Qantas Flight Diversion Incident: Qantas flight QF 281 diversion caught public attention due to safety and disruption concerns.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealanders are showing keen interest in varied topics including unexpected flight diversions by Qantas and Air Canada, a significant Lotto Powerball jackpot rollover, local road closures in Martinborough, and major sports events such as rugby commentary by Murray Mexted, NRL games.
Active topics
10
Search volume
7.1K
Leading topic
World
Attention mix
What the country is searching
10
World40% (4)
Sports40% (4)
Money10% (1)
Life10% (1)
Why people are curious
People in New Zealand are primarily following and seeking updates on current, impactful events that directly or indirectly affect their safety and daily lives, such as flight diversions and road closures. The intent to follow is also strong in sports, where fans want to watch live events, understand game analyses, and engage in betting activities. Curiosity driven by explaining is evident regarding geopolitical tensions involving Russia and complex aviation incidents abroad. Planning intent appears in searches related to local travel disruptions, while worrying intent is linked to emergencies with Air Canada flights.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Powerball Jackpot Rollover: Lotto Powerball jackpot rollover fuels excitement as the prize pool grows larger.
Rugby Analysis by Murray Mexted: Murray Mexted gains traction for his critiques and insights on All Blacks rugby selections.
Road Closures in Martinborough: Martinborough road closures create travel planning challenges amid local disruptions.
Geopolitical Interest in Russia: Tensions around Russia rise amid Ukraine strikes and NATO-US geopolitical concerns.
Beijing Skyscraper Plane Crash: Small plane crash into Beijing skyscraper draws global attention and ongoing news coverage.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
WorldCooling
air canada
There was a sharp rise in searches about an Air Canada flight diversion caused by a pilot's medical emergency and passenger intervention.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
02
WorldCooling
qantas flight qf 281 diversion
A Qantas flight QF 281 diversions have recently gained significant attention in New Zealand.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
03
MoneyCooling
lotto powerball jackpot rollover
The Lotto Powerball jackpot rollover is currently a highly searched topic in New Zealand.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
04
SportsCooling
murray mexted
Murray Mexted, a former All Blacks player and rugby commentator, is trending in New Zealand.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
05
LifeCooling
martinborough road closures wairarapa
There are road closures in Martinborough, Wairarapa, causing increased searches likely related to travel disruption.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
air nz wellington aborted landing
06
WorldCooling
russia
Interest in Russia has increased due to Ukraine’s intensified long-range strikes and geopolitical tensions involving NATO and the US.
1K+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 4 days ago
07
WorldCooling
aircraft pilot
There is heightened attention to a small plane crash into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper causing casualties and prompting ongoing news coverage.
500+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 4 days ago
skyscraper
08
SportsCooling
sea eagles vs storm
Searches about the Sea Eagles vs Storm NRL match surged significantly, focusing on live viewing, match insights, and betting previews.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 4 days ago
09
SportsCooling
new zealand vs england
Search interest grew notably for the live broadcast and updates of the New Zealand vs England Test cricket match, including commentary and scores.
500+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 4 days ago
black caps v englandblack caps
10
SportsCooling
f1 qualifying
The 2026 Austrian Grand Prix F1 qualifying session saw George Russell claiming pole position after Max Verstappen's crash, creating a notable event in Formula 1.
100+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 4 days ago
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 4 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 500+ recorded searches. People are searching to understand a possible risk or disruption.
Last seen 4 days agoConfidence: high
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Passengers restrain pilot during apparent medical emergency on 'terrifying' flight - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest Ne…
A pilot incapacitated, a crash landing and a close call. What we know about the latest aviation incidents - CNN
Air Canada flight diverted to Boston's Logan Airport due to "incapacitated" captain - CBS News
'He was kicking and flailing': Passenger recounts scary moments on diverted Air Canada flight - CBC
Air Canada flight diverts after pilot's medical emergency - NBC News
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.