Perriams Pacesetter — 24 August 2026

Every Monday we post some thoughts in our Perriams Pacesetter, containing fresh thoughts for the week, the weekend just gone, and a bit of left field. Click below to read.

GEM

The ABs are now back in world rugby. 33–16. Five tries to one.

Their first win in four years, and their first at Ellis Park against South Africa.

TOPICAL

The current flu has put enormous pressure on our health system, which was already under the pump. Let’s hope that this week there is some reprieve for our healthcare workers and employers, and everyone feeling unwell.

University of Otago Professor of Public Health Michael Baker is calling for stronger advice about masks.

Remember those things we all donned over Covid?

SPOTLIGHT

A ruling about the use of Airbnbs has been called a “potential game changer” by many.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Tribunal has made a decision about the use of a unit in Christchurch, which may set a precedent about Airbnb houses for short-term rentals.

Watch this space.

OF INTEREST

Longevity expert Dr Sabine Donnai on four health pillars to get from age 65–85:

Keep on moving Stress and sleep Nutrition Reduce your toxic load

SPORTIFY

It just could be our year. Up the Wahs!

On that note, the Wahs are now at the top of the table for the NRL.

OPINION

Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Friday ruled on working with National on some things, such as long-term infrastructure projects.

Well, it’s about time someone in a party has come out with this, because infrastructure should not be a political football.

Over many years, both National and Labour have scorched the suggestion.

The real debate, however, is how do we pay for this?

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK?

Where are you with three meals a day?

What’s the key? There’s no one size fits all.

What’s not the key? Snacking at night! 🙁

TAX TALK

Insurers want employees to be exempted from Fringe Benefit Tax on health insurance for workers, but health economists say the money would have more impact in the public health system.

What do you think?

THE MARKETS

Power companies.

We’re all tired of power companies reporting billions of dollars in earnings as household bills rise.

It’s time the Government ruled on separation of the gentailers’ power production from their retail businesses.

Our power prices rose 12% on average last year and rose again about 8% in April this year.

Time the Government put their big pants on and sorted this.

OCR 2.5% ↑ July 2026 CPI 4.1% ↑ June 2026 Unemployment 5.3% ↓ March 2026 House Price Movement 2.3% ↑ July 2024 Rent Price Movement 4.3% ↑ July 2024

Only 123 days to go until Christmas!

PERRIAMS POWER RANKINGS – 24 August 2026

Each week we announce Perriams power rankings for the week.

1. The All Blacks

Who else? The All Blacks’ win over South Africa in the first of four tests. No one saw a 33–16 score coming. 😊

2. The Wahs

Still winning, still in the top four — and now on top!

3. The All Blacks again

Back to the All Blacks’ win. The third spot also this week — no one else got a look in.

3=. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Playing on with a broken collarbone in the Wahs’ win over the Rabbitohs.