AGP Executive Report

Biosecurity & Trade: New Zealand blueberry growers are pushing back on proposed import health rules that would allow fresh fruit from Chile, Peru, Mexico, Morocco and the US, warning soil-contact standards could bring pests and diseases like spotted wing drosophila and Xylella fastidiosa. Finance & Markets: The Reserve Bank has appointed Byron Pepper as deputy chair, while NZX shares slid as global investors focused on higher-for-longer rates after the Fed. Economy & Energy: New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 fell in a broad rout tied to rate worries and Middle East-driven inflation risks. Sports (NZ links): Liam Lawson’s off-track life gets a spotlight, and the Silver Ferns’ Commonwealth Games campaign faces a scare after knee injury to Catherine Hall. Politics: Winston Peters faces fresh backlash after remarks in Parliament sparked racism accusations and calls for him to step down. Tech & Media: TVNZ+ launched a hybrid streaming model with FIFA World Cup 2026 Event Pass, and Spotify rolls out a new Running Mode in NZ.

Public Health: Health officials are investigating a measles case in Palmerston North with no known source and no link to overseas travel, after the person travelled to Wellington over the Matariki long weekend (July 4–18), raising concerns about possible undetected community spread. Housing & Tenancy: A new three-month Tenancy Tribunal pilot will prioritise some rent arrears cases, including severe health and safety claims, but advocates warn it may still leave renters waiting months for bond and money owed. Politics & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hit back at Winston Peters after Peters told a Green MP of Chinese background to “go back” to where they came from, with calls growing for Peters to be sacked and for the Foreign Affairs minister to face consequences. Infrastructure: The Government has signed a PPP for the first Northland Expressway section, Warkworth to Te Hana, including a 26km four-lane route and major structures. KiwiSaver & Finance: KiwiSaver funds rose by more than $11b in the June quarter, while Generate says it has reached 200,000 members. Earthquake: A 5.9 quake struck the Kermadec Islands region with no tsunami signal reported. Sport: New Zealand swimmers wrapped up a strong Commonwealth Games run in Glasgow, with Erika Fairweather making history by winning five medals.

Housing & Interest Rates: New Zealand’s latest CPI lift to 4.1% is pushing mortgage costs higher, with analysts saying rates could climb back into the “fives” next year, though competition may soften how much banks pass on. Homeownership Gap: Research says about 152,000 households can afford repayments but are blocked by deposits, and only around a third know shared ownership options exist. Property Law: New Court of Appeal guidance keeps the “presumption of advancement” for parent-to-child gifts even when the child is an adult and financially independent, a key reminder for advisers. Markets & Energy: The NZX 50 briefly topped 14,000 as Fisher & Paykel and others led gains, while oil prices rose after a Middle East missile strike and NZ awarded its first offshore petroleum permit since the ban reversal. Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): India’s boxing surge continues, with multiple athletes booking semifinals and guaranteeing medals, while New Zealand’s Lydia Ko eyes Women’s Open glory at Royal Lytham. Sport (Football): Tottenham’s pre-season tour continues with a penalty shootout win over Sydney FC, as transfer talk swirls around Lucas Bergvall’s future. Environment Data: The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment says NZ’s environmental information is too fragmented and hard to use.

Defence Modernisation: The Government is moving toward buying long-range, one-way strike drones (up to $300m), with Defence Minister Chris Penk saying it wants Kiwi-made solutions and will seek information from industry. Energy & Environment: Climate and legal groups call the first offshore oil-and-gas exploration permit since the 2018 ban a “backwards step,” arguing it won’t cut power bills or improve energy security. Food Security: North Canterbury councils are backing food security work, including support for Satisfy Food Rescue and local food banks, as cost-of-living pressures bite. Disaster Recovery: Kaikōura river repairs after July flooding are expected to cost tens of millions, with Environment Canterbury prioritising safety and major erosion and flood-protection damage. Animal Welfare: The SPCA says the Government has rejected a recommendation to ban private fireworks sales and use, citing distress and injury risks for pets. Community & Culture: Almost 900 Māori leaders are gathering in Wellington for the Amorangi: Māori in Governance Summit, with hundreds more online. Local Business: Hawke’s Bay’s Young Enterprise Scheme expands to two Sundays at the Farmers’ Market in August, with 90+ teams taking part. Health & Safety Recall: LGM Hot Chilli Oil 275g is recalled over an undeclared peanuts allergen. Housing Comfort: Christchurch households struggling through winter are being targeted with ducted heat pump upgrades, with installers stressing design and installation quality.

Energy & Power: Meridian Energy has secured consent for the Morrinsville Solar Farm, a 134-hectare project expected to generate up to 200GWh a year and potentially add distributed battery storage, with Meridian saying it will help boost supply and support local jobs. Telecom & Tech: Spark has restructured into a connectivity unit and a new digital services group, with a strategic review of the digital division that could lead to an asset sale later this year. Business & Markets: The NZX 50 inched up on a mixed day, helped by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Auckland International Airport, while investors weighed softer jobs growth and household cost pressures. Health Leadership: Southern Cross Health Society has appointed Jan O’Keefe as its next CEO, starting February 1, 2027. Education: A new vice-principal has joined Innisfail Middle School, bringing international teaching experience. International Focus: UN warns human trafficking for online fraud is rising fast, with gangs targeting people with strong English and degrees. Sports (NZ link): Commonwealth Games weightlifting results put New Zealand’s Cameron McTaggart on silver in the men’s 88kg.

Cost of Living: Statistics NZ says household living costs rose 3.2% annually in the June quarter, the highest since Sept 2024, with interest costs down but still higher than the previous quarter. Housing Quality: A new debate is heating up over building inspections and self-certification, with critics warning reforms could “normalise failure” unless quality improves on sites. RSE Overhaul: Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme will be simplified and made clearer, with a graduated accreditation system and more worker flexibility. Weather Watch: MetService warns of possible severe gales and heavy rain impacts for parts of the South Island and central NZ, with snow to low levels later. Energy: Transpower reports New Zealand hit an all-time electricity demand record of 7141MW during the cold snap, but says supply to homes and businesses is not expected to be affected. Local Government & Water Bills: In the Wellington region, Tiaki Wai’s separate water charges are set to add about $290 more in the first year, with direct debit changes needed. Business: Burger Burger has gone into liquidation after owing $1.8m, highlighting pressure on hospitality. Aviation: NZ Airports appoints Graeme Sharman as chief executive from 1 August. Community & Culture: Visa Wellington On a Plate runs 1–31 August with nearly 100 events across the region.

Markets & Economy: Spark New Zealand surged 3.7% to a fresh record after announcing a split into core connectivity and a reviewed digital services arm, helping lift the S&P/NZX 50 to an all-time high as oil prices eased on US-Iran pause and Auckland Airport climbed. All Blacks Rugby: Dave Rennie named a 44-man squad for the “Greatest Rivalry” South Africa tour, with Reiko Ioane and Fabian Holland back, Ardie Savea captaining but missing the first three tour games, and three uncapped players added. Commonwealth Games Netball: England’s netballers bounced back after a heavy loss, with team bonding and a “games night” credited for the turnaround. Trade & Tariffs: The US tariff regime is shifting again, with forced-labour-related duties and exemptions affecting global exporters, including seafood-related moves that could ripple into New Zealand trade. Public Safety & Health: New Zealand’s response to H5N1 and ongoing child poverty concerns remain in focus, alongside reports of staffing pressures at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department. Sports & Culture: Faith No More confirmed Australia and New Zealand stadium dates in 2027, and Queen Budapest’s restored 4K concert film heads to theatres.

Housing & rates: First-home affordability is being squeezed by mortgage rates and incomes, not house prices, with REINZ saying the lower-quartile price is basically flat over five years while fixed rates have climbed. Westpac has become the first major bank to lift fixed home-loan rates after recent swap-rate jumps. Consumer protection: Consumer NZ is urging stronger rules against unfair trading, including hidden fees and “dark patterns,” as it backs a push to broaden New Zealand’s Fair Trade Act reforms. Transport for older drivers: Grey Power welcomes new guidance that routine cognitive testing should not be used for healthy older people’s fitness-to-drive checks. Local government: Upper Hutt and Kāpiti Coast councillors signal different approaches to Wellington-area amalgamation plans as the August 9 merger deadline nears. Community & environment: A record 228 humpback whales were spotted off Kaikōura in the Great Kaikōura Whale Count, while Water New Zealand warns source-water protection and investment are critical as many drinking-water consents near renewal. Business & regulation: The Commerce Commission has released a statement of issues on Zoetis’ proposed acquisition of Neogen, seeking submissions ahead of a decision in September. Wellington region: Nearly 100kg of wild venison has been donated to Wellington foodbanks, and a Four Square in Thames was fined after migrant workers paid $120k in job “premiums.”

NZ–Indonesia Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Winston Peters and Indonesia’s Sugiono met in Manila, pledging stronger defence ties and support for Indonesia’s school child nutrition push, including readiness to back the Free Nutritious Meal programme. Wellington Health: Wellington Hospital has taken delivery of the first of two new $6m radiation therapy machines to expand cancer treatment capacity. Commonwealth Games (NZ in Glasgow): New Zealand swimmers added medals, including double bronze for Kiwi swimmers, while Mirabai Chanu won India’s first CWG gold in weightlifting; NZ’s Silver Ferns also opened with a big win. Climate & Policy: Greens renewed calls for a one-year pause on consenting new AI data centres over power concerns, as fuel and cost pressures continue to bite. Sports Spotlight: Tottenham’s pre-season tour continues to draw attention, with manager Roberto De Zerbi telling unhappy players they should leave. Aviation Safety: Papua New Guinea is rated the safest in the South Pacific outside Australia, edging ahead of New Zealand in new safety figures.

Commonwealth Games: New Zealand swimmers Hazel Ouwehand and Erika Fairweather added bronze medals in Glasgow, while the wider Games spotlight stayed on standout performances across the pool. Politics & policy: The Greens launched their 2026 manifesto and slogan “For all of us”, including a call for a one-year pause on consenting new AI data centres. Housing & cost of living: National pledged to extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029, with a staged rollout and more flexible leave sharing. Transport: Petrol is forecast to jump 15–20 cents a litre in the next couple of weeks as Middle East tensions push crude higher. Child poverty: The Children’s Commissioner says 170,000 children live in poverty and warns New Zealand is moving backwards on material hardship. Local infrastructure: Christchurch’s Catholic Diocese unveiled plans for a new $80m cathedral, seeking $16m from parishioners. Business & finance: Mortgage brokers accuse BNZ of trying to squeeze them out with a “Clever goes direct” campaign, which BNZ denies.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): New Zealand’s Silver Ferns opened with a 74-44 win over Scotland, turning a scratchy start into control as Kelly Jackson and debutant Carys Stythe helped shut down the hosts’ attack. Commonwealth Games (Netball): Australia’s Diamonds sent a message with a 99-38 demolition of Tonga, setting up a big pool clash with England next. NZ Cricket & Sport: West Indies Test captain Roston Chase says his late-June 194 gave him confidence ahead of Tests vs Pakistan, while India’s squad for Sri Lanka is looming with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness the key question. NZ in global sport: Tottenham begin their New Zealand tour with a friendly against Auckland FC at Eden Park, with coach Roberto De Zerbi warning unhappy players they may need to leave. Earthquake watch: A 5.9 quake hit the North Island area near Taumarunui, prompting aftershock concerns and fresh “be ready” reminders. Trade & tariffs: The US has confirmed a 12.5% tariff on New Zealand goods tied to forced-labour claims, drawing pushback from NZ officials and trading partners.

Commonwealth Games: New Zealand’s medal haul is off to a strong start in Glasgow, with Erika Fairweather winning silver in the women’s 400m freestyle and Lewis Clareburt following minutes later with silver in the men’s 200m individual medley. Politics: The Green Party says it’s determined to return to government benches, with Marama Davidson pushing a campaign message ahead of its AGM. Biosecurity & AI: Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the government is piloting a generative AI tool to help create import health standards faster and more consistently, while keeping decisions with Biosecurity New Zealand experts. Earthquakes: A 5.9 quake near Taumarunui woke the North Island early Saturday, with severe shaking reported close to the epicentre and no tsunami threat. Energy: New Zealand quietly passed the one-gigawatt mark for installed local solar capacity, reaching 1,020MW by 30 June 2026. Food safety: Food Standards Australia and New Zealand issued a recall for Yumbah Australian Greenlip Abalone 1kg after brevetoxin contamination was found.

US Tariffs Backlash Hits NZ: The latest Trump forced-labour tariffs have sparked pushback from trading partners, with New Zealand among those saying the claims are “not credible” and warning of knock-on costs. Markets & Fuel Pressure: New Zealand’s economy is feeling the squeeze as oil and energy risks feed through to inflation and petrol prices, while the NZX 50 shows investors reacting to tariff uncertainty. Housing Costs Bite Big Landlords: Data shows owners with 10+ mortgages are retreating from home sales as holding costs rise, tightening cash flow for large portfolios. Transport Safety: Slower speed limits have been approved on parts of SH1 in North Otago and SH8 near Ettrick in Central Otago. Public Service Loss: Dame Helene Quilter, a highly respected senior public servant, has died. Community & Sport: Dunedin hotels are already selling out for the 2028 total solar eclipse, and Blues halfback Taufa Funaki has re-signed through 2028.

US Tariffs Hit NZ: The US will impose new 10–12.5% tariffs on 60 economies, including New Zealand at 12.5%, over forced-labour claims—prompting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to call the move “extremely disappointing.” Trade & Cost Pressure: The tariff shift comes as a temporary global duty expires, with oil-price spikes and Middle East tensions adding to inflation worries. Air NZ Disruption: A Kiwi mother says an Air New Zealand reroute turned a direct Bali trip into 30+ hours across three countries, leaving her autistic son distressed and without promised support. Health Research Boost: The Neurological Foundation backs neuroscience studies with $3.4m, funding work on dementia, stroke, MS and babies’ brain bleeds. Winter Illness Explainer: RSV is driving major winter sickness, with calls for a national childhood vaccination programme. Education Debate: RNZ reports mixed views as schools move between open-plan classrooms and traditional walls. Aupiki Final Build-Up: Matatū’s Paris Lokotui and Maia Davis look ahead to the 2026 Aupiki final against the Blues. Business & Tech: Tower Insurance appoints Len Elikhis as CFO; SoftwareOne partners with NinjaOne for IT operations. Local Infrastructure: Auckland Transport has started the final stage of the Eastern Busway, targeting faster Botany-to-city travel by 2027. Sports: Ryan Fox returns home after winning the British Open, while the Blues lock in Taufa Funaki through 2028.

World Test Championship: The ICC has confirmed the 2027 WTC final at London’s The Oval, running June 9–13, after Lord’s was flagged for an “unsatisfactory” pitch for England’s Test vs New Zealand. Cricket Calendar: The ECB also set out a huge 2027 Ashes summer, with the men’s series starting at Trent Bridge on June 18 and the women’s Ashes kicking off with a one-off Test at Headingley on June 24. Housing & Money: KPMG says mortgage lending is still driving credit growth, while arrears are rising but remain “manageable” as house prices face further downside risk. Cost of Living: A fuel boss expects petrol and diesel to jump 15–20 cents a litre soon, citing US–Iran tensions and refinery impacts. Pacific Links: NZ PM wrapped up an RSE visit in Samoa, with MPs stressing the “family” ties behind the seasonal worker scheme. Marine Protection: Five new no-take marine reserves will come into force next month off Otago to protect dolphins, penguins and kelp forests. Scams Warning: A UN report says Southeast Asia’s scam networks now operate like a transnational “franchising” model, costing victims up to $114b in 2025.

Cook Strait Ferries: New Zealand will build two rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries in China, with construction starting next year and arrivals planned for 2029; the taxpayer contribution is capped at NZ$1.7b and the plan is pitched as saving NZ$2.3b versus the old proposal. Defence & Peacekeeping: The NZDF’s UN mission in South Sudan has been renewed for two more years, with up to three personnel in command and planning roles based in Juba. Local Government & Safety: Auckland’s alcohol policy appears to be cutting bottle-shop robberies and alcohol-harm incidents after earlier trading-hour changes, though late-night disorder still strains police. Environment & Community: Whakatāne is bracing for very cold southwesterlies and possible snow on hills, with severe frosts and black-ice risk. Bird Flu Watch: Horowhenua councils are urging residents to report clusters of sick or dead wild birds for H5 bird flu checks, stressing chicken and eggs remain safe. Planning Reform Tensions: Chris Bishop signals possible further changes to Plan Change 1 to give farmers more certainty, drawing pushback from Waikato Federated Farmers. Media Business: TVNZ forecasts two years of net losses near $50m as it pours money into tech to grow digital audiences and revenue. Wellington Church Theft: St Peter’s Church on Willis says two valuable religious paintings were stolen and is appealing for their return.