Checkpoint

More cancer patients will get treatment closer to home with the expansion of infusion centres, according to the government. But the plan could take two and a half years to roll out. The governments opening 14 new infusion centres around the country, where patients can get chemo and other targetted therapies that are given introvenously or through drips into the vein. One west Auckland clinic opens later this week. It's also expanding 14 existing infusion centres. Nicola Coom, chief executive of the Cancer Society spoke to Lisa Owen.

Over 2000 homes are still without power after Cyclone Vaianu swept across the country. All evacuation orders have now been lifted and many communities feel they dodged a bullet with the stom. The wet weather isn't over yet though - with heavy rain watches still in place for Northern Taranaki, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Taupō west of the lake. Alexa Cook reports.

More transparency is needed around the government's multi million dollar events attraction package, including how events are being chosen, according to the country's largest venue and event management company. The 40 million dollar government fund is not contestable. Selection is by invitation only. But fund details say events are considered for their capacity to attract large audiences and international visitors. Christchurch City Council controlled, Venues Otautahi boss Caroline Harvie-Teare spoke to Lisa Owen.

Housing advocates and residents of Wellington's "Devon Street Ditch," want an independent certification system so that landlords can't just "mark their own homework" and say that their properties meet healthy homes standards. Since July last year, it's been compulsory for all rental properties to be up to scratch with the standards, which set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage. But with no qualification needed to tick off each of the standards, pretty much anyone is able to call themselves a healthy homes assessor. It's raised questions as to whether the standards are doing what they're meant to - ensure rental properties are safe, warm and dry. Bella Craig reports.

An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Smith the Grocer in The Old Bank Arcade on Lambton Quay said its raw ingredients and services have gone as a result of the war in the Middle East causing fuel prices to rocket up. The cafe has sought advice on whether it's legal to pass those costs on through a surcharge. Kirsten Saunders, the owner of Smith the Grocer Cafe spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Blown to hell." That's what the US President said will happen to any Iranians who try to stop an American blockade on ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump said the blockade will come into force overnight and affect vessels travelling to or from Iran's ports. The move comes after talks between the US and Iran - which lasted 21 hours - failed to bring an end to the war. Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kiwifruit growers are still assessing their crops after Cyclone Vaianu blew through some of Aotearoa's biggest growing districts over the weekend. Bay of Plenty, the kiwifruit growing capital and Tairawhiti experienced high winds and heavy rain at a critical time for the industry. The harvest is underway, but the majority of the fruit is still on the vines, both green and gold varieties. Overall the Kiwi Fruit Growers Association say damage has been contained, but a small number of growers have been hit harder. Colin Bond spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Chris Gilbert spoke to Lisa Owen about the meeting between the foreign ministers of China and North Korea and how government employees in Singapore have been urged to adjust their air conditioners as the country deals with an energy pinch made worse by the war in the Middle East. He also spoke about a napping contest coming up in South Korea.

Described as a visionary leader with a life dedicated to public service - former Manukau City Mayor Sir Barry Curtis was celebrated at his funeral service in Manukau. Sir Barry died last week, aged 87. He led Manukau City from 1983 to 2007 at a time when the city was expanding rapidly. Hundreds gathered at the Dew Drop Events Centre for the service. Reporter Lucy Xia was there.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Hurricanes and Blues will clash at the Caketin tomorrow night in what is shaping as the game of the Super Rugby season so far. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The route 25 bus leaves Taumarunui each weekday morning and stops at Taumarunui hospital, Te Kuiti Hospital, Otorohanga and Waikato Hospital, returning the same way on the evening. It's primarily a health service, with patients riding for free. But members of the public can pay for spare seats. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton spoke to Lisa Owen.

On average DOC staff on Rakiura Stewart island have been threatened every week while working to make the island predator free - including harassment, threats and verbal abuse. DOC is one of several partners working to make Stewart Island fully pest free. But as Katie Todd reports, the project's run into fierce opposition.

It might be a popular getaway spot but this weekend a very unwelcome guest is scheduled to arrive on the Coromandel Peninsula. A red strong wind warning has been issued as Cyclone Vaianu bears down on the country. The entire North island is under some form of weather warning or watch, with no part expected to be unscathed. But the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island are at the highest level with a red strong wind warning from 5am til 6pm on Sunday. Thames Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell spoke to Lisa Owen.