Checkpoint

Australia correspondent Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about tensions ramping up between the Israeli and Australian Prime Ministers, as the Albanese government repsonded to Netanyahu's comments.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Auckland FC have confirmed its worst kept secret. The club announced that there will be no womens side until at least 2027. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's understood owners Carter Holt Harvey want to shut down the Eves Valley Sawmill and consolidate its timber operation at its Kawerau plant. The closure will cost more than 140 jobs in the Tasman district. The plan is under consultation until 1 September, but local leaders have little hope the proposal will change. Tasman District Mayor Tim King spoke to Lisa Owen.

The long-awaited refresh of the Defence Force's ageing aircraft has arrived. The government is buying five new 'Seahawk' maritime helicopters to replace its eight 'Seasprites'. It will also buy two new airbuses to replace the 32-year-old 757s that have broken down around the world in recent years, sometimes stranding the Prime Minister.

After providing help and support to women for almost four decades, Auckland's North Shore Women's Centre will close its doors in November due to funding shortfalls. And it's far from alone 236 service providers have been affected since a sweeping programme of cuts was implemented last year. Oranga Tamariki says the reductions have saved tens of millions of dollars. But at what cost? Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Budget airline Jetstar has apologised for letting down its New Zealand customers as it faces a potentially hefty fine after pleading guilty to misleding flyers about their rights. The Commerce Commission took the airline to court claining it discouraged people from seeking compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Jetstar representatives have been in the Auckland district court for a sentencing hearing. In a statement it said it takes full responsiblity for the mistakes and has been contacting customers to ensure they get what they are entitled to. Felix Walton was in court and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Despite some fearing it threatens the industry's very existence, Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming a commonly used tool in film and television production. Tasks that would once take days or even weeks can now be completed in mere minutes thanks to AI. This has some industry players jumpy, worried that their roles may soon become redundant, but others see the possibility for creativity to flourish without the need for huge Hollywood-style studios. But with few rules of regulations in place to control the rapidly evolving tech, there are calls for the government here to do more. Evie Richardson reports.

Israel has begun the first stages of its controversial offensive on Gaza city. The Israeli government believes it is one of the last Hamas strongholds, and where the remaining hostages are thought to be held. It's also where tens of thousands of starving and desperate Palestinians are trapped. About 60,000 reserve troops have been called up and are poised on the outskirts of the city. The plan has triggered growing condemnation both internationally and within Israel itself. Correspondent in Tel Aviv, Blake Sifton spoke to Lisa Owen.

Shocked and gutted. Those are some of the emotions workers at Carter Holt Harvey's Eves Valley Sawmill in Tasman District are feeling as they come to grips with its potential closure. Up to 150 people could lose their jobs if Carter Holt Harvey goes ahead with its plan to shut the mill down. It said it wants to consolidate resources at its Kawerau plant in Bay of Plenty. Nelson's Mayor said he was told there is nothing that council or the government could do to save people's jobs. Samantha Gee reports.