Checkpoint

Coach Scott Robertson has sprung a few surprises in the first All Blacks squad of the year, with five debutants and some notable omissions. The 33-man squad to play France in next month's three-test series was named this afternoon at the Coastal Rugby Club in South Taranaki. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.

The Acting Prime Minister is warning against rushing to judgment on the United States' airstrikes on Iran, saying the rest of the world is not waiting to hear New Zealand's position. David Seymour has stepped in for Christopher Luxon at this week's post-Cabinet press conference, and he was pushed for a response on the strikes. Mr Luxon is in Europe for the NATO summit this week, where the Middle East is likely to dominate proceedings. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

'Queuing for brunch and browsing the shops is a rose tinted memory.' That from a Ponsonby business who say landlords are willing to let some of Ponsonby road's more well known shops empty out in order to keep the rents high. Those who still have shops there say the famous road's flavour is shifting. From being a creative hub balancing fashion and eateries to now leaning heavily in favour of hospitality. Louise Ternouth went for a browse.

A defence force hercules is on route to an undisclosed location in the Middle East, to help evacuate New Zealanders from the conflict zone if its able to. Some air space has been closed since the bombing started between Israel and Iran. The plane will remain on standby in the region to assist if and when possible. President Trump claims US stealth bombers have "totally obliterated" key iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has warned of dangerous consequences. International law expert Associate Professor Anna Hood from the University of Auckland spoke to Lisa Owen.

Whether you're after a fade, slick back, perm or a buzz cut look no further - a barber training centre in the Auckland CBD is offering free trims. If you don't mind yours being the first hair the apprentice barber has ever cut, that is. Mr Barber, an NZQA approved and registered training centre, is the only Barber-specific training centre in Aotearoa. Barbers-in-training are chucked straight into the deep end, practising on real people from day one. Bella Craig reports.

The celebrations are continuing in red and black country following the Crusaders Super Rugby triumph at the weekend. Crowds are gathering in central Christchurch this afternoon to catch a glimpse of the players with the Super Rugby trophy, back in their hands after a forgettable 2024 season. Reporter Adam Burns spoke to Lisa Owen.

Cleaners doubling as security guards at two rural Waikato Hospitals have left staff worried about their own safety and that of patients. These are among findings in a report obtained by Checkpoint about the introduction of the scheme - which Health New Zealand calls integrated cleaning, attendant and security services - at Te Kuiti and Tokoroa hospitals. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Tourism operators aren't sure whether they'll welcome smooth sailing or face choppy waters once the Interislander service loses one of its ferries. The Aratere retires in August, reducing the Cook Strait fleet to two until the expected arrival of new ones in 2029. KiwiRail operates the service and is confident the remaining ferries can handle the demand. Tess Brunton reports.

The 33-man squad was announced today at the Coastal Rugby Club in South Taranaki - home of returning Captain Scott Barrett. There were a number of other returns and some suprises in coach Scott Robertson's line-up which is set to take on France in next month's three-test series. RNZ's Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

A banks pensinsula business group wants to make drink spiking test kits available at local pubs and clubs after serious concerns about womens safety were raised in an online chat group. A Lyttleton woman posted about drinking spiking on a closed facebook page prompting a flood of others to share their experiences including allegations of cat calling, stalking and harassment. The issues have been raised with the community board. Chair of the Lyttleton Harbour Business Association Sabrina Saunders spoke to Lisa Owen.