AGP Executive Report

Mental Health Response: Tauranga is rolling out a police-and-clinician co-response team for selected 111 calls involving mental distress, aiming for a health-led approach and reducing unnecessary emergency department trips. Infrastructure Update: Ashburton’s second bridge project is set to begin with a six-month roundabout build at the South St–Chalmers Ave intersection to improve safety and traffic flow ahead of the main works. Conservation: DOC has freed a southern right whale (tohorā) entangled off Bluff after a complex multi-day operation, with experts warning entanglements like this are particularly dangerous for the species. Culture & City Life: Auckland Council has restored Selwyn Muru’s iconic Waharoa gateway artwork in Aotea Square, bringing the taonga back as a renewed meeting place. Sports & NZ Interest: The RNZN is progressing its long-term fleet renewal programme, with major changes expected over the next two decades as ships near retirement. Earthquake Watch: Scientists have identified the Mangatangi Fault near Auckland’s Hunua Ranges as active, warning a rupture could produce a 6.8 quake with serious consequences for the region. Media & Community: Iconic Auckland student radio station 95bFM is relocating to Karangahape Road by July 31 after nearly six decades on the University of Auckland city campus.

Earthquake Risk for Auckland: Scientists say an active Mangatangi Fault near South Auckland could, if it ruptures, trigger a potentially devastating 6.8 magnitude quake, raising serious concerns for the region’s 1.8 million people. RNZN Fleet Renewal: The Royal New Zealand Navy is pushing a major two-decade fleet renewal, driven by the ageing of most current ships, aiming for a modern combat-capable fleet with both crewed and uncrewed systems. Auckland Student Radio Moves: Iconic K’ Rd station 95bFM is relocating for the first time in almost six decades, shifting from the University of Auckland campus to Karangahape Road by July 31. Local Business Watch: Downlow Burgers Kelston has gone into liquidation three months after opening, while Mocka prepares its first Australian bricks-and-mortar store in Maroochydore. World Cup Build-Up: New Zealand’s World Cup squad is set for the 2026 finals in the US, Canada and Mexico, with Tim Payne among the players drawing fresh attention online.

Business Liquidation: Downlow Burgers Kelston has been placed into liquidation just three months after opening, with liquidator Pritesh Patel saying the store couldn’t hit required turnover amid rising costs, weaker foot traffic, delivery competition pressures and growing liabilities. Defence & Maritime: The RNZN says its long-term fleet renewal is a “once in a generation” transformation, driven by most ships nearing retirement by the mid-2030s, to protect New Zealand’s Pacific and wider maritime interests. Local Governance: Hastings District Council is seeking Environment Court enforcement orders over Farmhouse Lodge, aiming to end tenancies unless buildings and activities meet an approved Buildings and Activities Plan, with mediation set for around July. Energy & Climate: A new global report warns carbon dioxide removal must scale far faster to have any chance of limiting warming to 1.5C, with current plans falling short by billions of tonnes per year by 2050. Education: Ara Institute of Canterbury has appointed Dr Claire Minton as incoming Head of Nursing, starting 29 June 2026. Sports (NZ angle): Internet sensation Tim Payne—an Auckland-born defender with Wellington Phoenix—has become a World Cup social media hit ahead of 2026.

World Cup logistics: England’s World Cup squad has touched down in the US for its pre-tournament camp, with a warm-up against New Zealand in Tampa Bay on Saturday before matches against Costa Rica. Local sport: New Zealand’s World Cup roster is set for the finals in North America, with the team aiming to win a World Cup match for the first time. Climate policy: A new global report says carbon dioxide removal must scale up fast to keep the 1.5C goal alive, with countries’ current plans falling short by billions of tonnes. Health education: Ara Institute of Canterbury has appointed Dr Claire Minton as its incoming Head of Nursing, starting 29 June. Road safety: A Rotorua school principal is pushing for action on a nearby pedestrian crossing he calls an “accident waiting to happen,” while the council points to improved crash data since it was installed. Energy and resilience: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has borrowed diesel from a police patrol boat and is restricting power use as fuel prices rise and battery replacements are underway. Business and jobs: Kāinga Ora has listed a $20m Albany site for sale after scrapping a “twin towers” plan, saying it doesn’t make economic sense to develop social housing there. Tech and customer service: AskNicely has launched two new AI agents to summarise customer feedback and draft replies for service businesses.

World Cup Focus: New Zealand have qualified for the 2026 finals for only the third time, and for the first time they’ll be aiming to win a World Cup match to reach the knockout stage. Sports (England warm-up): England’s squad has landed in the US for their World Cup build-up, including a warm-up against New Zealand in Tampa Bay. Local Governance & Housing: Kāinga Ora has listed a $20m Albany site after scrapping a “twin towers” plan, saying it doesn’t make economic sense to develop social housing there, while critics point to millions spent on consultants and planning. Road Safety: A Rotorua school principal is pushing Rotorua Lakes Council and NZTA to fix a pedestrian crossing he calls an “accident waiting to happen”, but the council says crash data shows safety has improved since it was installed. Environment: DOC is asking the public to help locate a southern right whale entangled in a craypot line off Stewart Island/Rakiura, warning people not to try to cut it free. Maritime Rescue: A trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge competitor survived 16 hours in a leaky boat after a May Day call, with rescue crews forced to wait out dangerous conditions. Energy & Fuel: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run low on diesel and is borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat while restricting power use. Business & Property: Auckland’s Seascape luxury tower and surrounding block are up for sale “as is where is” after developer Shundi Customs collapsed.

Hastings Housing Clash: Hastings District Council has applied to the Environment Court to force tenants out of Farmhouse Lodge in Omahu unless buildings and activities meet an approved Buildings and Activities Plan, with mediation set for July and no council comment while the case is before the court. Social Welfare Tech: Parliament has passed a new law letting the Ministry of Social Development use an automated electronic system to make some benefit decisions, with the government saying it will cut delays and errors and that it won’t use generative AI like ChatGPT. Rotorua Development Push: A Rotorua lakefront hotel plan is moving ahead after a memorandum of understanding between iwi and developers, starting feasibility and master planning for a high-end accommodation project. Whale Rescue Call: DOC is asking the public to report a southern right whale entangled in a craypot line off Stewart Island/Rakiura, warning people not to try to cut it free. Road Safety Debate: A Rotorua school principal is calling for action over a pedestrian crossing he says is “an accident waiting to happen,” while the council points to improved crash data since it was installed in 2017. Trans-Tasman Sailing: A solo yachtsman in the trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge survived 16 hours in a leaky boat after a May Day call, saved by his equipment and preparedness.

Maritime Safety: A trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge competitor, New Plymouth Yacht Club member Graeme Francis, has made it back to shore after surviving about 16 hours in a leaking boat battered by severe swells, saved thanks to his EPIRB and preparedness. Road Safety: A Rotorua school principal is pushing Rotorua Lakes Council and NZTA to fix a pedestrian crossing he calls an “accident waiting to happen”, while the council points to improved crash data since it was installed in 2017. Wildlife Response: DOC is asking the public to help locate a southern right whale entangled in a craypot line off Stewart Island/Rakiura, warning boaties not to approach or try to cut it free. Night Sky Moment: Christchurch-area stargazers captured a rare moonbow over the Mackenzie Country, with the event tied to a blue moon and a “micro moon” under dark-sky conditions. Welfare Modernisation: Parliament has passed a law allowing the Ministry of Social Development to use automated electronic systems for some benefit decisions, with safeguards and human oversight. Pacific Borders: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to boost co-operation and tackle drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. World Cup Build-Up: A guide to venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup includes BC Place in Vancouver, where New Zealand matches are listed.

Wildlife Response: The Department of Conservation is asking the public to help locate a southern right whale entangled in a craypot line off Rakiura/Stewart Island, last seen between Lucky Point and Saddle Point. DOC says the whale appears to be breathing comfortably, but warns people not to try cutting it free and to stay well clear; sightings should be reported immediately with GPS details and photos if safe. Property Watch: Auckland’s high-profile Seascape development in Customs Street East is up for sale “as is where is” after developer Shundi Customs collapsed, with Bayleys marketing the $300m luxury tower and surrounding block as a rare city-centre opportunity. Welfare Tech: Parliament has passed a new law letting the Ministry of Social Development use an automated electronic system for some benefit decisions, with safeguards and human oversight, and no use of generative AI like ChatGPT. Border Security in the Pacific: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji this week as concerns grow about drug trafficking and other cross-border threats, with regional co-operation and stronger border security on the agenda. Local Safety: A Rotorua school principal is pushing council and NZTA to address safety concerns at a pedestrian crossing near a roundabout, calling it an “accident waiting to happen” despite claims crash data shows improvement.

Local Safety: Rotorua school principal calls a nearby pedestrian crossing an “accident waiting to happen”, saying visibility and traffic chaos around the Springfield Rd/Otonga Rd roundabout put kids at risk, while council points to improved crash data since it was installed in 2017. Pacific Geopolitics: The Quad’s plan to invest in Fiji ports is framed as a way to challenge China’s supply-chain dominance and offer Pacific island countries an alternative deal. Welfare Tech: Parliament passes a Social Security modernisation law letting the Ministry of Social Development use automated systems for benefit decisions, with safeguards and human oversight (no generative AI like ChatGPT). Health Watch: Uganda closes its border with Congo amid Ebola concerns, while a separate plan to quarantine exposed Americans in Kenya is blocked by a court. Wildlife: DOC urges drivers to be vigilant after a pakake sea lion pup was killed in Dunedin, with blunt-force trauma linked to a vehicle collision. Arts & Film: NZ International Film Festival in Wellington announces Auckland director Paloma Schneideman’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry” as opening night feature.

World Cup Ticket Backlash: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged FIFA to act after complaints of fans being “ripped off” by misleading seat info and inflated prices, with US state attorneys general also pushing for answers. Welfare Tech Upgrade: Parliament has passed a new law letting the Ministry of Social Development use automated systems for benefit decisions, with safeguards and human oversight, and the government says it won’t use generative AI like ChatGPT. Pacific Power Play: The Quad’s plan to invest in Fiji port infrastructure is framed as a way to challenge China’s Pacific supply-chain dominance and offer Pacific nations a different deal. Local Safety Pressure: A Rotorua school principal says a nearby pedestrian crossing is an “accident waiting to happen,” while the council points to improved crash data since it was installed. Film Festival Spotlight: The NZ International Film Festival has named Auckland director Paloma Schneideman’s debut feature “Big Girls Don’t Cry” as its opening-night film in Wellington. Wildlife Warning: DOC is urging drivers to watch for pakake after a native sea lion pup was killed in Dunedin. Ebola Border Moves: A new analysis questions border closures and quarantine plans in the DRC Ebola response, arguing surveillance and response capacity matter more than distance.

Ebola Response Debate: Congo has reported 1,000+ suspected/confirmed Ebola cases and 250+ deaths, while Uganda has closed its border with DRC and the US planned to send exposed Americans to a Kenya quarantine site—moves critics say aren’t backed by strong public-health reasoning. World Cup Ticket Pressure: FIFA is facing legal action in the US over claims it limited ticket supply and drove up prices; meanwhile, thousands of US v Paraguay tickets still appear unsold, with availability data suggesting “fake scarcity” concerns. Local Wildlife Safety: DOC is urging drivers to be vigilant after a pakake (New Zealand sea lion) pup was killed in a vehicle collision in Dunedin, the second death this month, despite fencing and signage. Online Casino Reform: New Zealand’s regulated online casino market is now in force from 1 May 2026, with offshore operators restricted and a licensing transition set to tighten from 1 December. Auckland Culture & Food: The Mexican Cafe in Auckland’s CBD is urgently seeking a buyer/investor to survive after years of disruption from City Rail Link, as the area’s foot traffic is expected to surge with Te Waihorotiu station opening. Stargazing: A “Blue Moon” will hide the red light of Antares on May 31, with southern hemisphere viewers in NZ among those set for the show.

Business & money: McDonald’s New Zealand says net profit jumped to $108.7m for 2025, helped by lower income tax and stronger franchise and supplier performance, as it also flags a challenging operating environment. Food & community: Homegrown’s Hamilton debut is being hailed as a win, with tickets selling out fast and organisers pointing to strong city support and bigger plans for 2027. Wildlife & safety: DOC is urging drivers to be extra vigilant after a 5-month-old pakake (New Zealand sea lion) pup was killed in a vehicle collision in Dunedin, the second such death this month. Local business survival: Auckland’s iconic Mexican Cafe is urgently seeking an investor or buyer to save the 43-year-old restaurant after years of disruption from City Rail Link. Volcano science: A new Whakamaru eruption study is shedding light on the Taupō Volcanic Zone’s massive supereruption history and how those rare events shape the landscape. World Cup logistics: FIFA-related reporting says Iran’s 2026 World Cup training base has moved from the US to Mexico, with multiple-entry US visas still expected for fixtures. Online gambling reform: New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is now in force, shifting the market from offshore grey offerings to a regulated licensing regime from May 1.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA has confirmed Iran’s 2026 World Cup training base will move from the US to Mexico, with the squad based in Tijuana; Iran’s federation says the US must still issue multiple-entry visas for matches in American cities, as the team has not yet received US visas. Online Gambling Reform: New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 kicks in from 1 May, shifting the market from offshore grey offerings to a licensing regime; new offshore entrants are blocked from serving NZ customers, with existing operators allowed only during a transition period. Energy & Security Watch: A tanker tracker says only a small number of ships are getting out of the Strait of Hormuz, while many are stuck; NZ fuel stocks remain above minimums, but the situation is still a major concern. Local Business Under Pressure: Auckland’s Mexican Cafe on Victoria St West is urgently seeking a buyer or investor after years of disruption from City Rail Link, with 19 staff at risk. Courts Funding: Rotorua is set to get $100m for new courthouse buildings after black mould and other issues, with construction expected to begin in 2031.

Film & Tourism Boost: Hollywood stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa have been filming in Thames, with the Thames-Coromandel District Mayor saying the production is already bringing “tens of thousands of dollars” into local spending and could spark longer-term visitor interest. Slow Travel Spotlight: A new piece argues New Zealand is ideal for “slow travel”, urging travellers to plan less and leave room for local discoveries. Science & Geology: A Taupō Volcanic Zone study looks at what drove the massive Whakamaru supereruption, using preserved deposits to unpack how such events unfold. Local Economy & Jobs: Rotorua’s central city is set for a major lift with a new $100m Law Courts project, after years of courthouse problems including black mould. Ocean Research: Two Argo floats have arrived in Wellington to join a global network measuring ocean conditions like salinity and temperature. Emergency Response Tech: Budget 2026 funding backs a shared national emergency management tech system to improve real-time coordination across agencies. Community & Safety: Police have arrested a person after a Mt Wellington shooting, following armed searches of a nearby property. Global Trade Watch: China’s crackdown on online foreign securities brokers raises concerns about liquidity and capital flight.

World Cup logistics: FIFA has reportedly confirmed Iran’s 2026 World Cup training base has moved from the US to Mexico, with the team now based in Tijuana at Centro Xoloitzcuintle, while group matches are still set to be played in US cities including Los Angeles (vs New Zealand) and Seattle (vs Egypt). Local energy debate: About 100 people packed into a New Plymouth hall to hear critics argue against a proposed LNG import facility at Port Taranaki, saying it would lock New Zealand into expensive fossil-fuel imports despite alternatives like batteries and hydro flexibility. Emergency management tech: The government says Budget 2026 will fund shared emergency response systems to improve real-time information sharing and coordination across agencies during disasters. Community safety and policing: A person has been arrested after a Mt Wellington shooting, following armed police activity and a search warrant on Ireland Rd. Sport in NZ: The NBL Blitz is headed to Bendigo for 2026-27, with the five-day preseason tournament set for September 2-6. Business and jobs: DHL has opened a new $42m Christchurch Airport sorting facility, aimed at boosting South Island logistics capacity and e-commerce exports.

Christchurch logistics boost: DHL is opening a brand-new $42m facility at Christchurch Airport, built for the e-commerce era with faster sorting tech and capacity for thousands of parcels an hour—aimed at creating jobs and helping South Island exporters reach international markets. Community safety and access: In Flaxmere, a liquor licence for a new Woolworths off-licence was approved despite police and health concerns about alcohol placement near self-checkout; the store opens June 25. Emergency response upgrade: The government says Budget 2026 will fund shared emergency-management systems so agencies can coordinate with a single live picture during disasters. Police operation in Mt Wellington: A person has been arrested after a shooting that led to armed police preparing a raid on Ireland Rd. Energy storage: Contact Energy has switched on a 200MWh battery system in New Zealand. Global watch: US stocks are set for another record as hopes for an Iran peace deal persist despite strikes.