Belgium vs USA FIFA World Cup Match: Belgium's resounding 4-1 World Cup win over the USA has sparked intense global sports interest.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealand and the world show heightened engagement with major sports events, public health alerts from food recalls, severe flooding emergencies in Kaikoura, and concerns over local sports injuries. Entertainment news also captures attention with mourning of a singer's passing.
Active topics
11
Search volume
38.8K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
11
Sports36% (4)
Health18% (2)
Weather18% (2)
Life9% (1)
Entertainment9% (1)
World9% (1)
Why people are curious
People are following sporting events like the Belgium vs USA World Cup match and developments about rugby figures such as Graham Henry and Siya Kolisi to keep current on team performances and outcomes. Concerns about health manifest through searches about dangerous food recalls linked to E. coli in blueberries and the equine disease strangles, reflecting worries about safety and disease spread. Severe weather events in Kaikoura prompt citizens to track emergency updates and understand implications for travel and safety. Interest in climbing activities reveals curiosity about safety and unusual incidents.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Tragic Injury to Epping Footballer Nathan Fitzgerald: Local community mourns Nathan Fitzgerald, a young footballer now in end-of-life care following a severe head injury.
Spike in Climbing Interest Due to Safety and Viral Incidents: Climbing searches rise amid diverse incidents including injuries and viral social videos raising safety questions.
Frozen Blueberries Recalled Over E. coli Illnesses: Frozen blueberry recall prompts public concern after linked E. coli illnesses across several US states.
State of Emergency Declared in Kaikoura for Flooding: Kaikoura faces emergency measures due to severe flooding and widespread transport disruptions.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
SportsCooling
nathan fitzgerald epping footballer
There is concern over young Epping footballer Nathan Fitzgerald's serious head injury that has led to end-of-life care.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
02
SportsCooling
belgium vs usa
Fans are intensely following the USA vs Belgium match in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 as Belgium scored a dominant 4-1 victory.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
usa vs belgiumus vs belgiumbelgium usa
03
LifeCooling
climbing
The recent spike in searches about climbing relates to diverse incidents and stories involving climbing activities and safety concerns.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
04
HealthCooling
blueberry
People are searching about a frozen blueberry recall linked to E. coli illnesses in multiple U.S. states.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
05
WeatherCooling
kaikoura
A state of emergency was declared in Kaikoura, New Zealand, due to severe flooding and disruptive weather conditions.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
road closures south islandnztakowhai river
06
EntertainmentCooling
lauren bennett
Fans are searching about the death of Lauren Bennett, known for singing on 'Party Rock Anthem.'
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
grl
07
SportsCooling
graham henry
People are searching for insights and expert opinions on Graham Henry's role and strategies as the All Blacks rugby coach.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
08
SportsCooling
siya kolisi
Searches focus on Siya Kolisi’s latest developments and his status with the Springboks rugby team.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
09
WeatherCooling
weatherwatch
People want to understand WeatherWatch technologies and climate patterns affecting New Zealand and globally.
500+ searches · 800% growthLast seen 5 days ago
10
HealthCooling
strangles
Strangles is a contagious equine disease causing recent concern due to confirmed cases affecting horse events and populations.
200+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
11
WorldCooling
inquest
Recent inquests have drawn public attention due to tragic and suspicious deaths under investigation in various regions.
100+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
Sports / Worrying | 5 days ago
nathan fitzgerald epping footballer
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 5 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 5K+ recorded searches. People are searching to understand a possible risk or disruption.
Last seen 5 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Melbourne teacher dies after head clash during suburban football game - The Guardian
‘We are devastated’: Young footballer receiving end-of-life care after head injury - The Age
‘We are devastated’: Young footballer receiving end-of-life care after head injury - SMH.com.au
Brazil Faces Norway in High-Stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Match - NOBARTV.CO.ID
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.