Checkpoint

Iran says it's "waiting" for a potential US ground attack and has threatened to "rain fire" on American soldiers if they lay boots on their land. It comes after the arrival of 3500 more troops in the Middle East and reports that the Pentagon is getting ready for weeks-long ground operations in Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan says it's preparing to host talks between the US and Iran to try and negotiate an end to the war as it stretches into its second month. Middle East correspondent Lou Browne spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the growth forecast or the UK suffering a huge hit in the wake of the Iran war, as well as the British Armed Forces turning their attention to Russia's shadow fleet.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Kiwi MMA legend Israel Adesanya will headline UFC Fight Night in Seattle, where another loss may spell the end for the former champion. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group representing people with a rare genetic disorder say they've been waiting almost two decades for some critical drugs to be funded. Fabry disease is caused by a missing enzyme, and can lead to life threatening complications including organ failure. There is no cure but there are treatments available overseas to slow degeneration from the disease. Deborah Klyer from Fabry New Zealand spoke to Lisa Owen.

There is no need to stockpile - that's the message from the government as it reveals the details of its fuel response plan. The plan sets out the four phases of the response - including what criteria will trigger a move between them. Phases three and four would bring in priority bands to see who gets dibs - but the government is confident that right now, there's enough supply coming in. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

A new marae under construction in New Plymouth - a city that hasn't had a functioning marae for about 150 years - represents a homecoming for manu whenua. Ngāti Te Whiti hapū is building the 15-million-dollar Ngāmotu Marae, overlooking Port Taranaki, and hopes it will become a focal point for the wider community. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

A KiwiSaver provider says more people are asking about dipping into their KiwiSaver due to hardship - as the cost of living and market volatility bites. Figures from Inland Revenue show last month almost 5000 kiwis withdrew $41.2 million due to financial hardship up from $37 million in February 2025. That was before the war in Iran caused the fuel prices to skyrocket and rattled the financial market. Generate KiwiSaver's Head of investment, Greg Smith spoke to Lisa Owen.

A council's decision to close a major intersection in the Waikato for roadworks has turned the area into commuter chaos, say locals. Several crashes have ensued on the Waikato Expressway at two interchanges, as displaced traffic causes signficant congestion during rush hour. As Natalie Akoorie reports, residents are fearful someone will be killed.

With Dave Rennie's coaching squad assembled, the new crew now turn their attention to the players they'll task with resurrecting the national side, their next audition coming in round seven of Super Rugby Pacific. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.