AGP Executive Report

All Blacks focus: Coach Dave Rennie called Saturday’s Italy win a “pass mark” but warned Eden Park must be sharper next week, after Will Jordan’s hat-trick made him the All Blacks’ leading try-scorer with 50 Test tries. NRL heartbreak: Bulldogs halfback Mitchell Woods re-injured his hamstring in his first game back after 315 days, cutting short a promising return. Basketball thriller: Otago Nuggets edged Auckland Tuatara 84-80 in Auckland, snapping the Tuatara’s nine-game winning streak. Cricket shocker: West Indies beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the first ODI in Guyana, with debut spinner Vitel Lawes starring and Keacy Carty (95) plus Shai Hope (87*) steering the chase. Music spotlight: Samuel Mataele won the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest in Wellington, with Frederica von Stade praising the finalists’ artistry. Arts & culture: Sculptor Sean Henry’s presence at the Festival Gallery in Galway highlights a fresh wave of contemporary sculpture and portrait-like clay work. NZ–India ties: India and New Zealand elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership with a Roadmap to 2030, including a trade target to double by 2030 and expanded defence and maritime cooperation. Local entertainment loss: Cold Chisel saxophonist Andy Bickers has died after a cancer battle, prompting tributes from Jimmy Barnes and ICEHOUSE.

India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership: PM Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon upgraded ties to a strategic partnership in Auckland, signing defence and maritime pacts, setting a roadmap to 2030, and aiming to double trade to ₹35,000 crore, with a $20bn India investment commitment and a sports action plan beyond cricket. All Blacks Milestone: Will Jordan became the All Blacks’ all-time leading try scorer, breaking Doug Howlett’s record in a Nations Championship win over Italy in Wellington. NRL Spotlight: Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira returned from injury to spark the Warriors’ 32-6 win over the Wests Tigers. Music & Touring: Boyz II Men announced a 2026 Australia and New Zealand tour with Salt-N-Pepa and Bell Biv DeVoe, including a Spark Arena Auckland date (Dec 1). Screen Industry: The Serious Fraud Office case against Stripe Media’s Alex Breingan heads to Auckland District Court next month, with charges tied to alleged rebate and lending fraud. Sports Overseas: England wrapped a 4-0 T20 series sweep of India, led by Jos Buttler’s 131. Local Culture & Community: Auckland’s Sky Tower lit in Indian tricolour for Modi’s visit, while Queenstown Lakes District Council handed out $461,000 in arts and events grants.

All Blacks & Rugby: Anton Segner says he’s “over the moon” after becoming the first German-born All Blacks player, coming off the bench in Wellington as New Zealand beat Italy 47-17; Injury Update: Italy outside-half Tommaso Allan has been taken to hospital after a worrying sternum blow, with tests ongoing; All Blacks Analysis: Will Jordan’s record-breaking hat-trick (50 tries) capped a stronger second-half response under Dave Rennie, though growing pains remain; Football (NZ): The All Whites return in November for two matches vs India—Auckland on 12 Nov and Christchurch on 15 Nov at the new One New Zealand Stadium; NZ–India Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon announced a Strategic Partnership and Roadmap to 2030, with 10 agreements covering defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, digital payments (UPI linked to NZ systems), education and sport; Sports Diplomacy: Modi launched a joint sports action plan to expand beyond cricket, using rugby and hockey as key anchors for the 100 years of ties; Music: Lorna Shore released the “War Machine” video and detailed upcoming tour dates; Local Culture: Maisie Monteith celebrated her 100th birthday with family, music and dancing.

World Cup Quarterfinal Focus: Spain and Belgium clash in Los Angeles with a semi-final spot on the line, with Spain’s clean-sheet defence up against Belgium’s late-game fire. NZ Spotlight in Sport: Black Caps batter Henry Nicholls reflects on stepping in for Kane Williamson and helping drive a series win. NZ Arts & Culture (Matariki): Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour gets a final weekend of Te Rama Ika, a free immersive light-and-sound installation for Matariki. Music Industry: Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In” hits a UK chart milestone, becoming the longest-running No.1 by British artists. NZ-India Cultural Moment: Auckland’s Sky Tower lights up in India’s tricolour for PM Narendra Modi’s historic visit, with diaspora performances celebrating shared heritage. Local Entertainment Picks: Prime Video’s “Ride Or Die” is reviewed as a big-budget action-comedy built around two women. Human Interest: A 95-year-old New Zealand great-grandpa becomes the world’s oldest waterskier after decades on the water.

India–NZ diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi has arrived in Auckland for his first official visit in four decades, with talks set to cover trade, tourism and sport after April’s free trade deal sparked fresh political heat over migration and visa settings. NRL (local sport): The Warriors host the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown in NRL round 19, while Auckland’s club also moves to bolster its finals push with new signings including Luke Laulilii. Coaching spotlight: Canoe Racing New Zealand has promoted former Gisborne athlete Emily Willock to performance coach, stepping into a high-performance role. World Cup 2026 (global sport): Spain and Belgium meet in the quarterfinal in Los Angeles, with Spain chasing another clean-sheet run and Belgium riding attacking momentum. Arts & culture (NZ ties): World of WearableArt deepens India links via a Pearl Academy partnership, aiming to grow the pipeline of Indian designers for future WOW collaborations. Music news: Tributes continue after broadcaster Derryn Hinch dies at 82, remembered as “The Human Headline.”

Matariki & Culture: King Charles issued a bilingual Matariki message urging unity, with communities across Aotearoa rolling out multilingual celebrations and whānau-focused events. All Blacks & Rugby: Dave Rennie made five changes for the Nations Championship Test vs Italy, with Anton Segner and Josh Moorby among debutants in the mix as New Zealand look to balance continuity and rotation. Sport & Spotlight: Hyrox’s Michelle Rennie and Kerry Ashford returned from the world champs after setting a world record in their age division, highlighting the sport’s fast-growing Kiwi momentum. Loneliness & Tech: A new look at loneliness frames it as a public health issue, with NZ research pointing to “epidemic levels” among older people and showing social media access doesn’t necessarily fix it. Music & Activism: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 teamed with Tom Morello for “Na Dem,” a high-energy anti-corruption anthem landing on tour dates including Australia and New Zealand. Security & NZ-India: Police warned Auckland residents to expect disruptions for Narendra Modi’s visit, as a major security operation ramps up ahead of the India Free Trade Agreement push.

World Cup Music & Pop: Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, curated by Chris Martin and featuring Sesame Street/Muppets characters, plus Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel. Film & Streaming Buzz: Disney’s live-action “Moana” is getting slammed as a lifeless remake that loses the original’s magic, while Netflix keeps pushing bite-sized video and publisher licensing deals. NZ Arts & Community: Devonport’s Matariki weekend lineup includes twilight markets, taonga pūoro workshops, and family-friendly events at Lake House Arts Centre and Depot Artspace. Local Sports Spotlight: Boyz II Men announce an Australia and New Zealand arena tour for Nov–Dec, with Auckland dates at Spark Arena. Cricket Drama: Ben Stokes’ retirement video has triggered ICC scrutiny of the ECB over dressing-room filming rules, and Stokes responded with a sharp “Sack him…” post. NZ Business/Markets: NZX 50 hits a record close in a shortened week as Fletcher Building and Ebos lift sentiment.

Streaming & Shorts: Netflix is going deeper into short-form video, signing licensing deals with major US publishers (including Variety, BuzzFeed, Condé Nast, Hearst and People) for bite-sized shows rolling out from Aug 3 in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Disney Live-Action: Catherine Lagaʻaia is set as Disney’s new Moana in the live-action remake, with Dwayne Johnson reprising Maui and Auli‘i Cravalho staying on as exec producer. Local Music Culture: A debate is brewing over the rise of tribute shows in NZ, with venues already stacking line-ups from rock and pop legends to classic songbook nights. Sport & Community: Wellington community rugby has cancelled matches after referees refused to officiate amid abuse. Women’s Sport Policy: Save Women’s Sport Australasia backs a new Sport NZ ministerial direction aimed at protecting fair sex-based competition. NZ in the Spotlight: CityFitness appoints Impact PR to boost national media and brand profile as it grows. Entertainment Business: LEGO and BBC Studios launch LEGO Bluey Shorts, a 10x2-minute series in multiple languages. Sports News (NZ angle): Boyz II Men announce an Australia/NZ tour with Salt-N-Pepa and Bell Biv DeVoe, including a stop at Auckland’s Spark Arena.

Streaming & Media: Netflix is rolling out short-form video licensing deals with major publishers (Penske Media, BuzzFeed, Condé Nast, Hearst and People) starting Aug 3, including in New Zealand, with fashion, food, travel and celebrity clips. Local Rugby League: Sky has secured exclusive NZ NRL broadcast rights until 2034, keeping Warriors coverage and major league fixtures on Sky platforms. Music & Festivals: L.A.B and Loop announce 8TH WONDER—a new all-ages, one-day festival hitting Rotorua (Jan 23, 2027) and Brisbane (Jan 30) with Te Wehi, Ladi6, Aaradhna, Sir Dave Dobbyn and more. Fashion: West Auckland plus-size label Isla-Maree shares how founder Stephanie Marsters built a $3m fashion empire from selling clothes for survival. Screen: Terminator 2: Judgment Day returns to cinemas worldwide for its 35th anniversary (including Australia and New Zealand on Sept 3). Community Sports: Wellington club rugby resumes after referees and Wellington Rugby reach an agreement following abuse-led shutdown.

Pop Culture: Charli XCX has locked in “Music, Fashion, Film” listening parties across 25 cities (including Auckland) in independent cinemas July 9-11, with every track from the 11-song album played in full; the Dublin show is ticketed via prize draw. Streaming & Media: Netflix is rolling out short-form videos (three to 20 minutes) from major digital publishers on its homepage from Aug. 3, including BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst, People and Tastemade—coming to New Zealand too. Local Arts & Culture: Whangārei is pushing for UNESCO recognition, backed by 1,500 volunteer hours and a community “Canopy Bridge” weaving activation running from today until late July. NZ Creative Economy: NZ On Air reports record growth for the game development sector: $21.9m in 2026 rebates to 43 studios, with revenue up 17% to $829m and 194 games in development. Sport (NZ angle): All Blacks captain and squad talk continues ahead of Nations Championship fixtures, while State of Origin Game III is set as a decider in Brisbane with NZ kickoff listed for 10:05pm. Film & Entertainment: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is getting a global 35th-anniversary theatrical re-release, including 3D screenings.

NRL TV Rights: Sky has locked in exclusive NRL broadcast rights for another seven years, starting January 2028 through December 2034, with reports putting the NZ value around $61m a year. Community Radio: Auckland underground station TBC is crowdfunding to build a permanent studio above OPEN cafe on Karangahape Rd, aiming to keep alternative music on air amid venue closures. Matariki Nights: Wellington’s new four-night festival brings contemporary art, waiata and kai across Pōneke, anchored by a live Otis Frizzell mural and community-led kaupapa. Local Arts Calendar: The Kāpiti Coast Art Trail returns in 2026 across Labour Weekend (24–26 Oct) and 31 Oct–1 Nov, with 117 sites and 140 artists. Sport Injuries: The Warriors expect only a short absence for winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak after a minor hamstring tweak, while the Wallabies face more reshuffling after flyhalf Carter Gordon is ruled out for the next two Tests with a calf injury. Music Loss: British singer Lauren Bennett (G.R.L., featured on LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem) has died at 37. Cricket Obituary: Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at 38 after a prolonged illness.

IndyCar: Arrow McLaren has locked in a major 2027 driver shake-up, signing New Zealander Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist as full-time teammates to Pato O’Ward, with Ryan Hunter-Reay returning for the Indy 500. Motorsport (NZ): Team New Zealand’s Levi Townley and fellow riders had a rough run at the FIM Junior Motocross World Championships in Czechia, with bad starts and crashes hurting their results. Sport sponsorship: ASB has joined Athletics New Zealand as a strategic partner, backing grassroots programmes and Kiwi athletes through to international competition. Matariki: Matariki falls on Friday 10 July, with guidance on what it is and how to celebrate, including the idea that there are “no Matariki police.” Music & film: Charli XCX announces global “Music, Fashion, Film” album listening sessions, with NZ dates included. Local sport pathway: Nine Canterbury U15 girls are set to travel for a youth futsal tournament, aiming to build more opportunities for girls in the South Island. World Cup (USMNT/Belgium): The USA and Belgium meet in the Round of 16 in Seattle, with Folarin Balogun’s suspension overturned ahead of kickoff.

AI & Publishing Deal: Microsoft Copilot will now reference Nine Entertainment journalism in Australia and New Zealand, using licensed text beyond paywalled previews to generate “grounded” AI answers that link back to Nine sites. Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a nuclear-capable, submarine-launched missile into the Pacific, prompting NZ foreign minister Winston Peters to warn it undermines regional stability. Local Rugby Safety Crisis: Wellington referees say ongoing abuse has forced them to withdraw from club rugby this weekend, likely cancelling games across the capital. Film & Culture: Ed Sayers’ Super Nature lands with a first trailer, shot entirely on Super 8 and picked up for Australia/NZ by Madman. Matariki Music Win: Christchurch Tongan-Māori sisters Siu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington won an APRA children’s song award for a bilingual Matariki waiata. Sporting Talent: The Warriors re-signed try machine Dallin Watene-Zelezniak through 2028, while Leeds Rhinos snapped up NRL forward Dylan Walker for 2027.

All Blacks & Rugby Union: Dave Rennie’s era starts with a nail-biting 34-32 win over France in Christchurch, with All Blacks depth and a more attack-minded blueprint taking centre stage. Auckland Local Politics: Residents pack out meetings over Plan Change 120, calling it a “development grenade” that could worsen flooding and strain infrastructure unless stormwater and services keep up. Animal Welfare: Calls grow for a “second chance” for Donald the impounded pig after reports he was destined to be dinner following an escape and recapture. City Life & Costs: Hamilton drivers face a surge in parking and towing fines tied to licence plate recognition, though two-hour free parking returns this week. NZ Sports & Community: Dunedin roller derby welcomes new skaters through a learn-to-skate programme, while Hurricanes Poua winger Wikitoria Viljoen shines in Super Rugby Aupiki with a hat-trick. Arts & Entertainment: A Dunedin promo video, “Dunedin — Auditioning Now,” wins gold in a city promotion category at the US International Awards. Weather: Heavy rain and snow shut roads in the lower South Island, with MetService warnings and ongoing highway closures.

All Blacks v France: Dave Rennie’s era kicked off in Christchurch with a 34-32 thriller, and the early takeaway is clear: more attacking intent and faster ruck-to-ball play, even if execution still needs tightening. Rugby League (NRLW): The Warriors opened their 2026 campaign with a strong win over the Bulldogs, while the Tigers beat the Eels 28-16 in a statement start. Anime (NZ streaming): HIDIVE confirmed Yoshimura Kana’s Murciélago manga is getting a 2027 TV anime, with exclusive streaming rights including New Zealand. Music & screen: Tandi Wright talks horror’s evolution and her latest Evil Dead work, while Tannaz Irani revisits a behind-the-scenes moment from Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. Local arts: July’s art calendar includes Where to art hop this July 2026 and a new Cook Islands heritage documentary. Sports culture: A K-pop classroom trend from South Korea is set to travel to New Zealand later in 2026.

All Blacks Nations Championship: Dave Rennie’s era kicked off in Christchurch with a 34-32 thriller over France, powered by Will Jordan and Cam Roigard (two tries each) and a high-tempo attacking push that Rennie praised even as he flagged accuracy to improve. Winners & Losers: France’s Matthieu Jalibert starred for Les Bleus, while Ruben Love impressed in his first start at fly-half for New Zealand despite a shaky start. Nations Championship opener (context): South Africa’s Nations Championship launch against England delivered a big statement win, setting the tone for a tournament built for drama. Te Reo Māori spotlight: Hona Black has been appointed the first professor of te reo Māori at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, reflecting a long personal and community journey through kōhanga and kura. Health & food habits: A New Zealand piece links modern diets and reduced chewing to changes in breathing and overall wellbeing. Sporting tech trend: Rugby’s growing global audience is being driven by streaming, social clips and mobile stats—reaching fans far beyond traditional rugby markets. Local human interest: Summit Point in Auckland is highlighted for helping neurodivergent learners build confidence, even as families weigh the steep costs.