Aviation & Regional Connectivity: Air New Zealand and Air Chathams have expanded their interline partnership so travellers can book a single journey linking the Chatham Islands to Air NZ’s domestic network, with Whanganui added to the mix. Housing & Infrastructure: Auckland and Queenstown mayors have asked the Government to pause fast-track approvals for new greenfield housing, arguing councils can’t service subdivisions fast enough and that ratepayers and taxpayers end up footing the bill. Energy & Industry Investment: Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has earmarked $30m for hydrogen projects and $15m for a Southland minerals plant to extract hydrogen and critical minerals from quarry rock, plus a separate Chatham Islands package for wharves, fuel storage and air links. Climate Adaptation Funding: The Climate Change Commission says New Zealand is spending 97% of hazard money on responding and recovering, with only 3% on preventing damage, warning action is too slow and poorly coordinated. Politics & Business Confidence: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faces an urgent National caucus meeting in Wellington after leadership speculation, with Reuters noting weak polling amid economic strain. Retail & Consumer Demand: Westpac reports July card spending rose 2% per person, helped by cheaper petrol and World Cup nights boosting restaurants and entertainment. Labour & Gig Economy: Workers First and Uber have agreed a process to settle claims from 1,600+ drivers, with individual confidential offers to be made. Sports Business: Les Mills International has appointed outgoing One NZ boss Jason Paris to lead its next growth phase, while netball’s top league is in talks for a potential private franchise model from 2028.