Matariki Cultural Celebrations: Matariki, the Māori New Year, is widely celebrated in New Zealand with cultural events and public observances gaining prominence.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
In New Zealand, cultural interest peaks with Matariki celebrations, while entertainment focus is drawn to Bonnie Tyler's recent passing. Concerns arise over suspended NZTA testing officers and severe weather warnings in Wairoa, reflecting public attention to safety and regulation issues.
Active topics
12
Search volume
26.1K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
12
Sports42% (5)
Weather25% (3)
Culture8% (1)
Entertainment8% (1)
Politics8% (1)
Life8% (1)
Why people are curious
People are curious for various reasons: many are following Matariki celebrations to honor and participate in Māori cultural heritage. Entertainment-related searches, such as remembering Bonnie Tyler, stem from the intent to reflect on and celebrate her legacy. The political intent behind NZTA testing officer suspensions shows a need to explain recent developments and controversies involving public safety or regulation. Weather-related searches are driven by worries about severe storms and flooding in specific regions like Wairoa.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Bonnie Tyler Remembered: Fans mourn Bonnie Tyler, the iconic singer of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' following her recent death at 75.
NZTA Testing Officers Suspended: Public seeks explanations about NZTA suspending testing officers amid emerging controversy.
Severe Storms Trigger Safety Worries: Severe weather, including storms across North America, raises public concern for safety and preparedness.
Wairoa Flood Risks Prompt Urgent Warnings: Flood warnings and storm preparations intensify in Wairoa, New Zealand, creating local alarm.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
WeatherCooling
matariki stars
A weather event involving heavy rain and cold temperatures is impacting Auckland, coinciding with the Matariki star celebration.
500+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 2 days ago
weather aucklandauckland weather
02
CultureCooling
matariki
Matariki is the Māori New Year celebrated in New Zealand, marked by cultural events and public observances.
10K+ searches · 100% growthLast seen 2 days ago
happy matarikimatariki events auckland
03
EntertainmentCooling
bonnie tyler
Fans are remembering Bonnie Tyler, the iconic singer of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ who recently passed away at age 75.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 2 days ago
total eclipse of the heart
04
PoliticsCooling
nzta suspended testing officers
Searches about ‘NZTA suspended testing officers’ likely relate to explanations sought regarding a controversy or administrative action within New Zealand Transport Agency.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 2 days ago
05
WeatherCooling
severe weather
Severe weather events have surged, affecting regions including the Northeast and Midwest with storms during the July 4th weekend.
2K+ searches · 900% growthLast seen 2 days ago
06
WeatherCooling
wairoa
Severe storm warnings and flood preparations are actively occurring in New Zealand, specifically around Wairoa, amid local flood concerns.
2K+ searches · 900% growthLast seen 2 days ago
storm warningwairoa rivernz herald
07
SportsCooling
ind vs eng
The cricket series between India and England is capturing attention, with the fourth T20I match generating significant interest.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 2 days ago
india vs englandeng vs ind
08
SportsCooling
karolína muchová
Karolína Muchová defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling tiebreak to reach her first Wimbledon final in 2026.
500+ searches · 200% growthLast seen 2 days ago
coco gauffwimbledon 2026
09
SportsCooling
france vs morocco
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between France and Morocco is drawing high interest with live updates and viewing information.
200+ searches · 100% growthLast seen 2 days ago
france vs morocco world cup 2026fifa 2026
10
SportsCooling
scottish open
Searches about the Scottish Open have surged, focusing on Rory McIlroy's views and performance.
200+ searches · 500% growthLast seen 2 days ago
rory mcilroy
11
SportsCooling
linda nosková
Search interest surrounds Linda Nosková's advancement in Wimbledon, including the all-Czech final setup.
100+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 2 days ago
marta kostyuk
12
LifeCooling
dog
Searches about dogs have risen due to news of dog encounters with bears and incidents affecting pet safety.
100+ searches · 500% growthLast seen 2 days ago
Weather / Following | 3 days ago
matariki stars
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 2 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 500+ recorded searches. People are searching to follow a developing event.
Last seen 2 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Celebrating the Matariki stars on the Coast - localmatters.co.nz
Winter is coming: Auckland temps to plummet, coldest nights since September - NZ Herald
SailGP Auckland weather report day two: stronger breeze, earlier start - Boating New Zealand
'May not be a lot of sleeping': Sticky night for Aucklanders as heavy rain hits south - Newstalk ZB
Weather: Auckland bearing the brunt of heavy rain - RNZ
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.