Checkpoint

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. Political reporter Lauren Crimp has more.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

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 majority can still fly the same day. New Zealand Airports Association CEO Billie Moore spoke to Lisa Owen.

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 Beckford spoke to Lisa Owen.

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 the House are clamouring to take credit for the backdown. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports.

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 set sail and filed this report.

It was round two between Rob Penney and reporters this morning. The Crusaders coach had another combative press conference after the news of his departure at the end of the season was leaked. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.