NZ Tech & Privacy: The government has ruled out restricting or banning VPNs as part of its planned under-16 social media ban, after a fast privacy backlash; PM Christopher Luxon says “no plan to ban VPNs at all,” and Education Minister Erica Stanford’s office says it’s “not looking at restricting or banning VPNs,” after earlier reporting sparked fears about enforcement and “digital ID by stealth.” Pacific Security: China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific has drawn sharp concern across the region, with NATO chief Mark Rutte warning allies can’t be “naive” about Beijing and New Zealand officials describing the move as “deeply concerning,” as Australia and Fiji also signed a defence pact hours earlier. Road Safety: ANCAP’s new “Stages of Safety” criteria are now in effect, with the BMW iX3 the first model independently tested under the 2026-2028 rules, earning a five-star rating. Culture & Crime: A greenstone mere taonga stolen from a Waikato museum over the July 4 weekend was swiftly recovered and returned within days after police used CCTV and a warrant in Tokoroa. Community Fundraising: Special Olympics NZ is urging Wellington to take part in Polar Plunge at Freyberg Beach on 18 July, aiming to raise $50,000 for sport opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Sports TV: State of Origin Game III is tonight, with Queensland hosting NSW at Lang Park and kick-off in NZ at 10:05pm (Nine/9Now).