Defence Budget Watch: New Zealand’s new defence minister, Chris Penk, says the country will aim for “smooth and steady” increases to reach 2% of GDP on defence within eight years, with NZ$1.58b in new 2026 funding and plans for new drones plus long-term replacement work for ageing frigates. Markets & Cost of Living: The NZX 50 posted its best month since last September, helped by Vista Group and Infratil, while Asia stocks rose on hopes for an extended US-Iran ceasefire. Legal Fight: ANZ says it will appeal a High Court ruling in a major class action over mortgage disclosure failures, with the bank’s maximum liability previously put at about $125m. Health & Business: Green Cross Health says it’s still in talks over a potential sale of its medical division after a 33% jump in operating profit. Community & Safety: A drive-by shooting in Nelson saw four men jailed after bullets narrowly missed a person watching TV. Culture & Legacy: Leading Māori academic Sir Hirini Moko Mead has died aged 99. Diplomacy: Sri Lanka has opened a new High Commission in Wellington, promising improved consular services for more than 30,000 Sri Lankans in NZ. Sport: Black Caps vs Ireland at Stormont: New Zealand are close to victory after Tom Blundell’s 186 and Nathan Smith’s six-wicket haul.