Checkpoint

Keeping NZ super as it is, is a strike against intergenerational equity according to the Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Winston Peter's has described her comments as a "sad point". There were no changes to the super scheme in the Budget. But the finance minister took the opportunity to raise serious concerns about the cost of the universal benefit. Nicola Willis said super costs are rising sharpl...

Emergency doctors are hoping money for digital upgrades will cut admin time for clinicians. Budget 2026 has dedicated more than 150 million dollars for Health NZ to strengthen cyber security, and another 300 million to upgrade its tech. GPs and emergency doctors alike say it could be a game changer. Health correspondent Kate Green reports.

Phil O'Reilly from government relations and policy advisory firm Iron Duke, Tania Pouwhare from Good Shephard, an NGO that helps women, girls and their families who are experiencing hardship and harm and Council of Trade Unions president Sandra Grey spoke to Lisa Owen about the 2026 Budget.

RNZ's economics correspondent Gyles Beckford spoke to Lisa Owen about the 2026 Budget.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaks to Lisa Owen about Budget 2026.

Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen has been poring over the Budget.

No surprises, no rabbits out of the hat, no lolly scrambles... The finance minister has preached the importance of fiscal discipline and sustainability as her third Budget points to an earlier - if fragile - return to surplus. The Budget's focus is on money for core services like health, infrastructure, and education, with a promise better times are ahead, if the country can smile through the pain...

A patient advocate says as far as our health system goes .. there's barely enough money allocated to "keep the lights on" let alone develop any services. Malcolm Mulholland is also critical of the fact no extra funding's been announced for the 100 new medicines Pharmac wanted to supply. He spoke to Lisa Owen

Hundreds of students have marched through New Zealand streets today, protesting against the government's decision to scrap fees-free tertiary study.

Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett spoke to Lisa Owen about Budget 2026.

Salvation Army director of social policy spoke Dr Bonnie Robinson spoke to Lisa Owen about the 2026 budget.

Moana Pasifika is set to fold at the end of the season, but a financial lifeline means staff will be paid out until the end of July. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds discussed her party's take on the 2026 budget with Lisa Owen.

The United States has reportedly carried out new strikes in Iran targeting a military site which officials say could have endangered American forces. Meanwhile, at a White House cabinet meeting Donald Trump made it clear that he's in no rush to secure a deal with Iran. Washington DC correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Lisa Owen.

Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch discusses the 2026 budget with Lisa Owen

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about how decision to spare two boys jail time following rape convictions is now under review by the Court of Appeal. She also spoke about how the UK government is expected to unveil new restrictions on children's use of social media and how a heatwave is sending records tumbling.

Opposition to a proposal for a Liquified Natural Gas import facility at Port Taranaki has been aired at a public meeting in New Plymouth. The government said it will shore up electricity supply during dry years, but opponents believe LNG locks New Zealand into a fossiled-fuelled future and is dangerous. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was the meeting and filed this report.

Two weeks out from the Football World Cup, the All Whites are leaving their club sides for national team duty. The five players from the new A-League champions, Auckland FC, are among the last players to link up with the 26-man squad at training camp in Florida. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen from Auckland Airport.

The Finance Minister says she's crafted the right Budget for the times ... as the Reserve Bank warns times are tough. It's held the Official Cash Rate steady - not wanting to damage the economy - but says it will have to hike it soon to counter surging inflation caused by the Middle East conflict. And one economist says that leaves the government battling a very difficult set of circumstances. Pol...

Is it death by a thousand flight cuts? Air New Zealand's trimming its schedule again as the jet fuel crisis bites. Earlier this month, the airline revealed it was cutting five percent of its flights. Now it's nibbling at its schedule from August to October. The national carrier won't provide specifics but said less than two percent of customers travelling during this time will be affected, and the...

News from the business sector, including a market report.

A beloved Dunedin theatre is celebrating its 150th anniversary by harking back to its opening night, with Music Hall shows featuring sketches, comic songs and rousing choruses. The Playhouse Theatre first opened as Oddfellows' Hall in 1876 before being converted to a theatre in the 1960s. Next month's shows will also help fundraising efforts for theatre renovations. Tess Brunton reports.

Good news for people with mortgages, the official cash rate is unchanged for now, but hikes are coming. The Reserve Bank is expecting inflation to head north of four percent by September, off the back of the Middle East conflict. In a split decision the Reserve bank held the cash rate at 2.5 percent. Governor Anna Breyman, had to use her casting vote to keep it there. Economics correspondent Gyles...

Homeschool parents are thrilled at a last-minute backdown to a proposed law change they thought tarnished all educators because of the actions of a few bad apples. The education minister wanted more rigourous oversight for families, after agencies raised concerns about a lack of checks on children learning at home. But now Erica Stanford admits it's not that simple - and political parties across t...

A new electric-hybrid ferry has taken to the water in Auckland, ahead of being put into service next month. It's the first of two electric ferries public transport officials hope will give commuters increased confidence in the network. Auckland Transport said the ferry has gone through rigorous testing and sea trials and is expected to pick up the service from Devonport to Downtown. Finn Blackwell...