Saturday 7 November 2026 | three Australian and New Zealand stories first, then the main headlines from around the world.
Featured image: Photo: Gnangarra, CC BY 2.5 au, via Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative image of a Perth sports stadium.
Australia and New Zealand
1. New Zealand votes in a closely fought election
New Zealanders voted on Saturday, with more than 2,300 voting centres open. Preliminary counts indicated that the National-led bloc was ahead, but SBS News reported on Sunday that the result was still too close to call. National and Labour were each on about 29% of the vote, and around 400,000 special votes remain to be counted. The final result is due on 27 November.
2. Powerhouse Parramatta opens to the public
Powerhouse Parramatta, described by SBS News as the state’s largest museum, opened its doors in Western Sydney. The billion-dollar project holds about 3,000 objects across 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space, and about 25,000 people had registered for the opening weekend events.
3. Newcastle Jets lose 2-1 to Perth Glory
The Newcastle Jets lost 2-1 to Perth Glory in Perth on Saturday, their fourth defeat in the Asian Champions League Elite. Coach Mark Milligan said the team’s belief remains strong, the ABC reported.
Around the World
4. Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress
Following the 3 November US midterm elections, SBS News and Xinhua reported that Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending Republican control of Congress.
5. Qatar mediates as US and Iran hold indirect contacts
Qatar’s emir and President Trump discussed efforts toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran on Friday, Xinhua reported. Just Security reported that Trump told CNN that renewed attacks on Iran were unlikely while talks continue, and that he was due to meet Qatar’s prime minister and Vice President JD Vance.
6. Pope Leo XIV begins a three-country Latin America visit
Pope Leo XIV began a three-nation visit to Latin America, starting in Uruguay, according to SBS News.
Stories are included only where the reporting could be confirmed. Figures and details may be updated as events develop.
Sources
This report is a summary written in our own words from the following reporting: SBS News: New Zealand election bulletin, 7 November; SBS News bulletin, 8 November; SBS News: Powerhouse Parramatta; ABC News: Newcastle and Hunter briefing, 9 November; Nhan Dan world news in brief, 7 and 8 November; Just Security Early Edition, 9 November.
