> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # News Briefing: 12 February 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-12-february-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-11T19:14:53.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-11T19:48:29.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE** Matt Nippert (Herald: [New Zealand slips off least-corrupt podium](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-zealand-slips-off-least-corrupt-podium/VFKRTYE22ZDGXDY5WHBVS3STLA/?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie and Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Business of Govt: corruption, transparency and purgatory](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/public-sector/business-of-govt-corruption-transparency-and-purgatory?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [David Seymour’s 48 hours under fire](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360577496/david-seymours-48-hours-under-fire?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Hooton (Patreon): [Has David Seymour gone mad?](https://www.patreon.com/posts/has-david-gone-122051358?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: David Seymour is a very naughty boy](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/12-02-2025/echo-chamber-david-seymour-is-a-very-naughty-boy?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Moir (RNZ): ['They all got sacked' - PM scores own goal at Question Time](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541549/they-all-got-sacked-pm-scores-own-goal-at-question-time?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Moir (RNZ): [National MPs play down row with ACT's David Seymour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541521/national-mps-play-down-row-with-act-s-david-seymour?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Mark Mitchell: David Seymour should have gone to police watchdog instead of writing letter of support for Polkinghorne](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360576654/mark-mitchell-david-seymour-should-have-gone-police-watchdog-instead-writing-letter-support?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Luxon needs to rein in Seymour over 'three ring circus' - Hipkins](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541600/luxon-needs-to-rein-in-seymour-over-three-ring-circus-hipkins?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Seymour is the fly in Luxon's ointment](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-seymour-is-the-fly-in-luxons-ointment/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Seymour has 'very positive' meeting with PM amid letter disagreement](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/seymour-has-very-positive-meeting-with-pm-amid-letter-disagreement/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (RNZ): [David Seymour meets with PM after war of words over Polkinghorne letter](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360576476/david-seymour-meets-pm-after-war-words-over-polkinghorne-letter?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Seymour won't be punished by Parliament for Land Rover stunt, but police charges possible](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541536/seymour-won-t-be-punished-by-parliament-for-land-rover-stunt-but-police-charges-possible?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Speaker expresses 'strong displeasure' at Seymour's Land Rover stunt](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/speaker-expresses-strong-displeasure-at-seymours-land-rover-stunt/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Seymour and Luxon: coalition partners, not political soulmates](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360577337/seymour-and-luxon-coalition-partners-not-political-soulmates?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Richard Pebble (Herald): [Govt should embrace artificiaI intelligence to tackle NZ’s $15b payment fraud problem](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/govt-should-embrace-artificiai-intelligence-to-tackle-nzs-15b-payment-fraud-problem-richard-prebble/X2UG75H5Z5CEXJCMDA7XWNUUHA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mountain Tui: [Who Does Shane Jones work for? "Woke" Banks have $132m exposure to risky petrol stations](https://mountaintui.substack.com/p/who-does-shane-jones-work-for) Elizabeth Allen: [Preaching the gospel of neo-libertarianism Part I](https://elizabethallen.substack.com/p/preaching-the-gospel-of-neo-libertarianism) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Collins calls for culture of 'Yes Minister, but...'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541591/collins-calls-for-culture-of-yes-minister-but?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [Judith Collins warns public service chiefs to show respect to taxpayers](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/judith-collins-warns-public-service-chiefs-to-show-respect-to-taxpayers/2YKH5MTIFBAMXLHHVNUOBWCUCU/?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Yes Minister: Judith Collins talks tough to public service bosses](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360577447/yes-minister-judith-collins-throws-down-gauntlet-public-service-bosses?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Ex-public servants still searching for work after last year's public sector cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541564/ex-public-servants-still-searching-for-work-after-last-year-s-public-sector-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) **POLLS** 1News: [Poll: How confident are Kiwis in Willis delivering economic growth?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/poll-how-confident-are-kiwis-in-willis-delivering-economic-growth/?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [National faces historically bad polling. Here’s what that means for the Government](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360576680/national-faces-historically-bad-polling-heres-what-means-government?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [First polls of 2025 show coalition losing](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/first-polls-of-2025-show-coalition) Eva Corlett (Guardian): [New Zealand government loses ground in polls as economic concerns grow](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/new-zealand-opinion-polls-christoper-luxon-popularity-rating-low?ref=goodoil.news) Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Left bloc gains as coalition struggles amid voter discontent, Luxon-Seymour relationship](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/left-bloc-gains-as-coalition-struggles-amid-seymour-controversy-the-front-page/CXDIKXF77RHPPGJNYXG7GEU6ME/?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): [Poor polls and ‘political sideshows’ distract from government’s growth message](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/11-02-2025/poor-polls-and-political-sideshows-distract-from-governments-growth-message?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Christopher Luxon responds to National's poll hit](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/christopher-luxon-responds-to-nationals-poll-hit/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Poll results a reflection of ‘economic pain’ of Kiwis, Luxon says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360576574/poll-results-reflection-economic-pain-kiwis-luxon-says?ref=goodoil.news) Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [Luxon is driver of a car full of impatient children](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-luxon-is-driver-of-a-car-full-of-impatient-children/?ref=goodoil.news) **SALVATION ARMY STATE OF THE NATION REPORT** Felix Walton (RNZ): '[Things have got tougher' - Salvation Army releases latest State of the Nation report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541574/things-have-got-tougher-salvation-army-releases-latest-state-of-the-nation-report?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Five key takeaways from the Salvation Army’s State of the Nation report](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360577117/five-key-takeaways-salvation-armys-state-nation-report?ref=goodoil.news) Harriet Laughton (Post): [‘An absolute travesty’: Salvation Army report paints grim picture of NZ’s challenges](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360577753/absolute-travesty-salvation-army-report-paints-grim-picture-nzs-challenges?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Life has got worse for those on benefits and low incomes](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/life-has-got-worse-for-those-on-benefits-and-low-incomes/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ECONOMY, WEALTH VISA, TAXES, PRIVATISATION** Girol Karacaoglu (Interest): [The case for the wellbeing framework](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/131843/girol-karacaoglu-sees-battle-priesthoods-underway-while-economy-goes-down?ref=goodoil.news) Craig Renney: [Luxon dreams of development](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/luxon-dreams-of-development) Simon Wilson (Herald): [Helpful ideas for Christopher Luxon as we ‘go for growth’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/some-helpful-ideas-for-christopher-luxon-as-we-go-for-growth-simon-wilson/AV6IHG4NK5FK3ABV7OBYQHVEXE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Chaplin (BusinessDesk): [Money planet: the new cut-price billionaire-backpacker routes to NZ](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/money-planet-the-new-cut-price-billionaire-backpacker-routes-to-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): [Inside Economics: The return of ‘voodoo economics’ - do lower taxes generate more revenue?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/inside-economics-the-return-of-voodoo-economics-do-lower-taxes-generate-more-revenue/W5KSROZMENGU7EEVMCHC4LARAI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [PM's summit hastens new overseas investor regime](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/pms-summit-hastens-new-overseas-investor-regime?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [How to attract foreign investment in infrastructure projects](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/how-to-attract-foreign-investment-in-infrastructure-projects/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lachlan Colquhoun (NBR): [Privatisation: the good, the bad, and the ugly](https://www.nbr.co.nz/underarm/privatisation-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Erica Stanford brainstorming ideas to bring back Chinese tourists](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/erica-stanford-brainstorming-ideas-to-bring-back-chinese-tourists/MK672IEEKBA4PGTVRHI62PGKV4/?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Local brain drain coming as Govt focuses on foreigners](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/local-brain-drain-coming-as-govt-focuses-on-foreigners-editorial/QW3IH6MSERDLTPU2FXPNVOHY2U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Economic outlook brighter for 2025 with 2.5% growth forecast - Westpac](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541579/economic-outlook-brighter-for-2025-with-2-point-5-percent-growth-forecast-westpac?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE** Anna Powles (Post): [NZ’s challenge in a fast-changing Pacific](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360577384/nzs-challenge-fast-changing-pacific?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) No Right Turn: [Colonialism towards the Cook Islands](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/02/colonialism-towards-cook-islands.html?ref=goodoil.news) Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): [China: Cook Islands' relationship with Beijing 'should not be restrained'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541503/china-cook-islands-relationship-with-beijing-should-not-be-restrained?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [China says Cook Islands' PM visit isn't meant to antagonise](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/china-says-cook-islands-pm-visit-isnt-meant-to-antagonise/?ref=goodoil.news) Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On Surviving The 47th US President](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2502/S00011/gordon-campbell-on-surviving-the-47th-us-president.htm?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Trump’s war on aid casts shadow over Pacific](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/10/trumps-war-on-aid-casts-shadow-over-pacific/?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Ogden (The Conversation): [As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’](https://theconversation.com/as-trump-abandons-the-old-world-order-nz-must-find-its-place-in-a-new-pax-autocratica-249358?ref=goodoil.news) Jason Young (Newsroom): [NZ should be worried about China’s trade statistics](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/10/nz-should-be-worried-about-chinas-trade-statistics/?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [NZ and world about to discover how much protectionism ‘sucks’, economist says](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nz-and-world-about-to-discover-how-much-protectionism-sucks-economist-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Tiwai smelter possible loser as Trump follows through on metals tariffs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360577037/tiwai-smelter-possible-loser-trump-follows-through-metals-tariffs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** John Campbell (1News): [Will Simeon Brown fix our 'dire' health system?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/12/john-campbell-will-simeon-brown-fix-our-dire-health-system/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [MPs debate Health NZ boss' early exit](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541572/mps-debate-health-nz-boss-early-exit?ref=goodoil.news) Renee Liang (North & South): [Lives and money: The dangerous business of health privatisation](https://northandsouth.co.nz/2025/02/11/lives-and-money-the-dangerous-business-of-health-privatisation/?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Te Whatu Ora says patient safety, privacy and security priority in data and digital changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541510/te-whatu-ora-says-patient-safety-privacy-and-security-priority-in-data-and-digital-changes?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Fluoride policy won't change - Health Minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541548/fluoride-policy-won-t-change-health-minister?ref=goodoil.news) Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [NZ First introduces bill seeking referendum on fluoride in drinking water](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360576919/nz-first-introduces-bill-seeking-referendum-fluoride-drinking-water?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Fluoridation debate heats up at Rotorua council meeting](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/fluoridation-debate-heats-up-at-rotorua-council-meeting/KXOJQ2SQXREJJPFHRBBIRSFEBY/?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): [Why fluoridation is back in the spotlight](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/12-02-2025/why-fluoridation-is-back-in-the-spotlight?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Fears ageing hospital will fall apart](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/fears-ageing-hospital-will-fall-apart?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [New tech at Hawke's Bay Hospital to be kept in buildings with low quake ratings](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541598/new-tech-at-hawke-s-bay-hospital-to-be-kept-in-buildings-with-low-quake-ratings?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Judkins (Spinoff): [Are New Zealanders getting lonelier?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/12-02-2025/are-new-zealanders-getting-lonelier?ref=goodoil.news) Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: Funding a good death](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/541576/funding-a-good-death?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT, PRIMARY AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES** Eloise Gibson (RNZ): ['World leading' climate disclosure rules likely to be weakened](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541499/world-leading-climate-disclosure-rules-likely-to-be-weakened?ref=goodoil.news) Farah Hancock (RNZ): [Locals fear a fast-tracked sand mining plan will turn Bream Bay’s pristine beaches to mud](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/541571/locals-fear-a-fast-tracked-sand-mining-plan-will-turn-bream-bay-s-pristine-beaches-to-mud?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Illegally drained Kaimaumau Wetland recovery could take 10 years with 'very high' cost, says expert](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541544/illegally-drained-kaimaumau-wetland-recovery-could-take-10-years-with-very-high-cost-says-expert?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Small-scale Tasman wetlands tackle environmental restoration in bites](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/small-scale-tasman-wetlands-tackle-environmental-restoration-in-bites/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [DOC faces 30% shortfall in funding huts and tracks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541585/doc-faces-30-percent-shortfall-in-funding-huts-and-tracks?ref=goodoil.news) Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [West Coast council braces for new miners as gold price soars](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/west-coast-regional-council-braces-for-new-miners-as-gold-price-soars/?ref=goodoil.news) Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Prospectors home in on region, looking for gold in Otago](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/prospectors-home-region-looking-gold-otago?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Burns (Local Democracy Reporting): [Firm behind controversial plan to build energy plant in Waimate no longer owns the land](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541545/firm-behind-controversial-plan-to-build-energy-plant-in-waimate-no-longer-owns-the-land?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Shane Jones signals NZ First may break ranks with National on energy policy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360576530/shane-jones-signals-nz-first-may-break-ranks-national-energy-policy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Frontier Economics to lead government's review of electricity markets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541592/frontier-economics-to-lead-government-s-review-of-electricity-markets?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Electricity sector reviewers appointed to bring 'fresh perspective'](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/electricity-sector-reviewers-appointed-to-bring-fresh-perspective?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Smelter reboot tests gentailers’ appetite for renewables](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/04/tiwai-smelter-testing-gentailers-appetite-for-a-new-renewable-project/?ref=goodoil.news) Denise Piper (Herald): [Meridian’s solar farm in Ruakākā, Northland, gets green light, wetlands protected](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/meridians-ruakaka-solar-farm-gets-green-light-wetlands-protected/6P7TC5YRLFB2LFQ5UE4X3WE2SM/?ref=goodoil.news) **MĀORI-CROWN RELATIONS, TE AO MĀORI** Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Labour open to considering Parliamentary Commissioner for Te Tiriti](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541546/labour-open-to-considering-parliamentary-commissioner-for-te-tiriti?ref=goodoil.news) Pokere Paewai (RNZ): ['No integrity': Backlash after post falsely claimed warriors at Waitangi had ankle monitors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541565/no-integrity-backlash-after-post-falsely-claimed-warriors-at-waitangi-had-ankle-monitors?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Fake rūnanga photo draws the ire of Ngāpuhi chairperson](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541519/fake-runanga-photo-draws-the-ire-of-ngapuhi-chairperson?ref=goodoil.news) **WATER** Audrey Young (Herald): [Ngāi Tahu seeks greater control of water in crucial court case](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ngai-tahu-seeks-greater-control-of-water-in-crucial-court-case/YU442PN7ONFMNDD37PVIJQP3TM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Williams (Newsroom): [Iwi claim challenges parliamentary sovereignty, Crown says](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/12/iwi-claim-challenges-parliamentary-sovereignty-crown-says/?ref=goodoil.news) Tina Law (Press): [Proposed $15m Christchurch water provider could see households charged for use](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360575375/changes-possible-way-christchurch-residents-pay-water-services?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Lynch: [Who should control Christchurch’s water?](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/who-should-control-christchurchs-water/?ref=goodoil.news) Natalie Akoorie (RNZ): [Water Bill makes the government 'the evil penguin' - Hamilton councillor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541555/water-bill-makes-the-government-the-evil-penguin-hamilton-councillor?ref=goodoil.news) Stephen Ward (Waikato Times): [City council backs Waikato-Tainui over Water Services Bill](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360577050/city-council-backs-waikato-tainui-over-water-services-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ava Whitworth (Stuff): [Water dispute threatens to delay opening of new $100m Pak’nSave](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360576818/water-dispute-threatens-delay-opening-new-100m-paknsave?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** Harriet Laughton (Post): [Social grants reviewed in wake of Government’s ‘pipes and potholes’ edict](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576957/social-grants-reviewed-wake-governments-pipes-and-potholes-edict?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Lee (Herald): [Moving Western Springs Speedway: The troubling background to Auckland Council’s flawed decision](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/moving-western-springs-speedway-the-troubling-background-to-auckland-councils-flawed-decision-mike-lee/NNMRGVJHHRDDHASFJVU4LERGP4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Christchurch councils proposes a 9 percent rates hike](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541597/christchurch-councils-proposes-a-9-percent-rates-hike?ref=goodoil.news) Sinead Gill (Press): ['For the sake of democracy': Sydenham rezoning vote back with council](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360572482/sake-democracy-sydenham-rezoning-vote-back-council?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [16 homes in path of North Island town’s recommended ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360577488/16-homes-path-north-island-towns-recommended-floodway?ref=goodoil.news)floodways André Chumko (Post): [Movement on stalled Watts Peninsula plan ‒ finally](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360577434/watts-peninsula-reserve-council-proposes-co-manage-iwi?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Justin Wong (Post): [Ratepayer group takes Kāpiti council to court again](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576564/ratepayer-group-takes-kapiti-council-court-again?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rural ward advocates make bid for representation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360576545/rural-ward-advocates-make-bid-representation?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING** Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Government taking too long to fulfill social home pledge - provider](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541539/government-taking-too-long-to-fulfill-social-home-pledge-provider?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Kāinga Ora chief executive Matt Crockett announces tougher approach to rent debt](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541535/kainga-ora-chief-executive-matt-crockett-announces-tougher-approach-to-rent-debt?ref=goodoil.news) Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [Kāinga Ora announces new hard line on non-paying tenants](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360573156/kainga-ora-announces-new-hard-line-non-paying-tenants?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [What is the average house value in your town?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360575290/what-average-house-value-your-town?ref=goodoil.news) Jack Barrett (The Conversation): [Māori communities lead innovative ways of financing housing on ancestral lands](https://theconversation.com/maori-communities-lead-innovative-ways-of-financing-housing-on-ancestral-lands-247179?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Principal welcomes U-turn on speed limit consultation](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/12/principal-welcomes-u-turn-on-speed-limit-consultation/?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [Auckland Transport pushes back start of overnight parking charges - again](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360577088/auckland-transport-pushes-back-start-overnight-parking-charges-again?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Auckland Transport delays CBD parking charges for another year, Heart of the City welcomes move](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-transport-delays-cbd-parking-charges-for-another-year-heart-of-the-city-welcomes-move/F4YU2OS4F5ASVHUGXZ5BB4BUCU/?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Auckland Transport delays charges for overnight street parking until March 2026](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541562/auckland-transport-delays-charges-for-overnight-street-parking-until-march-2026?ref=goodoil.news) Luka Forman (RNZ): [Hopes for sustainable aviation fuel industry to take off in New Zealand](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541551/hopes-for-sustainable-aviation-fuel-industry-to-take-off-in-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Gravel road debate: Council to further delay decision](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541522/gravel-road-debate-council-to-further-delay-decision?ref=goodoil.news) **INSURANCE** Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Hawke’s Bay council next in gun as flood insurers pursue ‘negligence’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/11/hawkes-bay-council-next-in-gun-as-flood-insurers-pursue-negligence/?ref=goodoil.news) Ella Somers (Interest): [Tower warns NZ insurance at risk without climate funding clarity](https://www.interest.co.nz/insurance/131866/tower-insurance-warns-new-zealand-needs-clarify-climate-adaptation-funding-avoid?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Tower to return $45 million to shareholders after stellar year](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576592/tower-return-45-million-shareholders-after-stellar-year?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [By the numbers: Insurance premium rises slow from dreadful to just a bit more than inflation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360577011/numbers-insurance-premium-rises-slow-dreadful-just-bit-more-inflation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ella Somers (Interest): [Insurance costs keep climbing across NZ](https://www.interest.co.nz/insurance/131853/insurance-premiums-rise-nationwide-wellingtonians-and-cantabrians-paying-general?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, BANKS** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government to phase in new unjustified dismissal rules](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-to-phase-in-new-unjustified-dismissal-rules/R2PU62CKYZDMZBJBOA2ZWUEKEY/?ref=goodoil.news) Rebecca Thomson (Post): [Multiple interviews and competency tasks - the reality of job hunting](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360562019/multiple-interviews-and-competency-tasks-reality-job-hunting?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Karyn Scherer (NBR): [Foodstuffs admits mis-steps in pushing merger proposal](https://www.nbr.co.nz/retail/foodstuffs-admits-mis-steps-in-developing-merger-proposal/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [On the Money: SkyCity, an Auckland Uni conspiracy, WellingTEN, and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/on-the-money/on-the-money-skycity-an-auckland-uni-conspiracy-wellingten-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Bank lending isn't ‘woke’, say critics of NZ First bill](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/sustainable-finance/bank-lending-isnt-woke-say-critics-of-nz-first-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [‘Woke banks’ row: Bank reveals $132m exposure to risky petrol stations](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/11/bnz-clarifies-petrol-station-exposure-as-nz-first-takes-on-woke-banks/?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Talley’s fights to uncover identities of secret sources in TVNZ news investigation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-talleys-fights-to-uncover-identities-of-secret-sources-in-tvnz-news-investigation/OX6FFW7VLBFDHE4IE4BTBJ3CBE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [Facebook owner Meta in ‘early stages’ of scam protection for NZ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360576085/facebook-owner-meta-early-stages-scam-protection-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EDUCATION** Joanne Naish and Tatiana Gibbs (Press/Post): [Schools frustrated by administration ‘debacle’ from new lunch programme - and ‘chatbot that doesn’t work’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576023/frustration-teething-problems-new-lunch-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate Nicol-Williams (1News): [AI in schools 'something we can embrace'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/ai-in-schools-something-we-can-embrace/?ref=goodoil.news) Jack Riddell (Hawkes Bay Today): [Desperate Hawke’s Bay dad teaches kids to hitchhike 45km due to school bus cut](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hawkes-bay-teens-hitchhike-45km-to-school-and-back-after-school-bus-cut/KSMIQ7QDONDV7AT2LMQ7XWGSZY/?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Independent arbiter to determine Lake Alice torture redress for survivors](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360573130/independent-arbiter-determine-lake-alice-torture-redress-survivors?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Daniell (Listener): [Restorative justice: Rehabilitation advocates on why tough-on-crime policies won’t cut reoffending](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/crime/restorative-justice-rehabilitation-advocates-on-why-tough-on-crime-policies-wont-cut-reoffending/6DIFAK3YN5ALVEY4L6HJ5D23CA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Katie Ham (Post): [Two days left for public submissions on new stalking legislation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360575269/two-days-left-public-submissions-new-stalking-legislation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [Hitting minor crimes with proactive policing is what’s needed to curb major crimes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/addressing-minor-offending-with-proactive-policing-is-whats-needed-to-curb-spiralling-crime-rates-editorial/3H23GC42OVBJTCAJPR4LGGYBWQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dane Giraud: [Do prison reformers and free speech advocates want the same thing?](https://plainsight.nz/do-prison-reformers-and-free-speech-advocates-want-the-same-thing/?ref=goodoil.news) Sapeer Mayron (Sunday Star Times): [‘Eternal vigilance’: Why the rainbow community has to keep fighting](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360569483/eternal-vigilance-why-rainbow-community-has-keep-fighting?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Juha Saarinen (Interest): ['I think we should embrace it;' Bayly spruiks crypto currency trading for NZ](https://www.interest.co.nz/technology/131825/new-zealand-should-take-commercial-approach-crypto-currency-trading-and-embrace?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Remains of Moriori ancestors begin journey home from Australia](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/11/remains-of-moriori-ancestors-begin-journey-home-from-australia/?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Argue (RNZ): [Text message authentication the worst way to stop cyber criminals - report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541434/text-message-authentication-the-worst-way-to-stop-cyber-criminals-report?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [The end of 3G in 2025 and the impact on your phone or tablet](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541445/the-end-of-3g-in-2025-and-the-impact-on-your-phone-or-tablet?ref=goodoil.news) Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Waimea Community Dam opens after 24 years with lessons to be learnt](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541409/lessons-to-be-learnt-as-waimea-dam-opens-after-24-years?ref=goodoil.news) [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) # Cartoons ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F420cdff3-9a57-4729-8523-1085929658a3_1940x1552.png) Yeo - ODT 12 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29463dfb-be86-45b0-953f-02cd62ca6d85_2282x1497.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 12 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe929a890-f42a-410c-96b6-ca98b6818f1a_2114x1146.png) Vernon - The Post 12 February 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-12-february-2025/comments)