> ## 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: 14 February 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-14-february-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-13T19:46:26.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-15T06:33:54.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT** Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Labour eyes swift return to Government](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/labour-eyes-swift-return-to-government-matthew-hooton/TJ7YA3J5IRBOTOQFC2W7Y3IVGA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Dunne: [Next election still National's to lose](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-first-opinion-polls-of-year-send.html?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [David Seymour’s letter to police advocating for Philip Polkinghorne - the full text and the questions the NZ Herald put to the Act leader](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/you-be-the-judge-david-seymours-letter-advocating-for-philip-polkinghorne-the-full-text-and-herald-questions/VGVSGJV7HRGFRGJPR4OZ7SHCRY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Martyn Bradbury (Daily Blog): [Why David Seymour was right to support Polkinghorne](https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/02/14/why-david-seymour-was-right-to-support-polkinghorne/?ref=goodoil.news) Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [Whoopsie: The accidental text that gives an insight into coalition relationship](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360580109/whoopsie-accidental-text-gives-insight-coalition-relationship?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Speaker won’t punish Seymour over Land Rover stunt](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360580298/speaker-wont-punish-seymour-over-land-rover-stunt?ref=goodoil.news) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [MPs to review Parliament's rules after land rover stunt](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541781/mps-to-review-parliament-s-rules-after-land-rover-stunt?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [A Land Rover drive isn't a crisis](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-a-land-rover-drive-isnt-a-crisis/?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [David Seymour’s antics eclipse true political crisis as Cook Islands go rogue](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymours-antics-eclipse-true-political-crisis-as-cook-islands-go-rogue-audrey-young/GORKUAHOEZH2LGTTJ2MTIUGS5M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Winston Peters v the ‘most constrained’ parliament in the world](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-02-2025/echo-chamber-winston-peters-v-the-most-constrained-parliament-in-the-world?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Shane Jones criticises Tākuta Ferris for not apologising in English after Privileges Committee report](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/shane-jones-criticises-takuta-ferris-for-not-apologising-in-english-after-privileges-committee-report/DRJ7FQUDV5FPDJ4PRNACKDMVXA/?ref=goodoil.news) **SUPERMARKETS** RNZ: [Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis rules nothing out in supermarket reform](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541850/economic-growth-minister-nicola-willis-rules-nothing-out-in-supermarket-reform?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): [Supermarkets back on notice – but has anything changed?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/14-02-2025/supermarkets-back-on-notice-but-has-anything-changed?ref=goodoil.news) Marko Garlick: [Supermarket YIMBYism](https://yesinourbackyards.substack.com/p/supermarket-yimbyism) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Supermarket competition push welcomed, but doubt Willis has the fix](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579929/supermarket-competition-push-welcomed-doubt-willis-has-fix?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Nicola Willis sets sights on supermarkets](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360579710/nicola-willis-sets-sights-supermarkets?ref=goodoil.news) Nona Pelletier (RNZ): [Government 'dialling up pressure' on New Zealand's grocery duopoly - what else is needed?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541799/government-dialling-up-pressure-on-new-zealand-s-grocery-duopoly-what-else-is-needed?ref=goodoil.news) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Nicola Willis willing to give new entrants to supermarket sector VIP treatment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/lets-do-a-deal-nicola-willis-willing-to-give-new-entrants-to-supermarket-sector-vip-treatment/M7ELNGZTU5BDVL3JR3BZPT2YNA/?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Moir (RNZ): [Watch: Nicola Willis talks supermarket competition as economic forum kicks off](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541739/watch-nicola-willis-talks-supermarket-competition-as-economic-forum-kicks-off?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Willis homes in on grocery and power prices](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/willis-homes-in-on-grocery-and-power-prices?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [Willis lashes ‘supermarket lobby’ in economic speech](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360579291/willis-take-aim-supermarkets-competition-and-growth-speech?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [’Supermarkets are going to come at me, I’m up for it’: Willis](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/supermarkets-are-going-to-come-at-me-and-im-up-for-it-willis/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ECONOMY** Gordon Campbell: [On Why “Golden Visas” Are A Losing Bet On Growth](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/02/gordon-campbell-on-why-golden-visas-are-a-losing-bet-on-growth/?ref=goodoil.news) Martin Van Beynen (Post): [Foreign investment - be careful what you wish for](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360577796/foreign-investment-be-careful-what-you-wish?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [$12,700 for every New Zealander – the cost of no growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/12700-for-every-new-zealander-the-cost-of-no-growth/BFHYRRFRNJHCLELABYJ4KXLL4U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [Harder, faster OCR cuts to get us out of recession quicker, prescribes Kiwibank](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579666/harder-faster-ocr-cuts-get-us-out-recession-quicker-prescribes-kiwibank?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Inflation expectations behave impeccably and gravitate to 2%](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131841/influential-rbnz-survey-has-shown-drops-expectations-future-levels-inflation-move?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): ['Group think': These were our Covid-19 mistakes, economists say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541807/group-think-these-were-our-covid-19-mistakes-economists-say?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Prominent economists call for superannuation overhaul](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541778/prominent-economists-call-for-superannuation-overhaul?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Finally a positive twist for Crown accounts as deficit comes in below forecast](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579675/finally-positive-twist-crown-accounts-deficit-comes-below-forecast?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Stephen Ward (Waikato Times): [Minister of Finance and Economic Growth looks to city as export target looms](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360580422/minister-looks-growing-city?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH, DISABILITY** Ruth Hill (RNZ): [New Wellington hospital shows private sector has 'key part' in health - Health Minister Simeon Brown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541839/new-wellington-hospital-shows-private-sector-has-key-part-in-health-health-minister-simeon-brown?ref=goodoil.news) Janet Hoek and Jude Ball (Newsroom): [Tobacco decision transparency a matter of life or death](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/14/tobacco-decision-transparency-a-matter-of-life-or-death/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Disability funding changes resulting in 'untold distress' to vulnerable people - reports](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541821/disability-funding-changes-resulting-in-untold-distress-to-vulnerable-people-reports?ref=goodoil.news) Isaac Davison (Herald): [Funding squeeze for disability sector causing ‘unnecessary and severe harm’, doctors say](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/funding-squeeze-for-disability-sector-causing-unnecessary-and-severe-harm-doctors-say/AAJ4L4ZG6FHEZN7IX3LPVSPRYU/?ref=goodoil.news) Maddy Croad (Press): [‘Most inhumane policy I’ve seen’: Clinicians speak of harm since disability funding freeze](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360578092/most-inhumane-policy-ive-seen-clinicians-speak-harm-disability-funding-freeze?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Act wanted clearer assurances on school](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/act-wanted-clearer-assurances-school?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Powell: [Is Health New Zealand becoming an Audit Office frequent flyer?](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/02/13/is-health-new-zealand-becoming-an-audit-office-frequent-flyer/?ref=goodoil.news) Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: 'Mental health is about lived experience', Minister tells MPs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541813/the-house-mental-health-is-about-lived-experience-minister-tells-mps?ref=goodoil.news) Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Uneven maternity care across Aotearoa](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541816/uneven-maternity-care-across-aotearoa?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Southern Charity Hospital success](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/southern-charity-hospital-success?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Every Kiwi child deserves to be able to die with dignity](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360579882/paddy-gower-every-kiwi-child-deserves-be-able-die-dignity?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Slashed staffing hours trigger protest at Auckland aged care home](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541822/slashed-staffing-hours-trigger-protest-at-auckland-aged-care-home?ref=goodoil.news) Mariné Lourens (Press): [Health NZ tight-lipped about toxic fumes investigation](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360578841/health-nz-tight-lipped-about-toxic-fumes-investigation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matt Nippert (Herald): [Class action targets ‘ineffective’ phenylephrine-based cold medicines](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/class-action-targets-ineffective-phenylephrine-based-cold-medicines/5YQ2ADW2BVHATBWVO6LC37HMZE/?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [New class action claims cold and flu meds were ‘ineffective’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579332/new-class-action-claims-cold-and-flu-meds-were-ineffective?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE** Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Cooks and China partner on undersea exploration for lucrative critical minerals](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/13/cooks-and-china-negotiate-involvement-in-undersea-mining-for-critical-minerals/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Cook Islands-China deal details to be revealed 'in the coming days' - Mark Brown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541737/cook-islands-china-deal-details-to-be-revealed-in-the-coming-days-mark-brown?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Cook Islands PM gives glimpse of China deals](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360580358/cook-islands-pm-gives-glimpse-china-deals?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Cook Islands crisis presents challenge for Peters](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/12/cook-islands-crisis-presents-challenge-for-peters/?ref=goodoil.news) Melina Etches (Cook Islands News): [Cook Islands opposition files no-confidence motion against PM Mark Brown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541752/cook-islands-opposition-files-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-mark-brown?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [‘National sovereignty’ central to Cook Islands PM’s discussions with China as deal enters final stages](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/national-sovereignty-central-to-cook-islands-pms-discussions-with-china-as-deal-enters-final-stages/5ZNN53Y6RJE7POYQW5NU5PLVU4/?ref=goodoil.news) Eugene Doyle: [Will New Zealand invade the Cook Islands to stop China?](https://www.solidarity.co.nz/international-stories/will-new-zealand-invade-the-cook-islands-to-stop-china?ref=goodoil.news) Niva Chittock (RNZ): [Nato boss presses case for nations like NZ to boost defence spending](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541844/nato-boss-presses-case-for-nations-like-nz-to-boost-defence-spending?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [Learning from Mar-a-Lago: Scott Morrison’s Trump playbook for NZ](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/politics/learning-from-mar-a-lago-scott-morrisons-trump-playbook-for-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Ex-diplomat: NZ shouldn’t ‘catastrophise’ over Trump](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/12/ex-diplomat-nz-shouldnt-catastrophise-over-trump/?ref=goodoil.news) Niva Chittock (RNZ): [Winston Peters and Gideon Sa'ar speak on importance of Gaza ceasefire](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541755/winston-peters-and-gideon-sa-ar-speak-on-importance-of-gaza-ceasefire?ref=goodoil.news) **TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL, WAITANGI** Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Labour critical of $270k staff cost over Treaty Principles Bill hearings](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541836/labour-critical-of-270k-staff-cost-over-treaty-principles-bill-hearings?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Former National minister says Treaty Principles Bill 'irretrievably flawed'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541730/former-national-minister-says-treaty-principles-bill-irretrievably-flawed?ref=goodoil.news) Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [‘Recovering racist’ slams Treaty bill, supporter says some Māori should be charged with treason](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360579444/recovering-racist-slams-treaty-bill-supporter-says-some-maori-should-be-charged-treason?ref=goodoil.news) Daniel Perese and Tini Molyneux (Te Ao Māori News): [Treaty Principles Bill oral submissions: Ex-politicians and controversial voices weigh in](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/13/treaty-principles-bill-oral-submissions-ex-politicians-and-controversial-voices-weigh-in/?ref=goodoil.news) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Treaty principles bill hearings, day four: Former PM, former minister say scrap it](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-02-2025/treaty-principles-bill-hearings-day-four-a-former-pm-and-a-former-minister-say-scrap-it?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Trotter (Democracy Project): [Visitors with votes](https://democracyproject.nz/2025/02/14/chris-trotter-visitors-with-votes/?ref=goodoil.news) Ella Stewart (RNZ): [A taonga of Waitangi - Inside the forum tent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541832/a-taonga-of-waitangi-inside-the-forum-tent?ref=goodoil.news) **PUBLIC SERVICE** Luke Malpass and Anna Whyte (Post): [Too many meetings, not enough risk: Sir Brian Roche’s public service concern](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360580483/too-many-meetings-not-enough-risk-sir-brian-roche-after-12-weeks-leading-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Richard Harman (Politik): [Roche says public service has lost its way and needs to get out of Wellington](https://www.politik.co.nz/roche-says-public-service-has-lost-its-way-and-needs-to-get-out-of-wellington/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Public sector can do better: Commissioner Sir Brian Roche](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/public-sector-can-do-better-sir-brian-roche/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [Govt looks for more savings from public service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360578837/govt-looks-more-savings-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [‘Priority shift’: MBIE axes small business support unit](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/12/changed-priorities-mbie-axes-small-business-support-unit/?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** Jude MacArthur (The Conversation): [As new charter schools open, we still know too little about how they worked last time](https://theconversation.com/as-new-charter-schools-open-we-still-know-too-little-about-how-they-worked-last-time-249474?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Substandard school lunches ruining 'sense of community' - principal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541825/substandard-school-lunches-ruining-sense-of-community-principal?ref=goodoil.news) Katy Jones (Stuff): [School lunches revamp a disaster, principal says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360577933/school-lunches-revamp-disaster-principal-says?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [School lunches: Pies, Pita Pit to be served on Friday](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/13/school-lunches-pies-pita-pit-to-be-served-on-friday/?ref=goodoil.news) Hanna McCallum (Post): [Pies to substitute healthy school lunch programme](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360580333/pies-substitute-healthy-school-lunch-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [Compass calls Pita Pit, pie shop to the rescue](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/health/compass-calls-pita-pit-pie-shop-to-the-rescue?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Release of University of Auckland managers' salaries has staff 'looking sideways'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541823/release-of-university-of-auckland-managers-salaries-has-staff-looking-sideways?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT, FAST-TRACK** Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [No way to know how 'close to the edge of the cliff' we are with current environment data - commissioner](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541785/no-way-to-know-how-close-to-the-edge-of-the-cliff-we-are-with-current-environment-data-commissioner?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Environmental Protection Authority 'technically insolvent' over $10m govt loan](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/environmental-protection-authority-technically-insolvent-over-10m-govt-loan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Waimakariri mayor: Rejected projects should not be fast-tracked](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541805/waimakariri-mayor-rejected-projects-should-not-be-fast-tracked?ref=goodoil.news) David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Environment Canterbury to promote testing of private water wells](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541783/environment-canterbury-to-promote-testing-of-private-water-wells?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, BUILDING** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Has the Government broken its promise to build more state homes?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360578055/has-government-broken-its-promise-build-more-state-homes?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Makiha (Rotorua Daily Post): [Rotorua Kāinga Ora ‘container homes’ cost $630,000 each to build](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-kainga-ora-container-homes-cost-630000-each-to-build/2WGGO4D2VNDWVEUPEL5U7ITXKE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [ASB economists share what they expect will happen to home loan rates](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541738/asb-economists-share-what-they-expect-will-happen-to-home-loan-rates?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Melville (NBR): [Fixed mortgage rates could be sticky, despite looming cuts - ANZ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/property/fixed-mortgage-rates-could-be-sticky-despite-looming-cuts-anz/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Ninness (Interest): [More first home buyers getting into their own homes but they remain cautious on price](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/131900/first-home-buyers-are-becoming-increasingly-active-housing-market-they-are-choosing?ref=goodoil.news) Jenny Ruth: [ComCom appears deaf to mortgage advisers’ pleas](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/comcom-appears-deaf-to-mortgage-advisers) Brent Melville (NBR): [ComCom creating ’solution in search of a problem,’ advisers say](https://www.nbr.co.nz/property/comcom-creates-solution-in-search-of-a-problem-advisers-say/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil O’Sullivan (Herald): [Building consent reforms: An open letter to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/building-consent-reforms-an-open-letter-to-building-and-construction-minister-chris-penk/2RMU5XJ2H5GXBKBC3TEWVK6HOA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** Harriet Laughton and Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City council vote sends it on the path of more debt](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360579817/wellington-city-council-vote-sends-it-path-more-debt?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Major shake-up at council could impact 25% of staff](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/major-shake-council-could-impact-25-staff?ref=goodoil.news) Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [A review of the new Courtenay Place design](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/13-02-2025/a-review-of-the-new-courtenay-place-design?ref=goodoil.news) Ffion Heale (Post): [More attractive or more disruptive? Wellingtonians have their say on the Golden Mile upgrade](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360580062/more-attractive-or-more-disruptive-wellingtonians-have-their-say-golden-mile-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news) André Chumko (Post): [Council prefers co-management of Watts Peninsula](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360580492/council-prefers-co-management-watts-peninsula?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Justin Wong (Post): [Seaview wastewater plant odour cannon trial ‘inconclusive’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360578892/seaview-wastewater-plant-odour-cannon-trial-inconclusive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Michael Daly (Stuff): [Wellington business owner says Golden Mile plans are ‘atrocious’ and ‘disastrous’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360579740/businesses-very-concerned-wellington-councils-golden-mile-plans?ref=goodoil.news) Local Democracy Reporting: [Council advisor sacked after telling mayor to 'behave like an adult'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/13/council-advisor-sacked-after-telling-mayor-behave-like-an-adult/?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Martin (Waikato Times): [Waipā votes to join regional water group](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360580360/waipa-votes-join-regional-water-group?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sinead Gill (Press): [Pause on cathedral levy proposed to help rein in rates rise](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360579641/pausing-cathedral-levy-proposed-help-reign-rates-rise?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Here's how you can tell council elections are looming](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-heres-how-you-can-tell-council-elections-are-looming/?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, BANKS** Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Racing bill under scrutiny: TAB NZ could become sole online betting operator](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/racing-bill-under-scrutiny-tab-nz-could-become-sole-online-betting-operator-the-front-page/VBZ5LEUS3FFJRKDTBNSVRFQROQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Tim Hunter (NBR): [Racing’s $100m bribe](https://www.nbr.co.nz/hunters-corner/racings-100m-bribe/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [‘Woke’ or not, political meddling in business decision-making sets a dangerous precedent](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/editorial-woke-or-not-political-meddling-in-business-decision-making-sets-a-dangerous-precedent/6EKULT5KJVAD7E2RC4EB5ES3CA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Big banks are ‘fat, dumb, and lazy’](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/131910/chief-executives-four-big-banks-will-be-asked-reappear-parliament%E2%80%99s-inquiry-focused?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Insurer IAG chief executive asks country to ‘take a longer-term view’ of its big profit rise](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579638/insurer-iag-chief-executive-asks-country-take-longer-term-view-its-big-profit-rise?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) NBR: [Foodstuffs shucked, Winston plucked, Westpac bucked,, lawyer luck](https://www.nbr.co.nz/private-bin-2/foodstuffs-shucked-winston-plucked-westpac-bucked-lawyer-luck/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ella Somers (Interest): [Insurance premiums up 5% to $2.1b in IAG NZ's half-year results, profit up 63%](https://www.interest.co.nz/insurance/131905/iag-new-zealand-reports-21-billion-insurance-premiums-half-year-result-premium?ref=goodoil.news) Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [Workers to learn if 230 jobs will go at Kinleith Mill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541815/workers-to-learn-if-230-jobs-will-go-at-kinleith-mill?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Workers brace for Kinleith Mill decision, Government looking at options](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/workers-brace-for-kinleith-mill-decision-government-looking-at-options?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **JUSTICE** Andrea Vance (Post): [Taxpayers stung almost $2000 for taxis to judges’ Northern Club Christmas bash](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360579963/taxpayers-stung-almost-2000-taxis-judges-northern-club-christmas-bash?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Kidd (ODT): [Second complaint unlikely to cost top lawyer presidency](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/second-complaint-unlikely-cost-top-lawyer-presidency?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **SCIENCE** Jamie Morton (Herald): [Environment watchdog flags worries over Govt science sector shake-up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/environment-watchdog-flags-worries-over-govt-science-sector-shake-up/DDSY6M3XBZDSLICP737SMAENRE/?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Argue (RNZ): [More than 60 jobs to be axed at Callaghan Innovation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541771/more-than-60-jobs-to-be-axed-at-callaghan-innovation?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [More than 60 jobs going at Callaghan Innovation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360579676/more-60-jobs-going-callaghan-innovation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Fiona Rotherham (NBR): [Axe starts to fall at soon-to-be-dismantled Callaghan Innovation](https://www.nbr.co.nz/tech/axe-starts-to-fall-at-soon-to-be-dismantled-callaghan-innovation/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **POLICE** David Fisher (Herald): [Image leaked of Golriz Ghahraman during Pak’nSave shopping incident – now she wants an inquiry](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/image-leaked-of-golriz-ghahraman-during-paknsave-shopping-incident-now-she-wants-an-inquiry/YEKGVA3BIVCJJHGF3TBM6LUTKE/?ref=goodoil.news) Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Police on private trip to China were hosted by CCP leader](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360580593/police-private-trip-china-hosted-ccp-leader?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Energy minister Simon Watts delivers ultimatum to gentailers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541804/energy-minister-simon-watts-delivers-ultimatum-to-gentailers?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Gentailers' earnings: Don't look back in anger](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/gentailers-earnings-dont-look-back-in-anger?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EMPLOYMENT** Jeremy Sparrow (Bay of Plenty Times/Herald): [Major employment law changes for 2025: What they could mean for you](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/major-employment-law-changes-for-2025-what-they-could-mean-for-you/MAGESVTDTFENVC6I42YE2J555M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Neil Sands (Law News): [More details revealed about govt’s employment law reforms](https://lawnews.nz/employment/more-details-revealed-about-govts-employment-law-reforms/?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Jonathan Leask (Local Democracy Reporting): [Not so fast: NZTA to review Rakaia’s speed limit reversal](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/13/no-so-fast-nzta-to-review-rakaias-speed-limit-reversal/?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Lines-MacKenzie (Waikato Times): [Toll in the offing for new piece of Waikato Expressway](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360578843/toll-offing-new-piece-waikato-expressway?ref=goodoil.news) Will Mace (NBR): [Air NZ challenged by MPs over pricing and regional cancellations](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/air-nz-challenged-by-mps-over-pricing-and-regional-cancellations/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Auckland trackless tram trial off due to ‘unsolicited’ demands from manufacturer](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360579987/auckland-trackless-tram-trial-due-unsolicited-demands-manufacturer?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Argue (RNZ): [Locals raised fears about road 7 years before deadly four-seat bike crash](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541831/locals-raised-fears-about-road-7-years-before-deadly-four-seat-bike-crash?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Eric Crampton (Newsroom): [The (transplanted) paranoid style in Kiwi politics](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/11/paranoia-and-politics/?ref=goodoil.news) Henry McMullan (1News): [Calls for Govt intervention as pensioners stretched to cover rent](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/13/calls-for-govt-intervention-as-pensioners-stretched-to-cover-rent/?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Government unit moves focus from natural disasters to cyber security](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541794/government-unit-moves-focus-from-natural-disasters-to-cyber-security?ref=goodoil.news) Reid Basher (Post): [Disasters cost us billions, so where’s the risk management?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360564796/disasters-cost-us-billions-so-wheres-risk-management?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Natasha Hamilton-Hart (Open Inquiry): [Fear and Loathing in the National Library](https://openinquiry.nz/fear-and-loathing-in-the-national-library/?ref=goodoil.news) Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Kiwi TV producer Charlotte Purdy’s battle for UK nurse Lucy Letby; Guyon Espiner’s Q+A return; Media reform paper considers RNZ funding regime; Sky tests new satellite](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-kiwi-tv-producer-charlotte-purdys-battle-for-uk-nurse-lucy-letby-guyon-espiners-qa-return-media-reform-paper-considers-rnz-funding-regime-sky-tests-new-satellite/LLY6ET6GFVGWDIHCNBZ5TQD5PU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matt Reid (Post): [It takes a village to raise a child— but who is funding the village?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360580035/it-takes-village-raise-child-who-funding-village?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) [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%2Fa75a231c-848c-4eec-9c72-588bf4c99b08_2540x1662.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 14 February 2024 ![](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%2F79237580-5ba4-4792-ba70-0bd6bc6e77e1_1276x1010.png) Yeo - ODT 3 February 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-14-february-2025/comments)