Ardie Savea leads new All Blacks squad: Ardie Savea named new captain of the All Blacks for 2026, with four new players selected.
Regional Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Monday, June 22, 2026
Regional Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealand's All Blacks appointed Ardie Savea as captain amidst fresh talent entering the squad, stirring strong interest locally. Internationally, weather disruptions affected France's World Cup match versus Iraq, while Argentina celebrated a win highlighted by Messi’s record.
Active topics
13
Search volume
24.1K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
13
Sports46% (6)
Politics15% (2)
Entertainment8% (1)
World8% (1)
Money8% (1)
Technology8% (1)
Health8% (1)
Why people are curious
People in New Zealand are primarily following major sports developments, especially New Zealand rugby leadership changes and international football events like the World Cup, reflecting strong local and global fan engagement. There is significant public interest in understanding political policies such as the National Party's KiwiSaver plan, indicating a desire to grasp their personal financial impact. Entertainment curiosity arises from updates on celebrity estates, while safety concerns drive research into recent product recalls.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Weather disrupts France-Iraq World Cup match: France vs Iraq World Cup match delayed by severe thunderstorms in Philadelphia after Mbappe's goal.
Messi shines as Argentina wins: Argentina beats Austria 2-0 in World Cup 2026 with Lionel Messi breaking a scoring record.
Liam Payne child's inheritance revealed: Liam Payne's son named sole heir to $28 million estate, drawing public interest.
KiwiSaver policy and remuneration: National Party's KiwiSaver policy sparks discussion around remuneration and financial benefits.
Explore by topic and intent
Follow every part of the New Zealand pulse
Choose a category, then follow the reason people are searching.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01Sports
ardie savea
Ardie Savea was named captain of the All Blacks in coach Dave Rennie's first squad selection for 2026, including four new caps.
10K+ searches · 600% growth
all blacks squad 2026anton segner
02Sports
france vs iraq
The World Cup 2026 match between France and Iraq was interrupted by severe weather, causing delays during live coverage.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growth
france iraqfrance world cupfrance v iraq
03Sports
argentina vs austria
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 at the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi breaking a scoring record during the tournament.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growth
04Entertainment
liam payne son beneficiary
Liam Payne's son has been named as the sole heir to a $28 million estate.
1K+ searches · 900% growth
05Politics
national party kiwisaver policy
The National Party's KiwiSaver policy involves discussions about remuneration frameworks.
1K+ searches · 600% growth
remuneration
06World
france
There is increased attention on France due to multiple events, including a weather-affected World Cup match and heatwaves.
500+ searches · 1,000% growth
07Sports
yankees
People are searching for the latest updates on the New York Yankees, including trade rumors and game previews.
500+ searches · 1,000% growth
08Money
retirement age
There is increased interest in explanations around retirement age changes and pension reforms worldwide.
500+ searches · 1,000% growth
09Technology
steam machine
Consumers are researching the Steam Machine's pricing and features ahead of its release.
200+ searches · 1,000% growth
10Sports
david havili
David Havili, the Crusaders' captain and a Super Rugby winner, is set to leave the team to play in Japan in 2027.
100+ searches · 1,000% growth
11Politics
chris lynch
Chris Lynch is facing a primary challenge for his position as Oregon's BOLI commissioner from an agency insider.
100+ searches · 600% growth
12Sports
france football
France's national football team is competing in the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second group stage win despite delays caused by a storm.
100+ searches · 1,000% growth
Sports / Following | 2 hours ago
france vs iraq
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
France vs Iraq live updates: World Cup match suspended due to bad weather after Mbappe goal - The New York Times
World Cup 2026 scores, live updates: France-Iraq stuck in weather delay; Messi breaks scoring record; Haaland, Norway up…
France vs. Iraq delayed amid thunderstorms in Philadelphia - ESPN
World Cup Preview: France vs Iraq in Philadelphia - FOX 29 Philadelphia
France v Iraq World Cup game second half in Philadelphia delayed due to thunderstorms, FIFA says - Reuters
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.