UN Decolonisation Watch: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation pressed for action on New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guam and Tokelau, with petitioners warning the UN risks “managing delay” unless it sets benchmarks and a decolonisation timetable. Health Regulation & Culture: The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners hit back at Health Minister Simeon Brown’s Medical Council leadership shake-up, arguing culturally safe care and Hauora Māori must stay central and regulators must remain independent. Māori Health Equity: Doctors and advocates flagged a bowel screening shift that could leave Māori behind, as well as wider concerns about patient trust amid the Medical Council changes. Science Journalism: RNZ’s Farah Hancock won an Established science journalism award for a multimedia investigation into feral cats, while Te Ao Māori News took an Emerging award for a story linking South Island rūnanga with Japan to protect taonga species. Auckland Court: In the manslaughter trial of Auckland sect leader Kaixiao Liu, jurors heard sermons and a discussion prosecutors say preceded the discovery of a body in bags weighted with stones. Waitangi Heritage: Waitangi Treaty Grounds’ Busby Camellias won an international camellia heritage accolade, recognising nearly 200 years of living history. Education: Teachers warned draft secondary subject curriculums are too crowded ahead of major NCEA changes. FENZ Funding Scrutiny: A parliamentary push questions whether the fire service levy fits today’s wider emergency demands, including medical response and extreme weather. World Cup Politics: Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand in LA became a flashpoint for diaspora identity and flag rules, with competing symbols and protests around the match.