AGP Executive Report

NRL Court Update: South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith says he’s “satisfied” after prosecutors withdrew an insider-betting charge over “lack of evidence,” though he still faces a separate allegation about supplying cocaine to a fellow player. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The All Blacks’ eight-match South Africa-and-USA tour is back on the calendar, with four Tests vs the Springboks and a curtain-raiser featuring Springbok Women v Black Ferns. Local Screen & Streaming: Sky New Zealand is launching a new Sky Factual channel (from 27 August), while Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople gets a warm anniversary spotlight after Sam Neill’s death. Kiwi TV Comedy: Rainn Wilson voices Sky’s new NZ rom-com series Settling, about a platonic “marriage” pact. Music Buzz: Queens of the Stone Age have launched a complaints hotline for fans to “air their gripes.” Sports Tech/Travel: Budget airline Jetstar will charge for overhead carry-on locker use from Feb 2027, adding to the squeeze on cheap fares.

Stadium pop: Robbie Williams’ BRITPOP Tour lands in Aotearoa this November with Eden Park (24 Nov) and a Christchurch One New Zealand Stadium date (28 Nov) that’s now sold out, following his FIFA anthem performance at the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony. Music & live dates: Six60 announce their long-awaited return to Melbourne for Live at the Gardens on 27 Nov, with tickets on sale 12 Aug. Local government spotlight: TSB Festival of Lights in New Plymouth has been crowned New Zealand’s best local government event at the NZ Event Association Awards, with 37 nights of installations, live music and entertainment running 19 Dec–24 Jan. Arts & culture: Wellington’s DIY fashion scene gets the spotlight in a street-style photo feature, while a new look at MasterChef backlash has Marco Pierre White calling the format “not real” and urging viewers to treat it as entertainment. Tech for viewers: YouTube’s Gemini “Ask” button lets Kiwis ask questions about a video while it plays, changing how people watch and learn.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: World Rugby has confirmed officials for the Springboks vs All Blacks four-Test series, with referee Matthew Carley set for the opener at Ellis Park and the tour also featuring provincial matches. All Blacks tour business: New Zealand and South Africa are framing the first full All Blacks tour in 30 years as a “sporting property” with a 50-50 revenue split across tickets, sponsorship and broadcast rights. Jetstar fees hit overhead lockers: From February 2027, Jetstar will charge for carry-on bags stored in overhead compartments, while smaller under-seat items stay free. Cricket politics: Cricket Ireland has scheduled a men’s ODI series against Afghanistan that England’s ECB is unhappy about, with the dispute tied to Taliban “gender apartheid” concerns. Reality TV on Netflix: Let’s Marry Harry lands on Netflix, spotlighting Harry Jowsey’s search for a wife with Amanda Kloots among his key confidants. Boxing setback: WBC champ Skye Nicolson has withdrawn from a world-title defence due to injury, with a reschedule expected. Local sport watch: Canterbury’s Richie Mo’unga returns to start at No 10 for a Ranfurly Shield challenge vs Otago. Auckland incident: Auckland Grammar School says it’s “devasted” after students were hit by a stolen car while cycling, with one teen in critical condition.

All Blacks & Rugby Rivalry: Referees for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry are set, with England’s Matthew Carley, Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli and Angus Gardner among the officials for the opening tests—raising fresh scrutiny for New Zealand’s record when certain referees take charge. Cricket Leadership: Ben Stokes says Joe Root’s captaincy could “grate” him again, and questions why Harry Brook wasn’t promoted to Test captain. NRL & Local Interest: Cowboys’ finals hopes take a hit with injury updates, while John Bateman signs a two-year deal with Bradford for 2027-28. Netball: Australia’s Diamonds face backlash after a Commonwealth Games semi-final upset, with coach Stacey Marinkovich under pressure. Space & NZ Industry: Tāwhaki says European companies are interested in a rocket launchpad near Christchurch, but government subsidies remain a key hurdle. Community & Culture: A documentary about Jonah Lomu premieres in Auckland, and veteran radio broadcaster Ray Woodley signs off after 25 years. Food & Fun: Christchurch pie shop Traiteur wins NZ’s best boutique pie, while an Auckland bakery claims the supreme award after a “cockroach” controversy.

All Blacks & Rugby Rivalry: George Bell has been sent home from South Africa with a calf strain, with Blues hooker Bradley Slater called in as the Greatest Rivalry tour ramps up. Commonwealth Games Future: Glasgow’s last-minute rescue is credited with saving the event, but doubts remain about whether the Commonwealth Games can survive in its current form. Road Safety: AA research finds most New Zealand drivers struggle with basic road rules, prompting calls for optional knowledge refreshers at licence renewals. AI in Shopping: PwC NZ reports AI is now a regular part of shopping journeys, with many consumers comfortable letting AI agents complete purchases. Māori Arts & Media: Renowned artist Taupuruariki (Whakataka Brightwell) seeks a formal apology from Kāpiti News after repeated misgendering in coverage of her community mural. Entertainment & Culture: Samantha Morton says a director mistook her for Emily Watson during filming of River Queen; meanwhile, Ben Stokes doubles down on coaching ambitions after retiring from England Tests. Weather Disruption: Snow and sleet hit Wellington and Dunedin, closing schools and key roads and urging people to avoid travel.

Auckland Live Music: UB40 and Soul II Soul have announced a one-off Auckland show at Spark Arena in 2027, with presales starting 11 August and general tickets from 13 August. Māori & Pacific Sound: Brutha Rodz shares the deeply personal waiata “Mokemoke,” written after the loss of his niece during COVID lockdowns, with a message of hope and checking in on others. Art & Culture: NPDC’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre launches “Economies of Deferral” on 8 August, using video, photography and installations to unpack the economic and social fallout of Taranaki’s energy sector. Boxing Spotlight: A Kiwi boxer has won a split-decision that puts them on the verge of a world title shot, highlighting how smaller fighters are breaking through. Fashion for a Cause: A prizewinning clothing collection is up for auction in Napier on 13 September to raise money for Parkinson’s Hawke’s Bay. Film/TV Buzz: Matt Damon has praised Canadian stunt performer Devyn Dalton after she doubled for him in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, calling out her “greatest arms.” Sports & Community: Dunedin faces major snow disruption with police urging people to stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.

Film & Culture: The Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival premiered Lomu, a 147-minute documentary on Jonah Lomu’s Tongan heritage and life beyond rugby, with a cinema release planned for September. Industry Leadership: IAB New Zealand has appointed Katie Macdiarmid (NZME) as board chair, succeeding Rob Hutchinson. Music & Live Shows: Jordan Rakei has announced an Australia and New Zealand tour for early December, with tickets on sale from 6 August; plus J. Cole’s The Fall-Off Magazine lands as a limited-edition print tribute to hip-hop journalism. Fashion: A guide to buying the perfect winter jeans makes the case for fit, versatility and longevity. Sport (Local Angle): The All Blacks begin an old-school South Africa tour with franchise fixtures ahead of the Springboks Tests, while Commonwealth Games wrap stories keep spotlighting New Zealand’s Silver Ferns netball gold and final-day medal moments. Pageantry: Part-Kiwi model Aaron Davis has been chosen to represent the Philippines at Mister World after winning Mr. World Philippines 2026.

Commonwealth Games wrap: New Zealand saved its best for last in Glasgow, finishing sixth on the medal table with 36 total (10 gold, 14 silver, 12 bronze), highlighted by the Silver Ferns ending a 16-year netball gold drought by beating Jamaica 56-48 and judoka Sydnee Andrews taking women’s +78kg gold. Mental health & sport: Former All Blacks and Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg opened up about depression and alcoholism after retirement, describing how losing his athlete identity hit hard. Local governance & ports: Lyttelton Port workers say they’re still worried after Christchurch City Holdings rejected a DP World-linked bid, arguing privatisation pressure won’t go away and could flow to other assets. Rally & motorsport: Hayden Paddon returns to gravel WRC action in Rally Paraguay later this month, eight years after his last gravel WRC start. Music & live shows: Atomic is back across Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland this month with an all-wāhine pop/rock lineup led by Julia Deans, featuring Boh Runga, Vera Ellen and Dianne Swann. NZ in the spotlight: Eliza McCartney named New Zealand Team flag bearer for the Glasgow 2026 closing ceremony after winning gold in pole vault.

Commonwealth Games buzz (Glasgow): The Silver Ferns are through to their first CWG gold match since 2014 after beating England 61-54, and will face Jamaica after the Sunshine Girls edged Australia 46-45 in the other semi. Netball heartbreak: Australia’s Diamonds bounced back to take bronze, smashing England 68-50 after their semi shock loss to Jamaica, where Sophie Dwyer missed a last-second shot. Judo medals: Unnati Sharma fought back to win women’s 63kg bronze, while India’s judo run hit four medals overall. Sporting health watch: India’s Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly ruled out of the Sri Lanka Tests as his left knee discomfort needs full recovery. NZ entertainment angle: Hip Hop International turns 25, with big plans for the future and a global dance legacy that helped launch major choreographers and crews. Local arts/politics: ACT unveiled a push to give teachers clearer legal power to manage seriously disruptive students.

Commonwealth Games glow-up for NZ sport: The Silver Ferns booked the gold-medal match after beating England 61-54, then outlasting Jamaica 53-48 in pool play, setting up a Sunday showdown after Jamaica stunned Australia. Track cycling fireworks: Emma Foy and Jessie Hodges added a second gold for New Zealand, winning the 1000m time trial in Glasgow. Athletics breakthrough: Tori Moorby won women’s javelin silver (60.04m) after a tough year, while Josh Kerr delivered Scotland’s mile gold with a record-breaking performance. Rugby return with a statement: Richie Mo’unga marked his NPC comeback with a match-winning try for Canterbury against Auckland, reigniting All Blacks talk. Local arts spotlight: Head On Photo Awards 2026 opened for global entries, with Portrait, Landscape and Exposure categories and a prize pool topping AUD$80,000. Community fundraising: An East Auckland 10-year-old is facing rare cancer, with a charity football tournament planned to help his family.

Commonwealth Games buzz: The Silver Ferns booked the netball final with a 61-54 semi-final win over England, but defender Catherine Hall is out after an ACL rupture, setting up a tense gold-medal showdown. Rugby comeback: Richie Mo’unga marked his return to New Zealand rugby by scoring the winning try as Canterbury edged Auckland 38-31 in the NPC. NRL momentum: The Warriors crushed the Titans 42-6, keeping their finals hopes alive with a dominant defensive display. Concert culture shock: A Devilskin gig in New Zealand reportedly descended into chaos after a concertgoer defecated in the pit, sparking disgust and a chain reaction of vomiting claims. Pacific climate story: Voyaging canoes Hokule‘a and Hikianalia are rerouting due to weather risks, with the Moananuiakea Voyage extended amid rising sailing dangers. Film spotlight: A documentary about Kiwi rugby legend Jonah Lomu premiered in Auckland, revisiting his life and kidney disease, with production shaped by legal and legacy concerns.

Netball: The Silver Ferns face a Commonwealth Games semifinal vs England without defender Catherine Hall after scans confirmed an ACL rupture, while shooter Georgia Heffernan is also managing an ankle issue. Athletics: New Zealand added more medals in Glasgow, with Eliza McCartney winning pole vault gold and Imogen Ayris taking bronze, plus para-cyclist Devon Briggs setting a Games record for men’s C1-3 1km time trial gold. Rugby (local coaching): Former All Black Julian Savea has taken a head coaching role at Mahurangi, linking up with club leadership after his Hurricanes/Moana Pasifika and All Blacks playing career. Music (Lollapalooza): Charli xcx and Lorde reunited onstage at Lollapalooza 2026 for “Girl, So Confusing,” with Charli calling it “more special” after the surprise duet. Film & TV (NZ): Hamilton International Film Festival returns with an international lineup and Q&As, while TVNZ promotes new streaming and rugby coverage via TVNZ+. Arts & culture (public art): Whakatāne council reports a large art collection but only a small share is on display, reigniting questions about access and visibility.

Commonwealth Games 2026 (NZ sport): New Zealand’s David Liti took men’s +110kg weightlifting gold in Glasgow with 389kg, edging India’s Lovepreet Singh by just 1kg for silver (388kg) after a Commonwealth snatch record; the result underlines how close the podium margins are in the Games’ strength events. Maori arts revival: A once-banned ta moko tradition is back in the spotlight, with moko kanohi ceremonies increasingly visible in everyday life and even Parliament, as families relearn the craft after colonial suppression. Local culture & arts: Te Tuhi announced three new exhibitions, including Pallavi Paul’s “To Be in Someone Else’s Prayer” and Kāhu Kaan’s “Whao” billboard project using pāua-shell nail motifs. Music & live shows: System Of A Down confirmed a Waitangi weekend stadium headline stop in Wellington (7 Feb) with Faith No More as support, while Greentea Peng announced NZ headline dates this November. Tech/streaming: Prime Video is shutting down its “Prime” FAST channel in Germany and Austria from August 1. Community health (Pacific): Ara and Otago launched new Pacific-led health education and research initiatives aimed at tackling long-running inequities.

NFL on Seven: Seven secures exclusive Australian free-to-air rights for the 2026 NFL season, including the first regular-season game at the MCG on Friday 11 September (49ers vs Rams), plus weekly coverage, playoffs and Super Bowl LXI. All Blacks tour talk: Andy Farrell says Ireland’s Nations Championship loss to New Zealand was “inaccurate” and error-strewn, while Ardie Savea’s absence from the Greatest Rivalry tour spotlights New Zealand rugby’s depth and planning. Commonwealth Games glow for NZ: David Liti wins +110kg weightlifting gold with a Games-record clean and jerk, edging Lovepreet Singh’s snatch record to silver; earlier, Kiwi Ryan Fox’s Open win has Lydia Ko emotional and fired up for the Women’s Open. Local sport culture: Bay of Plenty Steamers launch their 2026 NPC campaign with a 50-years-since-1976 theme, heritage jerseys and a reunion with surviving ’76 champions. Music & screen: HINA drops debut album Descending Dreams ahead of an Auckland release show; Wētā Workshop’s Wicker trailer teases Alexander Skarsgård as a wicker-made man, built as a physical suit for the film. Tech for runners: Spotify’s new Running Mode matches playlists to workout tempo for Premium iPhone users.

Language Policy: English has officially joined Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language as an official language after the English Language Bill passed its third reading, with MPs arguing it gives “clarity and certainty” without changing existing protections. Cricket (NZ Abroad): Stephen Fleming is confirmed as England’s new men’s Test coach, while Joe Root is reappointed as Test captain; Fleming won’t start until after the Pakistan series, with Marcus Trescothick interim. Rugby (All Blacks Tour): The All Blacks arrive in South Africa to kick off their “Greatest Rivalry” tour, including URC matches and four Tests against the Springboks, with Cape Town and Ellis Park among the key stops. Sport/Community: Glasgow Commonwealth Games coverage highlights India’s boxing surge and Namibia’s first medal push, while New Zealand’s own athletes continue chasing more hardware. Streaming/Media: TVNZ launches a premium TVNZ+ Event Pass for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a shift beyond its free, ad-supported model. Health Watch: A measles case is detected in Palmerston North with no known source, prompting warnings for people who were in Wellington during the Matariki period.

Commonwealth Games buzz: New Zealand’s campaign took a hit when Silver Ferns defender Catherine Hall went down clutching her leg, with the team unsure of the severity and no in-Games replacements allowed. Netball dominance: The Diamonds stayed unbeaten with a 57-47 win over South Africa, setting up a semi-final showdown. Sporting milestones: Scotland made Commonwealth history in 3x3 basketball, while England’s Kate O’Connor claimed Northern Ireland’s first athletics gold in decades. Music & gigs: Auckland alt/heavy label Rothko Records announced a multi-band showcase, and Tauranga gets Devilskin’s Be Like The River 10th anniversary tour stop. Arts & community: National Poetry Day 2026’s calendar is live, with libraries across Aotearoa leading the charge. Film watch: A verdict on the new Spider-Man release lands this week, alongside a family-friendly movie pick. Local culture: Southland Art Foundation named Andy Leleisi’uao as the 2026 William Hodges Fellowship artist-in-residence.