> ## 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: 17 April 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-17-april-2025/ - Published: 2025-04-16T20:16:27.000Z - Updated: 2025-04-16T22:27:42.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **PARLIAMENT, PARTIES** Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Growing calls for independent watchdog to keep politicians honest](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/15/growing-calls-for-independent-watchdog-to-keep-politicians-honest/?ref=goodoil.news) Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Act’s ‘happy Māori’ AI image sparks internal change](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/17/acts-happy-maori-ai-image-sparks-internal-change/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Seymour seeks to spark a new ‘culture war’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/17/seymour-seeks-to-spark-a-new-culture-war/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [David Seymour says ACT 'fixing the system, not finding someone to blame’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360656232/david-seymour-says-act-fixing-system-not-finding-someone-blame?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Labour tight-lipped as Te Pāti Māori wants Māori to receive NZ Super seven to 10 years before everyone else](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/labour-tight-lipped-as-te-pati-maori-wants-maori-to-receive-nz-super-seven-to-10-years-before-everyone-else/D334KRBMLVFSLCOZCC7W3BOKXI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Leask (Herald): [Two by Twos: MP Hamish Campbell ‘deeply embedded’ in religious group under investigation by FBI, police](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/two-by-twos-mp-hamish-campbell-deeply-embedded-in-religious-group-under-investigation-by-fbi-police/F5KXGKWAZNG23H4OKI73JLGTTE/?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Greens tighten candidate selection process](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360656000/greens-tighten-candidate-selection-process?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [The risks to democracy and free speech](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/the-risks-to-democracy-and-free-speech/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jack McDonald (Post): [Hard data and firm action needed to tackle harassment of women leaders](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360656530/hard-data-and-firm-action-needed-tackle-harassment-women-leaders?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Amanda Luxon is a decent Kiwi with the answers to our divided society and our politicians can learn from her](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360655220/paddy-gower-amanda-luxon-decent-kiwi-answers-our-divided-society-and-our-politicians-can-learn-her?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Imagine if he did this to a left wing MP?](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/04/imagine%5Fif%5Fhe%5Fdid%5Fthis%5Fto%5Fa%5Fleft%5Fwing%5Fmp.html?ref=goodoil.news) Serena Solomon (RNZ): [How MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke ended up in Stan Walker’s latest music video](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/music/how-mp-hana-rawhiti-maipi-clarke-ended-up-in-stan-walker-s-latest-music-video?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Cool heads needed as Trump disaster unfolds](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/cool-heads-needed-as-trump-disaster-unfolds-matthew-hooton/WXOKAJHJ6ZH2TCM6YOLO3A7IIU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Why NZ needs the United States to stay committed to the Pacific](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/558402/why-nz-needs-the-united-states-to-stay-committed-to-the-pacific?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [Going it alone without the US](https://www.politik.co.nz/going-it-alone-without-the-us/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [NZ plugs in to boost US Navy's space race with China](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558317/nz-plugs-in-to-boost-us-navy-s-space-race-with-china?ref=goodoil.news) Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [NZ, Fiji reaffirm 'indispensable partnership', aim for $2b trade goal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/558326/nz-fiji-reaffirm-indispensable-partnership-aim-for-2b-trade-goal?ref=goodoil.news) Don Wiseman (RNZ): [Academic questions New Zealand's coming approach on climate aid](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/558404/academic-questions-new-zealand-s-coming-approach-on-climate-aid?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Peters (World Socialists): [New Zealand to nearly double military spending](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/16/dbqw-a16.html?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING** RNZ: [Global trade war forecast to cut NZ's economic growth by more than half](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/558390/global-trade-war-forecast-to-cut-nz-s-economic-growth-by-more-than-half?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Grim forecast says economic growth will almost grind to a halt](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360656646/grim-forecast-economic-growth-will-almost-grind-halt?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): [Inside Economics: Measuring tariff turmoil uncertainty... plus inflation risks](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/inside-economics-making-sense-of-tariff-turmoil-uncertaintyplus-inflation-risks/O2RNR6YSN5CUVGJDBWWV477RW4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [ANZ forecasts Reserve Bank will need to cut OCR to support economic recovery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558380/anz-forecasts-reserve-bank-will-need-to-cut-ocr-to-support-economic-recovery?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [ANZ economists cut OCR and house price forecasts](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132908/anz-economists-now-see-ocr-going-low-25-and-have-trimmed-their-forecast-house-price?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [ANZ thinks OCR will drop to 2.5% after trimming growth forecast](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360656395/anz-thinks-ocr-will-drop-25-after-trimming-growth-forecast?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Slight inflation lift won't stop rate cuts thanks to trade war](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/slight-inflation-lift-wont-stop-rate-cuts-thanks-to-trade-war?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Are all our polls doing more harm than good?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-are-all-our-polls-doing-more-harm-than-good/?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** ODT Editorial: [Welcome news lacks detail](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/welcome-news-lacks-detail?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [$20 billion of funding needed, first 'Health Infrastructure Plan' reveals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558324/20-billion-of-funding-needed-first-health-infrastructure-plan-reveals?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [ED upgrades, more carparks, $20b price tag: The Government’s new health infrastructure plan](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ed-upgrades-more-carparks-20b-price-tag-the-governments-new-health-infrastructure-plan/LNLLWTZJ7ZF7HM2PEIC7QNSXTU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Health Minister Simeon Brown reveals $20b hospital plan, new Dunedin Hospital tender](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/health-minister-simeon-brown-reveals-20b-hospital-plan-new-dunedin-hospital-tender?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood and Mary Williams (ODT): [Hospital’s mental health facilities to undergo major upgrade](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/hospital%E2%80%99s-mental-health-facilities-undergo-major-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Bulletin: Hospitals to be rebuilt in four stages under new $20b plan](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/17-04-2025/hospitals-to-be-rebuilt-in-four-stages-under-new-20b-plan?ref=goodoil.news) Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [The doctors strike doesn't add up](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-doctors-strike-doesnt-add-up/?ref=goodoil.news) Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Dire level of vacancies among full-time permanent senior doctor positions at Taupō Hospital](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558377/dire-level-of-vacancies-among-full-time-permanent-senior-doctor-positions-at-taupo-hospital?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Work to start: ‘Overdue’ and ‘inevitable’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/work-start-%E2%80%98overdue%E2%80%99-and-%E2%80%98inevitable%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) Gill Higgins (1News): [Paralysed man loses care team in so far failed ACC bid to save dollars](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/17/paralysed-man-loses-care-team-in-so-far-failed-acc-bid-to-save-dollars/?ref=goodoil.news) Tayler Mutton (Press): [Anorexia nearly took my life: Why urgent action is needed](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360641595/anorexia-nearly-took-my-life-why-urgent-action-needed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate Green (RNZ): [Asbestos blown on to Wellington homes by waterblasters](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558398/asbestos-blown-on-to-wellington-homes-by-waterblasters?ref=goodoil.news) **POLICE, CRIME** Tom Pearce (Stuff): [Here’s what People Against Prisons Aotearoa stands for, and why Tamatha Paul has been unfairly smeared](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360656014/tom-pearce-heres-what-people-against-prisons-aotearoa-stands-and-why-tamatha-paul-has-been-unfairly?ref=goodoil.news) Peyton Bond and Erin Silver (Spinoff): [Defunding the police is good policy, actually](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-04-2025/defunding-the-police-is-good-policy-actually?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Neville (Spinoff): [The Beehive is lauding a big drop in violent crime. But what do the stats really say?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-04-2025/the-beehive-is-lauding-a-big-drop-in-violent-crime-but-what-do-the-stats-really-say?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Let's not go all misery guts over these crime stats](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/john-macdonald-lets-not-go-all-misery-guts-over-these-crime-stats/?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Sikh community take lead role in Takanini crime patrols](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/16/sikh-community-take-lead-role-in-takanini-crime-patrols/?ref=goodoil.news) **WELLINGTON REGION** Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington council to decide on $400m revamp of 800 council flats](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558392/wellington-council-to-decide-on-400m-revamp-of-800-council-flats?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt and Harriet Laughton (Post): [A 17-year-old decision will cost every residential Wellington ratepayer $3233](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360655708/17-year-old-decision-will-cost-every-residential-wellington-ratepayer-3233?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Where Wellington’s mayoral candidates stand on the big issues](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360656609/where-wellingtons-mayoral-candidates-stand-big-issues?ref=goodoil.news) Ethan Manera (Herald): [Wellington councillor Ray Chung criticised for missing meeting for ‘fancy lunch’ with donors](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-councillor-ray-chung-criticised-for-missing-meeting-for-fancy-lunch-with-donors/AOZVUC5TZ5BX5KUPKN5I2WK3RA/?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tory Whanau says Wellington seeing progress on her watch](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/04/16/tory-whanau-says-wellington-seeing-progress-on-her-watch/?ref=goodoil.news) Tim Brown (Post): [Local water done well or regional water done badly?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360654450/local-water-done-well-or-regional-water-done-badly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Michael Daly (Stuff): [Explained: Why former Labour leader Andrew Little wants to be Wellington mayor](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360656317/explained-why-former-labour-leader-andrew-little-wants-be-wellington-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) Karl du Fresne: [Little stands to capture the 'Anyone but Whanau' vote](https://karldufresne.blogspot.com/2025/04/little-stands-to-capture-anyone-but.html?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Wellington regional council buys large block of bush in Eastbourne](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558316/wellington-regional-council-buys-large-block-of-bush-in-eastbourne?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Wellington Water investigates bad smell wafting over Wellington CBD](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558348/wellington-water-investigates-bad-smell-wafting-over-wellington-cbd?ref=goodoil.news) Justin Wong (Post): [Porirua citizens’ assembly recommends climate change action](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360654327/porirua-citizens-assembly-recommends-climate-change-action?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Alcohol retailers fight Rotorua’s proposed freeze on new liquor off-licences](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/558328/alcohol-retailers-fight-rotorua-s-proposed-freeze-on-new-liquor-off-licences?ref=goodoil.news) Local Aotearoa: [Amalgamation is back on the menu (again)](https://localaotearoa.substack.com/p/amalgamation-is-back-on-the-menu) Maxine Jacobs (Press): [Councillor promises to donate funds, but already two years behind](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360657087/councillor-promises-donate-funds-already-two-years-behind?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tim Brown (RNZ): [Christchurch ratepayers to vote on future of Canterbury Museum redevelopment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558364/christchurch-ratepayers-to-vote-on-future-of-canterbury-museum-redevelopment?ref=goodoil.news) Maxine Jacobs (Press): [Canterbury Museum faces mothballing without another $50m](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360655828/canterbury-museum-faces-mothballing-without-another-50m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liz McDonald (Press): [Christchurch council shrinks Lyttelton heritage zone](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360656394/christchurch-council-shrinks-lyttelton-heritage-zone?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Council proposes tougher liquor laws for Christchurch city](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558374/council-proposes-tougher-liquor-laws-for-christchurch-city?ref=goodoil.news) Sinead Gill (Press): [New limits on alcohol sales in Christchurch may exclude bars, nightclubs](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360656234/new-limits-alcohol-sales-christchurch-may-exclude-bars-nightclubs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown rejects claims he hasn't supported flood-impacted residents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558342/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-rejects-claims-he-hasn-t-supported-flood-impacted-residents?ref=goodoil.news) Anne Gibson & Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland Council report opposes Westmere helipad application for Anna Mowbray, Ali Williams: submissions released](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/construction/auckland-council-report-opposes-westmere-helipad-application-for-anna-mowbray-ali-williams-submissions-released/EUJ2K2UZPNF77JXOGK26EIYHLM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brooke Black (Timaru Herald/Press): [‘We don’t do that’: CEO wants business cases to be the norm for Timaru council spending](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360655430/we-dont-do-ceo-wants-business-cases-be-norm-timaru-council-spending?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Phenomenal’ outcome: Five community boards to remain in Western Bay](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360656692/phenomenal-outcome-five-community-boards-remain-western-bay?ref=goodoil.news) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Maungatapu slips: Homeowners’ three-year repair battle with Tauranga council](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/maungatapu-slips-homeowners-three-year-repair-battle-with-tauranga-council/OBQ2R6WXWRAN3CDKMBFOE2S6XE/?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Toilet tax, rates fairness take centre stage at council hearing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360651162/toilet-tax-rates-fairness-take-centre-stage-council-hearing?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [KiwiRail legally bound to compensate passengers affected by cancellations in 2023](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558389/kiwirail-legally-bound-to-compensate-passengers-affected-by-cancellations-in-2023?ref=goodoil.news) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Commerce Commission pushes KiwiRail to compensate customers for cancelled ferry sailings](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/commerce-commission-pushes-kiwirail-to-compensate-customers-for-cancelled-ferry-sailings/DXQYZG6MWFEUTAPJBD5HZZEJRI/?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Why it’ll now be easier to get a refund from Interislander](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360656786/why-itll-now-be-easier-get-refund-interislander?ref=goodoil.news) Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Driver licence overhaul: Should 60 hours of supervised driving be mandatory?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/driver-licence-overhaul-should-60-hours-of-supervised-driving-be-mandatory-the-front-page/SAEILJOZD5CLJGCABP22NR5CE4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lane Nichols (Herald): [Commuter disruption as Auckland Transport cancels train network for April school holidays](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/lane-nichols-commuter-disruption-as-auckland-transport-cancels-train-network-for-april-school-holidays/H7ICFUXYBZB7FGP4UN7O3MWGXY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [‘High risk’ Northland expressway project attracting international interest](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/high-risk-northland-expressway-project-attracting-international-interest?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Air New Zealand expects to bank $20 million of unused credits](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/558356/air-new-zealand-expects-to-bank-20-million-of-unused-credits?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Air New Zealand expects 'substantial' drop in profits](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/558329/air-new-zealand-expects-substantial-drop-in-profits?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Our national airline is forecasting pre-tax profits of between $150 million and $190 million for the current financial year](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/132906/our-national-airline-forecasting-pre-tax-profits-between-150-million-and-190?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Air NZ signals earnings hit to stormy financial year](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360655793/air-nz-signals-earnings-hit-stormy-financial-year?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Will Mace (NBR): [Air NZ warns profit could dip 32% as engine compensation drops](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/air-nz-warns-engine-compensation-to-drop-as-it-eyes-tariff-effect/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Air New Zealand FY guidance hit by expected lower compensation](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/air-new-zealand-fy-guidance-hit-by-expected-lower-compensation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **RESERVE BANK** Michael Reddell: [Spin (and obfuscation)](https://croakingcassandra.com/2025/04/16/spin-and-obfuscation/?ref=goodoil.news) Jenny Ruth: [When a RBNZ “funding cut” is actually an increase](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/when-a-rbnz-funding-cut-is-actually) (paywalled) 1News: [Reserve Bank's funding reduced](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/16/reserve-banks-funding-reduced/?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Government cuts Reserve Bank funding by 25%, for coming year](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360656271/government-cuts-reserve-bank-funding-25-coming-year?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [The central bank has negotiated an increase in its annual average spend, despite having to slash spending by up to 25% in the next financial year](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132909/central-bank-will-likely-have-cut-staff-after-failing-secure-1-billion-budget?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Reserve Bank's budget to be slashed by 25%](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/558339/reserve-bank-s-budget-to-be-slashed-by-25-percent?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Govt slashes RBNZ proposed budget, notes rampant staff growth](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/government-trims-rbnz-budget-notes-rampant-staff-growth/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Reserve Bank funding to be cut 25%, job cuts expected](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360656147/reserve-bank-funding-be-cut-25?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CHATHAM ISLANDS** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Shane Jones tells Chatham Islands he could help them get a meatworks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360657066/shane-jones-tells-chatham-islands-he-could-help-build-meatworks?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Broken but not bowed: NZ’s remotest community gives a message to ministers](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/16/broken-but-not-bowed-nzs-remotest-community-sends-a-message-to-ministers/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [NZ First donor launches airline war on Chatham Islands](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/17/nz-first-donor-launches-airline-war-on-chatham-islands/?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** Edward Miller and Craig Renney: [Heat but no light – The short-lived story of the energy margin dashboard](https://labourcartel.substack.com/p/heat-but-no-light-the-short-lived) Cameron Smith (Herald): [Power prices to increase ahead of winter – what you need to know](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/power-prices-to-increase-ahead-of-winter-what-you-need-to-know/PPXULUP5XBGNZHIZQTMYZ4FN5I/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Herald): [Gas no longer a ‘transition fuel’, coal cheaper, says Genesis](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360655301/gas-no-longer-transition-fuel-coal-cheaper-says-genesis?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT** Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Ministry for Regulation turns its eye to telecommunications](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/ministry-for-regulation-turns-its-eye-to-telecommunications?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Blayne Slabbert (Press): [ATV business owner pleads case as David Seymour targets regulations](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360656842/atv-business-owner-pleads-case-david-seymour-targets-regulations?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) James Craig (Post): [2025: A year of reckoning for the Commerce Commission](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360656740/2025-year-reckoning-commerce-commission?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alka Prasad (Post): [Right to repair would cut costs for farmers, Fed Farmers says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360649204/right-repair-would-cut-costs-farmers-fed-farmers-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ella Somers (Interest): [Seek says job volumes were flat in March but rose on a quarterly basis](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132910/job-ad-volumes-have-risen-first-time-quarter-quarter-over-two-years-according-seek?ref=goodoil.news) James Ball (1News): [Easter: What's open and what are the surcharge rules](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/17/easter-whats-open-and-what-are-the-surcharge-rules/?ref=goodoil.news) **SOUTH ISLAND MOBILE AND INTERNET OUTAGE** Mark John and Tim Scott (ODT): [Outage shows weakness: tech leader](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/outage-shows-weakness-tech-leader?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [South Island back online after contractor and rodents cut through fibre cables](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558351/south-island-back-online-after-contractor-and-rodents-cut-through-fibre-cables?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [South Island hit with internet and mobile outages after rodents chew through cables](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360656230/internet-outage-hits-otago-and-southland?ref=goodoil.news) Cate Macintosh (Press/Post): [Mobile and internet outage in Dunedin resolved](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360657015/mobile-and-internet-outage-impacts-otago-university-and-all-campuses?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **PUBLIC SECTOR** Mary Argue (RNZ): [Callaghan Innovation confirms 67 more potential job cuts as it disestablishes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558379/callaghan-innovation-confirms-67-more-potential-job-cuts-as-it-disestablishes?ref=goodoil.news) Aka Prasad (Post): [PSA says ‘gutting’ 64 more Callaghan Innovation jobs on chopping block](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360656999/psa-says-gutting-64-more-callaghan-innovation-jobs-chopping-block?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **POPULATION** RNZ: [New Zealand experiencing some of its fastest population growth in last decade](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558362/new-zealand-experiencing-some-of-its-fastest-population-growth-in-last-decade?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [New figures reveal fastest growing areas in NZ](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/16/new-figures-reveal-fastest-growing-areas-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, PROPERTY MARKET** David Hargreaves (Interest): [The resilient bunch - nearly 40% of NZ mortgage holders ahead with repayments](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132889/new-zealand-banking-association-says-large-proportion-mortgage-holders-are?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [The housing market is heading into uncharted waters this winter](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132891/housing-market-not-its-usual-self-it-prepares-onset-winter?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Kiwi firm designs low-cost, fast-build house](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/home/kiwi-firm-designs-low-cost-fast-build-house?ref=goodoil.news) Brett Kerr-Laurie (Press): [Fraudster collected $27k pretending to be a landlord](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360656193/fraudster-collected-27k-pretending-be-landlord?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **OTHER** Tureiti Moxon (Post): [$12 billion for defence, but our tamariki go hungry](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360656839/12-billion-defence-our-tamariki-go-hungry?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jamie Cuningham (Herald): [Almost all NZ state schools are operating at or above capacity](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/almost-all-nz-state-schools-are-operating-at-or-above-capacity/D544K35E3NHONPSAXWLNVCLVAM/?lid=tdbuvb4ndx4q&utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=20250417%5FMorning%5FBrief%5F%28Daily%5FH%29&uuid=48cf4d934417484db2534762a8bfa15dlid=tdbuvb4ndx4q&utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=20250417%5FMorning%5FBrief%5F%28Daily%5FH%29&uuid=48cf4d934417484db2534762a8bfa15dlid=tdbuvb4ndx4q&utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=20250417%5FMorning%5FBrief%5F%28Daily%5FH%29&uuid=48cf4d934417484db2534762a8bfa15d) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [The schools that ain’t got jack built](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/15/the-schools-that-got-jack-built/?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Lang (Capsule NZ): [Overwhelmed By Your News Feed at the Mo? Here’s Some Truly Positive News + How You Can Turn Despair into Positive Action](https://capsulenz.com/think/the-state-of-the-world/?ref=goodoil.news) Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Security worries stymie whānau sessions at Pride Week Taranaki](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360656812/security-worries-stymie-whanau-sessions-pride-week-taranaki?ref=goodoil.news) Rafaella Melo (Hawkes Bay Today): [‘We want our mountain back’: Hundreds brave wind and rain in Mt Kahurānaki ascent](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/we-want-our-mountain-back-hundreds-brave-wind-and-rain-in-mt-kahuranaki-ascent/PKYRFH6JP5FU5IGQSNI43RX33M/?ref=goodoil.news) Riley Kennedy (BusinessDesk): [Time running out for lagging agri-products approval pathway, industry warns](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/time-running-out-for-lagging-agri-products-approval-pathway-industry-warns?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shayne Currie (Herald): Media Insider: [Gold FM drops hosts to become music-only radio station; Top Sky TV executive to depart; TVNZ, Netflix and the battle for your phone and TV screen](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-gold-fm-drops-hosts-to-become-music-only-radio-station-top-sky-tv-executive-to-depart-tvnz-netflix-and-the-battle-for-your-phone-and-tv-screen/GOXALU6SC5FUXAOTILKTBN2I2U/?ref=goodoil.news) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [It's time for a hard crackdown on bad dog owners](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-its-time-for-a-hard-crackdown-on-bad-dog-owners/?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-17-april-2025)