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12 Aug 2026

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Google launches AI agents for database setup & ops
Database teams could cut setup and fault-finding time as Google folds natural-language guidance into Cloud SQL, Spanner and AlloyDB tools.

Sharon AI signs USD $373 million cloud deal in Australia
Most of Sharon AI's Australian AI Factory capacity is now spoken for, with revenue from the USD $373 million deal due from early 2027.

Target rebuilds product discovery on Google Cloud Spanner
The retailer said the overhaul cut infrastructure maintenance by 50% and improved product recommendations, ratings and Gift Finder responses.

Opium investigation leads to three arrests in Bay of Plenty
Police say parcels containing 24kg of opium intercepted by Customs led to search warrants across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

One of the country’s most successful high performance sports coaches resigns
Tom Willmott says he is ‘looking ahead to the next chapter’ after stepping away from his snowboard and freeski coaching role with Snow Sports New Zealand.

Indo-Fijian teen sets sights on becoming top rugby referee
Thirteen-year-old Fijian of Indian descent Vaibhavi Deo wants to achieve her goal of becoming a top-tier World Rugby referee, including officiating All Blacks matches.

Northland parents formally recognised as homeworkers after years caring for disabled children
Northland couple who spent more than a decade caring for their severely disabled children without pay have been formally declared homeworkers of the Ministry of Social Development.

Kim Dotcom teases Tucker Carlson interview after latest extradition defeat
The Megaupload founder posted a cryptic image ahead of what appears to be an interview with the influential US commentator as his long-running fight against extradition enters its final chapter.

High resolution satellite data used to monitor coastal changes
Earth Sciences NZ has been using new satellite data to track how coastal areas of New Zealand are changing in the face of climate change.

Google adds security controls for AI agents in Chrome
Browser-based AI agents will face tighter enterprise oversight as Google moves to curb data leaks and unauthorised actions in Chrome.

30,000 set to benefit as Pharmac broadens diabetes medicine access
Eligibility for four funded medicines will expand from September, with Pharmac expecting more than 30,000 people to benefit over five years.

Stuff Group rejects demand to take down reporting on Bradbury blog dispute
A lawyer acting for the complainant in a dispute over alleged “personal attacks” on a popular blog has demanded media remove reporting, alleging it breaches a court order.

Deutsche Bank adopts Google Cloud's Apigee for APIs
The bank says a single platform will tighten security, improve resilience and help it support open banking, partners and AI-driven services.

Northern Marianas: US approves disaster aid for typhoon-hit Rota
The US president approved a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands following Super Typhoon Bavi.

Netskope named leader in Gartner SASE & SSE reports
The dual rankings could help Netskope win larger platform deals as enterprises look to consolidate security and networking around AI and sovereignty demands.

PNG seeks election security help from Timor-Leste and others
Papua New Guinea has initiated plans to request 200 defence personnel from Timor-Leste to help supervise PNG's general election next year. PNG's Prime Minister James Marape said the request is...

Hidden underground blockages may hold key to Whakaari eruptions
Researchers say mineral blockages can trap pressure underground even while volcanic gases continue escaping to the surface.