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# News Briefing: 16 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-16-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-15T20:25:52.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-15T23:13:55.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**PARLIAMENT, PAY EQUITY, THE C-WORD**  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: A C-bomb explodes in parliament](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-05-2025/echo-chamber-a-c-bomb-explodes-in-parliament?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cherie Howie (Herald): [Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters blasts behaviour in Parliament as ‘degradation’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/deputy-prime-minister-winston-peters-attacks-behaviour-in-parliament-as-degradation/6YZ7F6CF55HFTFMTEVJNA4LLD4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Inside ‘the House of Chaos’: Six days that saw Parliament go bizarre](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360690392/inside-house-chaos-six-days-saw-parliament-go-bizarre?ref=goodoil.news)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [C-bomb brings explosive end to appalling fortnight in politics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/c-bomb-brings-explosive-end-to-appalling-fortnight-in-politics-audrey-young/FPXTESQK6FGB7EY765X32LYBRI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gordon Campbell [On The Mock Horror Over Political Profanity](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/05/gordon-campbell-on-the-mock-horror-over-political-profanity/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Dixon (Listener): [Shock new law makes Nicola Willis “Feminist of the Year”](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-shock-new-law-makes-nicola-willis-feminist-of-the-year/VAKT6MEB4NBPPDWGV4YTKWPCZE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Labour’s Chris Hipkins admits question that led to Brooke van Velden c-bomb was ‘mistake’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labours-chris-hipkins-admits-question-that-led-to-brooke-van-velden-c-bomb-was-mistake/OQNQX5HT5RABZCYDBIDF3653JE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [Chris Hipkins takes responsibility for Labour MP's question that led to C-bomb](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561119/chris-hipkins-takes-responsibility-for-labour-mp-s-question-that-led-to-c-bomb?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Hipkins admits question that led to Parliament C-bomb a 'mistake'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/15/hipkins-admits-question-that-led-to-parliament-c-bomb-a-mistake/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith and Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Labour contributed to ‘distraction’ on pay equity with question about column, Hipkins says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360690612/labour-contributed-distraction-pay-equity-question-about-column-hipkins-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Chris Hipkins admits mistake after Labour raised 'c...' column in House](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360690169/chris-hipkins-admits-mistake-after-labour-raised-c-column-house?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [My take on the c-word debate](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-my-take-on-the-c-word-debate/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [The first time Parliament heard the C word](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360689764/first-time-parliament-heard-c-word?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [Stuff’s hypocrisy laid bare](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/stuffs%5Fhypocrisy%5Flaid%5Fbare.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Why is it still so unacceptable to say the C-word?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/15/why-is-it-still-so-unacceptable-to-say-the-c-word/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Linguistics expert explains why the c-word 'still has the ability to shock](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561134/linguistics-expert-explains-why-the-c-word-still-has-the-ability-to-shock?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mihingarangi Forbes (RNZ): [Mata: Pay equity issue will not go away](https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/mata-with-mihingarangi-forbes/story/2018987106/pay-equity-issue-will-not-go-away?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom): [Ramming through retrospective repeal of pay equity is unacceptable](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/14/ramming-through-retrospective-repeal-of-pay-equity-is-unacceptable/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louisa Wall (The Standard): [This Is Not Feminism – It’s Fiscal Evasion Dressed in Lipstick](https://thestandard.org.nz/louisa-wall-this-is-not-feminism-its-fiscal-evasion-dressed-in-lipstick/?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Gun salutes and c-bombs don't belong in Parliament](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-gun-salutes-and-c-bombs-dont-belong-in-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [Slipping Parliamentary standards are a reflection of us](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-slipping-parliamentary-standards-are-a-reflection-of-us/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Labour's Willie Jackson booted from House](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/15/labours-willie-jackson-booted-from-house/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Stanford spars with Radhakrishnan over email ‘spam’ remark in House](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/561118/stanford-spars-with-radhakrishnan-over-email-spam-remark-in-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TE PĀTI MĀORI SUSPENSION**  
Andrew Geddis (Spinoff): [The many inconsistencies in Te Pāti Māori MPs’ haka suspensions](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-05-2025/the-many-inconsistencies-in-te-pati-maori-mps-haka-suspensions?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Te Pāti Māori should leave Parliament voluntarily](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/te-pati-maori-should-leave-parliament-voluntarily-matthew-hooton/D4G2KAW6B5CUXF4GEA6HOTO5CE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
No Right Turn: [Brownlee stands up for democracy](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/brownlee-stands-up-for-democracy.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [Will we ever get order back into Parliament?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-will-we-ever-get-order-back-into-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Privileges Committee report on Te Pāti Māori's haka to be debated, voted on next Tuesday](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561112/privileges-committee-report-on-te-pati-maori-s-haka-to-be-debated-voted-on-next-tuesday?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [New Zealand MPs who performed haka in parliament given unprecedented punishment](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/15/new-zealand-mps-haka-parliament-suspended?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Maher (Herald): [Judith Collins condemns ‘lack of civility’ from Te Pāti Māori but not van Velden’s c-bomb](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/judith-collins-condemns-lack-of-civility-from-te-pati-maori-but-not-van-veldens-c-bomb/LNPJBWXFBVEUZK2FPJN4PAMK5A/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [Collins says ‘lack of civility’ to blame for Te Pati Māori haka](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360689331/collins-says-lack-civility-blame-te-pati-maori-haka?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [A definitive list of when it is and isn’t acceptable to perform a haka](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/15-05-2025/a-definitive-list-of-when-it-is-and-isnt-acceptable-to-perform-a-haka?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT**  
Chris Trotter: [Knowing who your friends are](https://christrotter418256.substack.com/p/knowing-who-your-friends-are)  
Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [National’s worst week in office](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/15/nationals-worst-week-in-office/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [NZ First wants changes to Regulatory Standards Bill](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/15/nz-first-wants-changes-to-regulatory-standards-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Waitangi Tribunal hears evidence against another ‘dangerous’ principles-based bill](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-05-2025/waitangi-tribunal-hears-evidence-against-another-dangerous-principles-based-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Metiria Stanton Turei (ODT): [Is democracy locked in an arms race with the government?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/democracy-locked-arms-race-government?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Union accuses minister of ‘passing the buck’ on pay equity changes in ‘frank’ meeting](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/union-accuses-minister-of-passing-the-buck-on-pay-equity-changes-in-frank-meeting/MUKAHG36P5GAXH4K3EDRE6VLXY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Brooke van Velden meets with Council of Trade Unions after pay equity changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561076/brooke-van-velden-meets-with-council-of-trade-unions-after-pay-equity-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Union leaders say meeting with Brooke van Velden yielded little](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360690066/union-leaders-says-frank-meeting-brooke-van-velden-yielded-little?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Treasury questioned urgency, raised 'significant concerns' about $1b transport fund changes](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/treasury-questioned-urgency-raised-significant-concerns-about-1b-transport-fund-changes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BUDGET**  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Government unveils $190m social investment fund with focus on early intervention](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/16-05-2025/government-unveils-190m-social-investment-fund-with-focus-on-early-intervention?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Nicola Willis announces $190m 'Social Investment Fund'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561069/nicola-willis-announces-190m-social-investment-fund?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Budget 2025: Nicola Willis announces $190m for Social Investment Fund](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/nicola-willis-to-make-social-investment-announcement-in-pre-budget-speech/LB5IRW5HKFCTBAFG52LOIPXFEA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Budget 2025: Govt announces new social investment fund](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689517/budget-2025-govt-announces-new-social-investment-fund?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dennis Wesselbaum (ODT): [A tight Budget vs a good Budget](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/tight-budget-vs-good-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Political noise drowns out economic reality for Kiwis](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/political-noise-drowns-out-economic-reality-for-kiwis-editorial/XSDBBOC5LZDUXFGIUKCDFANSKQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Taxpayers forking out almost 5% more than last year, despite income tax cuts, tax adviser says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561177/taxpayers-forking-out-almost-5-percent-more-than-last-year-despite-income-tax-cuts-tax-adviser-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [KiwiSaver tax cut off the cards – will boosting balances boil down to you and I contributing more?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-tax-cut-off-the-cards-will-boosting-balances-boil-down-to-you-and-i-contributing-more/5D57OSDBGJFXVICM37XK4653AI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Davina Zimmer (RNZ): [Big numbers for Budget 2025 - but will they be big enough?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/561155/big-numbers-for-budget-2025-but-will-they-be-big-enough?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Bagrie (BusinessDesk): [How bad is the Government’s fiscal position?](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/how-bad-is-the-governments-fiscal-position?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Treasury buckles to pressure and gives the Council of Trade Unions and other groups accreditation to attend the Budget lock-up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/treasury-buckles-to-pressure-and-gives-the-council-of-trade-unions-and-other-groups-accredition-to-attend-the-budget-lock-up/VXPXTPTU5RFP3EZWXF6NC3GUGM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Treasury reverses restriction on Budget lock-up, accepts CTU economist](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689535/treasury-reverses-restriction-budget-lock-accepts-ctu-economist?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Taxpayers’ Union: [The Taxpayers' Union \*Will\* Be Reporting From Inside The Budget Lock-Up](https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/2025%5Flock%5Fup%5Fupdate?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [Fundraising to stay alive: ‘Life’s come down to dollars and cents’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360684132/fundraising-stay-alive-lifes-come-down-dollars-and-cents?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Andrews (RNZ): ['More needs to be done' to reverse dire well-being ranking](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561137/more-needs-to-be-done-to-reverse-dire-well-being-ranking?ref=goodoil.news)  
Claire Achmad (Herald): [Pink Shirt Day: We sit at the wrong end of global bullying rankings](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pink-shirt-day-we-sit-at-the-wrong-end-of-global-bullying-rankings/3FJLGIT4CRGZTE7ZZNXHGPF65A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Peter Davis (Post): [Reshaping health care requires new ways of thinking - and operating](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689057/reshaping-health-care-requires-new-ways-thinking-and-operating?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [ACC could offload responsibility for sexual abuse claims, new minister suggests](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360688373/acc-could-offload-responsibility-sexual-abuse-claims-new-minister-suggests?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Booze delivery fuelling alcohol-related harm, public health experts warn](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561094/booze-delivery-fuelling-alcohol-related-harm-public-health-experts-warn?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Health NZ pays Wellington region more than $60 million after holiday pay botch-up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561126/health-nz-pays-wellington-region-more-than-60-million-after-holiday-pay-botch-up?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Graham (RNZ): [Christchurch health workers share struggles as sector faces increasing pressure](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561163/christchurch-health-workers-share-struggles-as-sector-faces-increasing-pressure?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [$23 for four hours: Hospital car parking costs driving patients away - doctor](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360689629/patients-leave-ed-untreated-because-car-parking-costs-middlemore-doctor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [A window on the world of general practice](https://www.nbr.co.nz/hunters-corner/a-window-on-the-world-of-general-practice/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**POLICE, CRIME**  
Catrin Owen (Stuff): [Foreign bribery: SFO launches tool to support whistleblowing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360688758/foreign-bribery-sfo-launches-tool-support-whistleblowing?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZ launches world first anonymous reporting platform to combat foreign bribery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561104/nz-launches-world-first-anonymous-reporting-platform-to-combat-foreign-bribery?ref=goodoil.news)  
Raphael Franks (Herald): [Foreign bribery: Serious Fraud Office launches campaign and online reporting tool](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/foreign-bribery-serious-fraud-office-launches-campaign-and-online-reporting-tool/B364TQ7ZM5EHHAHZWALFQH34UM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [IPCA probing complaint from member of public about Jevon McSkimming](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561081/ipca-probing-complaint-from-member-of-public-about-jevon-mcskimming?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [Objectional material is very serious stuff](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/objectional%5Fmaterial%5Fis%5Fvery%5Fserious%5Fstuff.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alecia Rousseau (Manawatū Standard): [Gang members fight for return of sentimental sweatshirt and patches](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360688565/gang-members-fight-return-sentimental-sweatshirt-and-patches?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Businessman Peter Huljich reveals himself as convicted inside trader](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561099/businessman-peter-huljich-reveals-himself-as-convicted-inside-trader?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matt Nippert (Herald): [Peter Huljich is Pushpay insider trader, flagging further appeal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets/shares/peter-huljich-is-pushpay-insider-trader-flagging-further-appeal/KB4WVXH7LRADFHPLR23H5Z4FHU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Rich-lister Peter Huljich revealed as Pushpay ‘true insider’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360686681/rich-lister-peter-huljich-revealed-pushpay-true-insider?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Trust sold several million shares in Pushpay insider case](https://www.nbr.co.nz/law/trust-sold-several-million-shares-in-pushpay-insider-case/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**JUDICIARY**  
Neil Sands (Law News): [Chief Justice says independent judiciary under attack worldwide, rule of law in decline](https://lawnews.nz/courts/chief-justice-says-independent-judiciary-under-attack-worldwide-rule-of-law-in-decline/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Harvey: [Ko Aotearoa tēnei? Personal attacks on judiciary out of order – A Critique](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/ko-aotearoa-tenei-personal-attacks)  
  
**GREENS**  
Chris Trotter: [The Greens’ 2025 Alternative Budget is brilliant, shame about all the other stuff](https://christrotter418256.substack.com/p/you-had-me-until)  
David Farrar: [Greens propose more welfare, more tax](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/greens%5Fpropose%5Fmore%5Fwelfare%5Fmore%5Ftax.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Judith Collins defiant over survey involvement: 'The Greens are frankly bonkers'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561165/judith-collins-defiant-over-survey-involvement-the-greens-are-frankly-bonkers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Department of Conservation could lose another 68 roles in effort to cut costs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561130/department-of-conservation-could-lose-another-68-roles-in-effort-to-cut-costs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Mediation between union and Government over working from home rules for public servants fails](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360688596/mediation-between-union-and-government-over-working-home-rules-public-servants-fails?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TREATY SETTLEMENTS**  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Wake-up call to MPs over building relationships after Treaty settlements](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561197/the-house-wake-up-call-to-mps-over-building-relationships-after-treaty-settlements?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Parliament passes Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561139/parliament-passes-nga-hapu-o-ngati-ranginui-claims-settlement-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ORANGA TAMARIKI**  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Social services react to damning report into Oranga Tamariki Report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561159/social-services-react-to-damning-report-into-oranga-tamariki?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Auditor-General releases scathing report on Oranga Tamariki](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561107/auditor-general-releases-scathing-report-on-oranga-tamariki?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Auditor-General blasts Oranga Tamariki contracting process after concerns raised](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/auditor-general-blasts-oranga-tamariki-contracting-process-after-concerns-raised/LHUD3SKREJHPJBANF6TKPO6N7Y/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Auditor-General: Oranga Tamariki must ‘urgently’ improve its social services contracting](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360689441/auditor-general-oranga-tamariki-must-urgently-improve-its-social-services-contracting?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DEFENCE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [A surplus of defence riches, but lack of skill and experience](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/561172/a-surplus-of-defence-riches-but-lack-of-skill-and-experience?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alexander Gillespie (The Conversation): [A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too](https://theconversation.com/a-law-change-will-expand-who-we-remember-on-anzac-day-the-new-zealand-wars-should-be-included-too-256682?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Conscientious Objectors Day marked for a second year](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/conscientious-objectors-day-marked-second-year?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Mayors adamant ratepayers won’t pick up tab for big fast-track projects](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/15/mayors-adamant-ratepayers-wont-pick-up-tab-for-big-fast-track-projects/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ethan Manera (Herald): [Senior National Minister Chris Bishop says Andrew Little ‘favourite’ for Wellington mayoralty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/senior-national-minister-chris-bishop-says-andrew-little-favourite-for-wellington-mayoralty/5UNQNSINZRA2PCXRZAABAXPLU4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Justin Wong and Andrea Vance (Post): [Upper Hutt council in ‘messy’ situation over mall deal](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689614/upper-hutt-council-messy-situation-over-mall-deal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [Standing for council? ‘Be ready for personal abuse' says mayor](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/15/standing-for-council-be-ready-for-personal-abuse-says-mayor/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Spike in Wellington City Council frontline staff abuse concerns](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360687896/spike-wellington-city-council-frontline-staff-abuse-concerns?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Doubts remain over proposed joint water entity](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689073/doubts-remain-over-proposed-joint-water-entity?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alexa Cook (RNZ): ['This is another insult' : Water rates to triple in Central Hawke's Bay](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561054/this-is-another-insult-water-rates-to-triple-in-central-hawke-s-bay?ref=goodoil.news)  
Local Democracy Reporting: [Why Mahé Drysdale isn’t moving his family into his Papamoa home yet](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360690893/why-mahe-drysdale-isnt-moving-his-family-his-papamoa-home-yet?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samantha Gee (Local Democracy Reporting): [Councillor adamant Nelson well-placed to host Te Matatini](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560967/councillor-adamant-nelson-well-placed-to-host-te-matatini?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION, TRAINING**  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Principals worried by ERO report changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561095/principals-worried-by-ero-report-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stephen Blumenfeld (Newsroom): [Skills training overhaul risks the same old pitfalls](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/skills-training-overhaul-risks-the-same-old-pitfalls/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Staff call for Israel ties to be cut](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/staff-call-israel-ties-be-cut?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Mary Argue and Nick James (RNZ): [Two years on from Loafers Lodge fire Newtown building looms virtually unchanged](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561156/two-years-on-from-loafers-lodge-fire-newtown-building-looms-virtually-unchanged?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [Townhouse sold for $275k profit in three weeks](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/townhouse-sold-for-275k-profit-in-three-weeks?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Housing market suffered 'autumn chill' in April, REINZ says](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133285/housing-sales-and-selling-prices-both-edged-lower-april-reinz-saying-buyers-are?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SOCIAL MEDIA BAN**  
Samantha Hayes (Stuff): [The one thing the architect of Australia’s social media ban for under 16s would do differently](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360690772/one-thing-architect-australias-social-media-ban-under-16s-would-do-differently?ref=goodoil.news)  
Juha Saarinen (Interest): [How workable is a social media ban for under 16s?](https://www.interest.co.nz/technology/133286/blanket-ban-social-media-use-under-16s-now-works-technically-it-looks-complex?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT**  
Kaya Selby (RNZ): ['Easier to live in the islands' - Pasifika families 'in survival mode' amid joblessness](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561055/easier-to-live-in-the-islands-pasifika-families-in-survival-mode-amid-joblessness?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [NZ shoppers get a good deal from supermarkets, Woolworths says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360690199/nz-shoppers-get-good-deal-supermarkets-woolworths-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Raphael Franks (Herald): [‘Possible cartel conduct’: Sparky association changes policy after anti-competition accusation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/possible-cartel-conduct-sparky-association-changes-policy-after-anti-competition-accusation/RIJ4LXEB2RARDJ4SFRL6VYIHRA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZ Trade Group put on notice over concerns around anti-competitive behaviour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561132/nz-trade-group-put-on-notice-over-concerns-around-anti-competitive-behaviour?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Why you might need to be careful of that job offer](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561154/why-you-might-need-to-be-careful-of-that-job-offer?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cheryl Adamson (Post): [We need to stop and consider how, when and where we spend](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360689685/we-need-stop-and-consider-how-when-and-where-we-spend?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES**  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Farmers in ‘impossible’ situation if rule quashed, court hears](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/14/farmers-in-impossible-situation-if-rule-quashed-court-hears/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New welfare code for sheep and beef cattle proposed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/561060/new-welfare-code-for-sheep-and-beef-cattle-proposed?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [The wapiti exception](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/wapiti-exception?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lisa Futschek (Post): [Fishing industry deserves credit where it’s due](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360690464/fishing-industry-deserves-credit-where-its-due?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Sanford doubles half year profit to $34m](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561068/sanford-doubles-half-year-profit-to-34m?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Madeleine Chapman (Spinoff): [Huge and true: Madeleine Chapman to step down as editor of The Spinoff](https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/16-05-2025/huge-and-true-madeleine-chapman-to-step-down-as-editor-of-the-spinoff?ref=goodoil.news)  
Poppy Clark (Stuff): [NZ Herald pulls out of media award top category](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360689306/nz-herald-pulls-out-media-award-top-category?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Former Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria releases internal TVNZ emails, messages; SportsCafe expands its empire; The Spinoff editor steps down](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-former-breakfast-host-kamahl-santamaria-releases-internal-tvnz-emails-messages-sports-cafe-expands-its-empire-the-spinoff-editor-steps-down/FCK4S5E2ZZACVCSMJXGX4RUXJE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**RESERVE BANK, BANKS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS**  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Reserve Bank governer Adrian Orr’s plan to resign not discussed with Finance Minister Nicola Willis in multiple exchanges in weeks before bombshell](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/reserve-bank-governer-adrian-orrs-plan-to-resign-not-discussed-with-finance-minister-nicola-willis-in-multiple-exchanges-in-weeks-before-bombshell/SV7JC2LRNNEXLFOY3VSIPP2BIM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lane Nicholas (Herald): [UK bank accuses Westpac of ‘critical errors’ after customer sent $158k to wrong account](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/uk-bank-accuses-westpac-of-critical-errors-after-customer-sent-158k-to-wrong-account/7OXBAPZIXNFARJRLUAFBEOE3GE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Roger Beaumont and Philip Joseph (Post): [Fixing faulty legislation, not protecting big banks, the goal of these law changes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360689917/faulty-legislation-being-fixed-rather-bank-protection-goal-changes-cccfa?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [Co-operative Bank 'delighted', ANZ says own research shows better results, after contrasting placings in Consumer NZ survey](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/133288/responding-last-place-consumer-nz-survey-anz-says-its-own-surveys-are-all-time-highs?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Tim Brown (RNZ): [Unclear how much abuse in care redress will reach survivors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561162/unclear-how-much-abuse-in-care-redress-will-reach-survivors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Grimshaw (Plain Sight): [New Zealand – the way we have it…?](https://plainsight.nz/new-zealand-the-way-we-have-it/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Natural disasters have cost Government, private insurers $64 billion since 2010](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360689504/natural-disasters-have-cost-government-private-insurers-64-billion-2010?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Five Gisborne marae to move to safer ground with Govt support](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/15/auckland-businessman-reveals-himself-as-convicted-inside-trader/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Opinions split on inland port sites](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/opinions-split-inland-port-sites?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Transpower warns of higher blackout risk in winter 2026](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561157/transpower-warns-of-higher-blackout-risk-in-winter-2026?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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