AGP Executive Report

China–NZ Trade: Chinese Premier Li Qiang told Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that China wants to expand services trade and cooperation in clean energy, including solar, wind and electric vehicles. Housing: New Zealand home values fell 1.5% in the September quarter to an average $892,580, with Auckland down 2.5% and Wellington 3%; Queenstown rose 3.1%. Election 2026: With the November 7 vote approaching, NZ First is promising a $120 weekly boost for working families, while smaller parties could shape the next government. Māori voters are also being urged to enrol before the deadline. Cost of Living: Petrol prices have hit a record high, while a survey found one in three households struggling to afford food. Rugby: The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup with a 50–19 win over Australia at Eden Park.

Election 2026: National’s fiscal plan promises no tax cuts before 2029 and relies on spending cuts, drawing criticism from Labour over cost-of-living relief. Youth advocates also warn that enrolment is low among young voters, especially rangatahi Māori, as housing and homelessness become campaign issues. Māori Arts: Te Pāti Māori proposes an independent Toi Māori Authority and paid two-year placements for 1,000 artists at a time. Environment: Rotorua testing found no PFAS build-up in sampled kākahi from the lake, but Te Arawa Lakes Trust cautions that more testing is needed before risks can be dismissed. Jobs: Hawke’s Bay roading contractors have cut staff as cyclone recovery work winds down, including 10 roles at Wairoa’s Quality Roading Services. Transport: A logging truck rollover near Kaukapakapa scattered logs across Kaipara Coast Highway, blocking a southbound lane and causing delays; no injuries were reported. Rugby: The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup with a 50–19 win over Australia, while the Kiwis prepare to open the Rugby League World Cup against the Kangaroos.

Election 2026: ACT’s fiscal plan promises $10 billion in public-service cuts and lower debt, drawing criticism over proposed disability-benefit cuts. Jacinda Ardern has also returned to the campaign trail in support of the opposition as parties clash over wages and jobs. Rugby: The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup with a 50-19 win over Australia at Eden Park, extending their run to 24 years. Four players are ruled out of the next test. Black Caps: New Zealand named its ODI squad for India, bringing back Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert, with Rachin Ravindra also returning. Coach Rob Walter says Allen could move into the middle order. Sporting tributes: New Zealand Cricket’s limited-edition Kotahitanga shirt celebrates 100 years of sporting ties with India, blending Māori and Indian designs. Two-time World Cup-winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka has died aged 56. Transport: Eden Park’s boss has called for urgent attention to train services after delays affected fans travelling to the All Blacks match.

Election 2026: ACT’s fiscal plan promises $12.4 billion less debt through deep spending cuts, including reduced disability support and a gradual rise in the pension age to 67. Labour has unveiled cost-of-living measures, while NZ First would replace the accredited employer visa with a shortage-led scheme. Bledisloe Cup: The All Blacks thrashed Australia 50-19 at Eden Park to retain the trophy for a 24th straight year, but fans faced long train delays afterwards, prompting calls for station upgrades. Mental Health: The Chief Ombudsman praised a Whanganui forensic unit as best practice but made 14 recommendations for a neighbouring acute unit, raising concerns about seclusion and Māori being disproportionately affected. Northland Roads: Forest & Bird is urging a rethink of the proposed Brynderwyns route, citing risks to threatened wildlife and concerns it could cross unstable terrain. Cricket: Mitchell Santner will lead a strong New Zealand ODI squad against India, with Rachin Ravindra returning after injury. Athletics: New Zealander Camille French won the Melbourne Marathon women’s race in 2:28:25.

Rugby: The All Blacks crushed Australia 50-19 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year and extend their unbeaten run at the ground. Election 2026: National pledged $300 million in water-storage loans and fertiliser security agreements; NZ First promised to raise the minimum wage at least in line with inflation and increase Working for Families. Voting: Pacific youth are being urged to enrol by 25 October, the deadline to update details before voting starts; about 166,000 eligible 18-to-24-year-olds are not enrolled. Energy & Climate: Petrol has reached $3.35 a litre as EV registrations surge, while New Zealand’s greenhouse-gas emissions hit record levels. Cricket: Pace bowler Will O’Rourke will miss New Zealand’s home series against India as he recovers from hamstring and calf injuries. Monitoring: The national quake and tsunami monitoring centre went dark for hours because of staff shortages.

Public Safety: Two people were killed and two seriously injured in a Christchurch incident; police have opened a homicide investigation and say there is no wider threat. Hazard Monitoring: New Zealand’s 24/7 geohazard centre closed for eight hours because of staff shortages. The PSA blamed government cuts, warning that monitoring earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity was disrupted. Election 2026: New Zealand First has promised to make a temporary Working for Families boost permanent, adding $70 a week, and lift the minimum wage annually with inflation. National has proposed a new Waiheke marine reserve, expanded protection at Goat Island and a ban on ring-net fishing in Hauraki Gulf high-protection areas. Rugby: The All Blacks face Australia at Eden Park, aiming to retain the Bledisloe Cup and extend their 53-match unbeaten home run. Jobs and Retail: Online grocer Paddock to Pantry plans more than 20 stores over five years, saying its $25 million expansion could create up to 1,000 jobs.

Cricket: Injuries have ruled Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes out of New Zealand’s five-match T20 series against India; Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner replace them. Election 2026: A new poll shows New Zealand First gaining support as the campaign intensifies, while the party pushes to ban public fireworks sales. Cost of living: Food and fibre exports reached a record $65.2 billion, but rising fuel and energy costs are squeezing households and businesses as the housing market remains weak. On the water: Lifejackets are now compulsory on small recreational boats; a separate ban on gathering some seafood in Auckland and Coromandel tidal areas starts November 1. Rugby: New Zealand Rugby has taken the NRL’s Papua New Guinea Chiefs name dispute to the High Court, seeking to stop the new club using the name. Online safety: New Zealand’s Classification Office says it cannot block access to the planned livestream of a US execution.

Export Boom: Food and fibre exports hit a record $65.2 billion in the year to June, up 8%, led by gains in meat and wool. Election Watch: New Zealand First has surged in a new poll, while Opportunity sits at 4.8%, just below the threshold for entering Parliament. Māori voters are also in focus as parties court support. Health: Nurse staffing is emerging as an election issue. University of Auckland research links lower staffing on surgical wards to more deaths and complications, and estimates closing the gap could prevent about 182 postoperative deaths a year. Public Health: A new measles case linked to overseas travel has been detected in Wellington, with Hutt Valley locations visited by the case. Water Policy: National is offering farmers up to $300 million in low-cost loans for water storage if elected, saying irrigation could support production and regional jobs. Environment: New limits on taking some sea life from Auckland and Coromandel tidal areas aim to curb overharvesting. Rugby: The All Blacks host the Wallabies at Eden Park, where New Zealand has been unbeaten for 53 tests, in the first Bledisloe Cup match.

Election 2026: A new poll shows NZ First gaining and the coalition widening its lead. Winston Peters’ call to revisit the conversion-therapy ban and remarks on abortion have drawn criticism; Christopher Luxon says National won’t change the ban. Rugby Name Dispute: New Zealand Rugby has taken the Australian Rugby League Commission to court, seeking to stop Papua New Guinea’s NRL team using “Chiefs”; the NRL has hit back at NZR’s claim. Bledisloe Cup: Richie Mo’unga is out of the Australia Tests, with Damian McKenzie at fly-half and Scott and Beauden Barrett back in the All Blacks’ starting side for the first clash at Eden Park. Queenstown Fire: The Walter Peak blaze has grown to about 1,200 hectares as strong winds hamper efforts to contain it. Climate and Costs: A new climate report warns more people and properties could face flooding and landslides, while petrol prices have climbed to $3.50 a litre.

Bledisloe Cup: All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo’unga is out of the two-Test series with a calf tear, joining a long injury list. Damian McKenzie will start at first five-eighth, with Beauden Barrett at fullback, for Saturday’s Eden Park opener. Rugby Rivalry: New Zealand Rugby has taken the Papua New Guinea NRL team’s “Chiefs” name dispute to the High Court, seeking an injunction to protect its long-standing brand. Election 2026: Labour has pledged automatic refunds for cancelled flights and measures to boost competition on regional routes. NZ First leader Winston Peters says he is open to reviewing the conversion therapy law, while National leader Christopher Luxon says it will not change. Public Safety: A large vegetation fire near Queenstown has grown to 1,200 hectares amid strong winds. In Christchurch, police found a body believed to be missing man Braydon Hepworth; his death is being treated as unexplained.

Queenstown Fire: The blaze has reached about 1,400 hectares and remains uncontrolled. Election 2026: The first leaders’ debate drew more than a million viewers, with Chris Hipkins edging Christopher Luxon. Latest polling puts Labour on 30.8%, National on 25.9% and the Greens on 14.8%, tightening the race before November’s vote. Climate: Greenhouse-gas levels have hit record highs, with warnings of severe risks to glaciers. Pacific nations are urging stronger action ahead of Pre-COP. Household Costs: Petrol prices are at their highest since the Middle East conflict, while higher US interest rates are adding pressure to Kiwi mortgages. Public Services: Inland Revenue plans to cut staff amid 20% budget reductions, and Health NZ is seeking $70 million in unpaid bills from visitors and migrants.

Banking & Cost of Living: Labour says it will step in if big banks block fair access for smaller rivals, including an “e-money licence” so digital wallet and payment firms can compete without becoming full banks, plus faster real-time payments by 2030. Small Business Support: National counters with a 47-point plan to cut compliance costs, including a “tell government once” service using the NZ Business Number and a review of the compulsory GST registration threshold. Election Watch: Luxon vs Hipkins drew 941,500 live viewers for the Leaders Debate, while Vote Compass found Hipkins won for 44% of viewers and Luxon for 25%. NZ First List: NZ First released its election party list, with several newcomer candidates leapfrogging sitting MPs and six Māori-descended candidates in the top 10. Crime & Courts: A South Auckland couple were sentenced for $560,000 tax evasion in a “determined and premeditated” case. Local Safety: Fire crews extinguished a “well-involved” shed blaze in Whanganui East, and firefighters are assessing damage after a car crashed into a Tauranga house. Climate & Risk: El Niño-linked dry conditions are driving a second-driest September in Tauranga, and crews continue battling the Walter Peak vegetation fire near 1,200 hectares.

Rugby Injury Shock: All Blacks No 10 Ruben Love is ruled out for the rest of 2026 after an ankle ligament injury requiring surgery, forcing fresh selection calls ahead of major tests. Māori Politics: Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke faced questions at a Hauraki-Waikato debate about whether she considered leaving the party, with the exchange turning tense onstage. Conservation Win: The Chatham Islands black robin (karure) is named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year after a recovery from just five birds, though experts warn the growing population may soon outstrip habitat on predator-free islands. Housing & Growth: The Government signs a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to align housing, transport, health, energy and economic investment. Business & Tech: The NZX 50 closes higher as Meridian and Ebos lift the market, while tech stocks also gain. International Links: Ghana and New Zealand chambers sign an MoU to boost trade, tourism and investment ties.

Energy & Governance: Powerco has appointed Juliet Tainui-Hernández to its board, bringing Reserve Bank and iwi economic development experience as the electricity sector faces electrification and affordability pressures. Workplace & Tech: A new push in HR tech is moving from “feature lists” to measurable value, with Xref highlighted for rebuilding its platform after rejecting a takeover. Māori Language & Culture: Fijian artists Vatu Dei and The KaRs have released a children’s song in Vosa Vakaviti for Fijian Language Week, backed by Creative New Zealand. Pacific Politics: Samoa’s prime minister has apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing a Nazi salute and “Heil Hitler” remarks. Community & Youth: Tairāwhiti’s Bush Kura programme is targeting 90% of rangatahi reaching within 10 years through resilience-focused camps. Auckland Safety: A gas leak in Newmarket led to evacuations and road closures, but police say it’s been contained with no public risk. Sports: Tonga have named Junior Amone in their Rugby League World Cup squad. Health: TV personality Cassie Roma says she’ll undergo surgery after a potentially cancerous kidney tumour was found.

FlyDubai probe reaches NZ: New Zealand Police say they’re investigating how the alleged ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot spent time in the country, as Australia and other agencies probe his past after the Israel-bound cockpit attack. Property market watch: Auckland’s average asking price has dipped back below $1m, while nationally the average is $855,245 in September—down slightly year-on-year—signalling possible buying opportunities. Housing compliance case: A tribunal order highlights liability for rental property managers over insulation, insurance and Healthy Homes compliance, plus unlawful rent increases and tenancy clause issues. Māori language leadership: Julian Wilcox has been appointed chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. Sport—Kirin Cup: Japan beat New Zealand 2-1 with Ritsu Doan scoring the winner as the All Whites pushed hard in Tokyo. Olympian news: Dame Lisa Carrington has welcomed her first child, sharing she and her husband are “completely in love.” Business & courts: A US firm’s High Court case against a Wellington-founded company over alleged software copying gets under way in Wellington.

Health & Safety: A serious three-vehicle crash on Auckland’s Dairy Flat Highway has left at least one person with critical injuries; the road is closed and emergency services are responding. Missing Persons: Police have renewed an urgent appeal after a man and woman entered the Ōtara River near Ōpōtiki following a police incident; searches continue with specialist teams and dive support. Politics & Māori Representation: Auckland’s Independent Māori Statutory Board says the Government’s move to ban voting rights for non-elected committee members unfairly targets Māori participation, and it’s urging the council not to walk away from the Auckland Deal. Justice Funding: Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says $14.587m from the Proceeds of Crime Fund will back nine initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and reoffending. Economy & Housing: Barfoot & Thompson reports September sales down 26% year-on-year, with prices easing as listings and stock rise. Healthcare Workforce: GPs are urging the Government to retrain physician associates instead of expanding their role, warning of safety and workforce planning gaps. Business: Sharesies is pushing into low-fee funds, while Fulton Hogan reports a rebound in revenues and profit after a tough 2025. Culture & Heritage: A British museum is returning a 1900 kahu kiwi cloak to Marlborough iwi Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.