Checkpoint

One of the organisations vetting KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals has said applications to dip into the retirement fund have more than doubled in the past two years. This comes as some fund managers have expressed concern about social media "how to guides" advising people to go into more debt or fudge their financials so they can crack open the retirement piggy bank early. Inland revenue figures show that in April 2025 hardship withdrawals were up $300 million on the year before. Public Trusts acts as a supervisor for various KiwiSaver schemes and decides which hardship withdrawals are signed off. General Manager of Corporate Trustee Services David Callanan spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tensions flare across the Middle East with the prospect of full-scale war between Iran, Israel and the United States looming. Iran has warned the US to brace for retalliation following its strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend. Meanwhile America said any attack on its personell or bases will be met with "devastating" force. The United Nations Security Council has called an emergency session in New York, at Iran's request. Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about how there is fresh doubts about the viability of a planned ban on social media for those aged under 16 and the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie Jaws.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Run It organisers have come under criticism from a coroner who said it should not be considered a sport. Bruce Hesketh has slated the competition as a perilous activity that makes no attempt to mitigate head injury. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A group of Auckland dog lovers are planning legal action over a decision to ban off leash pooches at a popular suburban park. Auckland Council is currently reviewing dog rules at dozens of local and regional parks and beaches. Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia spokesperson Jonathan Sweeney spoke to Lisa Owen.

Nearly 20 million dollars in development assistance to the Cook Islands is on pause as New Zealand reacts to its Pacific neighbour's ever-closer ties with China. Wellington claims it was not consulted before the Cook Islands signed a partnership agreement with China in February, an alleged breach of the Cooks' committments to this country. The funding freeze was revealed in a front page splash in the Cook Island News, awkward timing for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he prepares to meet with China's President Xi Jinping. Caleb Fotheringham has more.

A dispute over school boy rugby is kicking off; with claims a proposed new competition is discriminatory and could lead to an arms race where colleges aggressively recruit top players to the detriment of the game. A collective of South Island boys' schools confirmed they're looking to launch a new first XV competition as part of wider efforts to improve educational outcomes for young men. Dozens of other principals are rallying against the plan. Darfield High School principal Andy England spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been fielding questions about New Zealand's relationship with the Cook Islands as his government cuts nearly $20 million in funding to our Pacific neighbour. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed the funding freeze after the Cooks signed partnership agreements with China without consulting New Zealand. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen from Shanghai.

It has been 10 years and tens of millions of dollars in the making, now Cardrona Alpine Resort is set to show off a whole new side of the mountain. Skiers, snowboarders and the resort's staff are rejoicing as the major expansion into Soho Basin is almost ready to ride. Otago Southland Reporter Katie Todd went up for a look.