Transport Funding Fight: ACT says road-user money is being wasted on “non-functional” public art and monuments, citing a Waikato Expressway sculpture costing $630,599. Privacy & Retail: Auckland retailers are “wall of shame” posting CCTV images of suspected shoplifters, but the Privacy Commissioner warns of serious privacy harm and mistaken identity. Pacific Security: Pacific Forum leaders backed calls for more transparency on missile testing, but Naoero broke ranks over the communiqué after China’s July ICBM test. Indigenous Knowledge in Mining: Greenpeace argues deep-sea mining debates must give Pacific Indigenous knowledge equal weight and real community control. Culture & Screen: Screenrights announced $293,400 for six 2026 Cultural Fund projects, including Māori & Pasifika impact producing and story-led learning. Health Equity: Prostate Cancer Foundation backs a targeted prostate screening pilot as cervical screening goes free for eligible people. Justice: Rotorua marae trustee Justin Te Kowhai gets 17+ years over a Comancheros meth syndicate role in Operation Van. Education Oversight: Gloriavale Christian School strongly disputes the Ministry’s move to close its school registration after ERO safety findings. Taonga Conservation: Tāwera Nikau calls for mātauranga Māori-led protection as thousands of native species face risk. Workforce & Skills: Labour’s proposed $21m-a-year Māori-led skills training is welcomed, but advocates stress it must connect to real employers and jobs. International Education: NZ’s international education export earnings hit $4.98b, topping pre-Covid levels. Waka Ama Pride: Aotearoa crews celebrate medals and momentum after two weeks at the IVF World Sprint Championships in Singapore. Arts & Events: Orchestras unite for Kotahitanga Koroneihana, performing at Tūrangawaewae. Music Buzz: Bruno Mars adds a third Auckland stadium date at Eden Park for March 16, 2027.