Local Elections Watch: More than 75 council seats are up for grabs in a busy wave of by-elections, driven by resignations and May 7 election fallout—raising costs and questions about candidate rule clarity. Infrastructure Delivery: New Zealand’s government backed its 30-year National Infrastructure Plan, with Infrastructure New Zealand urging a shift from promises to delivery, better asset management, and stronger public sector leadership. Water Sector Oversight: UK ministers are raising objections to a Thames Water creditor rescue bid, warning it could place an “undue burden” on customers as Ofwat weighs next steps. Public Service Accountability: New Zealand’s Public Service Commissioner says staff dismissals are likely after an immigration project scandal, while the Children’s Minister won’t confirm how many youth remain in controversial military-style bootcamps. Child Protection Reform: Queensland will create a new child safety agency after a review found multiple missed chances to stop a long-running offender. Digital & Data Governance: The US GAO urges the FDIC to coordinate on blockchain and stablecoin risks, as regulators struggle to keep pace. Local Governance & Health: Venezuela’s government delivered 25 hemodialysis machines to Portuguesa to cut waiting times and expand capacity. Labour Policy: Hong Kong tightens labour import rules under ESLS from June 16, using tiered vetting that is stricter for food and beverage roles.