AGP Executive Report

Bledisloe Cup: The All Blacks thrashed Australia 50-19 at Eden Park, retaining the trophy for a 24th straight year. Four players are out for next week’s test in Sydney, while fans faced long train delays after the match. Election 2026: ACT’s plan includes raising the superannuation age by three months a year and cutting disability benefits by $653 million over four years. Labour and the Greens criticised the proposals; National and Labour’s finance spokespeople also agreed to discuss the long-term retirement system. Housing: Rough sleepers and shelter staff in Te Tai Hauāuru say official figures understate homelessness in New Plymouth, bringing pressure for more support into focus as the election approaches. Black Caps: Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert return for New Zealand’s November ODI series against India, with Rachin Ravindra named for the first three matches. Will O’Rourke is sidelined as he recovers from hamstring and calf injuries.

Bledisloe Cup: The All Blacks retained the trophy for a 24th straight year, crushing Australia 50-19 at Eden Park with a five-try second-half surge. Injury Blow: Pacer Will O’Rourke will miss New Zealand’s India series, while Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes are out of the T20Is. Election 2026: National proposed fertiliser security deals and $300 million in water-storage loans; NZ First pledged to lift the minimum wage at least in line with inflation and increase Working for Families payments. Monitoring Gaps: The country’s quake and tsunami monitoring centre closed for hours because of staff shortages, prompting criticism of government cuts. Climate and Transport: New Zealand’s greenhouse-gas emissions reached record levels, while petrol climbed to $3.35 a litre and EV registrations surged 206%.

Cricket: Fast bowler Will O’Rourke will miss New Zealand’s home ODIs and Tests against India as he recovers from hamstring and calf injuries, with a return targeted for December. Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes are also out of the T20Is. Election 2026: A new poll points to rising support for NZ First and Opportunity falling below 5%, sharpening the contest over coalition options. Parties are also pitching changes to minimum wages and Working for Families. Climate & Safety: New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions have hit record levels. A quake and tsunami monitoring centre also went dark for hours amid staff shortages. Business: Energy costs are now the second-biggest concern for New Zealand businesses, with a third reporting price rises. Rugby: The All Blacks host Australia at Eden Park, aiming to extend their long Bledisloe Cup reign.

Drug Trends: New Zealanders reporting cocaine use rose from 11% in 2017–18 to 31% in October 2026, according to early findings from the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey. Researchers point to easier access, lower prices and growing social acceptance. Election 2026: The upstart Opportunity Party is gaining ground and could hold the balance of power after the November 7 election. Gisborne’s first-time voters say healthcare, roads and university costs are top concerns. Climate: New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions have reached record levels, with government reporting rising heat risks and greater threats to roads and coastal communities. Rugby: The All Blacks face Australia at Eden Park, seeking an 11th straight win over the Wallabies and extending their 53-test unbeaten run at the ground. Markets: The NZX 50 gained 0.5% for the week as Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reached fresh highs; a weak housing market and rising fuel costs are weighing on households. Boating Safety: Lifejackets are now compulsory on small recreational boats in New Zealand.

Election Campaign: A new poll shows New Zealand First gaining support and widening the coalition’s lead, while the party pushes to ban backyard fireworks. Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong says she doubts Christopher Luxon has ruled out working with her party. Business and Markets: Seven in 10 businesses say energy is a major cost, and one in five have cut production or hours because of energy challenges. The NZX 50 rose 0.5% this week, led by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Local Projects: Porirua City Council has committed $14 million to revive the stalled Tītahi Bay coastal protection and shared-path project, and is seeking another $10 million from the Government. In Tairāwhiti, a $900,000 programme will deliver 10 catchment restoration projects with local groups, iwi, hapū and schools. Health and Safety: A norovirus outbreak has affected three North Shore rest homes and a hospital ward. One person died after being swept out to sea at Tangimoana Beach. Cricket: Injuries have ruled Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes out of New Zealand’s T20 series against India; Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner replace them.

Flood Resilience: Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki has withdrawn from a hearing on Te Karaka’s stopbank upgrade, accusing Gisborne District Council of lacking integrity in its dealings with the iwi. The flood-prone town was badly hit by Cyclone Gabrielle. Election 2026: Debate is sharpening over Labour’s airline pricing and refund plans, while a new poll points to gains for Labour and NZ First. Rugby: New Zealand Rugby has gone to the High Court to stop Papua New Guinea’s incoming NRL team using the name “Chiefs”. The dispute comes as the All Blacks prepare to host Australia at Eden Park; rookie Isaac Henry is named in the Wallabies midfield. Jobs and communities: Lawter plans to cease manufacturing at its Mount Maunganui plant by June, citing high energy costs, supply pressures and competition. Featherston’s new councillor, Peter Biggs, says he wants a clear long-term plan for the town. Climate and transport: A new report warns more people and properties may face flooding and landslides. Research also suggests cheap Chinese EVs could put pressure on used petrol-car values. Education: A former Whanganui teacher has been struck off over inappropriate conduct toward students.

Chiefs Name Fight: New Zealand Rugby has taken the NRL to the High Court, seeking to stop Papua New Guinea’s 2028 expansion team using “Chiefs”. The NRL says it will fight the case. Bledisloe Blow: Richie Mo’unga is out of the two-Test series with a calf tear, adding to a long injury list. Damian McKenzie will start at first five-eighth, with Beauden Barrett at fullback. Public Health: Wellington has confirmed a measles case linked to overseas travel; health officials are tracing contacts and urging people to check their immunisation. Queenstown Fire: A blaze near the resort town has grown to about 1,200 hectares amid strong winds, with firefighters continuing efforts to contain it. Election Policies: Labour says airlines should show full prices upfront and automatically refund passengers for cancelled or significantly changed flights. Rural Licensing: Hurunui youth representatives warn proposed supervised-driving requirements could disadvantage rural and lower-income teens who have limited access to transport and adult drivers.

Election 2026: The first leaders’ debate sharpened the contest between Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon, while a new poll showed National at its weakest support since 2020. NZ First’s election list puts several high-profile newcomers ahead of sitting MPs. Public health: Needle exchanges are rationing supplies as online purchases of insulin syringes more than quadrupled, amid a surge in people injecting unapproved peptides. Fire response: A blaze near Queenstown has grown to 1,200 hectares as strong winds fuel the spread. Markets: The NZX 50 slipped as higher oil prices and bond yields pressured shares; rising global rates are also lifting pressure on Kiwi mortgage borrowers. Cricket: Former Black Caps wicketkeeper BJ Watling will become New Zealand’s batting coach after the December Test series against India. Media: RNZ’s chief financial officer has resigned as the broadcaster prepares its annual accounts and plans to cut up to 30 roles.

Māori Health: World-renowned Wānaka obstetrics and gynaecology leader Emeritus Professor Colin Mantell has died, remembered for decades of transforming Māori health training and access. Election 2026—Banking: Labour says it will open up New Zealand’s banking sector with an “e-money licence” and fair access to payments infrastructure, aiming to create real competition against the Big Four. Election 2026—Small business: National releases a 47-point plan to cut compliance costs for small firms, including a “tell government once” service and changes to GST registration thresholds. Defence & aviation: RNZAF C-130J Hercules and US aircraft conduct low-level training flights and airdrops across the North Island, with C-17s also scheduled for high-altitude routes. Crime & courts: Northland teacher David Cowan is jailed for indecent acts against three girls. Public service scrutiny: The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says it decided against cutting disgraced Lotto presenter Russell Harrison’s pay three times. Business & tech: ASX-listed Dicker Data shares jump after announcing a $138m acquisition of New Zealand-founded tech distributor Sektor. Sports—Cricket: India recall pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the T20I series against New Zealand, with squads announced. Agriculture & environment: Bay of Plenty cattle breeders Chrissy Weeks and Tony Lumsden win a top farm environment award for balancing high-performing herds with stewardship.

Election 2026: Hipkins edged Luxon in the first leaders’ debate, with undecided voters backing Labour’s tone and relatability as the campaign tightens ahead of the Nov 7 vote. Foreign aid: National’s proposed foreign aid cut could leave NZ “invisible” globally, with experts warning it may shrink influence at the UN and beyond the Pacific. Health policy: Pain specialists want shingles vaccination fully funded for over-65s, citing high chronic pain rates and a narrow funded window. Dental access: Dentists say the next government must fix youth dental funding and expand training, as cost and workforce gaps keep adults away. Surgery safety: Anaesthetists warn patients using GLP-1 weight-loss jabs or unapproved peptides must disclose them before surgery, after new findings link them to higher aspiration risk. Business & markets: NZX 50 eked out a small gain as Meridian and Ebos helped, while tech names lifted sentiment. Immigration: INZ data shows Indian student visa approvals have fallen sharply over five years, while China stays near 95%, raising questions for the education sector. Sport (NZ-focused): Bledisloe Cup opener looms at Eden Park after a series of rugby fallout stories, while CityFitness announced a $100m expansion plan with up to 50 new gyms.

Markets & Business: The NZX 50 edged up 1.1% to 13,700.12 as Meridian and Ebos helped offset falls, while Infratil slipped on reports its CDC Data Centres partnership with Firmus has ended. Energy Governance: Powerco welcomed new board member Juliet Tainui-Hernández, bringing Reserve Bank and iwi economic development experience as the sector faces electrification and resilience pressures. Election Mood: A new RNZ-Reid poll has National down to 25.9% and the Greens up to 14.8%, with ACT gaining and NZ First losing ahead of the November vote. Aviation & Security: Police say a flydubai co-pilot accused of a cockpit attack spent 175 days in New Zealand in 2018/19 on a student visa for flight training. Sport (NRL/League): Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are set to debut for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup, with squad selection also shaped by eligibility switches. Local Government: Whanganui District Council’s failed $11m flight school investment is under an independent Deloitte review, while Hutt City Council begins $11.6m repairs to Petone Wharf. Environment & Farming: El Niño forecasts raise risks for Waikato agriculture, including drought and heat stress, as councils and farmers are urged to plan early.

Health Funding: GP clinics that immunise more children, screen more women, and help more smokers quit will get extra money under the 2026/27 general practice package, with targets due by 30 June 2027. Housing & Tenancies: A tribunal case against a Rotorua rest home operator highlights how serious compliance failures can land firms in court, with damages and penalties tied to breaches of tenancy and safety obligations. Drug Trends: New Massey University findings say cocaine use in New Zealand has surged, with reported use rising to 31% and prices falling, while wastewater testing estimates weekly consumption around 6.8kg in Q2 2026. Food Labelling Probe: MPI is investigating cheaper sucralose being sold in NZ food instead of the higher-priced “natural” sweetener thaumatin. Markets: NZX 50 closed higher, led by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, while property-linked stocks faced pressure as housing recovery forecasts cooled. Sport (NZ): The All Whites lost the Kirin Cup final to Japan in Tokyo, despite an improved showing after conceding early. Rugby (All Blacks): Ruben Love is ruled out for the rest of 2026 after ankle surgery, reshaping the No.10 options for upcoming tests.

Fuel Prices: Petrol at 91 has hit an all-time high, with the average litre now above $3.50 as a weak NZ dollar and high global oil costs feed through to pumps. Economy Outlook: ASB says households may not feel real relief until next year, warning the Reserve Bank could still need more rate hikes if inflation expectations rise. Markets: NZX 50 edged up late in the session, led by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, while property-linked stocks like Fletcher Building and Summerset faced headwinds. Central Banking: Bank Indonesia’s “dual mandate” is raising concerns about central bank independence and political pressure. Pacific Politics: Samoa’s prime minister apologized after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him leading a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.” Environment & Health: DOC plans a 1080 predator drop over nearly 29,000ha of Kahurangi National Park; in Ōpaki, drinking water has been ordered to chlorinate after an E. coli scare. Local Government: Waikato Waters says a storm-damaged plant is aiming for November reopening, but it’s already $2m over budget. Sports: Counties Manukau held the Ranfurly Shield with a 12-7 win, while the BNZ Breakers bounced back with an 88-72 victory.

Labour’s fiscal plan: Labour says its spending fits within its parameters, but critics point to big costs left “hanging,” especially around reinstating pay equity and other promises not fully costed. AI hiring backlash: A job seeker warns “ghost jobs” using AI interviews may be harvesting personal data, pushing for a ban on such ads. Health NZ patient safety: Health New Zealand released its first national Serious Adverse Event report, covering 2025 hospital events and calling for stronger patient-safety systems. Breast screening concern: A woman says dense-breast tissue likely hid her cancer on mammogram, renewing calls for clearer screening guidance. Voting access: Disabled voters report difficulty finding accessible booths and privacy; the Electoral Commission highlights its Accessible 2026 plan. Climate and trade fight: A Dutch group has lodged an EU complaint alleging New Zealand weakened climate rules under a free-trade deal, just weeks before the election. Cost of living and politics: ACT launches its campaign pitching KiwiSaver earnings tax changes, while Greens push transport fare caps and rail plans. Tourism boost: Cruise season is returning, with Tauranga expecting steady ship numbers and economic output.

Election 2026—Fiscal Showdown: Labour released its long-awaited fiscal plan, saying every promise is “fully costed and paid for,” including an immediate pay rise for 65,000 care and support workers, while critics point out it doesn’t spell out the full cost of fully re-implementing pay equity. Campaign Finance & Influence: A University of Auckland-linked survey finds broad support across parties for a public, searchable lobbyist register and limits on political donations, as election rhetoric turns to transparency and vested interests. KiwiSaver Battle: ACT launched its campaign push to remove tax on KiwiSaver earnings and end Government contributions, arguing it boosts compounding returns. Supermarket Split Fears: Foodstuffs boss Chris Quin warns supermarket break-up plans could raise food prices and says uncertainty is already hitting investment decisions. Health System Pressure: Commentary on Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) says the system was “dammed” by restructuring while workforce shortages and rising demand were left to worsen. Transport Plan: The Greens unveiled a $4b rail-and-rapid-transit package, including overnight Auckland–Wellington services and cheaper fares. Road Safety: Two people were seriously injured in a two-car crash near Taupō, with a state highway closed. Tech & Trust: A report highlights concerns about “ghost” job interviews that may harvest data for AI, with calls to ban the practice. Local Science: Coloured solar panels could let NZ vegetable growers produce food and electricity on the same land, a Swedish study suggests.

Election 2026 & KiwiSaver: KiwiSaver is front and centre as National, Labour, NZ First and the Opportunity Party all propose bigger contributions, with debate now focused on who pays more and what changes could mean for retirement savings. Greens’ tax plans: The Greens outline a package including a net-asset tax for the ultra-wealthy, inheritance changes and higher corporate taxes, plus income tax threshold shifts that would help some earners while hitting higher incomes. Immigration rules: Immigration New Zealand has published which people can’t be deported under NZ law, and also set out details of the new Parent Resident Visa, including eligible family categories and the long-term pathway. Local business & jobs: Ebbett is combining dealerships into a new Tauriko automotive hub in Tauranga, promising no job losses and expanded services. Community & sport: Westshore surf lifesaving is pushing for a new home as neighbours and planning options spark debate. Sports spotlight: New Zealand swimmer Lewis Clareburt set a new national record in the 400m individual medley at the Swimming World Cup in Baku.