Politics & Leadership: New Zealand PM Chris Luxon has survived a second National Party leadership challenge in four months, winning a caucus confidence vote after sacking challenger Chris Penk and ending his portfolios; Penk says he won’t seek re-election ahead of the 7 November election. Markets & Currency: The NZ dollar slipped in a risk-off session as oil prices stayed elevated and investors waited for US inflation data; NZX 50 also fell for a second day, with Contact Energy and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare among the movers. Banking & Lending: ASB reported its strongest business lending growth in nearly a decade to 30 June 2026, with business and rural lending driving gains even as profit dipped and costs rose. Insurance & Weather Costs: Suncorp NZ’s profit fell to $316m as more frequent, extreme weather events hit claims, while the wider group flagged claims inflation pressures. Media & Deals: Sports Entertainment Group agreed to buy MediaWorks for NZ$130m, aiming to build a trans-Tasman audio group and lift earnings via identified synergies. Energy & Infrastructure: Aspiring Materials secured $15m from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to build a $31m critical minerals plant in Southland, targeting minerals made from quarry waste. Labour Market: SEEK NZ says job ads fell again in July, though AI-related roles and skills references continued to rise. Transport & Labour Rights: A union alleges Kiwi bus drivers were “duped” into Sydney jobs with a bonding payment that left them unable to return home without paying thousands, with court action underway.