Bird Flu Response: New Zealand confirmed its first H5N1 case after a brown skua tested positive on Petone Beach in Wellington, with Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard saying there’s no evidence of mass deaths or spread to poultry and urging the public to report groups of sick or dead birds. Fire & Emergency Funding: Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has asked Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) for cost-savings options after FENZ released a consultation backing a 5.2% fire insurance levy rise, pressing for accountability and lower burden on households and businesses. Parliament & Policy Watch: Government launched an equal pay consultation aimed at “rooting out” unfairness, while MPs face renewed scrutiny over what they must disclose publicly about their health. Economy & Markets: The NZX 50 snapped a two-week run of gains as Middle East tensions pushed oil higher and housing data kept pressure on Summerset, while the kiwi tracked a third weekly gain on expectations of further Reserve Bank rate hikes. Regional Governance: Auckland mayor Wayne Brown faced fresh allegations of “nuisance” behaviour at a National Party fundraiser, as local politics continues to heat up ahead of Election 2026. International Links: New Zealand and Switzerland opened trade and investment dialogue, and Pacific leaders pushed for unity amid intensifying geopolitical competition.