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# News Briefing: 1 April 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-1-april-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-31T19:18:49.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-31T22:25:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

*Republished with Permission*  
  
Author: **Bryce Edwards**

**OPEN GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT**  
Jem Traylen (The Integrity Institute): [Still a “game of hide and seek” – 30+ years of OIA shenanigans](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-still-a-game-of)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [When moral authority is not enough](https://www.politik.co.nz/when-moral-authority-is-not-enough/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [Chief Ombudsman assesses agencies on OIA compliance](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/chief%5Fombudsman%5Fassesses%5Fagencies%5Fon%5Foia%5Fcompliance.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
John McLean: [Official Information Regress](https://mcleanj.substack.com/p/official-information-regress)  
Henry Cooke (Metro): [Cope and Change – How the Manurewa Marae saga imperils our excellent electoral system](https://www.metromag.co.nz/society/cope-and-change?ref=goodoil.news)  
Melissa Nightingale (Herald): [Ombudsman asks KiwiRail to release ‘excessive’ consultant spend after earlier ruling it should stay secret](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ombudsman-asks-kiwirail-to-release-excessive-consultant-spend-after-earlier-ruling-it-should-stay-secret/Q53Q3T523RBKJMWLP2UKUYYWPI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Question over mayoral meeting with Jones and Patterson](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/question-over-mayoral-meeting-jones-and-patterson?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [New poll results: A week of few distractions pays off for the coalition](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/poll/556773/new-poll-results-a-week-of-few-distractions-pays-off-for-the-coalition?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [RNZ-Reid Research poll: Coalition in front as Labour gains ground](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/poll/556772/rnz-reid-research-poll-coalition-in-front-as-labour-gains-ground?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Newton (RNZ): [RNZ-Reid Research poll: View all results and charts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/poll/556774/rnz-reid-research-poll-view-all-results-and-charts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Rising intolerance casts shadow over our political landscape](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rising-intolerance-casts-shadow-over-our-political-landscape-editorial/YCNT5YP3BJHCVMSXWOQLZACZY4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Aaron Smale (Listener): [Winston Peters’ talents mask hollow brittleness, which has hindered his ability to achieve anything notable](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/aaron-smale-winston-peters-talents-mask-hollow-brittleness-which-has-hindered-his-ability-to-achieve-anything-notable/CTFF5U2K2NHZZN76XYZJBPTCJ4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GREENS**  
Chris Trotter (Interest): [Compartmentalised politics](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132635/chris-trotter-says-tamatha-paul-welcome-seek-protection-mongrel-mob-dark-alley?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dave Armstrong (Herald): [Police workload a failure of funding elsewhere](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360635050/police-workload-failure-funding-elsewhere?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (herald): [Labour leader Chris Hipkins calls Greens’ Marama Davidson and discusses police row](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-calls-marama-davidson-and-discusses-police-row-the-greens-raise-some-legitimate-issues/LZQEX53YWBBDXBPI66OJLW5GAI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul plays songs critical of police at CubaDupa festival](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556711/wellington-central-mp-tamatha-paul-plays-songs-critical-of-police-at-cubadupa-festival?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Green MP Tamatha Paul plays anti-police songs after beat cop comments](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/green-mp-tamatha-paul-plays-anti-police-songs-after-beat-cop-comments/FCJRNYLS3VAGPH3KG4UCF6MX2Y/?ref=goodoil.news)  
—————  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Green MP Benjamin Doyle’s case offers lessons for all](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/green-mp-benjamin-doyles-case-offers-lessons-for-all-audrey-young/4ZOHOVDH7FF23I6QE5543S34MM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Madeleine Chapman (Spinoff): [Peters’ attack on Doyle is vile – and the Greens should have seen it coming](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/31-03-2025/peters-attack-on-doyle-is-vile-and-the-greens-should-have-seen-it-coming?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Hehir: [Insta-Judgment](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/insta-judgment) (paywalled)  
Jenna Lynch and Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Green MP Benajmin Doyle facing ‘death threats and abuse’ over social media account](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360634318/green-mp-benajmin-doyle-facing-death-threats-and-abuse-over-social-media-account?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Green MP Benjamin Doyle faces ‘immense’ death threats over social media content, Christopher Luxon calls remarks ‘inappropriate’, Winston Peters says Doyle should be investigated](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/green-mp-benjamin-doyle-faces-immense-death-threats-and-abuse-over-social-media-account/JGFVVTGZY5D5VBCX6YXGO52IJU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Call for prime minister to step in over Winston Peters' comments about Green MP](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556706/call-for-prime-minister-to-step-in-over-winston-peters-comments-about-green-mp?ref=goodoil.news)  
Daniel Perese (Te Ao Māori News): [Green Party co-leaders call out Deputy PM for ‘fanning flames of hatred’ towards queer community](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/31/green-party-co-leaders-call-out-deputy-pm-for-fanning-flames-of-hatred-towards-queer-community/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**COOK STRAIT FERRIES**  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Wily Winston wins out over Willis, ordering rail ferries again](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360634921/wily-winston-wins-out-over-willis-ordering-rail-ferries-again?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [Peters saves rail (from Willis)](https://www.politik.co.nz/peters-saves-rail-from-willis/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Mainfreight praises 'logical, sensible decision' to go with rail ferries](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/mainfreight-praises-logical-sensible-decision-to-go-with-rail-ferries?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
No Right Turn: [National’s ghost ships](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/nationals-ghost-ships.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Two new Cook Strait rail ferries to enter service in 2029 - Peters](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/two-new-cook-strait-rail-ferries-to-enter-service-in-2029-peters/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [New details of Cook Strait ferry replacement plan unveiled](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556720/new-details-of-cook-strait-ferry-replacement-plan-unveiled?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [New ferries will have rail but no frills, says Peters](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/31/new-ferries-will-have-freight-cars-but-no-frills-says-peters/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Two new rail ferries to replace aging Interislander fleet from 2029](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360634781/two-new-rail-ferries-replace-aging-interislander-fleet-2029?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Meet your new ferries, New Zealand: Winston Peters confirms Cook Strait ferries will be rail-enabled](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/meet-your-new-ferries-new-zealand-winston-peters-confirms-cook-strait-ferries-will-be-rail-enabled?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt and Thomas Manch (Post): [Two new rail-enabled ferries but price under wraps](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634645/winston-peters-announces-two-new-cook-strait-rail-enabled-ferries?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [The Cook Strait ferries saga, explained](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360635225/cook-strait-ferries-saga-explained?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Gunn: [Peters On Ferry Details: Will Be Made Of Steel, Travel On Water](https://andrewgunn.substack.com/p/peters-on-ferry-details-will-be-made) (paywalled)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Relief and frustration from staff over abandoned Health NZ restructuring](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556730/relief-and-frustration-from-staff-over-abandoned-health-nz-restructuring?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [‘A good night’s sleep’ for some Health NZ staff as restructure stops in three areas](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634530/health-nz-stops-restructure-three-areas-meaning-some-former-staff-could-return?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nikki Macdonald (Post): [Palliative care jobs saved after Health NZ rethink](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634847/palliative-care-jobs-saved-after-health-nz-rethink?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Health New Zealand stops restructuring in three areas](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556688/health-new-zealand-stops-restructuring-in-three-areas?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Specialists sent to Nelson Hospital amid concerns over staffing](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/specialists-sent-to-nelson-hospital-amid-concerns-over-staffing/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Reducing wait times to see specialists a priority - Health NZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556739/reducing-wait-times-to-see-specialists-a-priority-health-nz?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Powell: [Trumpian health leadership](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/03/31/trumpian-health-leadership/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ashley Bloomfield (Post): [Taking the first step towards a long-term health plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634200/why-we-should-take-first-step-towards-long-term-health-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Katie Todd (RNZ): [Doctors seek more information from Health NZ on plans for a national patient record database](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556757/doctors-seek-more-information-from-health-nz-on-plans-for-a-national-patient-record-database?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Tyson (Te Ao with Moana): [‘I always cover my smile’: The real cost of dental care in NZ](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/04/01/i-always-cover-my-smile-the-real-cost-of-dental-care-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [What happened to Covid — does anyone bother being vaccinated?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/what-happened-to-covid-does-anyone-bother-being-vaccinated/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Has tobacco tax hit its limit?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556755/has-tobacco-tax-hit-its-limit?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS**  
Anne Bardsley, Kristiann Allen and Jenny Salmond (Newsroom): [How many beautiful kitchens have come at the expense of workers’ lives?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/01/how-many-beautiful-kitchens-have-come-at-the-expense-of-workers-lives/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Govt to cut health and safety requirements for smaller businesses](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556728/govt-to-cut-health-and-safety-requirements-for-smaller-businesses?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Small business exempt from some health and safety rules](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360635227/government-expected-discuss-health-and-safety-post-cab?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [First tranche of health and safety reforms exempts small businesses, more coming this week](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/first-tranche-of-health-and-safety-reforms-exempts-small-businesses-more-coming-this-week?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Government to launch hotline for public to report excessive road cone use](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-to-launch-hotline-for-public-to-report-excessive-road-cone-use/QXRXQE7TMNEAFA623AVPQPRDUE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Living wage to increase from September 1](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/01/living-wage-to-increase-from-september-1/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Living wage to be increased to $28.95 per hour from September](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556747/living-wage-to-be-increased-to-28-point-95-per-hour-from-september?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SUPERMARKETS**  
Tim Hazeldine (Post): [Splitting Foodstuffs the most obvious course of action](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360635583/splitting-foodstuffs-most-obvious-course-action?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [Hang on, help is on its way. Maybe.](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/hang-help-its-way-maybe?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Christopher Luxon won't say if coalition partners would back breaking up supermarkets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556650/christopher-luxon-won-t-say-if-coalition-partners-would-back-breaking-up-supermarkets?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith (Herald): [Can the Government force supermarket duopoly de-merger? Competition lawyer explains](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/can-the-government-force-supermarket-duopoly-de-merger-competition-lawyer-explains/LE66II6FZ5GV7LKEADXPZ33B4E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [‘I see this as a turning point’: Minister’s supermarket announcement explained](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360635189/i-see-turning-point-ministers-supermarket-announcement-explained?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gregor Thompson (BusinessDesk): [Foodstuffs' Chris Quin and Woolworths say divestment will boost prices](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/foodstuffs-chris-quin-and-woolworths-say-divestment-will-boost-prices?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BANKING**  
Martien Lubberink (Interest): [The inquiry was about competition. Or wasn’t it?](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/132656/martien-lubberink-says-we-should-all-be-concerned-parliamentary-banking-inquiry?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Banks not ‘anti-competitive’ with environmental targets, commissioner says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360634968/banks-not-anti-competitive-environmental-targets-commissioner-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Barbara Edmonds’ $58 billion banking question](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360634783/barbara-edmonds-58-billion-banking-question?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Stuff): [Reserve Bank to call in international experts to review its bank capital settings](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360634866/reserve-bank-call-international-experts-review-its-bank-capital-settings?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenny Ruth: [RBNZ u-turn unlikely until Adrian Orr’s departure](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/rbnz-u-turn-unlikely-until-adrian) (paywalled)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [RBNZ ‘open-minded’ about relaxing capital requirements](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132649/political-pressure-pushes-reserve-bank-review-prudential-capital-requirements?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [RBNZ to review banks' regulatory capital settings](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/132642/reserve-bank-review-capital-requirements-banks-and-other-deposit-takers-years-end?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Reserve Bank announces review of bank capital requirements](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556699/reserve-bank-announces-review-of-bank-capital-requirements?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [RBNZ signals U-turn on bank capital requirements](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/finance/rbnz-signals-u-turn-on-bank-capital-requirements?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Reserve Bank's deposit protection measure could cause deposit interest rate fall - research finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556686/reserve-bank-s-deposit-protection-measure-could-cause-deposit-interest-rate-fall-research-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [RBNZ to offer settlement accounts to non-bank deposit takers & others](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/132647/non-bank-deposit-takers-gain-access-rbnz-settlement-accounts-expedited-application?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Reddell: [Not much parliamentary scrutiny](https://croakingcassandra.com/2025/03/31/not-much-parliamentary-scrutiny/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**RMA, INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: Reforming the reforms - the RMA is up for debate, again](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/556754/reforming-the-reforms-the-rma-is-up-for-debate-again?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Landscape architects worried RMA replacement could jeopardise NZ's unique 'everyday' scenery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556668/landscape-architects-worried-rma-replacement-could-jeopardise-nz-s-unique-everyday-scenery?ref=goodoil.news)  
Melanie Nelson: [A New Frontier: Regulatory Takings and the RMA](https://melanienelson.substack.com/p/a-new-frontier-regulatory-takings)  
Brian Easton (Pundit): [Public-Private-Partnerships?](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/public-private-partnerships?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maxine Jacobs (Stuff): [Selwyn’s growth nightmare: The cost of government underinvestment](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360633462/selwyns-growth-nightmare-cost-government-oversight?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Govt embarks on sale of 900 state houses, old and new](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/01/govt-embarks-on-sale-of-900-state-houses-old-and-new/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Over 86,000 hectares of arable land on urban fringes to be opened up for housing](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/31/86000-hectares-of-arable-land-on-urban-fringes-to-be-opened-up-for-housing/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Mountain of housing stock for sale as summer selling season ends](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132654/housing-market-heads-towards-winter-stock-levels-10-year-high?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [Number of homes for sale at highest level in 10 years](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360634344/number-homes-sale-highest-level-10-years?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [Fletcher Building’s pre-fab housing factory shuts up shop](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360634680/fletcher-buildings-pre-fab-housing-factory-shuts-shop?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
David Williams (Newsroom): [‘Interveners’ clash over freshwater court claim](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/01/interveners-clash-over-freshwater-court-claim/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Will Johnston (Stuff): [Three weeks, $85,000 to find three skinks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360632728/three-weeks-85000-find-three-skinks?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joe Shaw (RNZ): [Farmers 'stuck having to use bale wrap'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/556669/farmers-stuck-having-to-use-bale-wrap?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luka Forman (RNZ): [Invasive seaweed caulerpa found in new location in Bay of Islands](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556750/invasive-seaweed-caulerpa-found-in-new-location-in-bay-of-islands?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**POLICE, JUSTICE, CRIME**  
Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [‘You guys definitely want her ass booked’: Texts revealed in Golriz Ghahraman supermarket incident](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360634111/you-guys-definitely-want-her-ass-booked-texts-revealed-golriz-ghahraman-supermarket-incident?ref=goodoil.news)  
Post: [Attempt to overturn gang insignia conviction fails](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634884/attempt-overturn-gang-insignia-conviction-fails?ref=goodoil.news)  
Benedict Collins (1News): [Gangs making large profits amid 'bizarre' increase in meth use](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/29/gangs-making-large-profits-amid-bizarre-increase-in-meth-use/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
RNZ: [Councillor who leaked information claims Queenstown council failing to follow due processes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556748/councillor-who-leaked-information-claims-queenstown-council-failing-to-follow-due-processes?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Councillor under scrutiny for disclosure](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/councillor-under-scrutiny-disclosure?ref=goodoil.news)  
Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [The council spending $128m a year on salaries plus staff perks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360634308/council-spending-128m-year-salaries-plus-staff-perks?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Public invited to have their say on LTP](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/public-invited-have-their-say-ltp?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Call for green space rather than housing](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/call-green-space-rather-housing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Belford (Bay Buzz): [Local water, done very poorly](https://baybuzz.co.nz/local-water-done-very-poorly/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Yolisa Tswanya (Northern Advocate): [Illegal animal dumping in Far North raises water contamination fears](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/illegal-animal-dumping-in-far-north-raises-water-contamination-fears/VNF4I4XID5CY3JZG7EMBH422JY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**AUCKLAND**  
Finn Blackwell (RNZ): [Western Springs Speedway 'had the opportunity to put up a proposal’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556741/western-springs-speedway-had-the-opportunity-to-put-up-a-proposal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Ponsonby Rugby Club and music promoters challenge Ali Williams’ stadium plan at Western Springs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ponsonby-rugby-club-and-music-promoters-challenge-ali-williams-stadium-plan-at-western-springs/LOJCXUXOXZGHDIWWL4WWAWNCYI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paul Lewis (Herald): [Auckland stadium debate: The sports leader with a history of raising cash who could get the job done](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/auckland-stadium-debate-the-sports-leader-with-history-of-raising-cash-who-could-get-the-job-done-opinion/OMRBBHGO4RF7RADYNT4IVFQ2DA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**WELLINGTON**  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Windbag: Is Labour trying to freeze out its strongest Yimby?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/01-04-2025/windbag-is-labour-trying-to-freeze-out-its-strongest-yimby?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Wellington local elections: Who's running for mayor?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556749/wellington-local-elections-who-s-running-for-mayor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Business owner Karl Tiefenbacher announces bid for Wellington mayoralty](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634633/business-owner-karl-tiefenbacher-announces-bid-wellington-mayoralty?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Would-be mayor still involved in Wellington Live, interviews rival](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634222/would-be-wellington-mayor-yet-reveal-secret-buyer-deadline-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Amy Ridout (Stuff): [Closure capital: The Wellington suburb losing one public venue every two years](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360634453/closure-capital-wellington-suburb-losing-one-public-venue-every-two-years?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION, SCHOOL LUNCHES, SCIENCE**  
1News: [Seymour reveals the next two charter schools to be opened](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/seymour-reveals-the-next-two-charter-schools-to-be-opened/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Sixty schools without tuck shop provider after Libelle Group went into liquidation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556733/sixty-schools-without-tuck-shop-provider-after-libelle-group-went-into-liquidation?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New school lunches don't give kids enough energy, failing nutrition standards - report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556710/new-school-lunches-don-t-give-kids-enough-energy-failing-nutrition-standards-report?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cara Swit (The Conversation): [School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success](https://theconversation.com/school-phone-ban-one-year-on-our-student-survey-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-its-success-252179?ref=goodoil.news)  
Isaac Davison (Herald): [Law school stoush: Meeting called at Auckland University to decide contentious merger](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/law-school-stoush-meeting-called-at-auckland-uni-to-decide-contentious-merger/UGIFSDUX3NADDIKP65YMM5ZPXM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Uni defends need for affirmative action](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/uni-defends-need-affirmative-action?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Victoria University sees rise in student enrolment](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634796/victoria-university-sees-rise-student-enrolment?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CHARITIES, NON-PROFITS AND TAX**  
Juliet Chevalier-Watts (ODT): [Without churches, NZ would plunge into poverty and chaos](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/without-churches-nz-would-plunge-poverty-and-chaos?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): The Detail: [An atheist on why churches should remain tax-free](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/556652/an-atheist-on-why-churches-should-remain-tax-free?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Hehir (The Blue Review): [Minimal benefit, maximum harm](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/minimal-benefit-maximum-harm)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
David Hargreaves (Interest): ['Disconcerting lift' for inflation indicators in ANZ Business Outlook](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/132595/anz-chief-economist-says-firms-pricing-and-cost-expectations-have-risen-again-and?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Steady economic growth expected, but tariff threat looms](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556691/steady-economic-growth-expected-but-tariff-threat-looms?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: ['Better times lie ahead' for economy, but it won't be easy - ANZ survey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556736/better-times-lie-ahead-for-economy-but-it-won-t-be-easy-anz-survey?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Pricing and cost expectations may raise RBNZ eyebrows](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/pricing-and-cost-expectations-may-raise-rbnz-eyebrows?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Gavin Ellis: [But wait…there’s more (being sucked away)](https://knightlyviews.com/but-waittheres-more-being-sucked-away/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: NZME board comes out firing at Jim Grenon over editorial control, governance concerns; delays annual shareholders’ meeting until June](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-board-comes-out-firing-at-jim-grenon-over-editorial-control-governance-concerns-delays-annual-shareholders-meeting-until-june/KZYPKE6YQRD2PM6ATJ73VTFOLA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Fight for control of NZME delayed as shareholders’ meeting pushed back](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360635315/fight-control-nzme-delayes-shareholders-meeting-pushed-back?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZME directors 'have concerns' about businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556734/nzme-directors-have-concerns-about-businessman-jim-grenon-taking-editorial-control?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Stevenson (BusinessDesk): [NZME showdown delay a sign the company is out of ideas, Jim Grenon says](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nzme-showdown-delay-a-sign-the-company-is-out-of-ideas-jim-grenon-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rebecca Stevenson (BusinessDesk): [NZME board drama: shareholder showdown delayed](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nzme-board-drama-shareholder-showdown-delayed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Morning Report celebrates 50 years on air](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556756/morning-report-celebrates-50-years-on-air?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Greater Auckland: [The Government accidentally added us to their group chat](https://greaterauckland.substack.com/p/the-government-accidentally-added)  
RNZ: [Auckland airport overcharging: 'Prices will still rise to pay for development'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556743/auckland-airport-overcharging-prices-will-still-rise-to-pay-for-development?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland Airport lowering planned price increases after overcharging by $190 million](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556690/auckland-airport-lowering-planned-price-increases-after-overcharging-by-190-million?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Auckland Airport found to be over-charging by $190m, set to drop airline charges](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360634271/auckland-airport-found-be-over-charging-190m-set-drop-airline-charges?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Auckland Transport parking fees to increase next month](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/auckland-transport-parking-fees-to-increase-next-month/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland Transport putting up parking prices from mid-April](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556735/auckland-transport-putting-up-parking-prices-from-mid-april?ref=goodoil.news)  
Zane Small (Stuff): [The section of Auckland’s CBD that has racked up nearly $20m in fines since 2022](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360635579/section-aucklands-cbd-has-racked-nearly-20m-fines-2022?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sinead Gill (Stuff): [Speed humps decision ‘worthy of Monty Python’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360635605/speed-humps-divide-elected-members-circus-meeting?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Proposed pedestrian crossing 'bit of a joke' as different plans to be used for each side](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556742/proposed-pedestrian-crossing-bit-of-a-joke-as-different-plans-to-be-used-for-each-side?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Govt seeks new gas supply for schools, hospitals and other agencies in a tight market](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/govt-seeks-new-gas-supply-for-schools-hospitals-and-other-agencies-in-a-tight-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Sunday Star Times): [Why one offshore wind developer hasn't given up on NZ yet](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360625653/why-one-offshore-wind-developer-hasnt-given-nz-yet?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Commerce Commission puts off Contact-Manawa takeover decision to May 9](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/commerce-commission-puts-off-contact-manawa-takeover-decision-to-may-9/E4LIMRSH2FHK3OB3P77TMOYS6E/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Genesis Energy boosts coal stockpile amid winter power shortfall concerns](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/genesis-energy-boosts-coal-stockpile-amid-winter-power-shortfall-concerns/FTHG6KOM2VDQZEAF2HMOUZ3K34/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [US allies like NZ a 'critical component of deterrence' in space warfare - generals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556653/us-allies-like-nz-a-critical-component-of-deterrence-in-space-warfare-generals?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samuel Hume (Arena): [Developing for the next war: New Zealand’s Five Eyes satellite research](https://arena.org.au/developing-for-the-next-war-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Government won’t progress ‘Southern Link’ backed by Wayne Brown](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360626155/government-wont-progress-southern-link-backed-wayne-brown?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anne-Marie Brady (Newsroom): [Inquiry needed after ‘shocking naivety’ by NZ police over China](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/31/inquiry-needed-after-shocking-naivety-by-nz-police-over-china/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paula Penforld (Stuff): [The Consulate email, the WeChat group and the ‘private’ police trips to China](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360633064/consulate-email-wechat-group-and-private-police-trips-china?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [How Christopher Luxon’s patience paid off and got India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on side](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/how-christopher-luxons-patience-paid-off-and-got-indias-prime-minister-narendra-modi-on-side-fran-osullivan/34VVRKT64VEGRH5PWVB5U56YNU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Defence Force can't service Poseidon planes, sends them to Australia instead](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556423/defence-force-can-t-service-poseidon-planes-sends-them-to-australia-instead?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ABUSE IN CARE**  
Stephen Winter (Post): [Crunch point nears for government’s pledge to abuse survivors](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360634307/crunch-point-nears-governments-pledge-abuse-survivors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [Review: The Stolen Children of Aotearoa is confronting but essential viewing](https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/31-03-2025/review-the-stolen-children-of-aotearoa-is-confronting-but-essential-viewing?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**JACINDA ARDERN**  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Love and Hate: How Jacinda Ardern polarised a nation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360629440/love-and-hate-how-jacinda-ardern-polarised-nation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [The terror and tragedies that defined Jacinda Ardern’s first term as PM](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360629845/terror-and-tragedies-defined-jacinda-arderns-first-term-pm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Watch: The rise and fall of Jacinda Ardern - Part 1](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360632326/rise-and-fall-jacinda-ardern-part-1?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Are leaders rewarded for profile, not performance?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/are-leaders-rewarded-for-profile-not-performance-bruce-cotterill/LCAGQ7RWGFAKXI7LMNOM27E2WY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robert MacCulloch: [Soviet-born Oligarch gave Oxford's NZ Vice Chancellor Hood $150 million for a new School. He hired a Kiwi Dean to run it, who has now hired NZ's Ardern](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/soviet-born-oligarch-gave-oxford-s-nz-vice-chancellor-hood-150-million-for-a-new-school-he-hired-a?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Frances Cook (Spinoff): [‘I was too careful’: How the retirement commissioner would save differently now](https://thespinoff.co.nz/money/01-04-2025/i-was-too-careful-how-the-retirement-commissioner-would-save-differently-now?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Crown apologises for bringing 'death and division' to Ngāti Hāua](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/556708/crown-apologises-for-bringing-death-and-division-to-ngati-haua?ref=goodoil.news)  
Guyon Espiner (RNZ): [Influencers breaking law with casino ads to face crackdown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556675/influencers-breaking-law-with-casino-ads-to-face-crackdown?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Legal action taken over decision to cancel Whanau Ora contracts](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360633015/legal-action-taken-over-decision-cancel-whanau-ora-contracts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sandra Conchie (Bay of Plenty Times/Herald): [Tauranga’s Te Tuinga Whānau Support Services Trust in liquidation months after closing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/taurangas-te-tuinga-whanau-support-services-trust-in-liquidation-months-after-closing/HHPCTOOA45CYHOCQVORQSWZVXM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Green Party says it's time for Judith Collins to reveal what's wrong with government-funded satellite](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556620/green-party-says-it-s-time-for-judith-collins-to-reveal-what-s-wrong-with-government-funded-satellite?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Rocket Lab nets major Pentagon contract](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556578/rocket-lab-nets-major-pentagon-contract?ref=goodoil.news)  
Janine Starks (Post): [The need for care if KiwiSaver moves into private assets](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360632281/need-care-if-kiwisaver-moves-private-assets?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brittany Keogh (Post): [Wellington families pay more for childcare than rest of NZ – at $159/week](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360625918/wellington-families-pay-more-childcare-rest-nz-159week?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Paul Gorman (Listener): [Our competing weather agencies may have put lives at risk, so can Niwa & MetService now play nicely?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/storm-fronts-might-niwa-metservice-have-put-lives-at-risk/5ZQWASGRTRG3JOLXNR4SKI3ZZM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jack Riddell (Hawkes bay Today): [Hikurangi fault poses tsunami risk: Hawke’s Bay urged to prepare to evacuate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hikurangi-fault-poses-tsunami-risk-hawkes-bay-urged-to-prepare-to-evacuate/ZYYM6UIPVZFWBKECBO6HCSJ7HM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Benefit struggle: 'I've fallen into the trap of being 100 percent reliant on it'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556428/benefit-struggle-i-ve-fallen-into-the-trap-of-being-100-percent-reliant-on-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [InternetNZ accuses Free Speech Union of ‘destabilising’ the organisation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360634818/internetnz-accuses-free-speech-union-destabilising-organisation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

# Cartoons

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