AGP Executive Report

Rugby Spotlight: The long-awaited Nations Championship kicks off in Christchurch with New Zealand set to face France, with squads headlined by Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor for the hosts. Road Rules: Transporting New Zealand backs “common sense” changes to road user rules, including footpath cycling for kids and e-scooters in cycle lanes, plus a proposed 1.5-metre overtaking gap. Aviation Update: Air New Zealand has returned its final Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from long-term storage, clearing the way for more widebody capacity and new network opportunities. Animal Welfare: A pig sold at a Tararua District Council auction for slaughter has sparked an urgent rescue push by Animal Justice Party supporters, after public backlash over how the story was framed. Climate & Power: New Zealand’s 3D Coastal Mapping program has released new LiDAR-based coastal data for hazard modelling and planning, while research warns warmer summers will strain cooling and electricity systems. Local Government: Invercargill councillors question the cost of a new elderly housing complex, calling it “exorbitant,” as procurement scrutiny grows.

All Blacks shake-up: Dave Rennie has named Ruben Love as starting fly-half for the Nations Championship opener against France in Christchurch, with Hurricanes spine Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett also in the backline and two debutants on the bench. Māori language tech: Google Maps is rolling out a new AI voice in New Zealand that correctly pronounces te reo Māori place names, built with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and guided by pronunciation rules. Renewables push: INTEC Energy Solutions will deliver the 171MWp Glorit solar farm on the Kaipara Coast, aiming to power the equivalent of about 40,000 homes and support future storage and firming, with construction starting now and completion expected in 2H 2028. Finance update: The RBNZ has appointed Angus McGregor as Assistant Governor Financial Stability, a role tied to bank supervision and mortgage lending standards. Health/tech: Dexcom’s Stelo OTC continuous glucose monitor is adding AI coaching and meal recognition after FDA approval for pediatric use. Sport (local interest): Gilas Pilipinas begin their FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers third window with a July 3 clash vs New Zealand in Auckland.

RBNZ Leadership: Angus McGregor has been confirmed as Reserve Bank of New Zealand Assistant Governor for Financial Stability, taking up the role later this month after acting since March 2025. Housing Numbers: Stats NZ says new home consents rose 19% in the year ended May 2026, with 39,737 consents overall. Economy Snapshot: National accounts for the March 2026 quarter show household saving up to $2.2b and household final consumption expenditure up 1.2% quarter-on-quarter. Defence Update: The RNZAF has fired AGM-84 Harpoon missiles from its new P-8A Poseidons for the first time during Exercise Valiant Shield near Guam. Environment & Fishing: SPCA says it’s a win that the Fisheries Amendment Bill won’t progress before the election, arguing for more transparency over on-board camera footage. Health System: A case involving a child with anorexia and self-harm alleges Wellington Hospital refused admission to a children’s ward unless vitals were “unstable.” Energy Project: Twizel Solar Farm has applied for consent for a 500MW solar site near Lake Ruataniwha. Business Appointments: Findex and PwC both announced partner promotions across New Zealand, including new PwC partners in Auckland and Wellington. Winter Comfort: Christchurch homeowners are being pitched ducted heat pump systems aimed at whole-home warmth.

Cricket & Rankings: Ishan Kishan has surged to No.1 in ICC men’s T20I batting, while Travis Head takes top spot in Test batting and Joe Root slips to third after New Zealand series form. World Cup (NZ angle): New Zealand’s World Cup run ended after Belgium’s 5-1 win in Group G, with Belgium topping the group and moving on to the knockout stage. Women’s Cricket: Nat Sciver-Brunt is back for England’s Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa at the Oval, with England aiming to reach the final after a perfect group run. NZ Economy & Markets: The NZX 50 edged lower in a soft start to July as power companies weighed on the index; investors are watching what the Reserve Bank does next week after IMF advice. Michelin Guide NZ: New Zealand’s first Michelin Guide selections are out, with stars and Bib Gourmands across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown putting local dining firmly on the global map. Health & Regulation: A new credit oversight change under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026 is set to streamline expectations for lenders under one conduct framework. Space: Rocket Lab aborted a Japanese radar satellite launch seconds before liftoff from New Zealand, delaying the mission. Court Watch: Kim Dotcom has lost another appeal against extradition to the United States.

Ombudsman OIA Ruling: The Chief Ombudsman says the PM’s office breached the Official Information Act over a climate-law note linked to Fonterra and Z Energy, warning government business may be flowing through personal emails. Local Water Done Well: Every mainland council now has an approved water delivery plan, with new council-controlled water organisations operating from 1 July, including Wellington’s Tiaki Wai. Road Safety Rules: Transport Minister Chris Bishop says councils must move to a risk-based approach for temporary road cone setups, aiming to cut costs while keeping worksites safe. Toy Import Compliance: New Zealand will recognise US and EU toy standards, expected to reduce compliance costs for importers and retailers. Counterfeit Cash Alert: A business owner describes how fake $50 notes are being used on multiple family-run shops, with the “feel” and size differences giving the main clues. Postal Prices: NZ Post is lifting standard letter prices to $3.60 from 1 July as mail volumes keep falling. Food Recall: Kaisi Melbourne Wu Xian Zhai soybean snacks are recalled over an undeclared egg allergen. Economy Watch: The IMF says New Zealand’s recovery is delayed by oil-price shocks and global uncertainty, with inflation expected to stay above target for much of 2026. Telecom Leadership: One New Zealand confirms Jason Paris will step down as CEO, with CFO Nick Judd to take over. Sports (NZ-linked): New Zealand’s Ben Stokes retirement and the England vs New Zealand Test series dominated coverage, alongside World Cup and regional sport updates.

Cricket, NZ vs England: Tom Latham’s side sealed a historic 2-1 Test series win over England at Trent Bridge, finishing with a 160-run victory and denying Ben Stokes a fairytale farewell after his shock retirement announcement during the match. Sports, Stokes fallout: Former England captain Andrew Strauss called the mid-game timing a “huge distraction,” even as tributes poured in from rivals including Joe Root and Shikhar Dhawan. World Cup 2026, NZ exit: New Zealand’s campaign ended after Belgium thrashed them 5-1 to reach the Round of 32, with Senegal also booking their place thanks to the Egypt-Iran draw. Business, NZ markets: The NZX 50 edged up, helped by Infratil’s AI-infrastructure momentum, while Air New Zealand gained on plans to return to profitability. Health, NZ: Waikato Hospital’s ED death while waiting more than nine hours is prompting fresh questions, with the Health Minister saying families deserve answers.

Community Milestone: Marlborough’s Te Kahu o Waipuna library and art gallery has welcomed its millionth visitor, with the new climate-controlled space boosting both library use and touring exhibitions since opening in 2023. Health Access: Disabled New Zealanders are nearly twice as likely to lose all their teeth, with cost and unmet care needs flagged as system failures. Overdose Law Reform: The New Zealand Drug Foundation is urging legal protections for people who call for help during overdoses, after recent GHB-related deaths in the Wellington region. Cost of Living Politics: Labour outlines plans to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and $10 elsewhere, plus removing the $5 prescription fee. Money & Retirement: MoneyHub launches new guides and tools on “bucket” retirement investing, KiwiSaver drawdown income, and warns against common KiwiSaver mistakes at 65. Local Economy: Christchurch property values keep climbing, while sellers weigh up rising listing costs and fee comparisons. Health System Pressure: A patient died after nine hours waiting in Waikato Hospital’s emergency department, renewing calls over overcrowding. Cyber Security Push: TUANZ calls for “security by design” and stronger accountability as scams and AI-driven threats grow. Sport: Ben Stokes’ England career ends with New Zealand sealing a series win in the deciding Test at Trent Bridge.

Cricket (Black Caps): New Zealand closed in on a series win over England at Trent Bridge, needing just three more wickets with two sessions left as England slipped to 191-7 at lunch in the deciding Test. Sport (Ben Stokes): The match also carried the emotional backdrop of Ben Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket after the third Test, with England’s leadership shake-up now in focus. Rugby (France): France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont will miss the inaugural Nations Championship matches, including the opener against New Zealand in Christchurch, with Paul Graou stepping in. World Cup (Cape Verde): Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand over an alleged sexual assault on a translator during the team’s Auckland stay in March, as the squad prepares for its Round of 32 clash with Argentina. Economy/Markets: The NZX 50 rose on Monday, helped by exporters and a weaker currency, while Forsyth Barr launched a dedicated capital markets business. Housing/Cost of living: A new affordability read suggests housing conditions have improved modestly, though prices are still not “affordable outright.”

Cricket Shock: Ben Stokes announced his international retirement mid–third Test at Trent Bridge, with England trying to chase 373 for a “perfect send-off” as New Zealand moved toward a series win. Court & Safety: An Auckland cult leader Kaixiao Liu and his wife were found guilty over the kidnapping and manslaughter of a follower found bound in rubbish bags in Gulf Harbour. Climate & Compliance: Rotorua firm G.B Teat Limited and employee Cole Wicks were fined for illegally releasing synthetic greenhouse gas (HFC). Power & Tech Debate: A campaign group warns a proposed Southland AI data centre could consume up to 25% of NZ’s electricity and lift power prices. Mental Health & Culture: Voices of Hope opens “Behind the Smile,” an immersive audio-visual exhibition in Whangārei starting 7 July. Rugby League: The Warriors fell to the Dolphins despite missing key starters, as Andrew Webster’s side pushed a strong Dolphins run to the limit. Sports & Community: “It Takes Seven” launches in NZ to support women and children escaping family violence. Business & Housing Tech: MBIE expands the Bond Hub digital service to speed up bond refunds and reduce paperwork.

Cricket (NZ-England, 3rd Test): New Zealand pushed their deciding Test lead to 264 on day four at Trent Bridge, reaching 180-4 at lunch after a gritty session where Rachin Ravindra was trapped lbw for 94 and Daryl Mitchell stayed 47 not out. Women’s T20 World Cup: England ended New Zealand’s title defence with a nine-wicket win at The Oval, chasing 163 with Danni Wyatt-Hodge unbeaten on 89 and Sophia Dunkley 49* as Devine, Bates and Tahuhu farewelled international cricket. Men’s World Cup (football): Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G and reach the Round of 32, while Iran were eliminated despite an unbeaten group run. Local sport (basketball): Gilas Pilipinas opened tune-ups in Palmerston North, beating Manawatu Jets 90-61 ahead of matches against Franklin Bulls and New Zealand. Health: A report says funding a world-first RSV vaccine for Kiwis aged 65+ could prevent thousands of winter hospitalisations and deliver major economic gains. Taranaki infrastructure: The New East Wing at Taranaki Base Hospital officially opened, part of a $462.6m redevelopment.

Anzac Day Rugby: New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have confirmed the Bledisloe Cup will land on Anzac Day in 2027, 2029 and 2031 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, with the 2027 match kicking off April 25 as part of a three-Test series. World Cup Shock: Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G and reach the knockout stage, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also on the scoresheet, while New Zealand’s All Whites bowed out winless. Women’s T20 World Cup: England ended New Zealand’s title defence, beating the White Ferns by nine wickets at The Oval as Danni Wyatt-Hodge made 89 not out and Sophia Dunkley 49 not out; the result also sent New Zealand home after a lifeline from Ireland earlier. Cricket (Men’s Tests): At Trent Bridge, New Zealand seized control of the series-decider, bowling England out for 354 and moving to 120-3 at stumps with a 204-run lead, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 60 after Jofra Archer’s double strike. Housing Scrutiny: A report says MSD managers face performance management tied to emergency housing grant approvals, raising concerns about “perverse incentives” to deny shelter.

World Cup 2026 (Group G): Belgium roared into the knockout stage with a 5-1 win over New Zealand at BC Place as Leandro Trossard scored twice, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also on the scoresheet. Belgium finished top of Group G and will face a third-place finisher in the Round of 32, while the All Whites bowed out after a single point. Group G (Seattle): Egypt booked a historic first-ever knockout spot after a 1-1 draw with Iran, with Iran’s late winner ruled out by VAR for offside—leaving Mehdi Taremi furious at FIFA. NZ sport (cricket): England kept the Test series decider alive at Trent Bridge after Ben Duckett’s century and Ben Stokes’ four wickets, dragging themselves back after New Zealand’s big first-innings total. NZ policy (immigration): Winston Peters alleges the government is “covertly” changing India-FTA immigration settings to target Indian citizens; the government rejects the claims as misinformation.

All Whites World Cup crunch: New Zealand face Belgium at BC Place in Vancouver in a must-win Group G finale, with coach Darren Bazeley weighing “continuity over freshness” and warning against going passive after earlier second-half dips. Test cricket shock for NZ: Blair Tickner is ruled out of the third Test decider vs England with concussion after being hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer; Zak Foulkes comes in as replacement. Wairarapa weather damage: Wild storms have washed out the Tūranganui River bridge near Lake Ferry again, leaving parts of the region cut off; flights resumed and power is being restored. NZDF ordnance disposal: Six NZ Defence Force personnel helped destroy about 2,200 WWII explosives in Papua New Guinea, disposing of thousands of kilograms of remnants of war. Rocket Lab market watch: RNZ reports Rocket Lab shares have slid since SpaceX’s listing, as investors reshuffle attention and valuations.

Severe Weather Disrupts Wellington: A deep low-pressure system brought heavy rain and damaging winds across the lower North Island, with Wellington Airport cancelling most flights (around 200 grounded) and power out for about 4,000 customers; MetService issued orange strong-wind warnings, with gusts up to 130km/h and a 153km/h peak at Mount Kaukau, plus flooding, slips and road closures. Housing & Mortgages Watch: First-home buyer mortgage approvals were broadly flat in May (2,875), while the average approved mortgage sat around $584,348; separate analysis highlights how different housing price measures can tell slightly different stories, with QV’s index putting the average national value at $912,190 (down 0.17% over 12 months). RBNZ Rate Signals: ASB says it has not seen enough to justify a July OCR hike, pointing to softer oil prices and a US-Iran deal reducing the risk of fuel-driven inflation. World Cup Stakes for NZ: Belgium vs New Zealand is the key Group G decider in Vancouver, with both teams’ knockout hopes hinging on results elsewhere; earlier, New Zealand’s men’s World Cup campaign continues to set up must-win scenarios. Rugby Move: Scarlets confirmed the signing of Crusaders/All Blacks forward Cullen Grace for 2026-27, adding more New Zealand experience to the Welsh squad.

Trent Bridge Test drama: Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) smashed a near-100-year record with a 317-run opening stand, but England’s Ben Stokes struck late as New Zealand closed day one on 361-4 in the deciding Test. World Cup pressure on the All Whites: With New Zealand needing a win over Belgium to keep knockout hopes alive, midfielder Eli Just says belief is high despite earlier draws and a loss. Wellington weather disruption: Gusts over 150km/h hit the capital overnight, with 60+ flight cancellations and reports of downed trees and power outages. Roads hit by snow/ice: SH73 reopened between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass after stranded vehicles; SH8 remains closed between Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Homeless support boost: A new Wellington wellness hub is set to start late July, using a real-time outreach IT platform to connect people to help without forcing anyone into services. Cancer support push for Dry July: Charities say demand is rising ahead of the alcohol-free month, with thousands expected to hear cancer diagnoses in July. Sports and culture: Netball World Cup winner Gina Crampton announces retirement; grunge legends Mudhoney announce a New Zealand tour.

Cricket (Trent Bridge): New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first in the series-deciding Test against England, but their build-up was hit hard by injuries: Matt Henry (calf) and Glenn Phillips (side strain) are out, with Mitchell Santner, Blair Tickner and Ben Sears coming in as England recall Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Housing & economy: Stats NZ data points to a cautious lift in the labour market and steadier living-cost pressure, while home consents keep rising; in markets, the NZX 50 bounced as exporters gained support and rate expectations cooled. Housing finance policy: Labour is pushing a Crown guarantee to cut borrowing costs for community housing providers via the CHFA, aiming to turn financing savings into more homes. UAE travel rules: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival to eligible passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, including families with qualifying residence permits that cover New Zealand. Business & tech: Ora Pharm’s purchase of Helius sets up a larger integrated medicinal cannabis operation, while NZ firms are still struggling to prove AI’s value beyond cost savings. Science & environment: Fiordland researchers report a massive 300–400-year-old black coral, among the largest ever recorded in Aotearoa.