Checkpoint

The free school lunch programme has gotten major backlash over the cut-price lunches provided by the School Lunch Collective. But in other countries, similar programmes have thrived. Japan has been providing school lunches for 136 years and the Japanese Embassy in Wellington invited guests along to see what they're like. It put on the sort of lunches children in primary schools across Japan eat every school day. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Some subbies still owed money in the Du Val collapse have said their companies have barely survived and they doubt they'll ever see a cent. The Du Val property group of about 70 entities was put into statutory management by the government last year. At last count its debts were more than $300 million. One of the group's founders, Kenyon Clarke, has remained defiant as they head to the High Court on Monday, saying Du Val had the situation under control when that control was taken away. Rowan Quinn reports.

The Super Rugby Pacifc semi-finals are set to kick off with the Blues looking to break the Crusader's 30 game playoff unbeaten streak on home turf. It would be a second huge upset in just as many weeks if the Auckland side pulls it off, after a nailbiting victory over the Chiefs who have their own semifinal matchup this weekend in Hamilton. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

Data compiled by Infometrics for RNZ looked at the types of jobs that have disappeared over the past 25 years. Service station attendants were near the top of the list, with 77% of their roles, or 5,557 people gone. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen about the changing face of the New Zealand workforce.

Israel has launched a major attack on Iran's capital, targeting military and nuclear sites. Iran's top military commander and other high-ranking regime officials have reportedly been killed. Iran has promised retaliation, and have said Israel will pay a "heavy price". Israel has declared a state of emergency as it braces for retalliation. Correspondent in Tel Aviv, Trent Murray spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the United States announcing it will review the AUKUS security pact, putting Australia's multi-billion dollar nuclear submarine deal in a spot of difficulty.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Education advocates have said a government decision to remove special funding for Pacific and Māori students in vocational courses harks back to the days of a one-size-fits all education model. The funding cut applies to a per-student subsidy for Pacific and Māori enrolments at poytechnics and private training institutions. It is used to help fund dedicated support services for these students. Teuila Fuatai reports.

Netball New Zealand has called for World Netball to amend its strict eligibility criteria, which prevents players representing two different countries at consecutive world cups. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

While farmers are treated to record dairy and meat prices, mental health is still a massive issue with disproportionately high suicide rates in rural areas. Huge work loads, isolation and lots of financial pressure can all take a toll. A $3 million funding boost for the Rural Support Trust has been a welcome announcement at Fieldays in Hamilton, but has now sparked calls for more clinical psychologists in rural areas. Alexa Cook reports.