Mexico vs Ecuador World Cup match highlights: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to progress to the 2026 World Cup last 16 amid a controversial red card incident.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealand's latest search trends reveal strong interest in major sports events including the 2026 World Cup and NBA free agency news about LeBron James, alongside concerns about domestic netball competition uncertainty. The passing of actor Michael Byrne has triggered remembrance searches.
Active topics
9
Search volume
14.6K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
9
Sports56% (5)
Money22% (2)
Entertainment11% (1)
Life11% (1)
Why people are curious
People in New Zealand are mainly searching to follow live developments and outcomes in popular sports, including the World Cup, NBA free agency moves, and rugby competitions, reflecting strong fan engagement. They are seeking explanations about uncertainty in their local netball competition and business-related processes like liquidation and Inland Revenue wind ups, indicating a need for understanding potential economic impacts. The public also seeks to remember and honor a notable actor who recently died, showing cultural interest, while some are curious about environmental activities such as native tree felling.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
LeBron James free agency news: LeBron James announces departure from Lakers after 2025-26 season, stirring speculation on his next NBA team.
Samipeni Finau's move to Japan rugby: All Blacks player Samipeni Finau confirms move to a Japanese rugby team, continuing a trend of overseas transfers.
New Zealand netball domestic competition uncertainty: Uncertainty about New Zealand's domestic netball competition causes public concern and search interest.
Death of actor Michael Byrne: Actor Michael Byrne, known for roles in Harry Potter and Indiana Jones, has died age 82, prompting tributes.
Increased interest in liquidation amid financial distress: Rising searches on liquidation reflect worry over business closures and financial instability in New Zealand.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
SportsNew
lebron james
LeBron James announced he will leave the Lakers in free agency following the 2025-26 NBA season, sparking speculation about his next team among several contenders.
2K+ searches · 700% growthFirst recent appearance
02
SportsNew
mexico vs ecuador
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with a notable red card issued to an Ecuador player for covering his mouth during the match.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
03
SportsNew
samipeni finau
All Blacks loose forward Samipeni Finau confirmed he will leave New Zealand to join a Japanese rugby team, marking a significant overseas move.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
04
SportsNew
netball nz domestic competition uncertainty
There is uncertainty surrounding the domestic netball competition in New Zealand, leading to increased public interest.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
05
EntertainmentNew
michael byrne
Michael Byrne, known for roles in Harry Potter and Indiana Jones, has died at 82, prompting public reminiscence.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
06
MoneyNew
liquidation
There is heightened interest in liquidation due to multiple businesses and markets facing closures and financial distress.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
07
LifeNew
alan trent native tree felling
Interest in Alan Trent's native tree felling activities has surged in New Zealand.
200+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
08
MoneyNew
inland revenue business wind ups
There is a notable increase in searches about inland revenue business wind ups in New Zealand.
200+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
09
SportsNew
state of origin game 3
Interest in the State of Origin Game 3 is rising in New Zealand as fans follow updates and team news.
200+ searches · 200% growthFirst recent appearance
Why it matters
NewThis topic has only just appeared in the recent pulse, backed by 2K+ recent searches and 700% growth. People are searching to follow a developing event.
First recent appearanceConfidence: low
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
LeBron James thanks Lakers ahead of free agency departure for 24th NBA season: 'Hope I made a few proud' - Fox News
NBA free agency 2026 live updates: Kawhi Leonard traded to Raptors; LeBron James to leave Lakers - The Athletic - The Ne…
Potential landing spots for LeBron James: Warriors, Cavaliers on list - NBC Bay Area
LeBron James informs Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27 - ESPN
Timberwolves among teams to contact LeBron James in free agency: Sources - The New York Times
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.