Pride & Protest Management: Aotearoa’s rainbow events vibe with new lessons from abroad as Pride in the Park planning uses limits on amplification and a “free speech zone” to keep crowds calm after last year’s disruptions. Conservation Policy Fight: Conservation reform sparks backlash over a proposed “economic opportunity” push for the Department of Conservation, with critics warning it could sideline community and iwi values. Music & Live Culture: Stan Walker announces his first headline Aotearoa show in six years—an October orchestral concert with a 30+ piece orchestra—while WORD Christchurch Festival reveals a September programme packed with writers and performers. Public Opinion & Ageing: An RNZ-Reid poll finds most voters want the superannuation age to stay at 65, putting National’s push under pressure. Housing & Inequality: New research highlights affordable rentals vanishing and costs rising, leaving tens of thousands of families struggling. Māori Research Leadership: The James Henare Research Centre appoints two new co-directors, Dr Maia Hetaraka and Dr Piata Allen, to lead a new chapter for Māori-led research. Environment & Learning: University of Auckland launches an international PhD recruitment drive for nature-positive research, aiming to restore biodiversity while supporting wellbeing.