> ## 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 February 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-17-february-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-16T19:19:57.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-16T19:43:13.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Can Christopher Luxon grow his way out of a buyer’s remorse election?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/can-christopher-luxon-grow-his-way-out-of-a-buyers-remorse-election/DSBRMIQTOJCDNPBOG4AX2CUGY4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Post): [Can Christopher Luxon turn it around?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360580364/can-christopher-luxon-turn-it-around?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Damien Grant (Stuff): [ACT’s clarity a sticking point for Luxon in his apparent struggle to explain ‘why’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360581859/damien-grant-acts-clarity-sticking-point-luxon-his-apparent-struggle-explain-why?ref=goodoil.news) Vernon Small (Post): [Economic good news risks being suffocated by coalition antics](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360581113/economic-good-news-risks-being-suffocated-coalition-antics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shane Te Pou (Herald): [David Seymour’s Philip Polkinghorne police letter highlights a weak Prime Minister, coalition partners off the leash](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/david-seymours-philip-polkinghorne-police-letter-highlights-a-weak-prime-minister-coalition-partners-off-the-leash-shane-te-pou/HZZNR4A5HFDTFOOUTWIHWEGIVM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [Analysing the attachment styles of the coalition throuple](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-02-2025/analysing-the-attachment-styles-of-the-coalition-throuple?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Chris v Christopher: Who would you rather have a beer with?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360562654/chris-v-christopher-who-would-you-rather-have-beer?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. Sheriff Seymour](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/15/the-secret-diary-of-sheriff-seymour-4/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Nicola Willis charts a new course - now she has to deliver](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360581006/nicola-willis-charts-new-course-now-she-has-deliver?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Nash (Post): [Cost, value and the return on investment from public goods](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581413/cost-value-and-return-investment-public-goods?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Time for decisive Government action to get NZ back on track](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/time-for-decisive-action-to-get-nz-back-on-track-bruce-cotterill/2MHWQ4XY7VH3VDQQSDVRDWDXTY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [The polls, the economy, the Cook Islands, and a supermarket scrap](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/the-polls-the-economy-the-cook-islands-and-a-supermarket-scrap/?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Dixon (Listener): [Is David Seymour a jackass or a troll?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-is-david-seymour-a-jackass-or-a-troll/IGD5F7KBJRABNK4YNOG5G6IMJY/?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Blithe spirits, the cavalry, and filling every minute of the day](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/blithe-spirits-cavalry-and-filling-every-minute-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Fighting over growth, forgetting to mention the plan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542007/the-house-fighting-over-growth-forgetting-to-mention-the-plan?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [David Seymour accuses Labour of radical leftward shift, calls for policy reform](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/david-seymour-accuses-labour-of-radical-leftward-shift-calls-for-policy-reform/P75SVGRTSBDB7NWQ4DKB4B4I7U/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Watch: Time for 'significant reset' on red tape, David Seymour says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541845/watch-time-for-significant-reset-on-red-tape-david-seymour-says?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Public Service sector 'not fit for purpose', new commissioner says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541861/public-service-sector-not-fit-for-purpose-new-commissioner-says?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Public service to be asked to find more savings](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360581695/public-service-be-asked-find-more-savings?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Stuff: [Poll: National and Labour are taking on TikTok trends. Which party's videos are the cringiest?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360579690/poll-national-and-labour-are-taking-tiktok-trends-which-partys-videos-are-cringiest?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [The benefits of having a regional lobbyist as a minister](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360563445/benefits-having-regional-lobbyist-cabinet-table?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [Infrastructure key for new South Island Minister](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/14/infrastructure-key-for-new-south-island-minister/?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [‘I make no apologies’: Chris Luxon doubles down on T-shirt ‘fashion crime’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360582264/i-make-no-apologies-chris-luxon-doubles-down-t-shirt-fashion-crime?ref=goodoil.news) Varsha Anjali (Herald): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon auctions off ‘fashion crime’ T-shirt after getting roasted online](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-auctions-off-fashion-crime-t-shirt-after-getting-roasted-online/BFTQPFAAGFAVDNS5HTDD4NV3VQ/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [PM's 'fashion crime' T-shirt now up for auction](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541978/pm-s-fashion-crime-t-shirt-now-up-for-auction?ref=goodoil.news) Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [ACT MP Simon Court asks woman if she’s ‘aware of the menstrual cup’ during hearing on benefit sanctions](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360582255/act-mp-simon-court-asks-woman-if-shes-aware-menstrual-cup-during-hearing-benefit-sanctions?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene shares cancer journey, urges health priority](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/mp-lemauga-lydia-sosene-shares-cancer-journey-urges-health-priority/KZWB42SKM5EWZKKWOPTCEMFF7U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Auckland to get mural in honour of the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360578462/auckland-get-mural-honour-late-faanana-efeso-collins?ref=goodoil.news) Kasia De Vydt-Jilling (Woman’s Weekly): [Ex-MP Kiri Allan’s fresh start: ‘I’m a better version of myself’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/ex-mp-kiri-allans-fresh-start-im-a-better-version-of-myself/4WFUDDD3FZG3BNTWFPGNH2CV54/?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine Smith (OneRoof): [Paula Bennett’s $10m island finally finds a buyer](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/paula-bennetts-10m-island-finally-finds-a-buyer-47008?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** Michael Morrah & Chris Knox (Herald): [How does your hospital emergency department ED rate? Herald investigation into the best and worst-performing EDs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/watch-how-does-your-hospital-emergency-department-ed-rate-herald-investigation-into-the-best-and-worst-performing-eds/FL624446ZNCHBBBZ3Q64XRNT6A/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Health Minister Simeon Brown denies three senior health resignations connected](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/director-general-of-health-diana-sarfati-resigns-after-health-ministers-promised-leadership-changes/VGJ2KY5IUJCYFGOSGSBNX2AXAU/?ref=goodoil.news) Press Editorial (Post): [Who can heal a sick system?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581558/who-can-heal-sick-system?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ruth Hill (RNZ): ['Bloodbath': Director-General of Health resignation a huge blow, doctors say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541895/bloodbath-director-general-of-health-resignation-a-huge-blow-doctors-say?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati resigns](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/14/director-general-of-health-diana-sarfati-resigns/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati resigns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541865/director-general-of-health-diana-sarfati-resigns?ref=goodoil.news) Alan Perrott (NZ Doctor): [Director-general of health Diana Sarfati gives week’s notice of leaving](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/director-general-health-diana-sarfati-gives-weeks-notice-leaving?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sue Pullon (Post): [The realities of establishing a new medical school](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360578975/realities-establishing-new-medical-school?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luka Forman (RNZ): [Patients speak out on pauses and delays to colonoscopies, some waiting years](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541917/patients-speak-out-on-pauses-and-delays-to-colonoscopies-some-waiting-years?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Whakatāne Hospital obstetrics closure: hīkoi organiser pans 'deeply dysfunctional' health system](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541999/whakatane-hospital-obstetrics-closure-hikoi-organiser-pans-deeply-dysfunctional-health-system?ref=goodoil.news) Ruth Hill (RNZ): [GP earns less than minimum wage after rejecting 'flawed' funding system](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542066/gp-earns-less-than-minimum-wage-after-rejecting-flawed-funding-system?ref=goodoil.news) Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [‘I feel blindsided’: Texts reveal tension between Pharmac bosses over menopause patches](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360581910/i-feel-blindsided-texts-reveal-tension-between-pharmac-bosses-over-menopause-patches?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Nurse practitioner training goes ahead despite funding uncertainty](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542061/nurse-practitioner-training-goes-ahead-despite-funding-uncertainty?ref=goodoil.news) Wayne Naylor (Sunday Star Times): [Dying to be heard: National palliative care roles axed](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360579803/dying-be-heard-national-palliative-care-roles-axed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE** Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [A new world (dis) order](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-a-new-world-dis-order/K7QE5JYIYRH4XKO3MWKOXOX2WY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alexander Gillespie (The Conversation): [NZ depends on the rules-based world Trump is dismantling – why the silence?](https://theconversation.com/nz-depends-on-the-rules-based-world-trump-is-dismantling-why-the-silence-249857?ref=goodoil.news) Mick Hall: [NZ Defence Minister signals military spending hike at Munich Security Conference](https://mickhall.substack.com/p/nz-defence-minister-signals-military) 1News: [Q+A: Scott Morrison: The company that could give NZ a big AUKUS boost](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/15/scott-morrison-the-company-that-could-give-nz-a-big-aukus-boost/?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [McCully resurfaces; “don’t subcontract our foreign policy to Australia”](https://www.politik.co.nz/mccully-resurfaces-dont-subcontract-our-foreign-policy-to-australia/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon Shepherd (NBR): [Scott Morrison keeps mum on what he said to Trump about aluminum](https://www.nbr.co.nz/australia/scottmorrison/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lydia Lewis (RNZ): ['Clandestine' Cook Islands-China deal 'damaged' NZ relationship - Helen Clark](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/542025/clandestine-cook-islands-china-deal-damaged-nz-relationship-helen-clark?ref=goodoil.news) Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): ["Deal with China complements, not replaces, NZ relationship," Cook Islands PM](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541988/deal-with-china-complements-not-replaces-nz-relationship-cook-islands-pm?ref=goodoil.news) Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): [Cook Islands signs China deal at centre of diplomatic row with New Zealand](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541952/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-at-centre-of-diplomatic-row-with-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): [Cook Islands seeks China's expertise in seabed mining](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541867/cook-islands-seeks-china-s-expertise-in-seabed-mining?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Cook Islands ‘deals’ with China - why NZ Government won’t comment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cook-islands-deals-with-china-why-nz-government-wont-comment/UQP5CPJWZZCK7A6OVM52PYM5I4/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Watch: Opposition MP says NZ has looked after Cook Islanders](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541874/watch-opposition-mp-says-nz-has-looked-after-cook-islanders?ref=goodoil.news) Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): [China confirms 'in-depth exchange' with Cook Islands as New Zealand faces criticism for bullying](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541860/china-confirms-in-depth-exchange-with-cook-islands-as-new-zealand-faces-criticism-for-bullying?ref=goodoil.news) Tim Selwyn (Daily Blog): [The dragon in the room: Cooks v NZ v China](https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/02/17/the-dragon-in-the-room-cooks-v-nz-v-china/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Canada rejects NZ dairy protein ‘dumping’ claim](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575676/canada-rejects-nz-dairy-protein-dumping-claim?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ECONOMY** Robert MacCulloch: [The speakers at Waikato University's 2025 Economic Forum, "Unconstrained Thinking for Constrained Times", Symbolize NZ's Stagnation](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/the-speakers-at-waikato-university-s-2025-economic-forum-unconstrained-thinking-for-constrained-ti?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [Rennie, Roche & Willis want faster GDP growth, smaller Govt, lower debt, more competition & risk-taking public servants](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/rennie-roche-and-willis-want-faster) Brian Easton (Pundit): [Preparing For The Next Financial Earthquake](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/preparing-for-the-next-financial-earthquake?ref=goodoil.news) Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Last big cut? Economists expect RBNZ to slow the pace of rate cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542060/last-big-cut-economists-expect-rbnz-to-slow-the-pace-of-rate-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Taylor (Stuff): [Does a McDonald’s in Wānaka really count as growth?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360581223/does-mcdonalds-wanaka-really-count-growth?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Does a declined Wānaka McDonald’s application represent ‘a culture of no’?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360580084/does-declined-wanaka-mcdonalds-application-represent-culture-no?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Reserve Bank set to deliver promised OCR cut - but what next?](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131797/50-point-cut-official-cash-rate-near-certainty-coming-week-so-attention-will-quickly?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [OCR preview: Big cut coming this week but future path is less certain](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ocr-preview-big-cut-coming-but-how-low-can-it-go/FQB4Z2AL6VB27GTXZLKIKMQ7D4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Inflation on the rise for New Zealand households](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541909/inflation-on-the-rise-for-new-zealand-households?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [Could an inflationary rebound ruin plans for a rate cut recovery?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/liam-dann-could-an-inflationary-rebound-ruin-plans-for-a-rate-cut-recovery/DG7GBKTUFJABHN3GKAJXHANB2Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Reserve Bank expected to stick to script and cut OCR by 0.5%](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575199/reserve-bank-expected-stick-script-and-cut-ocr-05?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate McVicar (NBR): [RBNZ expected to deliver last of ‘big cuts’](https://www.nbr.co.nz/market-outlook/rbnz-expected-to-deliver-last-of-big-cuts/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Stubbs (Post): [How economic growth really happens](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360579962/sam-stubbs-how-economic-growth-really-happens?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Talking economic, environmental trade-offs in a Trump 2.0 world](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/trump-2-0-the-economic-and-environmental-tradeoffs/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [The New Zealand economy, explained](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360581879/new-zealand-economy-explained?ref=goodoil.news) **FISHING, CONSERVATION** Andrea Vance (Post): [NZ rebuked for behaviour at fisheries forum](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360581677/nz-rebuked-behaviour-fisheries-forum?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Fisheries overhaul aims to reverse case law putting environment above industry](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/13/fisheries-overhaul-aims-to-reverse-case-law-putting-environment-above-industry/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Post): [New marine reserve delayed as boundary dispute heads to court](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360575714/new-marine-reserve-delayed-boundary-dispute-heads-court?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jaime Lyth (Herald): [More than 400 weka killed, DoC justifies trapping methods amid concerns](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/more-than-400-weka-killed-doc-justifies-trapping-methods-amid-concerns/LJ4GMG6LSVDLRDNFJQ74I4QCHY/?ref=goodoil.news) Tony Wall (Stuff): [Rotting animals left in traps; claims of pest control neglect in former National Park](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360576549/fossilised-animals-left-traps-claims-pest-control-neglect-former-national-park?ref=goodoil.news) **IMMIGRATION** 1News: [Q+A: Minister quizzed on decision for NZ-born teen facing deportation](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/16/minister-quizzed-on-decision-for-nz-born-teen-facing-deportation/?ref=goodoil.news) Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [The Kiwi kid who faces being deported to a country he’s never been to](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582079/kiwi-kid-who-faces-being-deported-country-hes-never-been?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mary Argue (RNZ): [New Zealand-born teen faces deportation to India due to mother's invalid visa](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542071/new-zealand-born-teen-faces-deportation-to-india-due-to-mother-s-invalid-visa?ref=goodoil.news) Tara Shaskey (Open Justice Reporting): [Immigration NZ to deport Fijian teen over concerns he would burden the country’s special education services](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/immigration-nz-to-deport-fijian-teen-over-concerns-he-would-burden-the-countrys-special-education-services/SDKHBCK3RBD6REFZHOQIRKOS4U/?ref=goodoil.news) Tony Wall (Stuff): [From preachers to prostitutes: who's exploiting our RSE workforce?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360580256/preachers-prostitutes-whos-exploiting-our-rse-workforce?ref=goodoil.news) Arena Williams, Stuart Smith (Stuff): [This is about leadership](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360580881/arena-williams-about-leadership?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Courses at risk with universities expecting Budget funding cut](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360581938/courses-risk-universities-expecting-budget-funding-cut?ref=goodoil.news) Monique Steele (RNZ): [Rural schools hit back against government's 'unfair' bus route changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/541918/rural-schools-hit-back-against-government-s-unfair-bus-route-changes?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Teacher only days saved: Education Minister says Seymour ‘overstepped’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360582911/teacher-only-days-saved-education-minister-says-seymour-overstepped?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Teacher-only days continue after Seymour oversteps, Education Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542050/teacher-only-days-continue-after-seymour-oversteps-education-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Teacher-only day crackdown: Erica Stanford says David Seymour was ‘overstepping the mark’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/teacher-only-day-crackdown-erica-stanford-says-david-seymour-was-overstepping-the-mark/N6DGCWBZAZC5BJ5NEBYBK6ZDGI/?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Wellington mayor asks Government to save capital’s creative polytech campus](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360581746/wellington-mayor-asks-government-save-capitals-creative-polytech-campus?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [What’s going wrong with the new school lunch programme?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582237/whats-going-wrong-new-school-lunch-programme?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Government accused of 'othering' Muslim community after failing to provide halal-certified school lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541943/government-accused-of-othering-muslim-community-after-failing-to-provide-halal-certified-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [More scrutiny for school lunches: 'Talking about valuing diversity'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/14/more-scrutiny-for-school-lunches-talking-about-valuing-diversity/?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [School lunch provider Compass admits halal meals 'friendly' but not certified](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541915/school-lunch-provider-compass-admits-halal-meals-friendly-but-not-certified?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [School lunch pies 'a celebration', David Seymour says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541875/school-lunch-pies-a-celebration-david-seymour-says?ref=goodoil.news) Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [Gisborne students unhappy with repetitive free lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541962/gisborne-students-unhappy-with-repetitive-free-lunches?ref=goodoil.news) Hanna McCallum (Post): [Onslow College calls for delivery on decade of ‘broken promises and underinvestment’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360579707/onslow-college-calls-delivery-decade-broken-promises-and-underinvestment?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Facial recognition used on students, NZ university confirms](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541963/facial-recognition-used-on-students-nz-university-confirms?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, BUILDING** Ryan Boswell (1News): [Poll reveals Kiwis' thoughts on issue of homelessness in their community](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/16/poll-reveals-kiwis-thoughts-on-issue-of-homelessness-in-their-community/?ref=goodoil.news) Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page; Homelessness crisis: Advocates call for better housing solutions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/homelessness-crisis-advocates-call-for-better-housing-solutions-the-front-page/OGZCBOS3DRAVPHRXZU6WIT5JHU/?ref=goodoil.news) Benn Bathgate (Waikato Times): [Value of Waikato Kāinga Ora tenants’ rent arrears revealed](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360578481/value-waikato-kainga-ora-tenants-rent-arrears-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anne Gibson (Herald): [Tenancy Tribunal claims eight-week wait for hearings: what landlords say back](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/column-tuesday-february-18/SYNVYOV7TFGI3LQ7TWFPSJBASU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Miriam Bell (Post): [Will the new 'golden visa' affect the housing market?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575300/will-new-golden-visa-affect-housing-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Why developers are offering to pay your mortgage or give you a car](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541881/why-developers-are-offering-to-pay-your-mortgage-or-give-you-a-car?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [If the OCR is lowered further, what will happen to mortgages?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360576800/if-ocr-lowered-further-what-will-happen-mortgages?ref=goodoil.news) Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [Why some iconic buildings in Wellington are abandoned](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360575808/why-some-iconic-buildings-wellington-are-abandoned?ref=goodoil.news) **TOURISM** RNZ: [Everyone must… joke? Listeners mock NZ's new tourism slogan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542086/everyone-must-joke-listeners-mock-nz-s-new-tourism-slogan?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Opposition pans 'Everyone Must Go' ads for toilet-queue tone](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542076/opposition-pans-everyone-must-go-ads-for-toilet-queue-tone?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [NZ tells Australia: 'Everyone must go'](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360582766/nz-tells-australia-everyone-must-go?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Williams (ODT): [Call for change: ‘Milford is just chaos’](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/call-change-%E2%80%98milford-just-chaos%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Cruise emissions ‘challenge’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/cruise-emissions-%E2%80%98challenge%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: ['Everyone must go': Australians targeted in new tourism campaign](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542019/everyone-must-go-australians-targeted-in-new-tourism-campaign?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald):[Government announces new tourism push to entice Aussie holidaymakers to New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-live-government-announces-new-tourism-push-to-entice-aussie-holidaymakers-to-new-zealand/JFTMRFRT7RD65JGDTB4NCV7Q6A/?ref=goodoil.news) Mike McRoberts (NBR): [Māori tourism a $1.2 billion dollar industry](https://www.nbr.co.nz/te-ao-maori/maori-tourism-1-2-billion-dollar-industry/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** David Farrar: [The survey data WCC hid](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/the%5Fsurvey%5Fdata%5Fwcc%5Fhid.html?ref=goodoil.news) Georgina Campbell (Herald): [James Cameron brings titanic star power to Wellington’s ‘crisis of confidence’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/james-cameron-brings-titanic-star-power-to-wellingtons-crisis-of-confidence-a-capital-letter/X4VKE4P3JFA4FFK2W7JHQRMN7A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Private schools and Jehovah’s Witnesses: 550 rates-exempt Wellington properties](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576531/private-schools-and-jehovahs-witnesses-550-rates-exempt-wellington-properties?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [Begonias or bust: Why the Begonia House lies at the heart of the local government dilemma](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360581026/begonias-or-bust-why-begonia-house-lies-heart-local-government-dilemma?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Rates rage: Homeowners ‘furious’ in face of crushing council increases](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360577127/rates-rage-homeowners-furious-face-crushing-council-increases?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Tensions flare at Auckland’s council table as election looms](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360574302/tensions-flare-aucklands-council-table-election-looms?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Erin Johnson (Stuff): [Auckland resident’s 8-year, $1m battle with council over building heights](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360577927/auckland-residents-8-year-1m-battle-council-over-building-heights?ref=goodoil.news) Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council chair calls for apology over mayor's conflict of interest remarks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541890/council-chair-calls-for-apology-over-mayor-s-conflict-of-interest-remarks?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Wilson (Herald): [More news from the cone wars](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/more-news-from-the-cone-wars-simon-wilson/DG7FVGIO2RGHHKYSFYGJ3XHY2M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [BOP Regional Council sets guidelines for sale of Port of Tauranga shares](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541896/bop-regional-council-sets-guidelines-for-sale-of-port-of-tauranga-shares?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Whanagnui East Pool fate to be decided by citizens assembly](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541965/whanagnui-east-pool-fate-to-be-decided-by-citizens-assembly?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Martin (Waikato Times): [Likely contenders line up for South Waikato mayoral race](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360580401/likely-contenders-line-south-waikato-mayoral-race?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Residents fed up after ten year boil water notice, water supplier says there's been 'no complaints'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541921/residents-fed-up-after-ten-year-boil-water-notice-water-supplier-says-there-s-been-no-complaints?ref=goodoil.news) Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [$3m overspend frustrates Tasman councillors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542045/3m-overspend-frustrates-tasman-councillors?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Regional deal proposal in pipeline](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/regional-deal-proposal-pipeline?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Julie Asher (ODT): [Rates rise increased to 14.03%](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/rates-rise-increased-1403?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [DCC’s capital programme falls behind](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc%E2%80%99s-capital-programme-falls-behind?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [Most councillors wanted more info on complaint](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/most-councillors-wanted-more-info-complaint?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brendon McMahon (ODT): [Call for government to investigate road closure](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/call-government-investigate-road-closure?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **DESTINY CHURCH** 1News: [Police investigate assault allegations at Destiny Church pride protest](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/16/police-investigate-assault-allegations-at-destiny-church-pride-protest/?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Herald): [Destiny Church violent protests: Politicians condemn actions, Police open assault investigation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destiny-church-violent-protests-police-condemn-actions-investigate-assault-allegations/EEX5Z67QHZHBBMTKH52HOIB75U/?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Police investigating assault allegations as Destiny Church followers ‘crossed line’ with anti-Pride protests](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582906/destiny-church-went-too-far-pride-event-protest-pm-says?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Destiny Church protests: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says protestors went ‘too far’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/desiny-church-protests-topp-twins-issue-rallying-cry-to-queer-community/H7DTNHU6VZFZNJ424DGJ4BTE2U/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Destiny Church protesters 'went too far' - Luxon](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542026/destiny-church-protesters-went-too-far-luxon?ref=goodoil.news) Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown slams Destiny Church ‘thuggery’ after protest at pride event](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582604/destiny-church-slammed-non-peaceful-protest-auckland-library-pride-event?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Destiny Church protests: Teenager concussed after violent attack at Te Atatū, West Auckland event](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destiny-church-protests-teenager-concussed-after-violent-attack-at-te-atatu-west-auckland-event/2NVMNJBTI5AEXOWESJKW5UDV4Y/?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Destiny’s rainbow protests not fit for a tolerant, liberal society](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destinys-rainbow-protests-not-fit-for-a-tolerant-liberal-society-editorial/6WVV3OVOZVBJBLRS6ZW6KNQEBM/?ref=goodoil.news) Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Destiny Church slammed for ‘non-peaceful’ protest at Auckland library pride event](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582604/destiny-church-slammed-non-peaceful-protest-auckland-library-pride-event?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Auckland Rainbow Parade: Destiny Church members disrupt procession, storm Ponsonby Rd](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-rainbow-parade-destiny-church-members-disrupt-procession-storm-ponsonby-rd/GAYYCR3YSRHLLEYLZ55Y4DWTIA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Pride and Rainbow event in Auckland disrupted by Destiny Church](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541977/pride-and-rainbow-event-in-auckland-disrupted-by-destiny-church?ref=goodoil.news) Mountain Tui: [Who's Helping Destiny Church?](https://mountaintui.substack.com/p/does-destiny-church-have-friends) **ENVIRONMENT, FAST-TRACK** Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Environmental Protection Authority will end up defaulting on loan if too few developers use government's fast-track process](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541907/environmental-protection-authority-will-end-up-defaulting-on-loan-if-too-few-developers-use-government-s-fast-track-process?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Australian mining giant surrenders 15 NZ exploration permits](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541973/australian-mining-giant-surrenders-15-nz-exploration-permits?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Lynch: [ECan criticised for failing to provide free drinking water testing](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/ecan-criticised-for-failing-to-provide-free-drinking-water-testing/?ref=goodoil.news) Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Plan to reduce climate risk reporting criticised](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/plan-reduce-climate-risk-reporting-criticised?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Virginia Fallon (Post): [‘I quite like my neighbour’: A district-wide battle summed up in one street](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360569379/i-quite-my-neighbour-district-wide-battle-summed-one-street?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BOOTCAMPS** Adam Pearse (Herald): [Why Oranga Tamariki won’t reveal bootcamp pilot re-offending](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/immense-grief-why-oranga-tamariki-wont-reveal-bootcamp-pilot-re-offending/RDFLDFFTKFFV7CDRTDD6GKU4XI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Oranga Tamariki stays quiet on bootcamp participant offending as first pilot review drops](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/oranga-tamariki-stays-quiet-on-bootcamp-participant-offending-as-first-pilot-review-drops/BMMAP2EHG5COJMIE2KZH6ACQTA/?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [First official evaluation from government's youth bootcamp revealed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541906/first-official-evaluation-from-government-s-youth-bootcamp-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Tick for 'short' bootcamp review too soon - children's commissioner](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541996/tick-for-short-bootcamp-review-too-soon-children-s-commissioner?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Guyon Espiner (RNZ): [Tech safety agencies lawyer up after accusation they failed to protect Jacinda Ardern from ‘violence, misogyny, and hate’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542058/tech-safety-agencies-lawyer-up-after-accusation-they-failed-to-protect-jacinda-ardern-from-violence-misogyny-and-hate?ref=goodoil.news) Ben Strang (RNZ): [Google's AI has been breaching New Zealand court name suppressions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542063/google-s-ai-has-been-breaching-new-zealand-court-name-suppressions?ref=goodoil.news) Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: Golden visas obscured by politics and talkback pushback](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542012/mediawatch-golden-visas-obscured-by-politics-and-talkback-pushback?ref=goodoil.news) David Harvey:[More Blood in the Water](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/more-blood-in-the-water) Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Nick Mowbray denies interest in NZME takeover](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/mowbray-denies-interest-in-nzme-takeover/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shayne Currie (Herald: [Media Insider: Sky TV’s new satellite placed into orbit, with ‘positive’ early results](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-sky-tvs-new-satellite-placed-into-orbit-with-positive-early-results/U32CRITFI5HELOQ64YBYZAAY74/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EMPLOYMENT** Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: The Beehive doors are shut to the CTU](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/542059/the-beehive-doors-are-shut-to-the-ctu?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Ten week mediation backlog due to government cuts says Labour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542047/ten-week-mediation-backlog-due-to-government-cuts-says-labour?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Female-dominated professions struggle to catch up in cumulative earnings](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542078/female-dominated-professions-struggle-to-catch-up-in-cumulative-earnings?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Argue (RNZ): [Wellington trades programme aims to get rangitahi into further training](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542069/wellington-trades-programme-aims-to-get-rangitahi-into-further-training?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS** Hamish McNicol and Calista Stuart-Menteath (NBR): [Hey, Foodstuffs: cry more](https://www.nbr.co.nz/last-word/hey-foodstuffs-cry-more/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ODT Editorial: [More talk on supermarket competition](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/more-talk-supermarket-competition?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Maryana Garcia (Rotorua Daily Post): [Kinleith Mill job cuts: 230 workers affected as paper machine shuts](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kinleith-mill-job-cuts-230-workers-affected-as-paper-machine-shuts/7SPCGA2VNZCIFH7Z5W5O2UDYGE/?ref=goodoil.news) Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [More than 200 jobs to be axed as Kinleith Mill closes paper division](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541815/more-than-200-jobs-to-be-axed-as-kinleith-mill-closes-paper-division?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis and John Anthony (BusinessDesk): [Kinleith paper operations to close, loss of 230 jobs](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/kinleith-paper-operations-to-close-loss-of-230-jobs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [On the Money: NZ's Don Johnson, Luxon, Investment Summits, TradeMe troubleshooting, and more …](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/on-the-money/on-the-money-nzs-don-johnson-luxon-investment-summits-trademe-troubleshooting-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emma Andrews (RNZ): [Māori businesses perform strongly despite economic hardships](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541934/maori-businesses-perform-strongly-despite-economic-hardships?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Right to Repair Amendment Bill reading a big win - consumer advocate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541985/right-to-repair-amendment-bill-reading-a-big-win-consumer-advocate?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Keall (Herald): [Tech Insider: A big move ahead of Spark’s earnings, more Callaghan ‘chaos’, Southlander’s start-up raises A$5m – and who is NZ’s DOGE-master?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/tech-insider-a-big-move-ahead-of-sparks-earnings-more-callaghan-chaos-southlanders-start-up-raises-a5m-and-who-is-new-zealands-doge-master/OB25YTXI5JBJNBBUUB2UZZZW6M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jane Finlayson (Herald): [How to turbocharge manufacturing in New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/opinion-how-to-turbocharge-manufacturing-in-new-zealand/3U6AJ7CWF5CSTCOMLCR5DN4OXQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Manufacturing sector back in expansion mode](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541879/manufacturing-sector-back-in-expansion-mode?ref=goodoil.news) [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) # Cartoons ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff75934ed-d180-47d3-ae61-4a9d6f38fabc_2386x1636.png) Body - NZ Herald 17 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F04648a21-1f80-49fd-b9d9-28264e1f25b0_1978x1500.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 16 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09850dc1-af85-4927-b484-f9c381fe16b5_2601x1596.png) Bell - The Post 15 February 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-17-february-2025/comments)