Argentina vs Algeria football match: Lionel Messi's hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria equalizes the World Cup goal record, sparking massive interest.
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
Country pulse digest
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Archived Pulse in New Zealand
New Zealand’s trending searches reveal strong engagement with major World Cup football matches highlighted by Messi and Mbappé’s performances, a disruptive motorway fire in Auckland, and public concern over Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer diagnosis.
Active topics
16
Search volume
39.2K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
16
Sports44% (7)
World25% (4)
Money13% (2)
Culture6% (1)
Entertainment6% (1)
Technology6% (1)
Why people are curious
People in New Zealand are primarily curious to watch and follow major World Cup football matches to stay updated on game results, player milestones, and match highlights. There is also intent to follow local breaking news about the Auckland motorway fire due to its immediate impact on daily commuting. Concern drives searches about Jeremy Clarkson as people seek explanations and updates about his health condition. Following intent is evident in interests around government regulatory actions and local crime developments, as the public aims to stay informed about market fairness and community safety.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
France vs Senegal football match: Kylian Mbappé's two goals help France defeat Senegal 3-1, making him France's top World Cup scorer.
Truck fire disrupts Auckland motorway traffic: A truck fire on Auckland's northwestern motorway caused major traffic delays, drawing public attention.
Jeremy Clarkson reveals cancer diagnosis: Jeremy Clarkson's announcement of an aggressive cancer diagnosis has caused concern among fans.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in New Zealand
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01Culture
teacher
The trending search for 'teacher' in New Zealand reflects increased public interest in various teacher-related incidents and achievements globally.
100+ searches · 1,000% growth
02Sports
argentina vs algeria
The search interest centers on the recent Argentina vs Algeria football match where Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, tying a significant World Cup goal record.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growth
argentinalionel messimessi
03Sports
france vs senegal
The France vs Senegal football match is trending due to Kylian Mbappé's standout performance in a recent game where France won 3-1.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growth
mbappesenegal
04World
northwestern motorway
A significant truck fire on Auckland's northwestern motorway has caused major traffic disruptions and long travel delays.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growth
05World
sortie
The term 'sortie' is trending due to various recent military and aviation events, including training flights, radar test sorties, and maiden flights of aircraft models.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growth
06Entertainment
jeremy clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson is trending due to his recent revelation of an aggressive cancer diagnosis, which has sparked concern among fans and the public.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growth
jeremy clarkson cancer
07Sports
racing
Interest in racing has surged in New Zealand, driven by developments in motorsports and notable incidents in both horse and bike racing.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growth
08Sports
messi age
People are increasingly searching to find out Lionel Messi's current age and his career milestones related to his age.
1K+ searches · 1,000% growth
how old is messi
09Money
commerce commission
The Commerce Commission in New Zealand is currently in the spotlight for its role in regulating fuel prices and overseeing market fairness.
500+ searches · 1,000% growth
10Sports
state of origin
Interest in the State of Origin series is surging in New Zealand, with fans seeking updates and expert analyses about the games, players, and key moments.
500+ searches · 100% growth
11Sports
austria vs jordan
The Austria vs Jordan match is gaining significant attention as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, experiencing a notable surge in interest.
200+ searches · 1,000% growth
12Money
pensioner
Search interest in 'pensioner' in New Zealand has surged, reflecting concerns about financial challenges and economic impacts related to retirees.
200+ searches · 1,000% growth
Culture / Explaining | 30 minutes ago
teacher
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Colorado students report same-sex peers were made to kiss during class assignment, teacher fired - CBS News
Class acts: the maths teacher who taught Argentina’s Álvarez and Fernández - The Guardian
2 teachers attacked by student at Harford County elementary school - CBS News
Two teachers injured after assault involving student at Roye-Williams Elementary School - WBFF
After fulfilling 5th-grade dream, Wetherholt reunites with his teacher for 1st pitch - MLB.com
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.