> ## 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 May 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-12-may-2025/ - Published: 2025-05-11T20:14:27.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-11T21:32:25.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **PAY EQUITY, GOVERNMENT USE OF URGENCY** Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [The girl-math budget that will cut deep, especially for women](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360681822/girl-math-budget-will-cut-deep-especially-women?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [An ugly week for National MPs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/national-looks-for-inspiration-after-bruising-week-for-coalition-thomas-coughlan/XM2HW4YU5ZEXNLLYVYH2QRRPAU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): [National will pay a steep price for grotesquely bad pay review politics](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360683367/national-will-pay-steep-price-grotesquely-bad-pay-review-politics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Craig Renney: [Pay Equity Questions yet to be answered](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/pay-equity-questions-yet-to-be-answered) Verity Johnson (Stuff): [Kate Sheppard would be rolling in her grave after this week’s drive-by political shooting](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350411114/verity-johnson-kate-sheppard-would-be-rolling-her-grave-after-weeks-drive-political-shooting?ref=goodoil.news) Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Govt pay equity move opens Pandora’s Box](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-govt-pay-equity-move-opens-pandoras-box/C3STTTNB2JD5VG4SQAC5NIYVXM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Government’s political gamble backfires as backlash to pay equity reform grows](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/12-05-2025/governments-political-gamble-backfires-as-backlash-to-pay-equity-reform-grows?ref=goodoil.news) Paul Michel Taillon (Newsroom): [Paying women less won’t help the economy, stupid](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/10/paying-women-less-wont-help-the-economy-stupid/?ref=goodoil.news) Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Christopher Luxon’s pay equity blunder could be Chris Hipkins’ opportunity](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christopher-luxons-pay-equity-blunder-could-be-chris-hipkins-opportunity-shane-te-pou/74KWXP72W5FDFH2AR2W6GVSHOM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) GoodIdeas: [The human, democratic and political costs of attacking pay equity](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/the-human-democratic-and-political) (paywalled) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. the pay equity reforms](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/10/the-secret-diary-of-the-pay-equity-reforms/?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Taylor (Stuff): [Rushed legislation, forgotten women, and the triumphant return of the word 'pillock'](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360683636/sir-ian-taylor-rushed-legislation-forgotten-women-and-triumphant-return-word-pillock?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Gunn (Press/Post): [A nice word salad in lieu of pay equity for all those hard-working Kiwi women](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682855/nice-word-salad-lieu-pay-equity-all-those-hard-working-kiwi-women?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Hundreds brave downpours to protest Govt’s pay equity changes, MPs claim misinformation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/hundreds-brave-downpours-to-protest-govts-pay-equity-changes-mps-claim-misinformation/7SSEWQEUKFBC5HOOO6FLRAGNFY/?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [‘The fight is on’: Unions say pay equity protests will ramp up](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360684046/fight-unions-say-pay-equity-protests-will-ramp?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Protests against new pay equity legislation continue](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560561/protests-against-new-pay-equity-legislation-continue?ref=goodoil.news) Connie Buchanan (E-Tangata): [I’m one of the women ‘saving the budget’](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/im-one-of-the-women-saving-the-budget/?ref=goodoil.news) Matt Reid (Post): [The direct line between pay equity and the crisis among our children](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683742/direct-line-between-pay-equity-and-crisis-among-our-children?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to … King Lux: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/11/an-ode-to-king-lux-2/?ref=goodoil.news) Steven Cowan: [Brooke van Velden: Unavailable for comment](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/05/brooke-van-velden-unavailable-for.html?ref=goodoil.news) Brandon Johnstone (ISO): [Attacks on Pay Equity to Fund dirty deeds done dirt cheap Cuts for the Rich – This is Class War](https://iso.org.nz/2025/05/09/attacks-on-pay-equity-to-fund-tax-cuts-for-the-rich-this-is-class-war/?ref=goodoil.news) ————— 1News: [Q+A: Urgency under scrutiny as pay equity changes rushed through](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/11/urgency-under-scrutiny-as-pay-equity-changes-rushed-through/?ref=goodoil.news) Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Pay equity urgency and vested interests](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-pay-equity-urgency) Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Govt says do be hasty](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/govt-says-do-be-hasty?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR** Farah Hackcock (RNZ): [Ministers continue to make decisions on fast-track projects after parties take donations linked to applicants](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560641/ministers-continue-to-make-decisions-on-fast-track-projects-after-parties-take-donations-linked-to-applicants?ref=goodoil.news) Charlie Mitchell and Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [Inside the murky evolution of Dirty Politics 2.0](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360683288/inside-murky-evolution-dirty-politics-20?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [Why New Zealand needs more MPs (and more like David Parker)](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360680818/why-new-zealand-needs-more-mps-and-more-david-parker?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Labour's 'conviction politician' waves Parliament goodbye](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560590/the-house-labour-s-conviction-politician-waves-parliament-goodbye?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Bill to reinstate prisoner voting ban](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/bill%5Fto%5Freinstate%5Fprisoner%5Fvoting%5Fban.html?ref=goodoil.news) Roger Partridge: [Gmailgate: When the NZ Media Discover a Scandal and It Turns Out to Be a Printer](https://rogerpartridge.substack.com/p/gmailgate-when-the-nz-media-discover) David Farrar: [A nonsense issue](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/a%5Fnonsense%5Fissue.html?ref=goodoil.news) ————— 1News: Q+A: [Agencies urged to be more 'frank, honest' with public - watchdog](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/11/agencies-urged-to-be-more-frank-honest-with-public-watchdog/?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Who’s Your Boss: Paula Tesoriero](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360682075/whos-your-boss-paula-tesoriero?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Treasury registers interest in ride-share apps over taxis for staff](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/08/treasury-registers-interest-in-ride-share-apps-over-taxis-for-staff/?ref=goodoil.news) **BUDGET, ECONOMY, INFRASTRUCTURE** Anna Whyte (Post): [What public services can expect from Budget 2025](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360683154/what-public-services-can-expect-budget-2025?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Michelle Duff (Guardian): [‘Hollowing out’: New Zealand grapples with an uncertain future as record numbers leave](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/09/leaving-new-zealand-record-departure-numbers?ref=goodoil.news) Julie Jacobson (Post): [Wellington’s hidden hungry ‒ the middle class](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360679571/wellingtons-hidden-hungry-middle-class?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brian Easton (Pundit): [Seeking Fiscal Balance](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/seeking-fiscal-balance?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [It’s not the debt that’ll sink us](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/its-not-the-debt-thatll-sink-us?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Abercrombie (Herald): [What secondary teachers need from the education Budget](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/what-secondary-teachers-need-from-the-education-budget-chris-abercrombie/3GJA3IVXG5GTLODJ2HCBGAKZEU/?ref=goodoil.news) Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [Budget 2025: What's in it for the youth?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560653/budget-2025-what-s-in-it-for-the-youth?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Shepherd (NBR): [Luxon: Government boosts capital spend, keeps R&D tax credit](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/luxonpre-budgetspeech/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Scientists waiting to see the money in Budget 2025](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/scientists-waiting-to-see-the-money-in-budget-2025?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **SOCIAL MEDIA BAN** Derek Cheng (Herald): [Social media ban for under-16s: A good start, or ineffective ‘half-baked’ populism?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/social-media-ban-for-under-16s-a-good-start-or-ineffective-half-baked-populism/YPXDBEABK5ALFP4RSZV62RJOXY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [Social media ban for under-16s is too little, too late](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360679723/social-media-ban-under-16s-too-little-too-late?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Stuff): [Government to work on social media ban for under-16s, despite ACT disagreement](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360685048/government-work-social-media-ban-under-16s-despite-act-disagreement?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Social media ban for young people to be investigated - Luxon](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560623/social-media-ban-for-young-people-to-be-investigated-luxon?ref=goodoil.news) Ellen O’Dwyer (RNZ): [Australian politician who sparked social media ban says it's 'worth it' even if kids find way around it](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560655/australian-politician-who-sparked-social-media-ban-says-it-s-worth-it-even-if-kids-find-way-around-it?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Social media can be positive for teenagers, coaches and teachers say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560622/social-media-can-be-positive-for-teenagers-coaches-and-teachers-say?ref=goodoil.news) Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: Sudden surge of political concern about social media](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560595/mediawatch-sudden-surge-of-political-concern-about-social-media?ref=goodoil.news) David Harvey: [Deceptive Messaging](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/deceptive-messaging) Mark Callander (Post): [2degrees CEO: Why I support a social media ban](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360684230/2degrees-ceo-why-i-support-social-media-ban?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Damien Grant (Stuff): [Banning under 16s from social media will prove popular. Foolish ideas often are](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360683202/damien-grant-banning-under-16s-social-media-will-prove-popular-foolish-ideas-often-are?ref=goodoil.news) Georgina Stylianou (Post): [The law changes our kids really need (and no, a social media ban isn’t one of them)](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682757/law-changes-our-kids-really-need-and-no-social-media-ban-isnt-one-them?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** Azaria Howell (Herald): [Health New Zealand’s million-dollar spend on consultants to manage restructures](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/health-new-zealands-million-dollar-spend-on-consultants-to-manage-restructures/6DIFEQECWBFZPI4ECPUPMQWNL4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ian Powell: [A timely call for a social contract in health](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/a-timely-call-for-a-social-contract-in-health/?ref=goodoil.news) Public Health Communication Centre: [New Zealanders strongly support policies to curb alcohol harm – will government listen?](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/new-zealanders-strongly-support-policies-curb-alcohol-harm-will-government-listen?ref=goodoil.news) Denise Piper (Northern Advocate): [The doctor-less north: Stroke patient seen by telehealth at Kaitāia Hospital](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/the-doctor-less-north-stroke-patient-seen-by-telehealth-at-kaitaia-hospital/GUWKO3QLBBA73A6EQVYDAHMBUM/?ref=goodoil.news) Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [Given months to live, a businessman looked overseas for treatment. Now he’s cancer free](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360680685/given-months-live-businessman-looked-overseas-treatment-now-hes-cancer-free?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [New cancer drugs get Pharmac boost](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560572/new-cancer-drugs-get-pharmac-boost?ref=goodoil.news) Katie Oliver (Herald): [Budget 2025: Coromandel policeman’s urgent plea for life-saving cancer drug](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/budget-2025-coromandel-policemans-urgent-plea-for-life-saving-cancer-drug/X45SE6ZKTBH77HQOXXYGLADR3M/?ref=goodoil.news) Avina Vidyadharan (Waikato Times/Post): [Peer support services begin at Waikato Hospital emergency department](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683257/peer-support-services-begin-waikato-hospital-emergency-department?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [ERA to facilitate bargaining between Health NZ and doctors’ union](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360679659/era-facilitate-bargaining-between-health-nz-and-doctors-union?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Huge perks for public sector doctors](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/huge%5Fperks%5Ffor%5Fpublic%5Fsector%5Fdoctors.html?ref=goodoil.news) Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [Warning signs NZ is heading for ‘relatively severe’ flu season](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682806/warning-signs-nz-heading-relatively-severe-flu-season?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Nicol-Williams (1News): [Hospice NZ sounds alarm about cost cutting, reduced services at hospices](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/12/hospice-nz-sounds-alarm-about-cost-cutting-reduced-services-at-hospices/?ref=goodoil.news) Kevin Norquay (Sunday Star Times): [Hospice care: Priceless, caring, and facing a ‘perilous’ future](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682331/hospice-care-priceless-caring-and-facing-perilous-future?ref=goodoil.news) **WAITANGI TRIBUNAL REVIEW, MĀORI-CROWN RELATIONS** Te Rina Kowhai (Te Ao Māori News): [A 50‑year check‑up, or a step backwards? Experts weigh in on the Waitangi Tribunal Review](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/12/a-50year-checkup-or-a-step-backwards-experts-weigh-in-on-the-waitangi-tribunal-review/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka assures outcome of Waitangi Tribunal review won't be predetermined](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560559/maori-development-minister-tama-potaka-assures-outcome-of-waitangi-tribunal-review-won-t-be-predetermined?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Waitangi Tribunal review to kick off this year, Government confirms](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/waitangi-tribunal-review-to-kick-off-this-year-government-confirms-act-calls-it-activist/26L35ZWBDFCFPNMHQG4ONDTRMA/?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Potaka launches review of Waitangi Tribunal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/09/potaka-announces-review-of-waitangi-tribunal/?ref=goodoil.news) Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [Government announces review into ‘activist’ Waitangi Tribunal](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360683981/government-announces-review-activist-waitangi-tribunal?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Government launches review of Waitangi Tribunal’s reach](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360683886/government-launches-review-waitangi-tribunals-reach?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Government announces review into Waitangi Tribunal, Seymour calls it 'activist'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560498/government-announces-review-into-waitangi-tribunal-seymour-calls-it-activist?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Regulatory Standards Bill claim brought forward by Tribunal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560514/regulatory-standards-bill-claim-brought-forward-by-tribunal?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Presland (The Standard): [Get ready for the Regulatory Standards Bill](https://thestandard.org.nz/get-ready-for-the-regulatory-standards-bill/?ref=goodoil.news) Tainui Stephens (E-Tangata): [Audacious incompetence](https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/audacious-incompetence/?ref=goodoil.news) Ben Thomas (Post): [Settlements about opening doors not shutting them](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683728/settlements-about-opening-doors-not-shutting-them?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Carwyn Jones (E-Tangata): [Making Matike Mai happen](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/making-matike-mai-happen/?ref=goodoil.news) **TAX** RNZ: [Inland Revenue discovers millions in unpaid tax from property developers and investors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560481/inland-revenue-discovers-millions-in-unpaid-tax-from-property-developers-and-investors?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [IRD crackdown on property developers and investors finds $150m in undeclared tax](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133213/property-developers-and-investors-irds-sights-under-reporting-gst-and-income-tax?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Knox (Herald): [Gangs, cash, tradies and babysitting: How big is New Zealand’s black market and how much tax are we missing out on?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gangs-cash-tradies-and-babysitting-how-big-is-new-zealands-black-market-and-how-much-tax-are-we-missing-out-on/C7R6MO46CZB7JDTZBCWCTC5FSE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Over $160 million in outstanding tax refunds still unclaimed, Inland Revenue data shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560594/over-160-million-in-outstanding-tax-refunds-still-unclaimed-inland-revenue-data-shows?ref=goodoil.news) Amy Cruickshank (Newsroom): [Charity donation tax incentives not as generous as we think](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/11/charity-donation-tax-incentives-not-as-generous-as-we-think/?ref=goodoil.news) **ABUSE IN CARE** Glenn McConnell, Steve Kilgallon and Edward Gay (Stuff): [‘A broken promise’: Abuse in care survivors left reeling after Government announcement](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360684048/broken-promise-abuse-care-survivors-left-reeling-after-government-announcement?ref=goodoil.news) Fox Meyer (Newsroom): ‘[We had a right to expect much better today’: Survivors get pay but no power](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/09/we-had-a-right-to-expect-much-better-today-survivors-get-pay-but-no-power/?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Moir (RNZ): [No new compensation scheme for abuse survivors, more funds for current system](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560463/watch-live-no-new-compensation-scheme-for-abuse-survivors-more-funds-for-current-system?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Jury out on abuse redress](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/jury-out-abuse-redress?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Philip Crump: [NZME’s New Chapter and the Six Challenges Undermining Media Trust](https://cranmer.substack.com/p/nzmes-new-chapter-and-the-six-challenges) RNZ: [NZME board backs nomination of Steven Joyce as chair, Jim Grenon's bid as candidate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560501/nzme-board-backs-nomination-of-steven-joyce-as-chair-jim-grenon-s-bid-as-candidate?ref=goodoil.news) Shayne Currie (Herald): [NZME’s bitter board battle at end - Steven Joyce to be chairman, Jim Grenon to be director, alongside three existing board members](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzmes-bitter-board-battle-at-end-steven-joyce-to-be-chair-jim-grenon-to-be-director-alongside-three-existing-board-members/666FX2SLTFBSBGAKNL3EX7P6KI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Is the battle for control at NZME over?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360684052/battle-control-nzme-over?ref=goodoil.news) BusinessDesk: [Steven Joyce to chair NZME](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/steven-joyce-to-chair-nzme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) NBR: [NZME board battle ends as Grenon and Joyce nominations backed](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/nzme-board-battle-ends/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dita De Boni (Post): [Grenon, associates and NZME appear to reach a deal over board involvement](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360683903/grenon-associates-and-nzme-appear-reach-deal-over-board-involvement?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dita De Boni (Post): [Mid-way through a board stoush, NZME partners with Aussies for car listings service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360683169/mid-way-through-board-stoush-nzme-partners-aussies-car-listings-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Stuff: [The NZ Media Council upholds complaint about Stuff’s failure to disclose paid sponsorship](https://www.stuff.co.nz/wellbeing/360683845/nz-media-council-upholds-complaint-about-stuffs-failure-disclose-paid-sponsorship?ref=goodoil.news) Karl du Fresne (Post): [The colourful life and times of Bob Brockie ‒ obituary](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682079/colourful-life-and-times-bob-brockie-obituary?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **JUSTICE, POLICE, CRIME** Justin Hu (1News): [Govt backs away from promised 500 new cops by November: 'Not a failure'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/11/govt-backs-away-from-promised-500-new-cops-by-november-not-a-failure/?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Thorpe (Herald): [Police Commissioner: 500 new officers likely delayed to mid-2026](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-commissioner-500-new-officers-likely-delayed-to-mid-2026/ZXDLSVF3DFCJPD5PDOQ5UJAVWA/?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Government must keep its promise for 500 extra cops](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/government-must-keep-its-promise-for-500-extra-cops-editorial/TAAGQCDRV5DPVOITNOC2T3PDOI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Finn Blackwell (RNZ): [Government announces harsher penalties for boy racers, fleeing drivers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560605/government-announces-harsher-penalties-for-boy-racers-fleeing-drivers?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Boy racers crackdown: Swift destruction of vehicles under proposed legislation, new powers for police](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/boy-racers-crackdown-swift-destruction-of-vehicles-under-proposed-legislation-new-powers-for-police/RPN4MERT3NGVBFWZ7LDNWY77NM/?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Makiha (Rotorua Daily Post): [Street racing-plagued Rotorua residents welcome law change to have vehicles destroyed or forfeited](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/street-racing-plagued-rotorua-residents-welcome-law-change-to-have-vehicles-destroyed-or-forfeited/SV2VF4MQIBAL3CVP2GIQRWHAFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Benn Bathgate (Stuff): [New laws aim to put the brakes on illegal street and boy racers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360684910/new-laws-aim-put-brakes-illegal-street-and-boy-racers?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Government puts $35m towards keeping drugs out of the country](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560558/government-puts-35m-towards-keeping-drugs-out-of-the-country?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Drug gangs and the Govt are both increasing funding, who will win?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/drug-gangs-and-the-govt-are-both-increasing-funding-who-will-win-editorial/QEMLKNMQ25DVNCWZ4MASEAX2QY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FIREARMS REGISTRY** Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Firearms registry review: Act triggers rarely used coalition clause amid disagreement with National](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/firearms-registry-review-act-triggers-rarely-used-coalition-clause-amid-disagreement-with-national/53HWS7IKXFBOPCUJ6GXRRC2ZJA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [ACT invokes 'agree to disagree' clause over firearms registry review](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560619/act-invokes-agree-to-disagree-clause-over-firearms-registry-review?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Stuff): [ACT declares disagreement with coalition partners over firearm registry](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360685029/act-declares-disagreement-coalition-partners-over-firearm-registry?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS, FINANCIAL SERVICES** Arena Williams (Interest): [National's closed-door deal to protect bank profits](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/133215/labours-arena-williams-says-government-siding-big-banks-choosing-deny-people-who-may?ref=goodoil.news) Janine Starks (Post): [Banks introduce new code for scam repayments - shame about the gaping holes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360683606/banks-introduce-new-code-scam-repayments-shame-about-gaping-holes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Borja Ares (Sunday Star Times): [Banks’ scam code ‘hollow gesture’ to protect themselves, scam victim says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360681817/banks-scam-code-hollow-gesture-protect-themselves-scam-victim-says?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [What we learned from ANZ, Westpac and BNZ’s half year profit announcements](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360683732/what-we-learned-anz-westpac-and-bnzs-half-year-profit-announcements?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Brent Edwards (NBR): [Why business should care about local body elections](https://www.nbr.co.nz/nbr-focus/why-business-should-care-about-the-local-body-elections/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike McRoberts (NBR): [A turning point for Māori representation](https://www.nbr.co.nz/nbr-focus/a-turning-point-for-maori-representation/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [Auckland mayor Wayne Brown rates Government a ‘B+’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360684908/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-rates-government-b?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled) Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [In the wings: Desley Simpson is biding her time](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/12-05-2025/in-the-wings-desley-simpson-is-still-waiting?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Wayne Brown, Kerrin Leoni fight it out for multicultural Auckland](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360680942/wayne-brown-kerrin-leoni-fight-it-out-multicultural-auckland?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Why the so-called Super City hasn’t delivered for Aucklanders](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/why-the-so-called-supercity-hasnt-delivered-for-aucklanders-bruce-cotterill/HGV5TABHH5GS3GVYCIXCQWULY4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [From mattresses to marijuana: Auckland’s illegal dumping problem grows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560518/from-mattresses-to-marijuana-auckland-s-illegal-dumping-problem-grows?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt (Post): [Ten days to decide: Councillors slam surprise May 22 water reform deadline](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683653/ten-days-decide-councillors-slam-surprise-may-22-water-reform-deadline?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington mayoral race: Who wants the top job?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560651/wellington-mayoral-race-who-wants-the-top-job?ref=goodoil.news) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Rates rises front of mind as residents have their say](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360684271/rates-rises-front-mind-residents-have-their-say?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Are back-to-back road works stalling city?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360677435/are-back-back-road-works-stalling-city?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga flood map update a ‘win’ for landowners, developers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560573/tauranga-flood-map-update-a-win-for-landowners-developers?ref=goodoil.news) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Inside the new office building Tauranga City Council is paying $91.9m to lease](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560437/inside-the-new-office-building-tauranga-city-council-is-paying-91-point-9m-to-lease?ref=goodoil.news) Ruby Shaw (ODT): [‘Widely tipped’ to run for mayor](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98widely-tipped%E2%80%99-run-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ODT: [Claim higher water rates could sink cheese plant](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/claim-higher-water-rates-could-sink-cheese-plant?ref=goodoil.news) Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Email addresses shared by ORC](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/email-addresses-shared-orc?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [‘Gagged’ over benefits of Winton landfill](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98gagged%E2%80%99-over-benefits-winton-landfill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sophie Barker (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Sophie Barker on making Dunedin the best place to live](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360682736/candidates-corner-sophie-barker-making-dunedin-best-place-live?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jules Radich (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Jules Radich on Dunedin, ‘our favourite place’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360683488/candidates-corner-jules-radich-dunedin-our-favourite-place?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrew Simms (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Andrew Simms on a better future for Dunedin](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360682618/candidates-corner-andrew-simms-better-future-dunedin?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Challengers emerge in race for Ruapehu mayoralty](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560554/challengers-emerge-in-race-for-ruapehu-mayoralty?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Council calls on Māori candidates to stand in local election](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560604/council-calls-on-maori-candidates-to-stand-in-local-election?ref=goodoil.news) Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [David Seymour backs watercress seller facing $600 council fee](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560627/david-seymour-backs-watercress-seller-facing-600-council-fee?ref=goodoil.news) **DEFENCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [US cuts back on generals to boost 'lethality' - should NZDF follow suit?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560649/us-cuts-back-on-generals-to-boost-lethality-should-nzdf-follow-suit?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post):[ Major defence firms line up for $2b helicopter spend](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360677400/major-defence-firms-line-2b-helicopter-spend?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Post: [Defence force service to be considered after vaccine case win](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360684348/defence-force-service-be-considered-after-vaccine-case-win?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Luxon calls for an ‘all of New Zealand’ investment in India relationship](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/560502/luxon-calls-for-an-all-of-new-zealand-investment-in-india-relationship?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Peters jokes about visiting Indian minister’s name](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/09/peters-jokes-about-visiting-indian-ministers-name/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [NZ swerves Trump tariff talks as Asia looms large](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/09/nz-swerves-trump-tariff-talks-as-asia-looms-large/?ref=goodoil.news) Maria Siow (South China Morning Post): [New Zealand’s ‘hawkish’ China turn drives its expanding Asian security footprint](https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3309787/new-zealands-hawkish-china-turn-drives-its-expanding-asian-security-footprint?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Sunday Star Times): [High-flying expat urges Kiwi businesses to look beyond China to the Gulf countries](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360680389/high-flying-expat-urges-kiwi-businesses-look-beyond-china-gulf-countries?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-12-may-2025)