Checkpoint

A major ski field operator's hoping Aussies nervous about the possibility of fuel disruptions, won't be put off coming to Aotearoa this season. Some slopes open this long week and rely heavily on Australians popping over to enjoy a run. NZ SKI operates on Coronet Peak and the Remarkables in Otago and Mount Hutt in Canterbury. CEO Paul Anderson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Americas correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about how as anti-government protests continue in Bolivia, the country's president has suggested he'll cut his salary in half. She also spoke about how political problems and election delays in Peru could be slowing down progress toward fixing issues at Machu Picchu and a record-breaking mural being unveiled in Mexico City.

The country's money pie will be carved up tomorrow, with a bunch of people eager to see how fat their slice is or if they get a bite at all. The top secret super-sized document came off the printer in Petone yesterday. After seeing the 2026 budget bundle delivered, the Finance Minister went straight to an actual pie shop, Puku Pies and Kai. Puku Pie owner Jamie Williams spoke to Lisa Owen.

In Australia there's been some rare good news on the cost-of-living front with householders told they can expect significant cuts to electricity prices.

News from the business sector, including a market report..

Former Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Scheck has played his last game in the NRL. This is not an exit on the player's terms; he has been sidelined by a knee injury that has cut his 13th season in the competition short. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The finance minister said there'll be no surprises and no sugar hits in this year's Budget, as she picks up her pride and joy from the printer. Nicola Willis isn't giving it a nickname this year, but one of her coalition partners is calling it a tough love Budget. MPs are split on whether they should apply some of that tough love to themselves, as their perks and pay rises come into the spotlight. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

The Norsewear Farm Fleck style socks were worn by Sir Edmund Hillary on various expeditions and have graced posters and magazine covers. Until now, the socks have been in the Hillary family's private collection. But they're being loaned to their makers, Norsewear and will go on display, in a protective case no less at Field Days. Tim Deane from Norsewear spoke to Lisa Owen.

"I don't know where to go, I don't know what to do, to afford living and pay the bills." That's the message from those who are still unemployed in Wellington after going through a round of government job cuts in the public sector two years ago. Last week, the government announced that nearly 9000 public servants are in line to lose their jobs over the next three years. It follows experts saying with more people facing long-term unemployment, there comes the risk of higher rates of anxiety and depression. Bella Craig reports.

Rural and Community hospitals are operating well below capacity despite demand for emergency care and diagnostic services rapidly increasing, according to a new report. The report commissioned by two health unions points to chronic staffing issues. Deborah Powell is the national secretary for the Resident Doctors; she spoke to Lisa Owen.