AGP Executive Report

All Blacks vs Springboks (Johannesburg build-up): New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry social posts are winning hearts, with the team using South African music and isiXhosa/Zulu captions in viral clips ahead of the third Test. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (team news): Dave Rennie has made changes for the decider, including Peter Lakai starting and Reiko Ioane left out of the match-day 23, sparking major fan reaction. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (safety buzz): A low-flying jet flyover in Cape Town is under investigation by South Africa’s civil aviation authority after videos went viral. Music (tour + album): Simple Minds announce new album Sacrosanct (Jan 29, 2027) and a big 2027 arena run including New Zealand/Australia dates, with Gary Numan as support on key legs. Local arts & community: Auckland’s Whakaata Māori and APTN partner on international Indigenous co-production Māui & Elvis, while a new NZ crime drama Alibi heads to MIPCOM via Yes Studios. Sports diplomacy (softball): Softball New Zealand and India sign an MoU to expand coaching and youth pathways.

Indigenous Screen Co-production: Whakaata Māori and Canada’s APTN team up on children’s sci-fi comedy “Māui & Elvis”, filming across NZ and Canada with at least 30% te reo Māori dialogue, premiering next year. Local Arts & Events: Gisborne gets a “What’s on” roundup of market, music and workshops, while Auckland’s Miss IndiaNZ 2026 lands at Auckland Town Hall on Oct 23. Music & Touring: Punk veterans Strung Out bring their 30th-anniversary Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues tour to NZ in September. Sport & Community: Tauranga’s Zespri Aims Games expects nearly 30,000 people and 14,500 athletes across 27 codes, with mountain biking among the fastest-growing. Public Safety (Boating): Parliament passes rules making lifejackets must be worn on recreational craft 6m or less. Tech/Marketing Insight: A NZ-focused digital media piece warns most online ads fail to get meaningful attention, pushing brands to rethink spend.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks and Springboks head into the third Test in Johannesburg with the series locked 1-1, as Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie’s latest war of words keeps scrums in the spotlight and another late team-tinkering row hangs over the build-up. Controversy in sport: Hampshire have confirmed New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn won’t play after backlash over his signing, following his acquittal in historical sexual assault charges. Cricket NZ links: India’s BCCI has called an emergency review meeting in Mumbai after defeats in Ireland and England, with injury management and future planning (including the New Zealand tour) on the agenda. Entertainment on screen: Prime Video’s thriller series Kill Jackie launches with Catherine Zeta-Jones in a new action chase, with Sky TV in New Zealand among the territories. Music & tours: Bruno Mars adds extra Australia and New Zealand dates to The Romantic Tour, including a second Eden Park show in Auckland. Tech/arts-adjacent: Studiocanal launches Studiocanal Classics, a new label for its restored catalogue, expanding its reach across New Zealand and beyond.

Local Sport Spotlight: Wellington Jazz Festival marks 30 years with a five-day takeover of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (14–18 Oct), boasting 180+ performances across nearly 70 venues, from Rogue Classic Album Series nights to new album launches and late-night sessions. NRL & Talent Moves: Channel Seven unveils its Rugby League World Cup 2026 broadcast team, led by a returning Ryan Papenhuyzen plus Trent Robinson, Luke Keary, Corey Parker and other RLWC-winning voices. Rugby’s Biggest Rivalry: A court ruling in the UK keeps long-term concussion lawsuits alive for hundreds of former rugby players, while New Zealand-linked research highlights Pacific and Māori athletes remain under-represented in concussion studies. Entertainment & Streaming: Tubi announces Halloween short-form horror anthology Bite Size Terror, premiering exclusively this fall in New Zealand and other markets. Music: Shaboozey’s Outlaws Never Die Tour kicks off with a concept-album era built around Outlaw Cherie Lee, blending country with hip-hop, R&B and soul. Travel/Leisure: SeaDream III is set for a July 2029 debut with 27-night sailings from Hong Kong, plus bookings opening 1 Sept.

Cricket Fever: NZC says India’s October tour is already smashing demand, with 26,000+ tickets sold in the first 48 hours of the Cricket Nation pre-sale, Eden Park leading and Hagley Oval close to a sell-out for two T20Is. Rugby Rivalry Buzz: Deon Fourie became the oldest Springbok ever to play a Test at 39 years, 338 days, as South Africa levelled the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 1-1 against the All Blacks. Music on the Move: Kneecap added more UK/Europe dates plus Auckland and Wellington shows for February 2027, while SIX60 announced a global 2026 run and Arthur Hill revealed a 27-date Arthway Round the World tour including NZ. Screen & Streaming: John le Carré adaptation Legacy of Spies has been pre-bought by SBS, Sky New Zealand and Canal+ ahead of its S2 push. Local Arts Tech: Pasifika+ (PCBL) is partnering with Eluvio for a new direct-to-consumer streaming service launching globally. Sports Business Watch: Netball NZ is moving toward privatising its elite domestic competition from 2027, but details on what it will look like remain unclear.

Local Infrastructure: Kāpiti Coast councillors will decide on a $16.2m upgrade to Ōtaki’s pool, including a $1.44m deep-water “manu” pool that could close for about a year and support water safety, rescue and waka ama. Business & Economy: Oil prices jumped after US strikes hit Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz, lifting Brent back above $90 while Wall Street slipped. Sport (Netball): Netball NZ has signed a non-binding term sheet toward privatising the elite domestic netball competition from 2027, with investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams set to hold the licence while NNZ keeps governance. Sport (NRL): The Warriors’ top-two finish is locked in after a key win over the Knights, setting up a home qualifying final and keeping their premiership hopes alive. Arts & Culture: New Zealand-born curator Mark Feary has been appointed to curate the 2028 Adelaide Biennial. Entertainment & Media: Netflix’s Minecraft animated series is still in production, with Mojang confirming it hasn’t been cancelled. Travel & Events: Tauranga’s Zespri Aims Games (Sept 5–11) will bring major traffic disruption, with free shuttles and park-and-ride options planned.

Rugby Rivalry Fallout: South Africa’s Springboks have reclaimed world No.1 in the latest World Rugby rankings after beating New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town, with the series now tied 1-1 and everything set up for a decisive third Test. Referee & Rules Debate: Former All Blacks Mils Muliaina and James Parsons have questioned Damian de Allende’s try, arguing obstruction wasn’t properly checked in the TMO review, while Nick Mallett says Angus Gardner effectively “abdicated” scrum responsibility. Aviation Safety Row: The Airlink Cape Town stadium flyover is still sparking international backlash; the airline says it’s offered regulator black-box data for independent review, after viral footage suggested dangerously low passes. Kiwi Sport on the Move: Mitchell Santner returned to action in Europe’s ETPL and starred for Edinburgh with a five-wicket haul, while Hurricanes have added Roger Randle as an assistant coach for 2027. Music & Culture: TEEKS wrapped a South Africa Park Live stop with crowds singing along, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announced its 2027 show “The Same Heart Beat,” building on international music-led appeal. NZ Arts Spotlight: Auckland Fashion Week backstage coverage highlights makeup artist Liz Hyun’s fast, high-pressure workflow, and a new Auckland run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lands at Q Theatre in late September.

NRL Finals Build: The Warriors’ Jett Cleary made a huge debut as Auckland pushed past Newcastle 46-32, while coach Andrew Webster hit back at online critics of Adam Pompey as the club fights for a home final. NRL Team News: Penrith and the Warriors get major boosts, but the Knights cop a horror double blow with Jacob Saifiti facing a heavy suspension and Francis Manu leleua set for scans after a shoulder injury. Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa named a star-studded squad packed with NRL talent, with hosts England opening the tournament and plenty of talk about eligibility and “patriots not mercenaries.” All Blacks vs Springboks Fallout: South Africa levelled the series after a 33-26 Cape Town win, with fresh controversy over late Springboks changes and the scrum. Aviation Safety Row: Airlink’s low-flying passenger-jet flyover over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium sparked alarm and debate, including comments from a former NZ pilot. NZ Arts & Culture: Che Fu announced a nationwide tour celebrating his Music Hall of Fame year, and Hannah Ireland is drawing attention with a project making a portrait every day for a year. Cost of Living: RNZ reports Grey Power pushing government action for older Kiwis struggling with basic living expenses.

NRL Spotlight: Jett Cleary made a sensational Warriors debut, piling up four try assists as Auckland beat the Newcastle Knights 46-32 (with a brutal Saifiti send-off marring the win) and pushing the club to the NRL summit ahead of the run-in. Rugby Rivalry Buzz: South Africa levelled the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with a 33-26 Cape Town win over the All Blacks, but the pre-match spectacle stole headlines when two Airlink passenger jets flew alarmingly low over DHL Stadium. Sports & Safety Talk: The near-miss flyover has sparked outrage online, with fans questioning how close the aircraft came to the roof during the fireworks-and-smoke moment. Local Cricket Pathways: Auqib Nabi is set to join Surrey for County Championship games, with his stint timed around India’s upcoming New Zealand tour. Golf Win: Josh Armstrong claimed his first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia title at the PNG Open, sealing victory after a dramatic final-round surge. Community & Giving: Atmabhav Charitable Trust is launching in Auckland to support impact-focused giving overseas, with a formal launch set for October 11.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town to hand the All Blacks their first loss of 2026 and level the series 1-1, with Cheslin Kolbe’s boot and a key late turnover sealing it. Set-piece scrutiny: Dave Rennie pointed to aerial defence issues after the Cape Town defeat, while Rassie Erasmus hit back at World Rugby and complained about scrum legality after last week’s dominance. Matchday theatre: Airlink jets flew low over DHL Stadium before kick-off, reviving the 1995-style flyover tradition—praised by some, questioned by others. Pacific arts funding shock: Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust says it has lost its main CNZ funding source after 40 years, calling the decision “deeply disappointing” for artists and communities. Digital youth debate: An Auckland academic argues social media bans for under-16s won’t fix online harm because they target kids, not the platforms shaping the environment. Music & culture: Opetaia Foa‘i talks about “serving the ancestors” through Te Vaka and Moana work, after writing a billion-streamed song for the franchise. Community wellbeing: Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day (Aug 30), volunteers in dozens of countries are running free stress tests and grief conversations.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (All Blacks vs Springboks): The second Test hits Cape Town on Saturday with South Africa needing a win after losing 33-16 in Johannesburg; Siya Kolisi returns, Handré Pollard is out with a hamstring niggle, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu keeps the No 10 role as the Boks chase a series lifeline. Local arts & performance: Kiwi performer George Fenn brings wordless clown-comedy “Sexy Ghost Boy” to Tallinn Fringe, leaning on audience participation and no-dialogue storytelling. Film & TV buzz: Oscar producer Barrie M. Osborne is lining up “Wars of the Drakons,” a large-scale fantasy meant to kick off a franchise. Sports on screen: Multiple guides are circulating on how to watch the Cape Town Test live, including Sky Sport NZ and SuperSport options. Music & culture: “LOMU,” a new feature documentary on Jonah Lomu, spotlights the rugby icon’s life beyond the myth.

All Blacks vs Springboks (Cape Town): New Zealand are one win from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy after the first Test, with the second kicking off 5.10pm local time; South Africa have made late changes and the rivalry is already sparking debate over scrum battles and officiating calls. Auckland FC & Government talks: Auckland FC has raised concerns with officials about the need for better high-performance facilities and stadium development, with grassroots football participation also on the agenda. Auckland Art Gallery Biennale fallout: New Zealand’s Venice Biennale controversy involving et al. is revisited, with fresh context on the backlash and the artist’s response. Music & TV: Stella Lefty’s new track “Summer You Were Mine” is confirmed as an interpolation of the Chicks’ “There’s Your Trouble” after crediting issues; and Hallmark+’s Paris Is Always a Good Idea teases strong interest in a possible Season 2. Sport spotlight: Ben Taylor and Oli Welch defend their world rowing title in Amsterdam; and the Warriors host the Knights at Go Media Stadium with kick-off set for 4pm Sunday. Global note (NZ-linked): Pat Cummins backs calls for Imran Khan to receive medical care in prison, with former captains including New Zealand signatories.

Rugby Rivalry: South Africa and New Zealand head into the second “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” Test in Cape Town with big stakes after the All Blacks’ Ellis Park win; Springboks have made late changes, including Handré Pollard ruled out with a calf niggle and Cheslin Kolbe returning, while Nigel Owens backs the controversial TMO call that helped New Zealand escape punishment for Ardie Savea. Local Sports Focus: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says he’s spoken with World Rugby about scrum issues after penalties piled up, as New Zealand look to tighten discipline and set-piece go-forward. Music & Pop Culture: JENNIE (BLACKPINK) drops her “Fallen Angel” EP with a dark fairytale music video, while Noah Kahan’s “The Last Of The Bugs” tour tickets for the UK & Ireland go on sale today. Entertainment Review Pick: Netflix’s The Whisper Man gets a critical review, with attention on its messy thriller premise and star-studded cast. NZ Business/Arts Angle: The NZX 50 slips again as Air New Zealand posts another record-low loss, while SkyCity Entertainment shares jump after rejected takeover bids.

Sport & TVNZ Business: TVNZ says it’s had a defining year, posting a $16.3m statutory profit and a $2.2m dividend to the Government, with 1 News at 6pm the most-watched show across TVNZ+ and linear. Broadcast Rights: Sky reports a strong full-year result and extends its Premier League deal to 2034, while TVNZ’s CEO says the broadcaster will keep chasing global sports rights and is exploring pay options. All Blacks vs Springboks Build-Up: Coverage ramps up for the second Test in Cape Town, with talk of how the All Blacks will counter a likely Springboks backlash after last week’s heavy defeat. Entertainment Loss: Voice acting legend Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime, Winnie the Pooh’s Eeyore) has died at 85. Local Arts & Community: Turning Point Trust/Te Taiope Huringanui in Tauranga marks 30 years next week with five days of activities, including creative programmes. NZ Culture & Fashion: A Te Puke High School teacher, Lucy Girvan, is set to judge WoolOn in Alexandra after launching her own wool fashion label. NZ Interest in Global Events: The PCB has formally complained to Sky Sports over an interview with Imran Khan’s sons aired during the Lord’s Test lunch interval.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (Cape Town): The All Blacks make three changes for Saturday’s second Test, with Leroy Carter coming in on the wing and George Bower plus Tupou Vaa’i replacing Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord (both ruled out with concussion). Refereeing shake-up: World Rugby has swapped out Nika Amashukeli due to illness, with Angus Gardner taking charge and Brett Cronan as TMO. Springboks response: Rassie Erasmus is urging a “gladiatorial” performance after the 33-16 opener loss, with Pieter-Steph du Toit set for his 100th cap. Cinema picks (NZ): “The Dog Stars” and “It Ends” open Friday, plus “Coyote vs. Acme,” while the 2026 Sundance Short Film Tour lands at the Michigan Theater. Music news: Bryan Adams releases “The Ballad of Terry Fox,” and Bruno Mars expands The Romantic Tour with new Australia/NZ dates (including Auckland). Local TV culture: Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt’s County Durham roots get a spotlight. Public health: A scarlet fever case is confirmed at a Wellington school, with parents urged to watch for symptoms. Live entertainment: Post Malone postpones Auckland and other Asia/Australia dates, with refunds underway. Film distribution: Árru (Árru) lands North American distribution rights after Tribeca. Sports tickets: India’s NZ cricket tour triggers record early ticket demand, with 26,000 sold in 48 hours. Arts & events: Devonport’s weekend art listings include open studios and a textile-and-paint exhibition. Pop culture loss: Tributes pour in after Tim Curry’s death at 80.

Cricket & Culture: Fast bowler Josh Tongue says Joe Root’s “100%” message on England’s off-field behaviour has landed after Brydon Carse’s latest nightclub arrest led to his removal from the squad for the second Test at Lord’s. Sporting Spectacle (NZ/region): New Zealand and India gear up for a huge October–December bilateral in NZ featuring five T20s, five ODIs and two Tests across six weeks. Retail Tech: Westfield launches “World of Wins” on the Westfield app, a daily search-and-find game for members with instant rewards and a $10,000 cash prize. NRL Finals Race: Round 26 is framed as the ladder-shaper, with Manly’s finals hopes hinging on results and the Bulldogs’ path still needing help. Local Arts & Events: Ravenscar House Museum in Christchurch opens for a free weekend (5–6 Sept), spotlighting major Kiwi art in a landmark house museum. Music (Queenstown): L.A.B and Sir Dave Dobbyn team up with Taylah for a limited-capacity Ayrburn show on 7 Nov. Community Sport: Auckland’s Secondary School Winter Series expands to a six-week programme (29 Aug–11 Oct) across 15 tournaments and nine codes. Art in the City: Tauranga adds “Harmonise” to its City Art Walk, a 160sq m mural celebrating local landmarks and the natural environment.