Checkpoint

The Trump administration said it's optimistic a deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran could soon be reached. Meanwhile, the deadline for the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire is less than a week away with no confirmation of further negotiations between the US and Iran. United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

It turns out artificial intelligence might not be that intelligent when it comes to making complaints according to a consumer watchdog. The Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman is warning people to beware of AI tools hallucinating and gving bad or incorrect advice. It said artifical intelligence can make the process frustrating for people when the reality doesn't match up to the expectations that AI has raised. Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens spoke to Lisa Owen.

UK correspondent Lucy Thomson talks to Lisa Own over concerns raised by a former NATO chief on the UK's national security. She also delves into a report highlighting further economic fallout for the country in the wake of the Iran War.

A long-standing, but newly expanded Maori relationships committee is proving controversial in the Far North. It's seen locals turn out in support of the change but there is backlash, too, despite the committee being advisory only. Council decisions are still made by elected members. Reporter Peter de Graaf headed to Wednesday's meeting to find out what the fuss is about.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica will be forced to watch his side's crucial A-League clash from the sidelines this weekend. Corica copped a one-match ban after being issued a red card in Saturday's draw with the Melbourne Victory. It was the first red card of his career. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

If you shopped at a Waikato Bunnings store today, you probably had your face scanned. The hardware giant switched on its new technology at its Hamilton South and Te Rapa stores this week. The AI technology is targeting repeat shoplifters and offenders and is is due to be implemented at all Bunnings stores around New Zealand in a phased rollout. Bunnings New Zealand general manager Melissa Haines spoke to Lisa Owen.

"Do nothing ..do nothing...do nothing ..and then oh F**k." That's how a leading economist has charactersied the Government's four-part fuel plan. New Zealand's currently in phase one of the plan which means there's enough fuel but prices are rising. Formal rationing would kick in at phase four. Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's cautious support being shown for a crack down on black market tobacco, but also warnings the tobacco industry itself could be stoking fears. A report into the illicit tobacco trade, released by Retail NZ, pushed for the formation of a unified response from Customs, Police, Health NZ and Inland Revenue. It's chief executive said we need to act quickly, but the Prime Minister isn't convinced. Finn Blackwell reports.

People may soon be able to bypass the GP and head to the pharmacist for a wider ranges of medicines, at a cheaper price. The government proposal would allow pharmacists to assess a patient, provide a consultation, and supply a treatment, similar to a GP visit. It would also mean patients get treatments at a lower cost, rather than paying full over-the-counter prices. Treatments for scabies, headlice, and conjunctivitis would be covered, as well as emergency contraception pill. Lanny Wong, a pharmacist, director of Mangawhai Pharmacy and a member of the national executive of the Pharmaceutical Society spoke to Lisa Owen.