Rail safety and accountability: KiwiRail says a rail maintenance contractor it stood down in Auckland over “faulty” track welding has been retrained, after RNZ revealed higher-than-normal defective weld rates in a Parnell tunnel and “major” faults in City Rail Link tunnels that could have caused serious injury. Youth jobs: Stats NZ data shows youth unemployment (15–24) hit 17.3% in the year to March, the highest in more than 30 years, as the Government ramps up trades academy places to prepare for a forecast jobs surge. Election costings fight: National’s Nicola Willis demands Labour “come clean” on an alleged $18.2b spending gap, while Labour counters over the public transport fare cap plan. Genetic modification politics: New Zealand First says a major overhaul of GMO laws is unlikely before the election, keeping the GE-free label and safeguards at the centre of its campaign. Energy transition pressure: The Infrastructure Commission warns New Zealand needs more long-term renewable investment to manage electricity price volatility as demand growth and policy settings remain uncertain. Climate finance: New Zealand pledges $20m to “loss and damage” funding for climate impacts already being felt in developing countries. World Cup business angle: The tournament’s expanded 48-team format and ticketing model are again in the spotlight as New Zealand’s own campaign begins and fans question pricing and access.