut spending further. The Labour leader says rather than just the Finance Minister - the whole government needs to go. Lillian Hanly reports.

KiwiSaver is becoming less of a retirement fund, and more of a life saver for some cancer patients forced to use it to pay for treatments not funded or not available here. Robert Moffitt was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2022, and a specialist recommened Daratumumab, which isn't funded in New Zealand, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, forcing him to cash in his KiwiSaver. Robert Moffit spoke to Lisa Owen.

Why are New Zealand mills toppling over at a shocking rate? Just this week Carter Holt Harvey anounced plans to close its Tokoroa plywood manufacturing plant and import product fom overseas. It will mean almost 120 jobs go. The company's also shutting down its Eves Valley sawmill near Nelson with the loss of 140 jobs. The Kinleith Pulp and Paper Mill in South Waikato, Winstone's Kariori Pulpmill and Tangiwai Sawmill have also all closed in the past year. Red Stag Timber processes lumber for New Zealand & export and operates the largest sawmill in the southern hemisphere, CEO Marty Verry spoke to Lisa Owen.

Like 'tent city' is how part of the Auckland CBD is being described as the city grapples with a homelessness crisis. Auckland Council says homelessness has gone up 90 percent in the city since September last year, prompting calls for more support for those sleeping rough. The council's Community Committee says government policy changes are making it harder for people to access emergency housing. Checkpoint spoke to people living on the street in Auckland's city centre who say the winter months have been gruelling. Bella Craig reports.

A group of South Taranaki rangatahi are reconnecting with their culture while learning carpentry skills building whare for local iwi, in a first-of-its kind collaboration with the Western Institute of Technology. The 14 trainee builders are the first cohort on a project involving Ngāruahine hapū Ōkahu Inuāwai that aims to build four homes that will be taken to iwi land at nearby Okaiawa. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.

The biggest test for the Black Ferns so far is just one sleep away. The defending champs take on Canada who are ranked second in the world, one place above New Zealand. The Ferns go into the match without star flanker Jorja Miller and a loss to the Maple Leafs tomorrow morning would spell the end of their campaign. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

If you've been hunting for a new home lately.. you've probably also had to hunt hard for a list price. Often, places are listed by negotiation, for tender, or are heading for auction. As a buyer you might wonder how you're meant to work out what to offer, or what the house might sell for. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about the Taliban government banning books written by women from Afghan universities, as well as Donald Trump preparing to have his first call with Xi Jinping since China's massive military parade.

Passengers caught short while stuck for hours on a stranded Wellington train were given bags to use as toilets. An electrical cable came down onto a train during rush hour this morning causing three trains to totally lose power. One of the trains, a service from Waikanae, was stranded for several hours on the bridge over Hutt Road. Metlink's senior manager of operations Paul Tawharu spoke to Lisa Owen.