AGP Executive Report

All Blacks vs Lions fallout: Dave Rennie says New Zealand’s comeback win at Ellis Park showed composure, but admits they didn’t do the “obvious” enough, with Richie Mo’unga’s return and Ethan Blackadder’s impact in focus as the series shifts to Cape Town. Rugby governance row: Rassie Erasmus slams World Rugby’s demand that head coaches meet referees pre-match, calling it “impossible” and refusing the meetings ahead of the second Test. Local rugby spotlight: Aaron Smith heaps praise on Cam Roigard, calling his kicking and speed a “breath of fresh air” as the All Blacks settle into a new scrum-half era. Tech for NZ audiences: Spark expands its Mushroom Group partnership, adding more exclusive live music access and concert pre-sales for customers. Music news: Alex Warren teases a new track from his upcoming album featuring John Mayer and his late father, while also noting he cancelled an Auckland show hours before it was due. Sports viewing: Guides for watching the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 live stream from anywhere, plus start-time details for AEW Dynamite. Politics with a rural edge: ACT MP Mark Cameron says he’s “stuffed” in his valedictory speech, urging MPs to keep fighting for farmers. NZ entertainment & travel: Royal Caribbean announces new 2028 Asia-Pacific sailings on Voyager of the Seas, including stops across Australia and New Zealand.

Dolly Parton: The country icon has died aged 80, with tributes highlighting her knack for turning self-mythology into pop power — and her genuine affection for New Zealand after multiple visits. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks kept their unbeaten tour going, rallying from 35-17 down to beat the Lions 41-35 at Ellis Park, with Richie Mo’unga returning to form as Rieko Ioane starred. All Blacks vs Springboks (Cape Town): Siya Kolisi is cleared and will captain the Springboks in the second Test, setting up a high-stakes rematch. US Open (NZ ties): Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz won early in mixed doubles, but their run ended in the quarter-finals; NZ’s Erin Routliffe featured in the Williams-Alcaraz opener. Local sport & community: Nelson’s proposed $6.3m skate park at Saxton Field aims to grow “Olympians,” while Whakatāne Rotary and the council-backed Shelterbags initiative is helping rough sleepers through winter. Policy: New Zealand introduced an under-16 social media and AI companion ban, and Labour signalled support for rates-capping legislation as National and Labour continue to spar. Arts & culture: Auckland’s Karangahape Road is set for a free Karangahape Art Weekend, and Haast Hunter released debut album Plastique with a track-by-track preview.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks keep rolling on their South Africa tour, with Richie Mo’unga back at 10 as they take on the Lions at Ellis Park (Sky Sport NZ/SuperSport, kick-off 05:10 NZ time). Rugby League: Tributes are pouring in after Sir Billy Boston, the 1950s-60s trailblazer and the first rugby league player knighted, dies aged 92. Cricket Culture: England’s Brydon Carse is stood down from the Lord’s Test after a Derby nightclub incident involving police and handcuffs, as the ECB and the Cricket Regulator investigate and players face fresh scrutiny over late-night behaviour. Local Policy: New Zealand has introduced an Online Safety Bill to restrict under-16s from holding accounts on certain platforms, including “social AI companions,” with age checks and child-safety risk assessments. Music & TV: Joan As Police Woman shares “Christobel” ahead of her Real Life Evolution era, while Gary Barlow brings his Food and Wine Tour to New Zealand with Jason Manford. Business/Media: SkyCity Entertainment says it rejected two takeover offers with “problematic” conditions, and NZME’s half-year results webcast points to audio-led growth.

Cricket Drama: England have stood down Brydon Carse from the second Test against Pakistan after a Derby nightclub incident saw him detained and handcuffed; the ECB says the Cricket Regulator will investigate and Carse is replaced by Sonny Baker. Sportswear Business: A new report says New Zealand’s casual sportswear market keeps growing, with activewear demand and gym accessories (including compression gear) driving the next wave. Netball Player Moves: Silver Fern Kimiora Poi has signed with the Queensland Firebirds, adding speed and leadership to their midcourt, while other Kiwi Ferns continue shifting across leagues. Food & Community: The Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll competition returns, with entries open nationwide ahead of the October 1 showdown. Online Safety Law: New Zealand’s under-16 social media ban is backed by industry group TUANZ, but it warns age checks must be practical, privacy-safe, and fair. Arts Funding Worry: Marlborough arts groups fear Creative NZ’s funding shake-up could centralise decisions and reduce local influence. Music & TV: Robbie Williams’ Christchurch stadium show sells out, and Crunchyroll confirms One Piece Elbaph Arc English dub lands Oct 20 with weekly drops. Local Culture: Bhajan clubbing is drawing crowds in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for alcohol-free, devotional “night out” energy.

All Blacks vs Springboks: New Zealand reclaimed world No.1 after a 33-16 Ellis Park opener win, with the Springboks facing a shake-up for the Cape Town second Test as Siya Kolisi’s fitness is the big question and Handre Pollard returns to start. NRL (Pacific crossover): PNG Chiefs have unveiled Joey Manu as their “007” signing, confirming a return to league in 2028 after his rugby union stint. Policy (youth online safety): The NZ government says it will ban social media for under-16s, pushing “high-risk” platforms to verify ages and warning of penalties for non-compliance. Music (K-pop): IVE won “Hottest International Group” at Hong Kong’s TIMA, adding another global milestone to their world tour. Sport business: SkyCity Entertainment Group is in focus after reports it’s attracted potential suitors for its Adelaide site. Cricket (India): Rishabh Pant passed Adam Gilchrist to become the third-highest Test six-hitter, while Kapil Dev renewed calls for humane treatment for Imran Khan. Arts & culture: A Wellington film festival wrapped strongly, and NZ Fashion Week continues to drive beauty and design trends.

NRL & Pacific talent: Joey Manu has been unveiled as the PNG Chiefs’ “007” signing, agreeing a two-year deal that brings him back to the NRL in 2028, joining a star-studded backline. All Blacks rugby: Richie Mo’unga is named to start at No 10 for the Lions clash at Ellis Park, with Dave Rennie making a raft of changes and Noah Hotham set for a first appearance of 2026. Netball business: A new report argues New Zealand netball’s problem isn’t popularity but money—highlighting how the ANZ Premiership’s funding model leaves the sport struggling. Music & theatre: Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live extend Cabaret by a fifth week, while Manukau Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert “Myths & Monsters” lands in September. Local culture: Auckland’s Mitti launches Indian-inspired streetwear for young Kiwi Indians, asking “where was ours?” Public safety: Three people were rescued from a burning Dunedin building, with a fire investigator to determine the cause. Sports off-field: England fast bowler Brydon Carse is under ECB investigation after a nightclub incident in Derby.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks stunned South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park, scoring five tries to one after a tough first half, with Will Jordan, Fabian Holland and George Bower among the standouts as Dave Rennie’s side seized momentum and New Zealand moved to No 1 in the world rankings. F1 (NZ connection): Liam Lawson filled in for Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, but fresh reports suggest Hadjar’s wrist injury could keep him out longer, with a hoped return for Monza. MMA (NZ link): Eoin Sheridan made a big US debut at PFL Tampa, knocking out James Vake in a dramatic finish. Anime (NZ availability): HIDIVE confirmed Murciélago will stream exclusively from January 2027, including in New Zealand. Fashion & style: New Zealand Fashion Week coverage spotlights fresh styling ideas and Indigenous fashion voices, plus a guide to injecting “new energy” into everyday outfits. Ocean photography: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists were announced, celebrating everything from sea turtles to orcas and the need to protect oceans. Sport business: SkyCity is weighing options around its Adelaide asset as a bigger sale process reportedly gathers pace.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks kicked off their four-Test tour with a big 33-16 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park, scoring five tries to one after surviving a brutal first half; Will Jordan starred with two tries as South Africa’s discipline unravelled and they finished with 13 men. Match fallout: Rassie Erasmus vowed to “lie low” and fix things ahead of Cape Town, while Dave Rennie said the score flattered New Zealand and warned the response next week will be just as tough. Controversy: Fans fumed after referee Matthew Carley overruled the TMO on an Ardie Savea tackle, adding to the already heated atmosphere. Local arts & culture: Marine Atlan’s debut feature La Gradiva won the MIFF Bright Horizons Prize ($140,000). Film/streaming: Karl Urban’s Mortal Kombat II hit major US streaming traction quickly after release. Home & lifestyle: Tupperware is returning to New Zealand with online and in-store sales after a four-year absence. Sport beyond rugby: Fiji’s Robert Purcell cleaned up at the ICN South Island Classic, taking two golds and a silver.

Black Ferns dominance: New Zealand thrashed the Wallaroos 66-19 in Auckland’s 100th Test, scoring 10 tries to retain the Laurie O’Reilly Cup and extend a 30-decade winning run over Australia. NRL finals push: The One New Zealand Warriors powered past South Sydney 45-26 with seven tries, moving into strong position for the playoffs. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry build-up: All Blacks captain Ardie Savea says Ellis Park “goosebumps” energy can fuel the side, while Springboks captain Pieter-Steph du Toit points to set-pieces and defence as key battles for Saturday’s opener. Cricket coaching shake-up: England are reportedly close to bringing in former Australia batting great Mike Hussey as batting coach under Stephen Fleming. F1 sprint result: George Russell converted pole into Sprint victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, with rain arriving as he crossed the line. Back-to-school fuel: A chef’s reminder for parents: lunchboxes may need more calories than you think to cover active school days.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Ellis Park’s hostile hype is front and centre as Ardie Savea says the All Blacks feel the goosebumps and Springboks power up for Saturday’s opener, with Rassie Erasmus again stoking a refereeing row ahead of the match. Team News & Tactics: South Africa’s Siya Kolisi is ruled out with a hamstring issue, handing captaincy to Pieter-Steph du Toit, while Dave Rennie’s All Blacks lean into a pace-and-power approach with key selections framed as “big ticker” and “cold trio” calls. Warriors Culture: A new analysis argues the New Zealand Warriors’ 2026 consistency is built on culture and identity, not just tactics or stars. Local Tech & Security: Christchurch-made robots are being used to change how security, policing and border protection operate. NZ Arts & Music: Letterboxd’s “Unreleased Gems” is emerging as a new path to distribution for festival films. Sports Wellbeing: Sammie Maxwell opens up about taking a break from World Cup XC to get treatment for an eating disorder. Fashion & Events: NZ Fashion Week coverage spotlights designers and runway moments, including Kāhui Collective’s Indigenous runway.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus and All Blacks boss Dave Rennie trade barbs ahead of the Ellis Park opener, with Erasmus insisting the clash will be a “grind” and pushing back on claims of slow play and mind games. Team News: Rennie explains his All Blacks selection logic for the first Test, while Springboks legend Victor Matfield calls this side the “greatest ever” as Siya Kolisi is left out of the opener squad. Rugby Culture: Erasmus urges respect for the Haka after past Ellis Park crowd controversy, as tensions simmer around how fans and teams handle tradition. Music & Pop Culture: McDonald’s launches a SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal crossover, while Alex Warren shares the video for “Rescuer” ahead of his Wildchild album. Film & Festivals: Swedish dramedy Adult Supervision sells widely ahead of Fantastic Fest, with New Zealand audiences set to catch it via international distribution. Local Crime: Hamilton man Jason Monkley is sentenced after allegedly torching a childcare firm van he was hired to fix.

Courtroom Conduct: New Zealand courts have endorsed new guidance telling counsel which pronouns to use for witnesses, shifting responsibility onto lawyers to establish usage in advance—sparking debate over whether it pressures parties in sex-and-gender disputes. Music & Culture: Son & Water drop the feel-good single “Drop It Down,” urging fans to dance and be authentic, while Shonen Knife announce a November Aotearoa run celebrating their “Let’s Knife Re-Cut” album. Māori Design Spotlight: Raranga artist and designer Samsara Jade is celebrated for bringing whakapapa and weaving knowledge into a highly visible adidas collaboration. Streaming/TV: Netflix and AMC Studios are co-producing the spy drama “Bannerman,” with Shane Black and Craig Silverstein behind the series. Local Sport & Community: Tauranga is set to host major NZ–India sport events as part of a 100-year unity programme, and Katikati’s boot-scoot line-dancing fundraiser returns this weekend.

All Blacks vs Springboks: Dave Rennie has named Ruben Love at No 10 for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park, with Damian McKenzie passed fit and Fabian Holland returning in a key forward change. Rivalry Trophy: The series’ “like no other” taonga trophy was unveiled as a two-part design that can be drawn together with hidden magnets, reflecting the nations’ bond. NZ Fashion Week: Viva’s guest edit spotlights Indigenous-led storytelling at Kāhui Collective, plus emerging designers and beauty direction from guest editor Liz Hyun. Cancer research: Melanoma NZ says New Zealand patients are part of a major international trial of an mRNA vaccine (Intismeran) alongside Keytruda, with results expected in September. Music & gigs: Lorde’s All Points East 2026 day (Aug 22) is nearly sold out, with set times and ticket info in the run-up. Sport on screens: UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticised a paywall plan for the Rugby League World Cup as Tonga prepares to play. Immigration: New Zealand published the trades-and-technicians list for a new SMC Resident Visa pathway from Aug 24.

Local Arts & Culture: Waikato Museum and Gallery Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is hosting a Dame Robin White exhibition, pairing iconic works with lesser-known pieces to show the breadth of her five-decade career. Pacific Film & Identity: NZIFF and Pasifika Film Festival spotlight Pacific short films through Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa, including Cook Islands kete documentary The Kete Informs You. Māori Performance in Auckland: Poumatua Festival launches 17–19 September at Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Square and Q Theatre, with major kapa haka rōpū and intergenerational learning. Regional Arts: Nelson Arts Festival reveals its 2026 programme (22 Oct–1 Nov), themed around “Joy” with theatre, music, comedy, circus and community events. Fashion with a Story: Nyoongar women’s upcycled garments head to New Zealand Fashion Week via Pacific Fusion Runway, turning donated clothing into new narratives. Screen & Community: Thunderlips announces a national Q&A tour for slime-filled comedy MUM, I’M ALIEN PREGNANT ahead of its 10 Sept release. Sports (NZ interest): Warriors coach Andrew Webster extends through to 2032, while Dame Noeline Taurua leads the Silver Ferns back to Commonwealth Games netball gold.

NZ Entertainment & Culture: Spotify has rolled out Playlist Notes so playlist editors can explain their picks, with the feature also expanding from listener captions to editors’ context across tracks, podcasts and audiobooks. NZ Fashion: NZ Fashion Week continues with Viva’s guest edit spotlighting model Alex Cater’s fast rise (10 bookings) and the week’s industry takeover. Music & Live: Velvet Trip has signed a global publishing deal with BMG, while comedy fans get fresh Fringe reviews including Dan Tiernan’s high-energy, self-searching set at Monkey Barrel. Sport & Stage Crossover: All Blacks legend Josh Kronfeld warns the Ellis Park atmosphere will crank up intensity for the Springboks clash, and former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio says moving to Australia’s Super Netball was the easy call amid uncertainty at home. Tech & Media: OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens launches with NZ safety safeguards.

Cricket & Leadership: Joe Root kicked off his second England Test captaincy with a call for players to be “role models and human beings” as England host Pakistan at Headingley for the 1st Test. Darts & NZ Sport: Jonny Clayton beat fellow rugby “World Series” partner Jonny Clayton? (correction: Clayton beat Price) to win the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters, with the final played in Auckland. Rugby Rivalry: The All Blacks and Springboks begin their first full test series in 30 years, with Ellis Park set for the opener and both sides watching key fitness updates. Music & Festivals (NZ): Rhythm & Alps 2026 has unveiled a major lineup with Dimension, BENEE and Fat Freddy’s Drop leading a big homegrown contingent. New Music (NZ): Niccolo Piccolo released two bilingual waiata, “Tama te Tūī” and “The Bellbirds,” ahead of a debut album. Tech & Fitness (NZ): Spotify’s Running Mode is now rolling out to Android in New Zealand, letting Premium users generate pace-matched playlists. AI & Teens: OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT for Teens safeguards, including reminders that AI isn’t human and tighter parental controls. Community & Inclusion (NZ): Paralympics New Zealand and Bupa announced an inaugural $73,000 Inclusive Para Sport grant for projects boosting access and pathways. Local Arts: A photography pop-up exhibition by Blenheim’s Anthony Phelps opens in Blenheim as part of the Space Create initiative.