Markets & Energy: The NZX 50 slipped 0.5% as investors returned from the Matariki break and Middle East tensions pushed up oil prices, weighing on stocks including Air New Zealand; in dairy, A2 Milk fell after Fonterra trimmed its farmgate milk price forecast on soft demand. Corporate Moves: Inchcape Australasia appointed Paul Mallard as general manager for New Zealand, bringing senior leadership experience from Synlait and Fonterra. Dairy Outlook: Fonterra’s forecast cut continues to ripple through the sector, with A2 Milk reacting to the latest update. Mining & Growth: Manuka Resources boosted the probable ore reserve at its Wonawinta Silver Mine in NSW by 28%, supporting a restart of gold and silver processing later this quarter. NZ–China Security: Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand should not be “fazed” by China’s objections as it explores joining an Australia–Fiji defence alliance, arguing resistance matters. Trade & Diplomacy: 14 countries including New Zealand and the EU reaffirmed a 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as legally binding, rejecting China’s claims. Business Travel: Singapore Airlines will move its Manchester–Singapore route to daily service, improving connectivity for business and leisure travellers. People & Culture: Tributes continue after Kiwi screen icon Sam Neill died at 78 in Sydney, with his family citing a sudden and unexpected passing after he had been cancer-free.