Indo-Pacific diplomacy: PM Christopher Luxon confirms Narendra Modi will visit New Zealand on July 10–11, the first Indian PM visit in nearly 40 years, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment, education, technology and regional security. Education & equity: Principals say the $3 school lunch model is forcing cuts to quality and shifting costs onto schools, with an Auditor-General inquiry questioning whether savings are delivering real nutrition value. Māori futures in tech: Ngāti Whātua launches the Whātua Whitawhita (Powering Up) scholarship to fund and mentor Māori rangatahi (18–25) into technology, innovation and entrepreneurship leadership. Community & culture: Rotorua’s 8TH WONDER Festival (led by L.A.B) debuts as a family-first, more affordable live-music event, aiming to widen access beyond pricey international tours. Local governance: Taupō District Council will assess four amalgamation options after councillors vote on what to investigate next, with central government stepping in if councils don’t choose by August 9. Health infrastructure: Clyde Primary Maternity Unit gets the go-ahead with a $5m build replacing Alexandra’s unit, targeting a mid-2027 opening. Arts & memory: A Hiroshima exhibition opens in Gisborne, with organisers emphasising safe, respectful spaces for reflection and listening. Sport & identity: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape backs a new PNG Chiefs NRL franchise as a nation-building platform linking PNG, Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific. International conflict: Indonesia says it has recovered the body of a US pilot killed in Papua after separatist rebels claimed responsibility and burned his plane.