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Good Policy Requires Courage
Where is the party with the courage to set New Zealand on the path to a better future – one where the good of New Zealanders is put first, and where there’s no kowtowing to vested interest groups demanding special privileges.
News Briefing: 23 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS Jo Moir (RNZ): Analysis: Finance Minister delivers 'nip and tuck’ Budget Janet Wilson (Post): Winners make gains at the expense of the strugglers (paywalled) Matthew Hooton (Herald): Budget reveals we’re going broke faster than we knew (paywalled) Jamie
‘Chumocracy’ and the Suppression of Prof MacCulloch
NZ needs more people like Robert MacCulloch willing to speak out. But if the price of dissent is this high, how many will choose to do so? His story is a good example of what happens when you dare to speak truth to power in a small country where the elites are all too interconnected.
Budget 2025: RNZ Gets a Trim, But the Media Gravy Train Keeps Chugging
This budget move should serve as a warning shot to every media outlet suckling at the government’s teat. You’re on notice: do your damn job. Report the facts, not your feelings.
Good Oil General Debate
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Face of the Day
TVNZ’s board had “complete confidence in Linda’s professional judgment and capabilities” but a “potential for a conflict” existed.
The Good Oil Word of the Day
The word for today is… guru (noun): 1: a personal religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism 2a: a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern b: one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent c: a person with knowledge or expertise : expert Source : Merriam -Webster
Carbon capture plan collapses, blowing hole in NZ’s emissions strategy
“Had a regulatory framework been in place five years ago, the commercial viability of the project would look quite different.”
Golden visa boom: wealthy Americans drive NZ residency surge under looser rules
“Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump.”
RFK Jr. backs US withdrawal from WHO, citing China’s influence and pandemic failures
“I urge the world’s health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organisation as a wake-up call.”
‘In the interests of our students’: School cancels youth-targeted LGBTQ+ event
“Our key role is in educating our students in a safe, happy and healthy environment.”
Winston Peters: ‘We’ve had enough’ – NZ joins allies urging Israel to allow Gaza aid
"We want the matter resolved—and now.”