Checkpoint

From 4,500 followers on social media to over 1.3 million, all thanks to an Argentinean influencer. All White Tim Payne's profile has skyrocketed after Valen Scarsini told his followers to back the man he called the World Cup's least-known player. It's been labelled a Cinderella story, but it's one Payne could use to his advantage. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

90 days and no peace deal, that's where things stand with the US-Israel war with Iran. While there isn't a definitive end to the conflict yet, a 60-day ceasefire extension is reportedly in the works. Americas correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen.

Robbie Mortimer's version of Advance Australia Fair at the State of Origin opener on Wednesday has been so brutal, the country singer has had to put his phone away. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

A cat crack down is coming for Tasman District. From Monday, a new bylaw means moggies six months and older need to be microchipped desexed and registered. The council said it could help them distinguish between feral and companion cats. Tasman District Council Marine and terrestrial bio manager Guinny Coleman spoke to Lisa Owen.

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 sharply with the bill going from $20 billion in 2020 to a forecast $30 billion in 2030. NZ First Leader Winston Peters spoke to Lisa Owen.

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.