Checkpoint

Some petrol stations around the country have been running out of fuel. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham spoke to Lisa Owen from Levin, where pumps ran dry at New World.

The Government has sharpened its language around the war in the Middle East, warning that things here might get worse before they get better. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the coalition is preparing for the worst-case scenario with officials keenly focused on the next eight to 12 weeks.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the Trump administration reportedly considering the deployment of thousands more troops to the Middle East, as well as Donald Trump's new pick to lead the department of Homeland Security facing a Senate Hearing today.

Pressure's going on the price of plastics and packaging with crude oil a key ingredient and the squeeze on supplies from the Middle East. Petrochemicals and plastics are used in manufacturing, health care including pharmaceuticals, the construction industry and more. New Zealand imports most of the raw ingredients used by the plastics manufacturing sector, and a big chunk comes from the Middle East or countries that rely on the Middle East. CEO of Plastics New Zealand Rachel Barker spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent, Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about US President Donald Trump continuing to criticise NATO allies over their reluctance to help with the Iran war. Meanwhile, there have been more cases of meningitis B reported in the UK and elsewhere.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Tall Ferns' Basketball World Cup dream is over. A loss to Puerto Rico this afternoon sent the hosts to September's world cup and means the New Zealanders will be waiting four more years to get back to the global showpiece event. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hopes of retaining an 18 hole golf course are sunk, but 12 could still be on the cards for the Takapuna Golf course. Auckland Council is turning half of the existing 18-hole golf course at A. F Thomas park into a floodwater catchment to mitigate the city's increasing flood risks. Thousands of people signed a petition to keep the course, but last year the Council decided to push ahead with plans to reduce the course to nine holes. But Takapuna Golf Course is taking another swing at the proposal. Head Greens Keeper Steven Dowd spoke to Lisa Owen.

After a spate of attacks the government is directing hundreds of thousands of lottery dollars for de-sexing unregistered and roaming dogs. The SPCA is stumping up with more for the pilot programme. It is welcoming the money that is coming, but says de-sexing alone won't be enough without the law changes it's long called for. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

The government says there's no need to stress about fuel, but at the petrol pump, the situation is the complete opposite. Businesses are also feeling the pinch. The construction industry has been looking forward to a healthy 2026, after several tough years, but now things have taken a turn. Auckland builder Nick Farrelly spoke to Lisa Owen.