Public Safety: Police investigating the Wattle Downs double homicide in South Auckland are still seeking witnesses, asking for CCTV/dashcam and noting no charges have been laid against a man currently in custody for an unrelated matter. Health Policy: Labour says it will guarantee a job for every eligible graduate nurse in the public health system at graduation, and double a recruitment subsidy for primary care (rural and urban rates increased). Housing Supply: Auckland’s new home completions have fallen to a near four-year low, with June CCCs down 12.3% year-on-year, signalling tighter real supply. Crime & Drugs: Waikato Police have dismantled large-scale indoor cannabis grow operations linked to Vietnamese nationals, seizing up to 750kg at one site and arresting multiple people. Local Government & Community: Thames’ proposed $14m heated pool gets committee approval, while Gisborne is exploring a campervan effluent dump station after years of campaigning. Business & Tourism: Rotorua’s rafting operators have won Commerce Commission approval to merge, aiming to protect the sector’s long-term viability. Agriculture: Zespri is testing its Green146 kiwifruit variety, targeting higher yields and quality ahead of potential 2027 launch. Sports (NZ focus): The Tall Blacks beat Syria 126-74 and sit second in their Fiba World Cup qualifying group behind Australia, after earlier overtime success over Iran.