Sam Neill's Death Sparks Widespread Remembrance: Actor Sam Neill, famed for 'Jurassic Park,' passed away at age 78, leading to significant public remembrance and tributes in New Zealand and globally.
Regional Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Regional Pulse in New Zealand
In New Zealand, recent trends show deep public engagement with entertainment losses including Sam Neill's passing, ongoing sports events like cricket and rugby, political scrutiny of Paul Henry, and rising concerns around ambulance services.
Active topics
24
Search volume
74.9K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
24
Sports29% (7)
Entertainment13% (3)
Health13% (3)
Money13% (3)
Politics8% (2)
World8% (2)
Life4% (1)
Technology4% (1)
Culture4% (1)
Weather4% (1)
Why people are curious
People in New Zealand are primarily curious to remember and honor influential cultural figures, such as Sam Neill and Theo Burrell, while following active, real-time updates on sports competitions that matter locally and internationally. There is a clear intent to explain and understand political figures involved in controversies, as well as to monitor ongoing health and emergency service challenges that directly impact public safety and wellbeing. The adoption of new technology for travel in nearby Australia is followed with explanatory intent, reflecting interest in innovations with regional impact.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
High Interest in West Indies vs New Zealand ODI Matches: Cricket fans are actively following the West Indies versus New Zealand ODI matches during New Zealand's 2026 tour in the West Indies, with live score,
Public Seeks Explanation on Paul Henry's Political Profile: Paul Henry's selection as an ACT party candidate and his history of controversies have drawn public attention seeking to understand his background and
Concerns Mount Over Ambulance Services in News Reports: Sharp rise in ambulance-related searches reflects public concerns over emergency service delays, operational challenges, and notable ambulance-related
Interest Grows Around 'S T Thomas' Community and Events: Searches related to 's t thomas' surged amid community and educational news from schools named St. Thomas, along with a notable crime report from St.
Lydia Ko Gains Notable Sports Following: New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko commands increased attention due to career updates, sponsorship deals, and upcoming home tournaments.
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.
01
EntertainmentPeaking
sam neill
Actor Sam Neill, famous for his role in 'Jurassic Park,' has died at age 78, prompting widespread remembrance and tributes.
50K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 150%
sam neilsam neill wife
02
SportsNew
wi vs nz
Fans are actively following the West Indies vs New Zealand ODI cricket matches during New Zealand's 2026 tour of the West Indies.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
west indies vs new zealand
03
PoliticsNew
paul henry
Paul Henry has gained attention in New Zealand for his political candidacy and past controversies, prompting searches to understand his background.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
paul henry actradio nz
04
HealthSurging
ambulance
Search interest in ambulances has spiked sharply, driven by multiple news reports relating to ambulance responses and notable incidents involving public figures.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 300%
05
LifeSurging
s t thomas
There is a surge in searches related to 's t thomas', connected to various educational, local community, and crime news events.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 900%
saint thomas of canterbury college
06
SportsSurging
lydia ko
Search interest in Lydia Ko has risen notably, as her career developments and public appearances generate attention among sports fans.
1K+ searches · 400% growthSearch volume up 900%
07
EntertainmentNew
antiques roadshow star theo burrell
Theo Burrell, known from 'Antiques Roadshow,' died at age 39 after battling glioblastoma.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
theo burrell bbc glass expert
08
SportsNew
france new zealand rugby u20
The France vs New Zealand U20 Rugby World Cup final has drawn significant interest.
200+ searches · 700% growthFirst recent appearance
u20 rugby world cup
09
TechnologyPeaking
australia digital passenger cards
Australia has introduced digital passenger cards to modernize and speed up international arrivals processes.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
10
MoneySurging
nz muscle
Dave Letele has taken over NZ Muscle to save jobs after the company faced a product recall due to allergens.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
dave letele
11
SportsEmerging
rieko ioane
Rieko Ioane was recalled to the All Blacks squad as injury cover ahead of an important match against Ireland.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growthRank fell 6 places
12
CultureNew
bastille day
France's Bastille Day celebrations are underway with events including a major military parade and relocated fireworks.
200+ searches · 400% growthFirst recent appearance
Politics / Explaining | 2 hours ago
paul henry
Why it matters
NewThis topic has only just appeared in the recent pulse, backed by 2K+ recent searches and 1000% growth. People are searching to understand what happened and why.
First recent appearance
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Paul Henry WIEDOW - The Press Democrat
Paul Henry, whose mocking of Sheila Dikshit sparked Indian protest, named ACT candidate - awaaz.co.nz
Paul Henry Ede Obituary Jun 5, 2018 - Rhoden Memorial Home
Full video: David Seymour, Paul Henry speak to media - 1News
Obituary information for Mr. Paul Henry Fox - Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Homes and Crematory
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.