Fast-food debate in Palmerston North: RNZ reports construction is underway for a fourth McDonald’s in the city, sparking local debate over whether more fast-food is needed; the branch was granted resource consent in February with only three noise-related submissions. High seas trawling row: Greenpeace says the government has issued an international fishing permit for the Tasman Viking, a vessel previously convicted for damaging deep-sea coral in the Tasman Sea, calling it “outrageous” amid strong public opposition to bottom trawling. Wildlife management update: A bill moving wapiti closer to “herd of special interest” status passed its third reading, clarifying that introduced species designated for hunting in national parks won’t need to be exterminated. Emergency comms overhaul: SafetyNet Critical Communications has launched as an independent Crown company to modernise emergency communications, starting with onboarding public safety network services for key agencies. Weather outlook: Earth Sciences New Zealand says El Niño conditions are developing, with July–September likely near average to above average temperatures, and rainfall patterns shifting—drier risk for parts of the North Island and wetter odds for the west of the South Island. Auckland airport dining refresh: Auckland Airport is rolling out new and updated international terminal food options, including BurgerFuel, Starbucks and several NZ and Asian concepts. Tennis NZ philanthropy push: Tennis NZ and the New Zealand Olympic Foundation hosted “Advantage New Zealand” in London to back the next generation of elite players.