AGP Executive Report

Matariki Arts & Language: Wellington Writers Walk has unveiled a new sculpture in te reo Māori, “He Karakia mō Puanga mā Matariki,” blessing the waterfront with unity-themed words by Ben Ngaia. Music & Culture: The V&A’s David Bowie archive is heading on a North of England tour, bringing more than 100 items (including Ziggy-era pieces and unseen materials) to venues like V&A Dundee and Blackpool. Film & Awards: The animated doc “58th” (about the 2009 Maguindanao massacre) won Doc Edge’s Facing the Edge award and premiered at the festival’s Asia-Pacific event in Auckland. Sporting Tech Boost: Hastings has secured SmartTrack athletics tech thanks to donors, building a world-class surface plus tech for athletes and schools. Rugby Spotlight: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named Jefferson Poirot to start against France in Christchurch, with Ruben Love also selected at No 10. Local Venue Upgrade: Wellington Town Hall restoration is complete, with the venue reopening on 20 February and a new National Music Centre planned. Pasifika Football Pathways: NZ Football and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples won a national diversity award for a programme that lifted Pasifika participation and coach education. Comedy Live: “Comedy Magician” Chipper Lowell is set to perform at the Reg Lenna Center.

Women’s Cricket: Nat Sciver-Brunt has been declared fit to return as England captain for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa after a calf injury recovery that included oxygen therapy and seven one-hour magnetic resonance sessions. Local Sport Pathways: A Waikato hockey umpire has been appointed to the Hockey NZ National U18 Men’s Tournament in Tauranga, with an Olympic or World Cup whistle in his sights. All Blacks Coaching Focus: Dave Rennie’s new regime is putting the spotlight on the No. 10 question, with Ruben Love’s form and Richie Mo’unga’s return shaping selection intrigue. World Cup Viewing & Drama: Belgium and Senegal meet in the Round of 32, while Egypt’s knockout hopes hinge on Mohamed Salah’s fitness ahead of Australia. Health & Safety: Testing has found airborne asbestos fibres in children’s play sand in New Zealand, prompting renewed Ministry of Health review. Music & Festivals: L.A.B announce their own summer festival, with Rotorua and Brisbane dates, plus 8TH WONDER’s inaugural Rotorua lineup set for January. Film & Docs: Doc Edge 2026 crowned featherStrength and Inside Gaza as top winners. Wellness & Regulation: Medsafe reports a surge in seized unapproved peptide medicines at the border, warning of serious safety risks.

All Blacks & Rugby: The new Dave Rennie era is set to sharpen the biggest All Blacks selection question: who wears No.10, with Ruben Love’s form and Richie Mo’unga’s return fuelling fresh intrigue. World Cup 2026 (NZ angle): Belgium and Senegal meet in the Round of 32 after Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand and Senegal’s rollercoaster run; England also kick off their knockout campaign against DR Congo, while the US take on Bosnia and Herzegovina. NZ sport integrity: Gymnastics New Zealand becomes the latest national body to adopt the Sport Integrity Commission’s Integrity Code, joining SkateNZ. Entertainment (UK/NZ connection): Keeping Up Appearances star Anna Dawson (Violet) has died at 88 in Kerikeri, six months after her husband’s death. Tech/industry: Entain appoints Kiwi Chris Haigh to focus on New Zealand, as the betting giant reorganises leadership across Australia and NZ. Arts & culture: Mary Beard announces an Australia and New Zealand visit for November 2026, with tickets on presale from July 1. Property: A Queenstown luxury estate is expected to sell for around $35m, potentially the year’s biggest residential deal.

Cricket Leadership: Harry Brook says it would be a “great honour” to succeed Ben Stokes as England’s Test captain, after Stokes’ shock retirement following New Zealand’s 160-run win at Trent Bridge. All Blacks & Coaching: Neil Barnes brings “plain talk” and a fresh edge into the All Blacks set-up as Dave Rennie and Ardie Savea look to reset the side ahead of the next France clash. World Cup in NZ Spotlight: Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand over alleged rape, with FIFA saying it’s in contact with authorities. Food & Culture: The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 lands with 1 Two-Star, 14 One-Star, 35 Bib Gourmands and 60 selected restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Music Industry: Virgin Music Group unveils a new global and regional leadership team following its Downtown Music acquisition. Anime Streaming: HIDIVE confirms dark fantasy BLADE & BASTARD will stream exclusively in 2027, including New Zealand.

World Cup Round of 32: France take on Sweden with Mbappé and Dembélé firing, while Sweden chase an upset after a strong Group F run. Local Theatre: Flyleaf Theatre Company brings Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People to Auckland’s Q Theatre (12–22 Aug), updated for Aotearoa’s water crisis. Pacific Film: Tongan-New Zealand documentarian Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Oscars’ Academy, a big win for Pacific storytelling on the global stage. NZ Music: South Auckland trio STNDRD and Myshaan reunite on the winter R&B single Get It Back. Arts & Community: Auckland local board plans spotlight projects like Te Rimutahi and Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek restoration, showing how neighbourhood priorities shape public life. Sport Spotlight: England coach Brendon McCullum says he tried to talk Ben Stokes out of retiring after the shock mid-Test call. Business/Tech: NZX 50 edges up as AI-infrastructure demand lifts Infratil, while Air New Zealand outlines a path back to profitability.

Cricket (NZ vs England): New Zealand wrapped up a memorable 2-1 Test series win over England at Trent Bridge, crushing the hosts by 160 runs after Ben Stokes’ shock mid-match retirement announcement. Daryl Mitchell starred with an unbeaten 100 as Tom Latham and Devon Conway set up the platform, while England collapsed to 212 in their chase of 373. Leadership fallout: Brendon McCullum insisted his “project isn’t finished yet” and pledged to stay on as England head coach, while Stokes threw his full support behind Harry Brook as the natural next Test captain. World Cup (Belgium): Romelu Lukaku’s fitness remains a concern, but he’s embraced a “super sub” role, scoring and assisting off the bench as Belgium prepare for Senegal in the round of 32. World Cup (Cape Verde): Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand over alleged rape allegations ahead of a Round of 32 clash with Argentina. Arts & culture (Tauranga): Canadian circus sensation Machine de Cirque has been added as a headline act for the Tauranga Arts Festival, following a sell-out for Macy Gray. Wellbeing: A Massey University-led look at therapist burnout highlights practical ways clinicians manage stress, including the importance of time off.

Cricket Shock: Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during England’s deciding 3rd Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, then opened the batting in a chaotic chase as England pushed for 373—while New Zealand sit just six wickets from a series win. NRL Round-Up: Panthers fell to the Cowboys, the Sea Eagles thumped the Storm, Dolphins kept rolling past the Warriors, and the Tigers narrowly missed out against the Knights. World Cup Drama: Belgium finished Group G with a 5-1 demolition of New Zealand to reach the Round of 32, setting up knockout excitement as the tournament flips into win-or-go-home mode. Local Arts & Music: South Wairarapa backed the National Music Centre in Wellington with $11,000, helping fund a new symphonic-sized recording and post-production hub opening in 2027. Fitness Loss: Les Mills—Olympian, global fitness founder and former Auckland mayor—has died aged 91. Music Releases: Yeri Hye drops “Wiggle Ziggle! Boogie Woogie!” as a new electronic/dance-pop single.

Cricket Drama: England captain Ben Stokes stunned Trent Bridge by announcing his international retirement mid-Test against New Zealand, then took a wicket with his first ball after the news and made a quickfire 30 in a chaotic chase as England closed on 103-4. Sporting Farewell: Stokes said captaincy “burnt out” his fight, calling it the “best thing” for him, while the crowd gave him a standing ovation and New Zealand later guarded him in honour. World Cup Fallout: Iran’s politically charged World Cup ended on a knife-edge as they drew all three group games but were eliminated when Austria scored late to finish above them; the team and officials complained about visa and travel restrictions. Local Culture & Books: Wellington’s Willis Street is getting a boost with two new indie bookshops opening this winter, including XO Book Co and Aurelia Books, adding to Unity Books. Design & Lifestyle: A new guide looks at interior design ideas to steal from NZ’s most stylish hotels and restaurants. Sports Round-Up: Radio Waatea’s Ken Laban highlights Mystics’ title win, Warriors’ late heartbreak, and Auckland FC’s Club World Cup exit.

Women’s Cricket: England ended New Zealand’s reign at the Women’s T20 World Cup, hammering the defending champions by nine wickets at the Oval as Danni Wyatt-Hodge (89), Sophia Dunkley (49) and a record-equalling chase ended NZ’s campaign. Rugby Union: New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia confirmed Bledisloe Cup Tests on Anzac Day in 2027, 2029 and 2031, with all three matches at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Cricket (Men): Black Caps vs England, Trent Bridge: New Zealand hold a 204-run lead heading into day four after a 354 all out, with Rachin Ravindra (60) and Daryl Mitchell (26) steering NZ through a wobble on a deteriorating pitch. Football (NZ-linked): Iran fired back after being knocked out of the World Cup, calling the VAR and treatment “unfair and unsportsmanlike” following a disallowed late goal vs Egypt. Music & Nightlife: Auckland drag cabaret institution Caluzzi marks 30 years, while The Veils announce a first-time Athens show tied to their new album Fragile World. Local Culture: The 2026 Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards (Ngā Manu Tīrairaka) named Spellodies as big winners.

Women’s Cricket World Cup: England sent defending champions New Zealand home with a nine-wicket win at The Oval, powered by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 89 and a 128-run stand with Sophie Dunkley. Men’s Football (World Cup): Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Iran, where a late VAR offside denied Iran a winner; Mohamed Salah’s left-knee scare adds pressure ahead of the Round of 32. World Cup (NZ fallout): Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice; New Zealand’s exit leaves the All Whites looking to regroup for the next cycle. Cricket (NZ vs England Tests): Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 60 helped New Zealand steady after Jofra Archer’s double strike in the deciding third Test at Trent Bridge, setting up a tense day four. Local arts & culture: RNZ profiled Dame Julie Christie’s new Gloriavale documentary, while another story digs into how social media and AI images can fuel teen self-doubt. Matariki in Aotearoa: Auckland’s Matariki events line up with free light trails, twilight markets and AR art installations. Health & community: RNZ reported on a Palmerston North gastro doctor leaving amid staffing strain, and an Auckland dad shared his brain-tumour diagnosis just weeks before twins’ birth.

World Cup fallout for New Zealand: Belgium crushed the All Whites 5-1 at BC Place to win Group G, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers adding the rest. Group G drama: Egypt advanced for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Iran; Ramin Rezaeian equalised, but a late Iranian goal was ruled out for offside, leaving Iran waiting on third-place qualification. Socceroos set for knockout clash: Australia confirmed Round of 32 progression and will face Egypt next, with Jackson Irvine saying they’ll be a “problem” if they bring their best group-stage form. Injury watch: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah was substituted after feeling something in the hamstring and is set for scans, a major storyline ahead of the knockout match. Local sport spotlight: The Northern Mystics beat Southern Steel 56-46 in the ANZ Premiership final in Auckland, with Steel falling short despite a strong season.

World Cup (All Whites): New Zealand face Belgium in Group G’s must-win finale in Vancouver, with Belgium still able to reach the round of 32 and NZ needing a win to keep knockout hopes alive. World Cup (Group G): Egypt and Iran meet as Group G wraps, with Egypt chasing progression after Mohamed Salah’s big win, while Iran look to hold their unbeaten run. Cricket (England v New Zealand): Ben Duckett’s first Test century in over a year (113) powers England’s fightback in the third Test at Trent Bridge after NZ’s 438. T20 World Cup (White Ferns): Alice Capsey urges England to keep momentum against New Zealand ahead of the semi-finals, warning NZ’s match-winners can swing a game fast. Local sport (rugby): A Dunedin roof-fall survivor, Jayden Broome, is preparing for surgery after a major brain injury, with his All Blacks dream still driving his recovery. Arts & creativity: Cannes Lions’ Glass and Film Lions winners were announced, including the Grand Prix for Good and other sustainability-focused honours. Music/TV: Dwayne Johnson reflects on lessons from childhood in Auckland as he promotes Disney’s Moana live-action.

World Cup Knockout Push: The Socceroos booked their last-32 spot with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay, setting up a July 3 clash in Dallas, while the NZ vs Belgium and Egypt vs Iran matchups will decide who Australia faces next. All Whites Spotlight: New Zealand’s World Cup Group G game vs Belgium is the big local watch, with TV schedule details circulating as the tournament heads deeper into the knockout picture. Cricket (NZ vs England): Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s record 317-run opening stand powered New Zealand to 361/4 on day one of the third Test at Trent Bridge, with Conway reverting after tweaking his trigger movement. Local Arts Funding: South Wairarapa backed the National Music Centre with a tight $11,000 vote, supporting Wellington’s Te Ngākau Civic Square development for NZSO and the New Zealand School of Music. TV/Reality Format: Sky New Zealand and Wonder Project are bringing Muster Dogs to NZ and the US, with Kiwi production set for 2027. Community Markets: Māngere Markets Trust says it’s “very disappointed” after losing its licence, as Auckland Council points to a board-requested EOI process. Sports Charity: MPs are set to play rugby and netball for Rugby For Life in Russell, aiming to help grassroots clubs and volunteer burnout.

Cricket (All Blacks): Tom Latham and Devon Conway smashed a near-century-old record partnership on day one of the decisive third Test against England at Trent Bridge, putting New Zealand on 361-4 at stumps before a mini-collapse late on; England’s Ben Stokes struck back as the hosts fought for momentum. Team news: New Zealand’s build-up took a hit with Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips ruled out, while Stokes and Gus Atkinson returned for England. Women’s T20 World Cup: England booked a semi-final spot with a 38-run win over West Indies at Lord’s, powered by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 65, with a controversial DRS moment deciding Hayley Matthews’ dismissal. NZOC/Olympics: The IOC’s new “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant” will give every Olympian a USD $10,000 option for career support or transition, with NZOC saying about NZD $4m will flow to Kiwi Winter Games athletes. Arts & music business: BMG has acquired Chris Cheney’s publishing catalog from The Living End, adding another major music-rights deal to the week’s headlines. Local culture (winter travel): Whakapapa Ski Area at Mt Ruapehu is spotlighted as a top family-friendly winter escape, with Happy Valley singled out for beginners.

Auckland Live Music Spotlight: Spark Arena has been named an IQ Magazine “Arena Star 2026”, landing in the world’s top 20 and praised for its flexibility (2,500–13,000 capacity) and recent sell-out run including Linkin Park’s record-setting March show. NZ Screen Exports: Acorn TV has picked up Kiwi cozy crime drama Blue Murder Motel for the US/Canada, with ITV taking it to the UK; the series (from TVNZ and Great Southern Television, starring Lucy Lawless’s Step Dave creator Kate McDermott’s project) follows retired cops running a beach motel where a body turns up. Pacific Music Awards Buzz: Finalists for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards were announced at Mangere Arts Centre, with 33 artists across 13 categories and A.R.T plus Sam V leading the nominations. Sports & Culture: Sky NZ renewed its Silver Ferns broadcast rights for 2026, securing live coverage of all international matches. Health Misinformation Watch: An anti-sunscreen trend is worrying NZ skin cancer experts, prompting calls for better education before summer. Cricket Legacy: Former Black Caps pace great Bob Blair has died at 94, remembered for his courage after the Tangiwai disaster.

Commonwealth Games fashion: The NZ Olympic Committee has unveiled the official Kathmandu-partnered Glasgow 2026 uniform, led by a “Podium Set” made from recycled materials (including end-of-life tyres) with a bold Tech Blue look. Track & field spotlight: Kiwi pole vaulter Imogen Ayris headlines the NZ team at the Paris Diamond League ahead of Glasgow, with Eliza McCartney and Olivia McTaggart also set to compete. Motorsport on the rise: Ken Roczen is confirmed for the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross in Auckland on 31 October 2026, a major international coup for NZ fans. Sporting news with NZ links: Former NZ fast bowler Bob Blair has died at 94, remembered for his heroic Tangiwai-era innings. World Cup culture & media: The tournament’s style is going full spectacle (pink boots, leopard looks), while FIFA’s countdown to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil kicks off.