All Blacks South Africa tour: New Zealand’s rugby side kicks off its first full-scale South Africa tour in 30 years, restoring the touring tradition and packaging it as “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” with a 50-50 SA Rugby/NZ Rugby partnership and a lucrative North American game in Baltimore. Auckland travel disruption: A polar blast has brought snow to sea level, with Dunedin police urging people to avoid travel, bus services cancelled, and ferry links suspended due to strong winds and heavy swells. Auckland safety incident: Three Auckland Grammar School students were injured after a vehicle allegedly struck cyclists in Epsom during a wider violent incident chain. Jetstar carry-on fees: Jetstar will charge from Feb 2027 to use overhead lockers for carry-on bags (starting from A$25 one way), while small under-seat items remain free. Conservation with tourism links: A notorious feral cat (“Nine Lives”) has been captured after years of killing rare pāteke ducks on the Purerua Peninsula. Local tourism development: Porirua councillors will decide whether to extend a lease for the Colonial Knob adventure park, with Canadian investor Ridge North America stepping in. Queen Charlotte Track guide: A new walking feature highlights the Marlborough Sounds trek and the reality of New Zealand weather. Hotel openings: Avani Queenstown is set to open in September 2026 after a major rebrand, adding another reason to plan a trip. Sports weekend in Cape Town: Cape Town braces for a packed August sports run featuring the Stormers vs All Blacks and major road-race and Currie Cup action.