Rise in Matariki Cultural Celebrations: Matariki is a major Māori New Year celebration seeing a surge in public interest and participation across New Zealand.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealanders show rising curiosity about Matariki celebrations, inquire about NZTA suspensions of driver testing officers, and follow the All Blacks rugby match against Italy.
Active topics
9
Search volume
9.3K
Leading topic
Culture
Attention mix
What the country is searching
9
Culture33% (3)
Politics22% (2)
Sports22% (2)
Life11% (1)
Entertainment11% (1)
Why people are curious
People's curiosity in New Zealand stems from a mixture of cultural celebration, political accountability, and entertainment interests. The planning intent behind Matariki-related searches reflects citizens wanting to participate in and prepare for public festivities and holidays. The explanatory intent related to NZTA suspensions shows a community seeking clarity on political and safety matters affecting transport services. Sports-related following intent reveals a dedicated audience aiming to keep up with events and schedules. Life-related planning like supermarket hours during holidays demonstrates practical preparation for daily needs.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
NZTA Suspends Driver Testing Officers Over Safety Concerns: NZTA suspended 16 driver testing officers amid safety concerns, igniting public and political discussions about transport oversight.
Growing Buzz Around All Blacks vs Italy Rugby Match: The All Blacks versus Italy rugby match in Wellington draws strong attention from sports fans regarding lineups and event logistics.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
CultureCooling
capybara
Interest in capybaras has grown due to recent births at zoos and viral videos of the animals in various locations.
200+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
02
CultureCooling
matariki
Matariki is a significant Māori celebration marking the Māori New Year, with an emphasis on stargazing and cultural events in New Zealand.
5K+ searches · 100% growthLast seen 3 days ago
happy matarikimatariki starswhen is matariki
03
PoliticsCooling
nzta suspended testing officers
The NZTA suspended multiple driver testing officers amid concerns leading to public inquiries, sparking discussions and economic reactions.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
rnz
04
SportsCooling
all blacks vs italy
Rugby fans are following the All Blacks versus Italy match in Wellington, with information sought on team lineups, tickets, and transportation.
1K+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 3 days ago
all black team to play italyall blacks vs italy 2026
05
SportsCooling
kate heffernan
Kate Heffernan is gaining attention for her achievements and dual-sport success in New Zealand netball and cricket.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
06
PoliticsCooling
fran wilde
Searches focus on reflecting 40 years since New Zealand's homosexual law reform and the challenges faced during that period.
200+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
07
LifeCooling
are supermarkets open on matariki
People are searching about if supermarkets are open on Matariki, a public holiday in New Zealand, especially for planning their shopping.
200+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 3 days ago
matariki public holiday
08
CultureCooling
matariki events auckland
There is interest in finding out about Matariki events happening in Auckland.
100+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 3 days ago
09
EntertainmentCooling
tv guide
People are looking for TV guides to find what to watch, including sports and movies.
100+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 3 days ago
Culture / Explaining | 3 days ago
capybara
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 3 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 200+ recorded searches. People are searching to understand what happened and why.
Last seen 3 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Capybara on the loose caught on camera in Malaysia city - upi.com
Cape May Zoo’s Capybara Family Just Got Even Cuter With 2 New Pups Born in April - AOL.com
Capybara Births Announced at Cape May County Zoo - Cape May County, NJ (.gov)
Cape May County Zoo welcomes new litter of capybaras - NBC10 Philadelphia
Clouded Leopard Mauled and Capybara Killed at Private Zoo in Miami. Why Is This Facility Still Operating? - ThePetitionS…
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.