AGP Executive Report

Banking Leadership: ANZ NZ chief executive Antonia Watson will retire at the end of the 2026 financial year, with Ben Kelleher set to take over from September 30. Politics & Polling: A new poll shows voters largely unfazed by the Government Budget, while Winston Peters closes the gap on preferred PM ratings for both Christopher Luxon and David Seymour. Para Sport Inclusion: Paralympics New Zealand and Bupa have launched the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant to fund pathways and more inclusive environments for disabled athletes nationwide. Arts Funding Fight: Creative NZ is proposing to cut 23 jobs and shift major funding responsibility to regional partners from 2027, with unions calling it “cultural vandalism” amid no extra government funding. Cricket & Family Travel: New Zealand expects Devon Conway to return in time for the second Test against England at the Oval after travelling home for the birth of his second child. Biosecurity: A small patch of invasive exotic Caulerpa seaweed has been detected and treated at Smugglers Bay near Whangārei Harbour, with follow-up surveys finding no further spread. Wellington Architecture: Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Wellington Central Library has won multiple awards, including Heritage and Interior categories plus a Resene Colour Award. Weather Disruption: Wellington has faced gale-force conditions with flights and ferries cancelled and hundreds evacuated due to dangerous swells.

Markets: New Zealand’s NZX 50 slipped 0.4% as global nerves rose after fresh US-Iran tensions, lifting oil costs and weighing on local stocks including Mainfreight, Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand. World Cup (NZ angle): Iran warned it could halt matches if “unauthorised” flags or anti-team slogans appear, with their opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Cricket (NZ-linked): India kept top spot in the ICC men’s ODI rankings after the annual update, but New Zealand closed the gap to five points. Pacific governance: Solomon Islands PM Mathew Wale says future security deals will be more transparent, with stronger parliamentary oversight—though the China pact’s non-disclosure clause remains. Sports & society: The IOC’s reinstated genetic testing for women’s events drew sharp backlash from trans and intersex athletes, who say it will harm inclusion. Local weather: MetService warned of frosty conditions across New Zealand as temperatures plunge.

Public Transport Politics: Labour’s plan to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in main centres and $10 elsewhere is drawing pushback, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop saying the Government’s $450m emergency fund should go to peak services, not subsidies. Meth Crackdown: Police report large-scale meth raids across Northland and Auckland, while Customs says a 20-year-old was arrested at Auckland Airport after 19.7kg of meth hidden in packages disguised as green tea. Climate Costs: Treasury warns offshore action to meet New Zealand’s 2030 climate target could cost Kiwis up to $5b, as the Government faces questions over mitigation steps. Health & Tech: A major NZ-led ICU trial will test AI-guided treatment for critically ill patients, aiming to recruit more than 24,000 people across NZ and Australia. Local Government: Manawatū mayor Michael Ford warns council amalgamation talks could leave districts “sold off” without consent, as residents debate the “Head Start” process. Wellington Weather: Storm swells and gales have forced evacuations and disrupted flights and ferries in the capital.

Wellington & NZ sport: England’s World Cup build-up is in the spotlight after the ICC rated the Lord’s and Gaddafi Stadium pitches “unsatisfactory,” handing demerit points and raising fresh questions about playing conditions. Cricket discipline: England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under ECB investigation after a nightclub incident following their win over New Zealand, with the pair at risk of missing the next Test. World Cup countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow with Mexico vs South Africa, while England’s final warm-up against Costa Rica is set for Wednesday. Olympics controversy: The IOC has reinstated SRY gene testing for women’s events, a move athletes and advocates say could harm fairness and women’s rights. Local culture & land: Ngāti Toa has secured the return of significant coastal 742ha whenua, Pikarere Farm, to iwi ownership. Money & travel: Martin Lewis warns British Airways is steering customers to costly third-party visa permit services, including higher prices for New Zealand eTAs.

Lord’s Pitch Sanction: The ICC has rated the England–New Zealand Test surface “unsatisfactory,” handing Lord’s a demerit point after excessive seam movement and variable bounce; the ECB has 14 days to appeal and MCC has already admitted responsibility. Stokes Future in Question: England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to meet advisors after a nightclub incident that also involved Gus Atkinson, with investigations ongoing and retirement rumours swirling. World Cup Ticket Fallout (Iran): Iran’s federation says its fan ticket allocation for matches including New Zealand has been withdrawn days before kick-off, leaving supporters stranded amid visa and entry hurdles. Climate Tech Push: Government will invest up to $51m to help roll out methane-busting farming technology via an Early Adoption Accelerator at Fieldays. Local Government Reform: Councils in Waikato are being asked for feedback on merger options as the government presses ahead with reform timelines. Transport Cost Relief (Labour): Labour pledges public transport fare caps at $20 a week in main centres and $10 elsewhere, starting 1 July 2027.

Wellington Storm Surge: Wellington authorities evacuated hundreds from waterfront homes after massive swells and strong winds battered the harbour, with waves reported near 11 metres, roads closed, and some flights and ferry services disrupted. England Cricket Discipline: England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are under ECB investigation after a late-night nightclub incident following their Lord’s win over New Zealand, with the probe linked to a breach of team protocols and expected to affect selection for the next Test. World Cup Ticket Row: Iran’s football federation says its World Cup fan ticket allocation was revoked days before kick-off, adding to visa and travel problems and raising fresh questions about fairness in the tournament build-up. Women’s T20 Rankings: New Zealand captain Melie Kerr has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC women’s T20 all-rounders rankings ahead of the T20 World Cup. NZX Market Watch: The NZX 50 rose on a broader Asia rally, helped by Wall Street tech gains and easing Middle East tensions, while energy stocks and exporters showed mixed movement.

Energy Security: New Zealand has shortlisted two bidders for an LNG import facility, aiming to sign a preferred provider this year and have it operational in 2028—while the Government says it won’t be funded by a levy on power bills, instead pushing new obligations and winter reliability rules for electricity companies. Wellington Weather: Wellington’s south coast and Wairarapa are bracing for large swells, with MetService reporting waves already near 10m and urging residents to take necessary precautions as a State of Emergency is in place. Housing Market: QV reports average dwelling values rose 0.3% to $912,190 over the three months to May, with the market broadly stable but patchy. Sports (NZ-linked): England’s World Cup camp in Florida follows a 1-0 win over New Zealand, but captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson face an ECB probe after a nightclub incident and possible protocol breaches. Health Policy: Pharmac has temporarily rationed menopause hormone therapy supplies as demand rises, with doctors facing training gaps. Agritech: Virtual fencing is spreading in NZ, but vets warn regulation and oversight lag behind Australia.

Coastal Emergency: New Zealand’s capital has ordered evacuations of waterfront homes in southern Wellington suburbs (Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, Breaker Bay) after a “significant swell” forecast, with the mandatory order set to run from 9am Tuesday until Wednesday. World Cup Build-Up: England’s World Cup preparations continue after a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Florida, with Thomas Tuchel saying Jude Bellingham has a real fight for a starting spot in a deep squad. Cricket at Lord’s: England thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test, with Gus Atkinson taking five wickets and Ollie Robinson starring as New Zealand were bowled out for 138. NZ Markets: The NZX 50 fell about 0.9% as global risk sentiment dragged stocks, while power and tech names led the moves. Rugby Coaching Move: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Springboks assistant Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching team from 2028.

Politics & Elections: Labour has unveiled its November election party list, with 30 newcomers and major reshuffles including Vanushi Walters jumping to 8th and the omission of Greg O’Connor. Local Governance & Community: Wellington Volunteer Coastguard gets a $200k NZCT grant to buy a new rescue vessel for Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait. Sports (NZ & global): England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test at Lord’s, with Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson starring on a heavily criticised pitch; meanwhile, Dave Rennie returns to New Zealand after winning Japan Rugby League One with Kobe Steelers. World Cup Visa Row: Iran’s squad faces strict US entry rules, with some officials still denied visas and Iran complaining about FIFA/US handling. Stats NZ (LGBT+): Stats NZ reports 4.8% of people aged 15+ identify as LGBT+ in the year ended June 2025, with the group younger on average. Weather: A rapidly rising swell threatens Wellington and Wairarapa coasts with dangerous waves peaking Tuesday. Road Safety: Police are investigating a serious crash on SH1 near Spotswood, with the road closed and diversions in place.

England World Cup warm-up: Thomas Tuchel says England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa was “too much freestyle” in the first half, but he liked the bite after changes at the break. Key moment: Harry Kane’s stoppage-time header settled it, with Rio Ngumoha impressing on debut. Cricket update (NZ vs England): At Lord’s, rain limited play but Ollie Robinson’s double-strike left New Zealand 55/5 in the second innings, still 199 runs short of England’s 254 target. World Cup logistics for NZ fans: Councils in the UK are being urged to approve pub and outdoor event licences, with pubs allowed to stay open until 2am during knockout runs. Group G focus: Egypt’s opener vs Belgium is flagged as a tough start, with Egypt, New Zealand and Iran all in the same group. Aviation (NZ link): Singapore Airlines says it will bring Airbus A380 flights back to Auckland this winter, starting daily services from late October.

Cricket (Lord’s Test): Ollie Robinson’s comeback heroics helped England move toward victory over New Zealand in the rain-hit first Test, with Robinson taking 5-39 as NZ were bowled out for 113 and then left 55-5 chasing 254 before play was stalled again by weather. Football (All Whites vs England): In Tampa, England edged New Zealand 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal just before half-time; New Zealand kept it tight despite a 4-0 Haiti thrashing earlier in the week. World Cup politics (Iran visas): Iran’s federation accused the US of “vindictive behavior” after some Iranian officials were denied US visas, prompting the squad’s move to Mexico for preparations while the dispute continues. NZ-Australia ties: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met Anthony Albanese in Australia, projecting a “happy place” tone as both leaders look to keep trans-Tasman cooperation steady. Aviation (Air NZ): Air New Zealand says it has only offset part of higher fuel costs and is planning for elevated jet fuel prices into 2027, including possible further fare increases and cost cuts. Health/justice: A sentencing-law debate reignited after coverage of George Starling’s reduced term and parole eligibility, raising fresh questions about how punishment fits the crime.

World Cup Visa Drama: Iran’s World Cup squad has been granted US visas after days of uncertainty, but reports say some federation staff and officials were still refused entry as the team prepares to leave Turkey for Mexico and matches in California and Washington. England vs New Zealand (Cricket): At Lord’s, England hold the upper hand in the 1st Test after dismissing New Zealand for 113 and setting a 254 chase; New Zealand are 36/3 at stumps on day three with weather still a wildcard. Local Rail Disruption (Wellington): A train derailment at Khandallah injured about six passengers; cordons were later lifted. T20 Leadership (India): Shreyas Iyer has been named India’s new T20I captain for Ireland, England and the Asian Games, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. Sports Tech/Rules: The ICC is trialling pink balls for bad-light stoppages in Tests, but it won’t be ready for the Lord’s England-New Zealand opener. Money Q&A: RNZ launched a new podcast with Susan Edmunds answering listeners’ questions, including how to invest large savings safely.

Lord’s Test Fallout: England’s Gus Atkinson struck twice late on day two as New Zealand slumped to 36-3 in their second innings, chasing 254 after being bowled out for 113 and England made 226; with variable bounce and heavy seam, Nasser Hussain called the pitch “substandard” and “not good enough” for Test cricket. World Cup Visa Relief: The US has approved visas for Iran’s World Cup squad, clearing travel just 10 days before their Group G opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, after last-minute base changes to Mexico. England World Cup Prep: England coach Thomas Tuchel says World Cup rule changes worry referees and warns transfer talk could distract players, ahead of a warm-up against New Zealand in Tampa. Defence Deal Watch: The US has approved a $1.5b sale of MH-60R helicopters to New Zealand, boosting maritime capability. Local Sport & Culture: Tāwhaki’s carving is back from Germany to Manutūkē marae, with the return described as “looking positive.”

Wellington & flight paths: Plane Sense Wellington says it’s disappointed after a High Court judgment dismissed its bid over Wellington’s DMAPS flight path changes, arguing the framework can allow major community disruption without meaningful consultation, with residents citing sleep and health impacts. Local rates: Tiaki Wai’s new water charges have wiped out proposed Porirua rate rises for some households, but average bills next year are still set to climb once Tiaki Wai and potential Regional Council increases are included. Public sector jobs: Tararua’s mayor warns rural communities could be left behind as Budget 2026 job-cut plans loom, with concern that centralisation reforms prioritise amalgamation over outcomes. China–NZ politics: China has banned four New Zealand MPs for a year after a Taiwan visit, prompting NZ to say it will raise the issue directly with Beijing. Business & economy: NZX 50 shares edged up on Friday but the week was mixed as Middle East tensions and higher oil prices weighed on risk appetite; Heartland’s bank merger with TSB and Green Cross’s GP sale drew attention. Sport (NZ angle): Andy Farrell has extended his Ireland coaching deal through the 2031 Rugby World Cup, keeping him out of England talks.

Cricket at Lord’s: New Zealand were skittled for 61-6 at stumps on day one of the 150th Test, after England were bowled out for 140. Kyle Jamieson led the early damage with 5/62, then Ollie Robinson roared back with 4/10 including a triple-wicket maiden over, turning a chaotic opening day into a thriller. Auckland Predator Free: The Government is injecting $10m over five years to accelerate Predator Free 2050 work in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, including an urban mainland predator elimination project. Climate cost for Westport: A new Climate Change Commission case study looks at what comes next after the 2021 flood and 2022 follow-up, including floodwall progress and the need for wider adaptation planning. Local track help: A Whakatāne volunteer trust has offered to reinstate two slip sites on Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway at no cost, pushing back on council procurement requirements. Health and safety: A new methamphetamine harm reduction service has launched in Kaitaia to support whānau across the Far North, and Kiwis are urged to donate during Blood Donor Week (June 8–14). Business and education: NMIT has appointed Dr Caroline Seelig as its new chief executive, while NZI Rural Women Business Awards category winners were announced.

Aviation Appointments: New Zealand Airports Association CEO Billie Moore has accepted a global role with aviation regulator OneReg, focusing on government affairs and regulatory relations across markets. Markets & Housing: The NZX 50 slipped for a third straight day as Middle East tensions weighed on sentiment, construction activity looked softer, and Spark hit new 15-year lows; separately, house prices are stalling with buyers staying cautious. Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nicola Willis says forecasts now point to a return to surplus in 2028/29, while Budget 2026 also backs councils to speed housing growth via an Incentives for Growth Fund. China Tensions: China has barred four New Zealand MPs from entering China, Hong Kong and Macau after their Taiwan visit, with Beijing saying bans could be lifted if they apologise. Security Warning: Five Eyes warns Chinese-linked spies are using fake job ads on sites like LinkedIn and Upwork to pressure applicants into sharing sensitive information. Cricket at Lord’s: New Zealand won the toss and will bowl first in the first men’s Test against England at Lord’s, with Matt Henry back to lead the pace attack. School Safety: Parents in the Coromandel are calling for stronger anti-bullying steps after a teen suffered a broken leg in an alleged toilet-block assault.