Checkpoint

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 first. Giles Dexter reports.

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.