Latest news with #Australia-NewZealand
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Ed Sheeran's Brand-New Concert Tour Headed For Wellington
Music megastar will bring the 'Loop Tour' to Sky Stadium on 21 January 2026 Wellington is in for a treat this summer, with music megastar Ed Sheeran heading back to his 'favourite city in the world' with his brand-new show, the 'Loop Tour' at Sky Stadium. Scheduled for Wednesday 21 January 2026, this is the second of three New Zealand shows as part of his Australia-New Zealand tour, announced by Frontier Touring and MG Live yesterday. New Zealand fans of the globally beloved musician will be the first to experience a brand-new show that brings Sheeran's eighth studio album 'Play' to the stage, alongside his well-known classics. Set to be released this September, the new album has been described as an explorative, technicolour pop album that captures the fun, chaos, and heart of an artist reinvigorated by life and travel - a significant change from his previous two. Known for his signature use of a loop pedal, Sheeran masterfully layers vocals, guitar riffs, and percussion in real time, building complex arrangements as a one-man band. In February 2023, Sky Stadium hosted 48,000 fans in what was the venue's biggest concert to date. Sheeran has also previously performed at Wellington's TSB Arena in 2013 and 2015. Warrick Dent, Chief Executive at Sky Stadium, says: "We're very excited to be one of the first stadiums in the world to host Ed Sheeran's latest show. The last time he played Sky Stadium was an incredible experience and a record breaker for us in terms of attendance, and we look forward to what will no doubt be a spectacular show as he kicks off his new tour.' Mark Oldershaw, WellingtonNZ Chief Executive, adds: 'We can't wait to welcome Ed Sheeran back to Wellington for his brand-new show. Sheeran is a world-class artist and we look forward to hosting him again in our world-class city. His music resonates with people of all ages, and his concerts create unforgettable experiences for fans and families alike. We know he is a big fan of our city, so we'll certainly be rolling out the welcome mat for his return. 'As the nation's creative heart, concerts like this bring a real buzz to Wellington, supporting local businesses and showcasing the best of what our city has to offer. We expect tickets will sell fast, given Sheeran's strong fanbase in Wellington and beyond.' Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 1pm on Tuesday 29 July, keep an eye out on the Sky Stadium event page for further details and the link to purchase via Ticketek.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Lions hold off First Nations-Pasifika XV 24-19 in Melbourne
MELBOURNE - The British & Irish Lions were rocked by the underdog spirit of the First Nations & Pasifika XV (FNP) but held on grimly to claim an unconvincing 24-19 win in their last tour match of Australia on Tuesday. Centre Jamie Osborne scored a try in each half, while Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe also crossed for the Lions who remain unbeaten on their Australian tour despite producing a largely ragged display at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium. It was full credit to the FNP outfit, who gave Joe Schmidt's Wallabies a lesson in ferocity at the breakdown and had tries from Tristan Reilly, Seru Uru and Rob Leota, the last allowing them to creep within five points with less than 10 minutes on the clock. The Lions swept the nation's four provincial teams and an Australia-New Zealand invitational side before downing the Wallabies 27-19 in the first test in Brisbane last Saturday. They will look to seal the test series with victory over the Wallabies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. REUTERS
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Sky TV-TV3 deal: Why Sky TV bought Three – and what's next
TVNZ, which had no comment on today's developments, is preparing an upgrade that will give its streaming platform wider capabilities, including paid content. In more traditional or 'linear' TV terms, pundits see Three's greater audience reach than Sky's free-to-air channel, Sky Open, as a key element in securing the next round of rugby rights, expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. An insider said that despite proliferating digital options, many viewers remain fixated on the first three buttons on their remote. 'The rugby discussions continue to be really constructive,' Moloney said. 'I don't think that this changes the nature of those discussions, but we're really excited about the diversity of reach that we'll get through Three and ThreeNow.' 'No layoffs at this stage', Stuff not stuffed The transaction will close on August 1, but Moloney told the Herald the merger of the two broadcasters' operations would take 12 to 18 months. 'Detailed planning starts from now,' she said. Over the next few months, Moloney said viewers will see 'no change to Sky Open or Three channels and content'. Sky is committed to Three being part of Freeview, she said. The Stuff-produced 6pm news bulletin, ThreeNews, will remain. There were no plans to extend news to Sky Open (formerly Prime), which has had no local bulletin since its 5.30pm news, produced by Three, was dropped last year at the same time Warner Bros Discovery outsourced its news to Stuff. 'There is no discussion about any layoffs or anything at this stage,' Warner Bros Discovery Australia-New Zealand managing director Michael Brooks said. New digs, old digs In a few days' time, some 130 Discovery NZ staff will still move from Three's long-time home at Flower St, Eden Terrace to a building in Freeman's Bay, where Warner Bros International Television Production New Zealand also has an office. But Brooks now frames the shift as transitional. The plan is for them to move in with Sky, which maintains a corporate office in the CBD and its main operations in light-industrial Mt Wellington, 'in a few months' time, once details are worked out'. There aren't any immediate plans to merge any Sky or Three online services. There will be no change to the location of any Warner Bros Discovery content, Brooks said. Dividend hook remains in place A key lure for investors in recent times – Sky's 2023 promise to double its dividend to 30c per share by 2026 – remains firmly in place, Moloney said. Sky says the transaction will add to free cashflow immediately and add 'at least $10m' to operating earnings by 2028. How did the deal get watchdog's green light? The deal got a regulatory green light, or at least an assurance of no investigation, after it was confidentially shared with the market regulator before the announcement. 'The Commerce Commission was made aware of this merger from the parties involved and doesn't currently intend to consider it further,' Commerce Commission general manager, competition Vanessa Horne told the Herald. Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney (right) and Warner Bros Discovery Australia and New Zealand managing director Michael Brooks. Photo / Cameron Pitney How did the deal get the okay from the same regulator that raked the proposed Sky-Vodafone NZ and NZME-Stuff mergers over the coals, ultimately incinerating both? The Herald understands that Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) told the regulator that it would fold its tent in New Zealand if the Sky deal was not approved – lessening competition. But Brooks said that was 'not at all' the case. Sky and WBD had begun talks late last year then 'leaned into' the process after they realised it was mutually advantageous. The Commerce Commission had no comment specific to the Sky-WBD deal. The spokeswoman said every merger was assessed on the basis of whether there would be substantial lessening of competition. Brooks said the deal was not tied to Warner Bros and Discovery's decision to unwind their 3-year-old mega-merger. Sky-WBD New Zealand talks had pre-dated the announcement of that conscious uncoupling by months. What's different from 2022? Sky circled Three in 2022, when it was part of MediaWorks, only to end talks after large shareholders raised concerns over its financial sense. What's different today? 'It's a totally different context,' Moloney said. 'These [Three and ThreeNow] are complementary assets. There's no stretch in terms of out-of-home [outdoor advertising] or radio'. The state of Warner Bros Discovery's New Zealand finances was laid bare last July – a massive $138 million loss in 2023, including a $79.5m impairment. Its 2024 financials are due to be released in the coming weeks. The New Zealand media landscape has been extremely dynamic in recent months, highlighted by the board changes at NZME and Trade Me buying 50% of Stuff Digital. Across the Tasman, global streaming giant DAZN is buying Foxtel in an A$3.4 billion ($3.7b)) deal. Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said he saw the deal as encouraging and an investment in New Zealand media. 'Not the fact that it's one dollar, but the fact we're having an investment in TV Three, and we have a good, sound Sky. I think it's quite exciting. It will make Three stronger and more sustainable.' The deal in a nutshell In a statement to the NZX, Sky said the deal to buy 100% of shares in Discovery NZ for $1 was expected to be: Debt-free with 'a clean balance sheet largely clear of long-term obligations, including property leases' Deliver Sky revenue $95m extra annual revenue, with about 25% from digital sources Add to Sky's existing audience a growing digital audience via ThreeNow, a BVOD (broadcaster video on demand) platform that recently recorded its 12th straight quarter of viewership growth Grow Sky's combined total linear television advertising revenue share to about 35% and total digital television advertising revenue share to about 24% Deliver material cost synergies primarily across Sky's content and broadcasting infrastructure Deliver a pathway to achieve incremental, underlying free cash flow from FY26 and sustainable ebitda (interest before tax, depreciation and amortisation) growth of at least $10m from FY28. Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald's business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Owen Farrell to captain Lions against First Nations and Pasifika XV
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Owen Farrell will lead the British and Irish Lions in their last midweek game of the Australian tour on Tuesday against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne. It will be the 20th time Farrell has played for the Lions and his first starting appearance since being drafted into the 2025 squad late as injury cover by his father Andy Farrell, the head coach. The former England captain went on as a second-half replacement against the AUNZ invitational XV on July 12 in his first game since early May. It'll be the first time on four tours that he'll be captaining the Lions in a game. The Lions are 6-0 so far on the tour Down Under, including a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first test at Brisbane on Saturday night. Leading into the test series, the Lions beat Super Rugby franchises Western Force, Queensland Reds , Waratahs and Brumbies and an Australia-New Zealand invitational XV. After the First Nations and Pasifika XV game, the Lions will turn their attention back to trying to clinch the test series in Melbourne on Saturday night. The third test is in Sydney on Aug. 2. Owen Farrell will play at inside center in a midfield partnership with Jamie Osborne of Ireland. Scotland scrumhalf Ben White will combine with England flyhalf Fin Smith in the halves. Blair Kinghorn will return from injury to play fullback in an all-Scotland back three with Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe. Jac Morgan, the only Welshman left in the 44-man squad, will start on the blindside flank in the tour game in a backrow that also includes young England No. 8 Henry Pollock. Three days after being involved in the 23-man squad for the first test, backrower Ben Earl and inside backs Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith will sit on the bench for the tour game. Garry Ringrose is returning from injury to take a spot on the replacements bench. Andy Farrell said the match gave all Lions players 'another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two tests.' 'The coaches' minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places.' The First Nations and Pasifika squad was selected from players with Indigenous, Fijiian, Samoan, Tongan, Maori and Cook Islands heritage and will be guided by Toutai Kefu, who won a World Cup with Australia and is head coach of Tonga. Flyhalf Kurtley Beale, who played for Australia against the Lions in the 2013 series, will lead the team which also includes Wallabies contenders Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Filipo Daugunu and Andy Muirhead. ___ Squad: Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Jamie Osborne (Ireland), Owen Farrell (England, captain), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Ben White (Scotland); Henry Pollock (England), Josh van der Flier (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Scott Cummings (Scotland), James Ryan (Ireland), Finlay Bealham (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland). Reserves: Ewan Ashman (Scotland), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Tom Clarkson (Ireland), Gregor Brown (Scotland), Ben Earl (England), Alex Mitchell (England), Marcus Smith (England), Garry Ringrose (Ireland). __ AP rugby:
Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Owen Farrell to captain Lions against First Nations and Pasifika XV
Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Owen Farrell will lead the British and Irish Lions in their last midweek game of the Australian tour on Tuesday against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne. It will be the 20th time Farrell has played for the Lions and his first starting appearance since being drafted into the 2025 squad late as injury cover by his father Andy Farrell, the head coach. The former England captain went on as a second-half replacement against the AUNZ invitational XV on July 12 in his first game since early May. It'll be the first time on four tours that he'll be captaining the Lions in a game. The Lions are 6-0 so far on the tour Down Under, including a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first test at Brisbane on Saturday night. Leading into the test series, the Lions beat Super Rugby franchises Western Force,Queensland Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies and an Australia-New Zealand invitational XV. After the First Nations and Pasifika XV game, the Lions will turn their attention back to trying to clinch the test series in Melbourne on Saturday night. The third test is in Sydney on Aug. 2. Owen Farrell will play at inside center in a midfield partnership with Jamie Osborne of Ireland. Scotland scrumhalf Ben White will combine with England flyhalf Fin Smith in the halves. Blair Kinghorn will return from injury to play fullback in an all-Scotland back three with Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe. Jac Morgan, the only Welshman left in the 44-man squad, will start on the blindside flank in the tour game in a backrow that also includes young England No. 8 Henry Pollock. Three days after being involved in the 23-man squad for the first test, backrower Ben Earl and inside backs Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith will sit on the bench for the tour game. Garry Ringrose is returning from injury to take a spot on the replacements bench. Andy Farrell said the match gave all Lions players 'another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two tests.' 'The coaches' minds are open when it comes to selection, they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places.' The First Nations and Pasifika squad was selected from players with Indigenous, Fijiian, Samoan, Tongan, Maori and Cook Islands heritage and will be guided by Toutai Kefu, who won a World Cup with Australia and is head coach of Tonga. Flyhalf Kurtley Beale, who played for Australia against the Lions in the 2013 series, will lead the team which also includes Wallabies contenders Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Filipo Daugunu and Andy Muirhead. ___ Squad: Blair Kinghorn (Scotland), Darcy Graham (Scotland), Jamie Osborne (Ireland), Owen Farrell (England, captain), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Ben White (Scotland); Henry Pollock (England), Josh van der Flier (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Scott Cummings (Scotland), James Ryan (Ireland), Finlay Bealham (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland). Reserves: Ewan Ashman (Scotland), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Tom Clarkson (Ireland), Gregor Brown (Scotland), Ben Earl (England), Alex Mitchell (England), Marcus Smith (England), Garry Ringrose (Ireland). __ AP rugby: in this topic
