Māori Leadership Loss: Tributes are pouring in after the death of Māori Party founding figure Whatarangi Winiata, remembered for pushing long-term planning, language revitalisation and future-focused Māori institutions. Broadcasting & Culture: Newstalk ZB dominates the Radio and Podcast Awards, while Heather du Plessis-Allan takes broadcaster of the year and RNZ’s Jevon McSkimming coverage wins best news/sport story. Politics & China: Four MPs face a year-long China travel ban after a Taiwan visit, with NZ officials told to express concern and MPs refusing to apologise. Workplace Safety: Gender at Work launches a free toolkit to prevent sexual harassment before it escalates. Public Services & AI: The PSA warns against using AI to replace public servants after automated welfare decisions move through Parliament. Health Awareness: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month highlights that one in four Kiwis can’t name a symptom. Environment & Community: A southern right whale (tohorā) is freed from a dangerous fishing net in a complex multi-day rescue. Local Governance: Taranaki energy workers react angrily to Budget 2026 axing funding for Ara Ake. Tech & Security: Five Eyes warn Chinese spies are targeting civil servants and military staff via job ads on platforms like LinkedIn. AML Update: New Zealand’s refreshed anti-money laundering identity verification code aims to cut barriers while keeping safeguards.