AGP Executive Report

Tourism Policy: Queenstown tourism leaders will scrutinise the government’s new Tourism Policy Statement, with Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism arguing the system lacks clear steering as agencies chase export, sustainability and community goals. Construction & Compliance: New Zealand’s residential build recovery is pushing demand for road-noise compliance certificates as more homes are consented along busy corridors, with delays possible where acoustic standards aren’t met. Energy Costs: Genesis Energy says it can’t yet quantify how a proposed billion-dollar LNG import terminal will affect power bills, but signals costs would be recovered through customer revenues under a user-pays model. Gig Work Rights: Workers First launches “Gig Workers First” to organise rideshare and food delivery drivers, after a Supreme Court win for Uber drivers, and calls for a legal presumption that platform workers are employees. Fisheries Reform: ACT unveils a plan to cap recreational shellfish gathering at 10 a day and end scallop dredging in closed North Island fisheries, alongside changes to how stocks and levies are managed. Education & Skills: Tertiary enrolment growth is concentrated at Auckland and Canterbury while trades training and work-based apprenticeships keep sliding, highlighting pressure on vocational pathways. Retail Justice: A judge in Wānaka rejects “cost of living” as a shoplifting excuse, while a Christchurch case sees a dealer criticised as having sold a “dog of a vehicle” despite the appeal failing on jurisdiction.

Port & Logistics: Port of Tauranga posted a record underlying profit of $155.3m for the year to June, up 23% even as volumes fell 3% to 24.6m tonnes—less cargo, more money per tonne. Energy & Policy: Bank economists broadly align on the RBNZ lifting the OCR again on Wednesday, with a second 25bp hike to 2.75% widely expected. Tourism & Transport: Princess Cruises says it will ramp up New Zealand port calls, while New Zealand expects nearly 200,000 cruise passengers this season. Construction & Infrastructure: Work has started on the first section of the Jack’s Point to Frankton cycle trail, with the wider 3.1km link to follow via tender and summer construction. Agriculture & Food: Patagonia Chocolates in Queenstown cleaned up at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards, taking six medals. Competition & Regulation: Rotorua rafting merger wins approval through a split Commerce Commission decision, clearing the way for operators to combine. Cyber & Security: Five Eyes ministers backed UK-led measures to disrupt global fraud networks and shut down scam accounts and channels.

Cruise Tourism Boost: New Zealand is expecting nearly 200,000 cruise passengers this season, with Tourism Minister Louise Upston pointing to improved coordination and easier access for operators. Auckland Skills Pipeline: A new State of the City report says Auckland draws more than half of NZ’s international students (about 56,000) but warns of a “conversion gap” in keeping graduates and turning study demand into long-term local jobs. Water Accountability: The Government will impose tougher, independent scrutiny on Wellington’s water services provider Tiaki Wai for the next 10 years, using performance requirement regulation after underinvestment. Energy Policy Watch: Plug-in “balcony solar” is now legal in the UK, and New Zealand’s own review suggests Australia could be challenged on how quickly similar rules could land. Food Security & Renewables: Indonesia and New Zealand met in Auckland to deepen cooperation on food security and renewable energy, including geothermal and solar, plus halal trade facilitation. Health Risk Alert: WHO is urging Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) spillover, stressing One Health coordination across human, animal and environmental systems. Industry Tech Shift: MITO says NZ’s automotive sector is still a major employer, with transmission servicing gaining traction as automatic vehicles become more common. Legal & Reputation: A High Court defamation case involving a Waiheke Island woman and radio host Jeremy Wells is in focus, as NZME seeks to strike out the claim.

Aviation & Tourism: Air New Zealand posted its first annual loss since the pandemic, with a $336m loss before tax and $242m net loss, blaming Middle East-driven fuel costs and engine issues, while the CEO points to “encouraging” inbound international demand but weaker domestic momentum as travellers adjust to higher fares. Ports & Cruise: Princess Cruises will more than double New Zealand port calls from the 2028-29 season, adding nine ports and projecting $100m+ in economic value. Primary Industries: Deer Industry New Zealand says venison returns are historically strong and herd numbers may finally be stabilising, but warns against rebuilding volume without matching premium demand. Infrastructure & Transport: State Highway 6 north of Wanaka is shut for the weekend after 20+ slips trapped vehicles and occupants, who were later escorted out. Water Services Oversight: Wellington’s Tiaki Wai will face independent scrutiny for the next 10 years under performance regulation, with the Government saying households deserve clear accountability for network investment. Cybersecurity: Major tech firms including OpenAI and Microsoft warn AI-enabled attacks will surge and urge businesses to treat cyber defence as an immediate leadership priority. Property & Construction Quality: A fresh look at New Zealand’s leaky and defective building legacy highlights ongoing costs and delays for distressed homeowners. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Bird flu continues to spread across Australia, with multiple species affected and experts warning the situation is “quite frightening.” Climate Risk: Scientists say Nepal’s glacier-collapse flooding may signal repeat collapse risk as unstable terrain and debris-dammed rivers raise the threat of further inundation.

NZX Market Pulse: The S&P/NZX 50 slid 0.8% to 13,768.18 for a second straight day as Air New Zealand sank 7.2% after reporting a loss, while Meridian and Ebos also dragged; Sky Network and Channel Infrastructure jumped on results, and Serko led the week’s declines. Aviation & Energy: Air New Zealand’s weak showing is being blamed on higher oil costs tied to Middle East tensions, while Trans-Tasman earnings keep investors focused on how carriers and utilities are coping. Construction Skills: Bay of Plenty’s top apprentices were named at the Master Builders competition, spotlighting the next wave of homebuilding talent. Agritech for Export Quality: Agriculture Minister Todd McClay backed a $4.6m apple productivity project using hyperspectral imaging to detect internal defects faster and cut waste. Seafood Certification: MSC says record re-certifications lifted fisheries in its programme to 789, with NZ hoki hitting its fifth recertification. Pacific Climate Finance: Pacific leaders head to Palau pushing a new regional fund to speed renewable energy and resilience investment ahead of COP31. Disaster Response: Nepal’s flash-flood toll is rising with renewed flood alerts after reports of a possible dam outburst on the Tibet side, complicating rescue operations.

Export Finance Pressure: Fiji’s exporters are upbeat on revenue growth (72%) but finance is the big drag, with 67% struggling to access funding, while logistics support and buyer introductions are seen as the most helpful trade boosts. Space Policy & Defence: Tāwhaki is tightening its “dual use” launch rules, weighing who it partners with and how it would handle Defence Force and potential Pentagon-style requests. NZ Energy & Storage: Channel Infrastructure has landed a $130m bulk petroleum storage contract for Marsden Point as part of fuel resilience plans. Media & Broadcasting: TVNZ reports a $16.3m statutory profit and a $2.2m dividend, citing digital revenue growth and progress on its Digital+ push. Cancer Mandate: A national survey finds overwhelming public backing for evidence-based cancer action, including strong support for more funding and willingness to pay extra tax. Biosecurity: NZ’s bird flu response is shifting to “adapt as it takes hold,” with One Health coordination and targeted vaccination for threatened birds. Transport & Freight Costs: The freight industry is pushing back on fuel excise rises, warning of knock-on impacts for road users and logistics. Mobile Network Sharing: One NZ and 2degrees seek regulator approval to pool radio access networks into a jointly owned RANCo, keeping competition via separate spectrum and core networks. Tourism Hire Demand: Winter ski travel is lifting specialist vehicle hire, with Christchurch benefiting as a gateway to South Island resorts. Market Watch: The NZX 50 slipped as bond yields rose on interest-rate expectations, with property and utilities feeling the pressure. Disaster Update: Nepal’s flash floods continue to devastate, with hundreds missing and climate-linked mountain instability concerns growing.

Capital Markets: New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 slid about 1% as higher bond yields and rate-hike expectations cooled demand for dividend-style stocks; Precinct Properties led the fall after projecting unchanged dividends, while Summerset jumped on improving cash flow. Telecoms & Regulation: Infratil’s One New Zealand plans to spin out its mobile access network into a new entity co-owned with 2degrees, pending regulatory approval. Insurance Leadership: MAS has appointed former ASB CFO Jon Raby to its board, adding governance and risk expertise. General Insurance Management: Chubb named Jon Longmore as New Zealand country president from September 2026, based in Auckland. Health Watch: A confirmed scarlet fever case at Brooklyn Primary School in Wellington has prompted a precautionary message to parents. Local Planning & Heritage: Wellington City Council voted to seek removal of heritage protections for several sites, including the quake-prone GHQ building, and to adjust height limits around Courtenay Place to unlock more apartments and construction activity. Business & Trade: Labour says it won’t raise fuel excise in the next term, while the government faces a decision deadline on whether to cancel planned increases. Disaster & Climate: Scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of high-mountain rock and ice instability, raising the risk of disasters like the Nepal–Tibet flash floods.

Minerals Permitting: Resources Minister Shane Jones says a backlog of historical minerals permit applications has been largely cleared, with only two items left pending external matters—aimed at giving the sector more certainty as application volumes hit record levels. Community & Education: The Tongariro National Trout Centre is seeking volunteers to keep afloat after a drop in school trips following an education partnership ending in 2024. Housing Fast-Track Pushback: Five mayors, including Selwyn’s Lydia Gliddon and Auckland’s Wayne Brown, urge the Government to pause greenfield housing fast-tracks and remove rural developments from the Fast-Track Approvals Act. Cybersecurity: Auckland IT and cybersecurity firm Vertech warns AI is making phishing and scams harder to spot, with threats spreading beyond email into text, audio, images and video. Energy & Renewables: Genesis Energy reports net profit halved to $85m but lifts underlying earnings and dividend, alongside further solar investment and battery progress. Agriculture & Water: Studies link reduced synthetic fertiliser use to improved water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef, reinforcing pressure for cleaner farming practices. Netball Talent: Grace Nweke commits to another three years in Australia with the rebranded Sydney Sirens. Dairy & Fertiliser Debate: Greenpeace pledges to oppose a proposed coal-powered fertiliser factory in Southland, arguing it would worsen nitrate pollution and lock in fossil-fuel reliance.

NZX Markets: The S&P/NZX 50 closed above 14,000 for the first time, led by Scales Corp’s record first-half result, while Meridian Energy weighed on sentiment. Monetary Policy & Trade: The kiwi fell versus the Aussie after faster-than-expected Tasman inflation, keeping rate-hike pressure in focus. Agritech Data Fight: A new Helen Clark Foundation and NZ Rural Land Company discussion paper says farm data from sensors and connected equipment is becoming a “crown jewel” and warns that unclear ownership and access could slow innovation. Mining & Funding: FireFly Metals secured up to A$190m to push development and drilling at its Green Bay copper-gold project. Auckland Safety & Liability: A landlord told a coroner he was unaware of pool-gate issues before a toddler drowned, as the inquest heard about fence work done to meet new rules. Skilled Migration: Revised Skilled Migrant Category settings took effect from 24 August, with strong interest from ECE teachers, engineers and IT professionals. Construction & Rail: INKA shipped 120 container flat-top wagons to New Zealand under a UGL order. Tech & AI for Repairs: NZ-founded Partly raised US$50m to expand its automotive-specific AI for identifying the right replacement parts.

Tax Integrity: Inland Revenue says it has shut down a coordinated scheme of bogus expenses claims, stopping nearly 3,000 fraudulent amended returns and warning of sanctions including a 150% evasion shortfall penalty and possible prosecution. Energy & Renewables: Meridian Energy bounced back to $130m net profit after a drought-hit loss, reporting stronger operating cash flows and promising residential energy price increases stay below inflation, while noting regulated lines and transmission charges will still bite. Electricity Distribution: Network Tasman Trust says an independent review finds it remains in the lowest-cost quartile, with costs about one-third below industry average, supporting continued trust ownership. Biosecurity & Science: Auckland freshwater eDNA testing is set to help detect yellow-legged hornets as Biosecurity New Zealand ramps up spring eradication efforts. Agriculture & Exports: Dairy NZ highlights dairy’s $28.8b export value and its regional jobs impact, arguing the sector underpins communities and wider supply chains. Transport & Manufacturing: Auckland hydrofoil maker Vessev secured $19m financing to build electric hydrofoiling ferries in the US for FlyTahoe, its first US commercial customer. Health System Pressure: Experts in Porirua warn the health system is “in intensive care” and starting to flatline, while the government disputes claims of workforce decline. Tourism Policy: TAANZ welcomes Fiji’s decision that the new 5% tourism services tax applies only to bookings made from 1 September, protecting travellers with existing bookings.

Capital Markets: NZX clawed back Monday’s slide, led by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare hitting new highs after reiterating 2027 guidance and flagging manufacturing expansion in China, while SkyCity said it has received conditional takeover offers but rejected them. Financial Regulation: The Financial Markets Authority says insurance settings aren’t working for Māori, with affordability and trouble insuring collectively owned whenua driving higher problem rates than the general population. Infrastructure & Planning: AECOM and bd infrastructure have been selected as environmental planning and assessment advisers for Australia’s Newcastle–Sydney high-speed rail, shaping biodiversity and heritage approvals ahead of construction. Energy & Industry: Verbrec won new energy security contracts across Australia and Papua New Guinea, including a $6.8m Queensland gas pipeline inspection and related works. Property & Housing Health: Aotearoa Renters Survey findings accuse major property managers of failing Healthy Homes expectations, with mould, damp and drafts still common even where standards were supposedly met. Tourism Policy: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from 1 September, after industry pushed back against retrospective charges. Tech & Cyber: Researchers report “phishing-as-a-service” using Microsoft device-code flows to trick users into authorising attacker sessions, not just stealing passwords.

Petroleum & Energy Security: Resources Minister Shane Jones says NZ Petroleum and Minerals has opened a three-month competitive process for CBX Energy’s offshore Pegasus Basin prospecting application, backing renewed interest after the offshore exploration ban repeal. Forestry & Consent Risk: Gisborne forestry firms have halted harvesting, arguing new council consent conditions after Cyclone Gabrielle are conflicting or unworkable in the real environment. Steel & Construction Materials: Vulcan Steel lifted FY26 profits and declared a higher dividend, citing improved performance and market share gains. Aviation Decarbonisation: Wellington Airport reports a 29% drop in gross emissions since 2017 (and 77% down with certified renewables) plus a 21% cut in waste to landfill, aiming for net zero Scope 1 and 2 by 2030. Planning Reform: RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Simon Court launch an illustrative National Policy Direction for the new planning system, shaping housing, infrastructure, primary production and resources decisions. Online Safety & Kids: TUANZ backs the Government’s online safety plans but warns against a blunt under-16s age ban without workable, privacy-safe implementation. Insurance Fairness: The FMA releases research on Māori insurance experiences, finding affordability and distrust are major barriers. Infrastructure Priorities: Ipsos’ Infrastructure Index shows New Zealanders prioritise water/sewerage (47%), solar (40%) and flood protection (39%), with housing supply slipping. Tourism & Transport: Tourism Holdings returns to profit and flags takeover offers, while NZAero explores AI-assisted pilot training as CT-4 production restarts. Food & Biosecurity: Bird flu risk is driving shifting free-range lockdown practices for egg suppliers, with welfare and consumer communication in focus. Retail & Brand: The Warehouse launches “This Is Warehouse Country” as part of its turnaround push.

NZX Market Watch: The S&P/NZX 50 slid in line with broader Asia weakness as investors digested Alibaba’s AI funding jitters; Chorus weighed on the index after earnings, while Fisher & Paykel Healthcare jumped on upgraded broker views. Broadband & Telecom: Chorus reported earnings growth but a softer-than-expected outlook, keeping pressure on data-centre and infrastructure sentiment. Retail Demand: Stats NZ showed consumer spending volumes fell in the June quarter, with the drop largely tied to fuel and auto parts. Energy Markets: Jarden moved to expand its New Zealand power-market commodities capability by appointing Daniel Tetro to lead energy and institutional commodities. Civil Engineering Leadership: Aveng named Fraser Wyllie CEO-designate from 1 October, as the engineering contractor refreshes its board. Food & Farming: Egg Producers Federation says free-range hens may move in and out of lockdown as bird flu risk evolves, with half a million hens set to go outside. Trade & Policy: New Zealand plans to ban under-16s from social media via an Online Safety Bill, with fines up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. Aviation Routes: Thai Airways plans to restart Bangkok–Auckland in March 2027 as NZ and Thailand deepen ties. Sustainability in Meat: Dawn Meats reported a 77% cut in scope 1 and 2 emissions across Ireland and the UK over 2018-2025.

Food fraud and integrity: New Zealand and Australia’s olive oil producers are warning that fake or diluted products are eroding trust and calling for stronger action as research highlights how far “mānuka honey” sales can run beyond local production. Port and freight pressure: Tauranga Harbour expansion delays are leaving exporters facing freight cost uncertainty, with logistics reliability flagged as a top election issue for trade. Tobacco policy scrutiny: New research says tobacco policymaking is not adequately protecting health rules from industry lobbying, pointing to weak implementation of international treaty requirements. Aviation manufacturing: NZAero is restarting CT-4 Airtrainer and 750XL production after a 14-year gap, with a Thailand agreement aimed at boosting export revenue. Telecom fibre momentum: Chorus reports profit lift on increased fibre use and forecasts AI and data centres will drive the next wave of demand. Construction skills crunch: Plumber shortages are worsening as apprenticeship intake stays too low, threatening capacity for the next year. Biosecurity update: A third H5 bird flu detection in New Zealand involves a northern giant petrel found dead on a Wairarapa beach, with MPI saying human risk remains low. Rural health investment: The $4.4m Waimarino Health Centre expansion begins, designed with whānau and iwi input and due for completion in late 2027.

All Blacks Rugby: New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park, turning a 13-12 halftime deficit into a five-try rout as the scrum and set-piece finally held firm under new coach Dave Rennie. Trade & Critical Minerals: New Zealand and Australia want deeper economic ties with India, aiming to double bilateral trade over three years and pushing cooperation in clean energy, technology, education and agriculture. Energy & Water Infrastructure: Proven leaders have been appointed to guide Tauranga and Western Bay’s new Joint Water Organisation board, with a chair plus directors tasked with setting up the entity ahead of a planned July 1 start. Politics & Taxes: National has ruled out a bed tax and bank levy in a “no new taxes” pledge, while ACT says the move reflects its pressure on accommodation and banking charges. Aviation Regulation: Air traffic control is getting more automated, raising the question of whether regulation is keeping up with new safety and efficiency risks. Dairy Supply Chains: A look at India’s dairy growth argues the next leap depends on value, quality and trust—not just more milk—highlighting the role of supply chain consistency. Consumer & Media: A new report-style discussion warns younger audiences increasingly get news via social and video platforms rather than local media channels.

All Blacks vs Springboks: New Zealand opened Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry with a 33-16 Ellis Park win, turning Springbok handling errors into five tries to one and drawing first blood in the four-test series. Black Ferns: The Black Ferns thrashed the Wallaroos 66-19 in Auckland to extend their unbeaten run to 30 straight wins and retain the O’Reilly Cup. Maritime infrastructure: Northland’s shipyard and dry dock fast-track application has been lodged for a 250m floating dry dock at Marsden Point, aiming to cut reliance on overseas facilities. Electrical safety: Engineering and electrical firms are urging the Government to reverse changes to PEN conductor rules, warning of preventable serious injury or death. Freshwater policy: The Waikato River Authority says deferring parts of PC1 could push river restoration further out, risking years of work. Fuel crime: Diesel-related burglaries more than doubled in April, as farmers and businesses are warned to protect stored fuel. Labour relations: The Tertiary Education Union says polytechnics are resisting a single sector collective agreement, seeking facilitated bargaining. Climate readiness: El Niño preparations are ramping up with forecasts of drier, windier conditions and heat/smoke risks.