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# News Briefing: 14 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-14-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-13T20:10:24.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-13T22:14:55.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**PAY EQUITY, BUDGET**  
Laura Walters and Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Ministers set to take big pay rises, right after wiping 33 pay equity claims](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/13/cabinet-wipes-33-pay-equity-claims-ahead-of-taking-pay-rise/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [FamilyBoost policy: $14m of $62m spent on administration costs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560892/familyboost-policy-14m-of-62m-spent-on-administration-costs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Satherley (RNZ): [Pay equity claims: What they are and how they're changing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560849/pay-equity-claims-what-they-are-and-how-they-re-changing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gemma Piercy, Bill Cochrane, Suzette Dyer (The Conversation): [The pay equity puzzle: can we compare effort, skill and risk between different industries?](https://theconversation.com/the-pay-equity-puzzle-can-we-compare-effort-skill-and-risk-between-different-industries-256464?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Pay equity law - when is a pay cut not a pay cut?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360687111/lloyd-burr-pay-equity-law-when-pay-cut-not-pay-cut?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [In Labour’s world, who would pay to balance the Budget?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360686503/labours-world-who-would-pay-balance-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Budget 2025: Chris Hipkins accuses Government of ‘gaslighting all Kiwi women’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-and-nicola-willis-deliver-duelling-speeches-as-pay-equity-debate-gets-ugly/7OZCDEJ6B5CABPHOD5KQ6QFFEY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [National, Labour clash over who's lying about pay equity changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560830/national-labour-clash-over-who-s-lying-about-pay-equity-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Christopher Luxon accuses Labour of ‘lies’ in pay equity debate, Chris Hipkins claims Prime Minister ‘taking money out of women’s pay packets’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-accuses-labour-of-lies-in-pay-equity-debate-chris-hipkins-claims-prime-minister-taking-money-out-of-womens-pay-packets/ILBGMP6SBBDJNOGJHA2HMOHJ5Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [‘Lying’ Labour or ‘gaslighting’ National? Pay equity debate heats up](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360686776/lying-labour-or-gaslighting-national-pay-equity-debate-heats?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Labour's Chris Hipkins takes aim at pay equity changes, government's 'austerity' and 'division' in speech](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560787/labour-s-chris-hipkins-takes-aim-at-pay-equity-changes-government-s-austerity-and-division-in-speech?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [The pre-Budget battle of two speeches](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360687041/pre-budget-battle-two-speeches?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Tamping down expectations](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/tamping-down-expectations?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Budget 2025: Willis flags KiwiSaver, social investment changes in Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360686185/willis-hipkins-give-pre-budget-speeches?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [100m boost to government's venture capital fund announced](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560803/100m-boost-to-government-s-venture-capital-fund-announced?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): ['Awesome but underwhelming': $100 million in budget for venture capital funds](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/133261/finance-minister-nicola-willis-plans-give-crown-owned-venture-fund-elevate-nz-100?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Finance Minister announces $100m to elevate Elevate](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/finance-minister-announces-100m-to-elevate-elevate?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Elevate to get another $100m, Finance Minister says](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/finance-minister-criticises-labours-borrow-and-hope-approach/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [ANZ economist criticises Labour’s ‘debt-funded spending spree’ in previous Budgets](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/anz-economist-criticises-labours-debt-funded-spending-spree-in-previous-budgets/4GH74X2TV5FNHEJTUKAVBLUOQE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Presland (The Standard): [The worst Finance Minister ever?](https://thestandard.org.nz/the-worst-finance-minister-ever/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL, PUBLIC SECTOR**  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [A ‘wonk’ waves goodbye](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/13/a-wonk-waves-goodbye/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [David Parker on going ‘a bit far’ on landlord tax and calling an MP a ‘tosser’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-parker-on-going-a-bit-far-on-landlord-tax-and-calling-an-mp-a-tosser/KMZIDC7WKBCUPCRILLJGSFZT7I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Aaron Smale (Listener): [All haka, no mahi: Aaron Smale on why Te Pāti Māori risks being all song and dance](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/all-haka-no-mahi-aaron-smale-on-why-te-pati-maori-risks-being-all-song-and-dance/QNVJ27KNGVCHFIMJRW4WWM4DGY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing: Concerns David Seymour’s new legislation is akin to Treaty Principles Bill](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/urgent-waitangi-tribunal-hearing-concerns-david-seymours-new-legislation-is-akin-to-treaty-principles-bill/2JM25NKOBZDUJFFY2LBMPDK6JM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [What you need to know about ACT's latest ‘principles’ bill](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360687221/red-tape-cutter-or-red-alert-what-you-need-know-about-acts-new-principles-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike McRoberts (NBR): [Treaty clash erupts over Seymour’s Regulatory Bill](https://www.nbr.co.nz/te-ao-maori/treaty-clash-erupts-over-seymours-regulatory-bill/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [No clear link between SOE performance and chief executive pay](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-unclear-link-between-soe-performance-and-chief-executive-pay/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Business of Government: Pay equity, Budget pains, KiwiRail, double standards and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/public-sector/business-of-government-pay-equity-budget-pains-kiwirail-double-standards-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ABUSE IN STATE CARE**  
Mobeena Hills (Post): [Latest ‘redress’ for abuse in care survivors has failed them again](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360686615/latest-redress-abuse-care-survivors-has-failed-them-again?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [State abuse compensation 'band-aids for bullet wounds', government told](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560906/state-abuse-compensation-band-aids-for-bullet-wounds-government-told?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Goodlass (Spinoff): [‘Soul-destroying’: A survivor’s response to the latest in abuse in care redress](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/13-05-2025/soul-destroying-a-survivor-response-to-the-latest-in-abuse-in-care-redress?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Abuse in state care: PM Christopher Luxon defends no new redress system, emotional Hipkins slams Govt ‘injustice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/abuse-in-state-care-pm-christopher-luxon-defends-no-new-redress-system-emotional-hipkins-slams-govt-injustice/UGA2QORQVBCDJGJXSZ6QZJEFEE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Olley (1News): [New Kōnae site empowers those formerly abused in state care](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/new-konae-site-empowers-those-formerly-abused-in-state-care/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SOCIAL MEDIA**  
Gordon Campbell: [On The Parental Panic Over Young Kids Online](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/05/gordon-campbell-on-the-parental-panic-over-young-kids-online/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kerry Gibson, Sarah Hetrick and Terryann Clark (Newsroom): [Social media not the bogeyman of all kids’ ills](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/14/social-media-ban-is-wrong-way-to-support-young-peoples-mental-health/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Social media restrictions will need to be policed by government - expert](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560770/social-media-restrictions-will-need-to-be-policed-by-government-expert?ref=goodoil.news)  
Serena Solomon (RNZ): [How would banning New Zealand teenagers from social media work?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/relationships/family/how-would-banning-new-zealand-teenagers-from-social-media-work?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [The social media ban will not happen](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-the-social-media-ban-will-not-happen/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alex Casey (Spinoff): [Don’t just ban social media for under 16s – ban it for everyone](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-05-2025/dont-just-ban-social-media-for-under-16s-ban-it-for-everyone?ref=goodoil.news)  
Raphael Franks (Herald): [Spark’s new mobile phone plan for kids: Social media age-restriction lobby group B416 says good move](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sparks-new-mobile-phone-plan-for-kids-social-media-age-restriction-lobby-group-b416-says-good-move/NOB66RFUGVHATFE6PCDIWSCXIE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**POLICE, CRIME, FIREARMS REGISTRY**  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Police Minister Mark Mitchell accepts Jevon McSkimming resignation could impact public confidence](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/police-minister-mark-mitchell-accepts-jevon-mcskimming-resignation-could-impact-public-confidence/STGZN57ZJBFQVEPNZYMG3RC57E/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Minister Mark Mitchell defends police amidst Jevon McSkimming's pornography scandal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560821/minister-mark-mitchell-defends-police-amidst-jevon-mcskimming-s-pornography-scandal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Jevon McSkimming: Former Police Minister Stuart Nash surprised by porn allegations against resigned deputy commissioner](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcskimming-former-police-minister-stuart-nash-surprised-by-porn-allegations-against-resigned-deputy-commissioner/ZPF2KJPVFJAPXC7G5E46SAFP3U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natasha Gordon (Herald): [Jevon McSkimming resignation: Police Commissioner accepts it ‘raises questions’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcskimming-resignation-police-commissioner-accepts-it-raises-questions/5NPS3OMNKFGIVFA5AEOYWROSDM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham (Stuff): [‘Objectionable material’ allegedly found on top cop Jevon McSkimming’s work computer](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360686903/pornography-found-top-cops-work-computer-allegedly-included-objectionable-material?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Govt concedes it'll likely miss November target for 500 new police](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/govt-concedes-itll-likely-miss-november-target-for-500-new-police/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Coalition concedes it will miss police recruitment target](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360687302/coalition-concedes-it-will-miss-police-recruitment-target?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Winston Peters concedes government will be late to hitting police recruitment targets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560842/winston-peters-concedes-government-will-be-late-to-hitting-police-recruitment-targets?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Firearms registry is keeping NZers safe - external review](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560862/firearms-registry-is-keeping-nzers-safe-external-review?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jared Savage (Herald): [Drugs and gangs: New survey reveals gangs control meth sales in some regions more than others](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gangs-and-drug-new-survey-reveals-gangs-control-meth-sales-in-some-regions-more-than-others/V6CLO7VNC5G5LCAJHF7TTOT5K4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [Drug trends survey paints clearer picture of gangs' place in the market](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560896/drug-trends-survey-paints-clearer-picture-of-gangs-place-in-the-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Hundreds of millions of dollars lost to online security threats](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560902/hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-lost-to-online-security-threats?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Warnings about serious risks to over surgery outsourcing blanked out by minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560910/warnings-about-serious-risks-to-over-surgery-outsourcing-blanked-out-by-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Shaun Hendy’s warning: The Covid lessons we’re still to learn](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/shaun-hendy-warning-the-covid-lessons-were-still-to-learn/3XPGTIXPRBD37NW6FNYQZVEUFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Government axes vulnerable patient helpers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560915/government-axes-vulnerable-patient-helpers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: NZ child immunisation rates climb, Govt urged to address community disparities - The Front Page](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-child-immunisation-rates-climb-govt-urged-to-address-community-disparities-the-front-page/AVGQCS6DLJHKXEJO6ILZMGVHDI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Teuila Fuatai, Susana Suisuiki (RNZ): [Pacific health expert says Auckland measles case is a 'red flag'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/560813/pacific-health-expert-says-auckland-measles-case-is-a-red-flag?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [‘We couldn’t believe it’: Trail-blazing professor’s ‘stunning’ comeback from cancer](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360682463/we-couldnt-believe-it-trail-blazing-professors-stunning-comeback-cancer?ref=goodoil.news)  
Megan Wilson (Rotorua Daily Post): [Mental health shortages: Rotorua youth specialist services cut](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mental-health-shortages-rotorua-youth-specialist-services-cut/ZEK5BSXLGVGYPAI77WPZMGAANY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Minister 'disappointed' in ACC over latest admission of failing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360687403/minister-disappointed-acc-over-latest-admission-failing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shannon Pitman (Open Justice Reporting): [Northland’s ‘Gandalf’ charged with cannabis oil supply, risks 14-year jail term](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/northlands-gandalf-charged-with-cannabis-oil-supply-risks-14-year-jail-term/EUO6W4QSMBEBBJP7KPFEJKF23U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TAX**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Inland Revenue taking tougher line on student loan debtors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560869/inland-revenue-taking-tougher-line-on-student-loan-debtors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [We need to get serious about ensuring people pay back their student loans](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-we-need-to-get-serious-about-ensuring-people-pay-back-their-student-loans/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [Proposed tax shift puts small incorporated societies at risk](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360687070/proposal-tax-membership-fees-could-imperil-thousands-small-incorporated-societies?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**WAITANGI TRIBUNAL REVIEW, TREATY SETTLEMENTS**  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Waitangi Tribunal already doing exactly what it was originally intended to do, Treaty law experts say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560878/waitangi-tribunal-already-doing-exactly-what-it-was-originally-intended-to-do-treaty-law-experts-say?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [A quick guide to the who, how and why of the Waitangi Tribunal review](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-05-2025/a-quick-guide-to-the-who-how-and-why-of-the-waitangi-tribunal-review?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roimata Smail (Post): [Waitangi Tribunal’s role as important as ever](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360686648/waitangi-tribunals-role-important-ever?ref=goodoil.news)  
Local Democracy Reporting: [Ngāti Hāua treaty settlement begins journey through Parliament](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/ngati-haua-treaty-settlement-begins-journey-through-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Gentailers increase dominance with $70m Flick Electric takeover](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/13/gentailers-increase-dominance-as-meridian-buys-flick-electricity-customers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [What went wrong for Flick?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560899/what-went-wrong-for-flick?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [I've got a solution for the power bill problem](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-ive-got-a-solution-for-the-power-bill-problem/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Flick not profitable before $70m sale to Meridian](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/flick-not-profitable-before-70m-sale-to-meridian?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Meridian Energy to pay $70m for Z Energy and Flick retail operations](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360686786/meridian-energy-pay-70m-z-energy-and-flick-retail-operations?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [Flick Electric on its last legs is a sign winter's coming](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-flick-electric-on-its-last-legs-is-a-sign-winters-coming/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [‘There is no by-pass’: More than half of Wellington at unacceptable power risk](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360685376/there-no-pass-more-half-wellington-unacceptable-power-risk?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Secret vote to throw more cash at stalled mall development](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360687401/secret-vote-throw-more-cash-stalled-mall-development?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Wellington’s reputation for not being business friendly](https://www.nbr.co.nz/nbr-focus/wellingtons-reputation-for-not-being-business-friendly/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Would-be bar owner claims Wellington council 'adversary' to business](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360685911/would-be-bar-owner-claims-wellington-council-adversary-business?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Watercare spends $11m on consultants for delayed Huia treatment plant project](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/watercare-spends-11m-on-consultants-for-delayed-huia-treatment-plant-project/BXNC3WMRGFGG3JBRHYVTKVTVBE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Karyn Scherer (NBR): [Growing pains: the challenges facing Auckland’s mercurial mayor](https://www.nbr.co.nz/nbr-focus/growing-pains-the-challenges-facing-aucklands-mercurial-mayor/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Natasha Gordon (Herald): [Auckland Transport criticised by Deputy Auditor-General for not telling passengers about delays](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-transport-criticised-by-deputy-auditor-general-for-not-telling-passengers-about-delays/TGT24B4755DYJM73DSR4MPJ444/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lucy Xia (RNZ): [Auckland Transport urged to do better in managing unplanned transport disruptions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560901/auckland-transport-urged-to-do-better-in-managing-unplanned-transport-disruptions?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [More asbestos detected at Auckland Museum, reopening date unknown](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/more-asbestos-detected-at-auckland-museum-reopening-date-unknown/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Controversial helipad faces stiff opposition on second day of Auckland hearing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560877/controversial-helipad-faces-stiff-opposition-on-second-day-of-auckland-hearing?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): [Neighbour denies accepting car and money to support Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray’s helipad](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360687362/neighbour-denies-accepting-car-and-money-support-ali-williams-anna-mowbrays-helipad?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Helipad saves Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray 15-minute drive to heliport, says neighbour](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/helipad-saves-ali-williams-and-anna-mowbray-15-minute-drive-to-heliport-says-neighbour/N3Z44W7MOVBL7FDILQ3IM56F3Y/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Melville (NBR): [Tanks, but no tanks, as council goers back to DC drawing board](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/tanks-but-no-tanks-as-council-goes-back-to-dc-drawing-board/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Auckland port sails past profit target, sees ongoing lifts](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/13/auckland-port-sails-past-profit-target-bright-light-for-council-firms/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga rates hike criticised; calls at council hearings to ‘rein in spending’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/tauranga-rates-hike-criticised-calls-at-council-hearings-to-rein-in-spending/NN7QULP2MJACJGXPEBJJX4FASM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Bassett: [Make your local elections meaningful](https://www.bassettbrashandhide.com/post/michael-bassett-make-your-local-elections-meaningful?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Bluff gorse stoush: Ex-councillor 'ignores' council bill](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/bluff-gorse-stoush-ex-councillor-ignores-council-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Te Matatini risks alienating regions – Māori ward councillor](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/13/te-matatini-risks-alienating-regions-maori-ward-councillor/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DEFENCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Any military help to US space activities must not aid nuclear systems - NZ officials](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560868/any-military-help-to-us-space-activities-must-not-aid-nuclear-systems-nz-officials?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Front Page: Inside the India-Pakistan conflict and what it means for New Zealand’s trade aspirations](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/inside-the-india-pakistan-conflict-and-what-it-means-for-new-zealands-trade-aspirations-the-front-page/YFEI3FPOHFAVDC4DCUAX2NUQQQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Talaia Mika (Cook Istands News): [No movement on Cook Islands-China deals months after signing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/560799/no-movement-on-cook-islands-china-deals-months-after-signing?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Fisher (Herald): [Travel industry staffer detained at US airports says think twice before going there](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/travel-industry-staffer-detained-at-us-airports-says-think-twice-before-going-there/YU5SPNXGZZE3NEUEFGLJFVQT3Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
Herald: [Budget 2025: David Seymour reveals $140m boost to lift school attendance, plans for new nationwide service](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-david-seymour-reveals-140m-boost-to-lift-school-attendance-plans-for-new-nationwide-service/4RQW2EAF3BH2NOZYYWPW6NBQNY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [David Seymour announces $140 million school attendance service to tackle truancy](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560921/david-seymour-announces-140-million-school-attendance-service-to-tackle-truancy?ref=goodoil.news)  
Yolisa Tswanya (Northern Advocate): [Ministry of Education reimburses schools $76k for late, poor-quality lunches](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ministry-of-education-reimburses-schools-76k-for-late-poor-quality-lunches/IMYTQ3MCV5F73CHMGRJNSW4CH4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Nicol-Williams (1News): [Govt's $100m school maths push: Where are the teachers?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/14/govts-100m-school-maths-push-where-are-the-teachers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Testing regime needs to add up](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/testing-regime-needs-add?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [How NZ spies hunting a communist uncovered a ‘sadistic’ teacher](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360682784/how-nz-spies-hunting-communist-uncovered-sadistic-teacher?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
RNZ: [Kāinga Ora appears not to care about mistreated dogs - neighbour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560873/kainga-ora-appears-not-to-care-about-mistreated-dogs-neighbour?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Council proposes Wellington public transport levy for developers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360685407/council-proposes-wellington-public-transport-levy-developers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Deborah Morris (Post): [Wellington's unused office space could become new homes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360687029/wellingtons-unused-office-space-could-become-new-homes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Lull in property values present home buyers 'rare opportunity'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560761/lull-in-property-values-present-home-buyers-rare-opportunity?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [Are rich Americans hitting NZ’s high-end rental market?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360667833/are-rich-americans-hitting-nzs-high-end-rental-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**CLIMATE CHANGE, NATURAL DISASTERS**  
Ilan Noy and Belinda Storey (The Conversation): [As insurance gets harder to buy, NZ has 3 choices for disaster recovery – and we keep choosing the worst one](https://theconversation.com/as-insurance-gets-harder-to-buy-nz-has-3-choices-for-disaster-recovery-and-we-keep-choosing-the-worst-one-255713?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [‘Appalling’: Govt debt collectors brought in to chase flood victims](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360682053/appalling-govt-debt-collectors-brought-chase-flood-victims?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [Lessons from a very wet day in Christchurch](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/12-05-2025/lessons-from-a-very-wet-day-in-christchurch?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Auckland prepares for climate change realities](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/560648/auckland-prepares-for-climate-change-realities?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HERALD’S CAPITAL MARKETS REPORT**  
Richard Harman (Herald): [Capital Markets: Budget cuts and surplus targets clash with long-term deficit warnings](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/budget-cuts-and-surplus-targets-clash-with-long-term-deficit-warnings/KIQ2EUXKNZE3JKHQKYZVSQ3E5E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Bradley (Herald): [Capital Markets: Fast-track ‘real game-changer’ for mining](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-fast-track-real-game-changer-for-mining/WN5OAHLNP5C5VF4HFMHBYAKIII/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Capital Markets: Prime Minister on the hunt for Kiwi expats for Invest New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-prime-minister-on-the-hunt-for-kiwi-expats-for-invest-new-zealand/24FIM7Z5QRFFTC2ILAHVPTWXXQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Capital Markets: ‘Big picture’ group advising on Invest New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-big-picture-group-advising-on-invest-new-zealand/WOLDHDTZQBC3FGPO5ZLDOEJ2LE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Barbara Edmonds (Herald): [Capital Markets: Foreign investment requires adequate public safeguards](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/capital-markets-foreign-investment-requires-adequate-public-safeguards-barbara-edmonds/VM3UHBO33NBUXKULVMX3NYMVXA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Capital Markets: Is it time for a Reserve Bank reset after Adrian Orr’s departure?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-is-it-time-for-a-reserve-bank-reset-after-adrian-orrs-departure-liam-dann/GS7VPCHBQVG6RARQKMXJ6ZBMJY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Hartwich (Herald): [Capital Markets: The missing piece in New Zealand’s growth puzzle](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/capital-markets-the-missing-piece-in-new-zealands-growth-puzzle-oliver-hartwich/DD74X6JJWFANHO7HTVVRUBFSMM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mark Peterson (Herald): [Capital Markets: Why councils should embrace asset recycling for growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-why-councils-should-embrace-asset-recycling-for-growth-mark-peterson/QDYIZNH2XZG47A72CLZJ7C6H6M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Graham Skellern (Herald): [Capital Markets: Government considers KiwiSaver boost for infrastructure funding](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-government-considers-kiwisaver-boost-for-infrastructure-funding/6LFPV22NHRDKNI7T6AAG3U3MCY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Bradley (Herald): [Capital Markets: New Zealand pushes for renewable investment amid high demand, setbacks](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-new-zealand-pushes-for-renewable-investment-amid-high-demand-setbacks/3CPSSSG6IRAFPKP5ZGOOCGKJWY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Bradley (Herald): [Capital Markets: New Zealand space race rockets ahead](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-new-zealand-space-race-rockets-ahead/5UOR4T2MUBG4RDJ3A6YN6KYU5Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim McCready (Herald): [Capital Markets: WNT Ventures launches fourth fund, targets deep tech growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/capital-markets-wnt-ventures-launches-fourth-fund-targets-deep-tech-growth/3IWH6QKUO5G6DH4YLPN7EER6VE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim McCready (Herald): [Capital Markets: AI levelling the investment field](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/capital-markets-ai-levelling-the-investment-field-tim-mccready/LEAZHXIBIFEFDH5AY5KHJXHHQ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Capital Markets: Will reforms revitalise New Zealand’s capital markets?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/capital-markets-report/capital-markets-will-reforms-revitalise-new-zealands-capital-markets/RAUZCYTNYJH6TMEQENSRSDKUT4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS**  
Jenny Ruth: [Surprising developments at NZME and Contact Energy’s Manawa takeover bid](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/surprising-developments-at-nzme-and) (paywalled)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Right to repair bill: Retailers need ComCom to deal with manufacturer ‘stonewalling’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360687155/right-repair-bill-retailers-need-comcom-deal-manufacturer-stonewalling?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Lewis (ODT): [Studio referred into fast-track process](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/studio-referred-fast-track-process?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Biggest bank bottom of customer rankings](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560913/biggest-bank-bottom-of-customer-rankings?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anthony Brien (The Conversation): [A looming workforce crisis in NZ tourism and hospitality threatens industry growth plans](https://theconversation.com/a-looming-workforce-crisis-in-nz-tourism-and-hospitality-threatens-industry-growth-plans-256212?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Raynel (Herald): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, tourism industry leaders push to get more Chinese visitors back to NZ](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/tourism/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-tourism-industry-leaders-push-to-get-more-chinese-visitors-back-to-nz/7QVYMPIQCZBURJJ664JRQRA4DM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [Five things we learnt at TRENZ 2025](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360681268/five-things-we-learnt-trenz-2025?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Minecraft recreates NZ's most popular tourism destinations](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545250/minecraft-recreates-nz-s-most-popular-tourism-destinations?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [On The Money: Browns, beards, big cheeses, and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/on-the-money/on-the-money-browns-beards-big-cheeses-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Elaine Linnell (Post): [If we want to host the world, we badly need an events strategy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683843/if-we-want-host-world-we-badly-need-events-strategy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Kamahl Santamaria: [What happens when you call a female MP a ‘c….' (part 2)](https://kamahlsantamaria.substack.com/p/what-happens-when-you-call-a-female)  
Gavin Ellis: [Steven Joyce may be just what NZME needs](https://knightlyviews.com/steven-joyce-may-be-just-what-nzme-needs/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robert MacCulloch: [DownToEarth.Kiwi Closing Due to Threats from National & Labour Parties & Big Business NZ Incorporated](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/downtoearth-kiwi-closing-today-due-to-threats-from-the-national-labour-parties-big-business-nz-i?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to join TVNZ as business correspondent, replacing Katie Bradford](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-newstalk-zb-political-editor-jason-walls-to-join-tvnz-as-business-correspondent-replacing-katie-bradford/PBNRK7LM5BBO7GVG5O62LJW3ZA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Richard Harman (Politik): [Environmental conference debates the economy](https://www.politik.co.nz/environmental-conference-debates-the-economy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Fed Farmers won’t be able to strip our charitable status, says Greenpeace](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360678511/fed-farmers-wont-be-able-strip-our-charitable-status-says-greenpeace?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Council asks court to set aside ‘remarkable’ correspondence](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/13/council-asks-court-to-set-aside-remarkable-correspondence/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Te Rina Ruka-Triponel (Spinoff): [Waipiro Bay is not your marina](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/13-05-2025/waipiro-bay-is-not-your-marina?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Move to protect Fiordland elk draws ire of Forest and Bird](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560795/move-to-protect-fiordland-elk-draws-ire-of-forest-and-bird?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Lewis (ODT): [Environment changes at heart of deaths, penguin trust says](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/environment-changes-heart-deaths-penguin-trust-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EMPLOYMENT**  
Krystal Gibbens (RNZ): [Mayor, community back Resene workers' battle for Living Wage](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560914/mayor-community-back-resene-workers-battle-for-living-wage?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shilpy Arora Gaikwad (Stuff): [Mum denied paid parental leave after extremely premature birth](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360671328/mum-denied-paid-parental-leave-after-extremely-premature-birth?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Fisher (Herald): [One NZ manager made redundant while on maternity leave says company wrong to sack her](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/one-nz-manager-made-redundant-while-on-maternity-leave-says-company-wrong-to-sack-her/RSTS366QTJHGLHIN54MDOBH7QY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Burton (Post): [Big payout over pregnancy discrimination a timely reminder of why rights matter](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360686507/big-payout-over-pregnancy-discrimination-timely-reminder-why-rights-matter?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dylan Smith (ODT): [Backlash over property developer's public holiday posts](https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/backlash-over-property-developers-public-holiday-posts?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [His, her, heresy: The bitter debate over who can claim to be female](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/his-her-heresy-the-bitter-debate-over-who-can-claim-to-be-female/66F7SC54JFHOZGTTPJ72TNCKQQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gordon Campbell: [On The New Pope, And The Israeli Attack On Peter Davis](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/05/on-the-new-pope-and-the-israeli-attack-on-peter-davis/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Janet Wilson (Post): [The time to tackle the superannuation behemoth is now](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360680078/time-tackle-superannuation-behemoth-now?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [NZ Super debate: Political games hinder vital reform](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-super-debate-political-games-hinder-vital-reform-fran-osullivan/HXTSLQIERJCA3I2DNJV5O2OHWM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Former Supreme Court judge Sir William Young refuses to engage ‘in debate’ over controversial Hong Kong court role](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-supreme-court-judge-sir-william-young-refuses-to-engage-in-debate-over-controversial-hong-kong-court-role/MIGLAFYN55AIZMPR3TBGWTJWVQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Justin Wong (Post): [NZ judge would not have accepted Hong Kong court appointment ‘unless proper’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683420/nz-judge-would-not-have-accepted-hong-kong-court-appointment-unless-proper?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Amy Williams (RNZ): [Former members of secretive sect Two by Twos claim leaders receive gifts of cash](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560893/former-members-of-secretive-sect-two-by-twos-claim-leaders-receive-gifts-of-cash?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tony Alexander (One Roof): [Reasons to be cheerful - but don’t expect a boom anytime soon](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-reasons-to-be-cheerful-but-dont-expect-a-boom-anytime-soon-47537?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Why don't RBNZ monetary policy reviews align with CPI releases?](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133119/reserve-bank-meets-three-times-year-set-interest-rates-without-seeing-updated?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Funding dries up for two Auckland charities as demand increases](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560882/funding-dries-up-for-two-auckland-charities-as-demand-increases?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Business of Tech: Labour’s new spokesman for tech Reuben Davidson on ‘crisis that’s been created’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/reuben-davidson-labours-new-spokesman-for-tech-on-a-created-crisis/5RVXVVHXRZCKNHLVHEWEMEPEFI/?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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