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# News Briefing: 17 July 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-17-july-2025/
- Published: 2025-07-16T20:13:20.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-16T23:28:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**EMPLOYMENT**  
Neil Sands (Law News): [Minister adopts Uber’s wish-list when drafting employment law changes, rejects official advice](https://lawnews.nz/employment/minister-adopts-ubers-wish-list-when-drafting-employment-law-changes-rejects-official-advice/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [Parliament considering big changes to employment law](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567077/parliament-considering-big-changes-to-employment-law?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Legislation that lets workers talk about salaries likely to pass into law](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567123/legislation-that-lets-workers-talk-about-salaries-likely-to-pass-into-law?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Labour puts forward modern slavery bill, saying NZ will get left behind](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360759419/labour-puts-forward-modern-slavery-bill-saying-nz-will-get-left-behind?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: ‘[It really is hard for older job seekers to find work at the moment'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566989/it-really-is-hard-for-older-job-seekers-to-find-work-at-the-moment?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate MacNamara (Herald): [Are the Reserve Bank’s employee benefits gold standard or pretty standard?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/employment/are-the-reserve-banks-employee-benefits-gold-standard-or-pretty-standard/PUO7ON63B5CNHNBLSAZZKLLLIU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Hornsby-Geluk (Post): [Siouxsie Wiles vs Auckland Uni - paying the price of litigation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360756560/siouxsie-wiles-vs-auckland-uni-paying-price-litigation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [Work, Interrupted: Here's where skill shortages are right now](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360757344/heres-where-theres-skill-shortages-right-now?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brett Murray (Post): [Staff retention is a safety issue](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360757671/staff-retention-safety-issue?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [KiwiRail bans 2500 workers from using melatonin, Zopiclone citing safety concerns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566959/kiwirail-bans-2500-workers-from-using-melatonin-zopiclone-citing-safety-concerns?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Ministry feared costs of $60m a year to review laws under Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567120/ministry-feared-costs-of-60m-a-year-to-review-laws-under-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Harvey: [The Select CommitteeReflections on an Academic Debate](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/the-select-committee)  
Māni Dunlop, Whatitiri Te Wake, Te Aniwaniwa Paterson (Te Ao Māori News): [“International Embarrassment” Māori leaders condemn coalition government in Geneva](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/07/16/international-embarrassment-maori-leaders-condemn-coalition-government-in-geneva/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Prebble (Herald): [Why the Regulatory Standards Bill matters for property rights](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/why-the-regulatory-standards-bill-matters-for-property-rights-richard-prebble/2M6PEQOMJBE5BEJ3YJDT5OK74M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mountain Tui: [Compensating Criminals & Animal Abusers: A Dystopian Future](https://mountaintui.substack.com/p/compensating-criminals-and-animal)  
  
**EDUCATION, TRAINING**  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Government’s last opportunity to address skills training concerns](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/governments-last-opportunity-to-address-skills-training-concerns/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Steve Maharey (Post): [If we want a national network of polytechnics, we need to fund them](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360758932/if-we-want-national-network-polytechnics-we-need-fund-them?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Whitireia and WelTec to close creative campus, cut 48 jobs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759881/whitireia-and-weltecs-creative-campus-close-48-jobs-go?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stephanie Ockhuysen (RNZ): [Plan to scrap Taranaki polytech's agriculture courses sparks backlash](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/567076/plan-to-scrap-taranaki-polytech-s-agriculture-courses-sparks-backlash?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [ACT means secrecy](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/07/act-means-secrecy.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Government shuts the door on open-plan classrooms](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/567106/government-shuts-the-door-on-open-plan-classrooms?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Erica Stanford announces the end to construction of open-plan classrooms](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567061/watch-minister-erica-stanford-makes-education-announcement?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [No more open-plan school classrooms to be built - Govt](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/16/no-more-open-plan-school-classrooms-to-be-built-govt/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hanna McCallum and Tatiana Gibbs (Post): [Schools call for funding fix as Government scraps open-plan classrooms](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360759403/once-hailed-classroom-future-open-plan-learning-being-scrapped?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Caron Copek (Stuff): [So what's so bad about open-plan classrooms?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759664/so-whats-so-bad-about-open-plan-classrooms?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Walls go back up as open-plan classroom experiment falls flat](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/17-07-2025/walls-go-back-up-as-open-plan-classroom-experiment-falls-flat?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Once hailed the classroom of the future, open-plan learning now being scrapped](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360759403/once-hailed-classroom-future-open-plan-learning-being-scrapped?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Janhavi Gosavi (Re: News): [Hard work on to fix ‘unfair’ homeschool sport rules, says MP](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/16/hard-work-on-to-fix-unfair-homeschool-sport-rules-says-mp/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BANKS, FINANCIAL SERVICES**  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Class action against ASB and ANZ banks for overcharging customers offers to settle for more than $300m](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567081/class-action-against-asb-and-anz-banks-for-overcharging-customers-offers-to-settle-for-more-than-300m?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Banks class action: the lawyers blinked first](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/banks-class-action-the-lawyers-blinked-first?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [ASB, ANZ offered settlement in class action stoush](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/finance/asb-anz-offered-settlement-in-class-action-stoush?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [ANZ dismisses $300m legal settlement offer as a ‘cynical’ attempt to influence law reform](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/anz-dismisses-300m-legal-settlement-offer-as-a-cynical-attempt-to-influence-law-reform/FOWGR6IBGFDJPMEHWT7ICIIZEY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [$617 million offer in ANZ/ASB class action a ‘stunt’, says ANZ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360759432/settlement-offer-made-anzasb-class-action-lawyer-tells-mps?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [Bank class action plaintiffs reveal settlement offer](https://www.nbr.co.nz/law/bank-class-action-plaintiffs-reveal-settlement-offer/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Woman discovered she was added to husband's business loan when she was called to repay it](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567033/woman-discovered-she-was-added-to-husband-s-business-loan-when-she-was-called-to-repay-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Financial complaint numbers at historically high levels - Financial Ombudsman](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/financial-complaint-numbers-at-historically-high-levels-financial-ombudsman/7BGU67SDYBG5HIIVAXOLVHJCSM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LAW AND ORDER**  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Reoffending won’t be publicised during future bootcamps as officials prepare for ‘MSA 2.0′](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/reoffending-in-future-bootcamps-wont-be-released-as-officials-prepare-for-msa-20/E6RJKU2GJJHRNMVGOK3AALL25Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Retail crime advisory group costs $500k in three months](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567082/retail-crime-advisory-group-costs-500k-in-three-months?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sherwood (RNZ): [Prisoner deaths in double-bunk cells puts process under scrutiny](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566782/prisoner-deaths-in-double-bunk-cells-puts-process-under-scrutiny?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, BUILDING**  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Labour pushes for Potaka to release homelessness briefing amid concerns over rising numbers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360759913/labour-pushes-potaka-release-homelessness-briefing-amid-concerns-over-rising-numbers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Makiha (Rotorua Daily Post/Herald): [Rotorua homeless people moved to secret pod village; council chases consent application](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-homeless-people-moved-to-secret-pod-village-as-council-chases-consent-application/ES4OXAEBHVAQBCBPCRS35BUXUQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Sleeping pods for the homeless held back by council consents, Rotorua organisation says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567109/sleeping-pods-for-the-homeless-held-back-by-council-consents-rotorua-organisation-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bernard Hickey: [Bishop wants a growth economy that isn't just a housing market with bits tacked on](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/bishop-wants-a-growth-economy-that) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [The return of the property investor - but why?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567124/the-return-of-the-property-investor-but-why?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Building industry operating at less than two thirds of capacity as slump bites hard](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/134214/building-industry-still-doing-it-tough-firms-worry-about-shortage-skilled-staff-and?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick Hill (Post): [Building consenting reforms should target the problem, not the system](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360753068/building-consenting-reforms-should-target-problem-not-system?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**RMA**  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Govt to halt 'pricey, pointless' council planning work ahead of RMA overhaul](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567060/govt-to-halt-pricey-pointless-council-planning-work-ahead-of-rma-overhaul?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Resource Management Act reforms: Chris Bishop tells councils to stop plan changes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/resource-management-act-reforms-chris-bishop-tells-councils-to-stop-plan-changes/23M65WXOKJAFXBCUXCUINI7J5U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Press/Post: [Embedding a ‘yes’ culture: The time of saying ‘no’ is coming to an end, Chris Bishop says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759089/government-stop-council-plan-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Tom Rose (Herald): [Petition calls for halt to Gene Technology Bill as export leaders urge cautious approach](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/petition-calls-for-halt-to-gene-technology-bill-as-export-leaders-urge-cautious-approach/7M42I7HWMZARZFD3EGUMQCCLYY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): [Northland orca expert: Reject Waipiro Bay marina fast-tracking](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567127/northland-orca-expert-reject-waipiro-bay-marina-fast-tracking?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marnie Prickett, Mike Joy, Marie Doole, Simon Hales (PHCC): [Government cannot achieve “enduring freshwater policy” by siding with narrow commercial interests](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/government-cannot-achieve-enduring-freshwater-policy-siding-narrow-commercial-interests?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [World risks losing more of its wetlands, DOC scientist Hugh Robertson tells UN](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567008/world-risks-losing-more-of-its-wetlands-doc-scientist-hugh-robertson-tells-un?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CLIMATE CHANGE, COMPENSATION FOR WEATHER-RELATED EVENTS**  
Max Rashbrooke (Spinoff): [Where do I send conservatives the bill for climate change?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-07-2025/where-do-i-send-conservatives-the-bill-for-climate-change?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom): [Now we’re paying attention, how should we manage retreat?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/16/now-were-paying-attention-how-should-we-manage-retreat/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alexa Cook (RNZ): [Emissions Trading Scheme incentivising whole farm conversions into forestry, farmers say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/567142/emissions-trading-scheme-incentivising-whole-farm-conversions-into-forestry-farmers-say?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Farmers argue carbon forests are a travesty](https://www.nbr.co.nz/primary-industries/farmers-argue-carbon-forests-are-a-travesty/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nadine Roberts (Stuff): [‘They’re not living it’: Farmers’ blunt response to flood support package](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759638/theyre-not-living-it-farmers-blunt-response-flood-support-package?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [$600k support package for flood-hit farmers announced](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360759206/600k-support-package-flood-hit-farmers-announced?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samatha Gee and Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [Government launches $500k support package for flood-hit farmers in Tasman](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567113/government-launches-500k-support-package-for-flood-hit-farmers-in-tasman?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Tasman flooding: Council says most of its annual budget spent in a fortnight](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567050/tasman-flooding-council-says-most-of-its-annual-budget-spent-in-a-fortnight?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Māngere family says 'yes for now' to buyout after two-year wait for answers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/567040/mangere-family-says-yes-for-now-to-buyout-after-two-year-wait-for-answers?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, PROVINCIAL GROWTH FUND**  
Matt Nippert (Herald): [More than half Crown Regional Holdings/Provincial Growth Fund loan book ‘at risk’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/more-than-half-crown-regional-holdingsprovincial-growth-fund-loan-book-at-risk/X4CJ7VS53NGUTDYIDR26MOK2N4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Commerce Commission chairman John Small defends LinkedIn post about Uber](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/commerce-commission-chairman-john-small-defends-his-tell-your-friends-linkedin-post-about-uber/RSVBBKW2PJE47JWHCSSXKKPMDA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Andrews (RNZ): ['Thriving' Māori economies revealed in new report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/567090/thriving-maori-economies-revealed-in-new-report?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Commerce Minister refuses to release statutory management doc](https://www.nbr.co.nz/law/commerce-minister-refuses-to-release-statutory-management-doc/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Lifting advertising restrictions will enable medical conferences in NZ - David Seymour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567087/lifting-advertising-restrictions-will-enable-medical-conferences-in-nz-david-seymour?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [ACC halts rollout of second stage of sexual violence prevention plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360756915/acc-halts-rollout-second-stage-sexual-violence-prevention-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Labour ponders free tests as Government struggles with slow path to cervical cancer elimination](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-ponders-free-tests-as-government-struggles-with-slow-path-to-cervical-cancer-elimination/GNWGRXSS7RG3TARXD6DBVTVD7I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Top doctor Caroline McElnay says 'no' to vaccination doesn't always mean 'never'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567137/top-doctor-caroline-mcelnay-says-no-to-vaccination-doesn-t-always-mean-never?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Plea to reopen consultation into plans to close Auckland mental health facility](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567071/plea-to-reopen-consultation-into-plans-to-close-auckland-mental-health-facility?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Health service hopes](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/health-service-hopes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Maddy Croad (Press/Post): [Stricter regulations needed for campylobacter ‘epidemic’, health experts warn](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759359/stricter-regulations-needed-campylobacter-epidemic-health-experts-warn?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [MPI accuses researchers of scaremongering over campylobacter hospitalisations, deaths](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567125/mpi-accuses-researchers-of-scaremongering-over-campylobacter-hospitalisations-deaths?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Todd (RNZ): [Christchurch Hospital workers sleeping in cars to try secure a car park, mayor says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567075/christchurch-hospital-workers-sleeping-in-cars-to-try-secure-a-car-park-mayor-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Awanui lab workers settle on 9.2 percent salary increase after six months of strike action](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567084/awanui-lab-workers-settle-on-9-point-2-percent-salary-increase-after-six-months-of-strike-action?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT**  
Janet Wilson (Post): [National tiptoes on the tightrope while coalition partners dance a jig](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360758991/national-tiptoes-tightrope-while-coalition-partners-dance-jig?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Shane Jones, greatest ever Australian politician?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/16-07-2025/echo-chamber-shane-jones-greatest-ever-australian-politician?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Byelection: Te Pāti Māori candidate contender cops flak for supporting Labour MP’s selection](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/byelection-te-pati-maori-candidate-contender-cops-flak-for-supporting-labour-mps-selection/2RNU773AXNEANFMYZPMEX7BAV4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse & Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Minister Judith Collins taken to hospital with ‘nasty bout of vertigo’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/minister-judith-collins-taken-to-hospital-with-nasty-bout-of-vertigo/UKHFCAGW5ZGSFK3DVI5JBU5ZKY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Minister Judith Collins hospitalised after 'nasty bout of vertigo'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567114/minister-judith-collins-hospitalised-after-nasty-bout-of-vertigo?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Ian Taylor: What shocked me most about the fallout over criticising Jacinda Ardern](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759166/booze-drugs-and-prostitutes-tv-star-turned-real-estate-agent-matt-chisholm-opens-why-honesty-best?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Govt winds up council reform storm](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/17/govt-winds-up-council-reform-storm/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Doug Leader (Post): [Ensuring regional councils’ range of tasks continues to be delivered](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360760151/focus-future-structure-local-government?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Gore mayor Ben Bell fires back on tough first term](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567130/gore-mayor-ben-bell-fires-back-on-tough-first-term?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Auckland Council scraps proposal to acquire block of land for new cemetery](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/16/auckland-council-scraps-proposal-to-acquire-block-of-land-for-new-cemetery/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELLINGTON**  
Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: How friendly fire torpedoed a mayoral campaign](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567126/how-friendly-fire-torpedoed-a-mayoral-campaign?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Chaos on Courtenay: Inside Ray Chung’s unruly, incomprehensible campaign rally](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/16-07-2025/chaos-on-courtenay-inside-ray-chungs-unruly-incomprehensible-campaign-rally?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [How a Ray Chung campaign event descended into chaos](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759935/how-ray-chung-campaign-event-descended-chaos?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marc Greenhill (Post): [Council candidate ditches under-fire Independent Together group](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360760333/council-candidate-ditches-under-fire-independent-together-group?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Embassy Theatre to stay open despite earthquake notice](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759465/embassy-theatre-stay-open-despite-earthquake-notice?ref=goodoil.news)  
Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [Wellington’s Embassy Theatre receives Earthquake-Prone Building notice](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759587/wellingtons-embassy-theatre-receives-earthquake-prone-building-notice?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington's Embassy Theatre deemed earthquake-prone after latest assessment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567065/wellington-s-embassy-theatre-deemed-earthquake-prone-after-latest-assessment?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Compulsory time of use plans for electricity to provide ‘better options’ for households, Energy Minister says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360759184/compulsory-time-use-plans-electricity-provide-better-options-households-energy-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [What is a time-of-use electricity plan and is it really worth it?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360760076/what-time-use-electricity-plan-and-it-really-worth-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mandy Te (Interest): ['Reset the market rules': Electricity Authority announces new rules for large energy companies](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/134236/large-energy-companies-will-have-offer-pricing-plan-gives-consumers-cheaper-rates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Energy companies required to give cheaper off-peak rates, better solar returns](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360759860/energy-companies-required-give-cheaper-peak-rates-better-solar-returns?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Regulators dip toes into electricity market reforms before potentially bigger wave of change](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/regulators-dip-toes-into-electricity-market-reforms-before-potentially-bigger-wave-of-change?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Shane Jones floats special economic zones as answer to NZ’s fuel security](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/transport/shane-jones-floats-special-economic-zones-as-answer-to-nzs-fuel-security?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [Kids on footpaths, e-scooters in bike lanes: transport law catches up to reality](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2025/kids-on-footpaths-e-scooters-in-bike-lanes-transport-law-catches-up-to-reality?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Stanford (Stuff): [Regional NZ airline Sunair grounded due to safety concerns](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360757267/regional-nz-airline-sunair-grounded-due-safety-concerns?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Weekes (Herald): [Sunair says passenger services grounded for 10 days by Civil Aviation Authority](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/airlines/sunair-says-passenger-services-grounded-until-sunday-by-civil-aviation-authority/6KK3YPLRPFEJBKLVH3ULBUQENY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amelia Wade (Sunday Star Times): [Conefusion: questions over government’s road cone hotline’s success](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360752994/conefusion-questions-over-governments-road-cone-hotlines-success?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PRIMARY INDUSTRIES**  
Science Media Centre: [Slash and forestry management changes proposed – Expert Reaction](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/07/16/slash-and-forestry-management-changes-proposed-expert-reaction/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Monique Steele (RNZ): [Labour inspectorate says exploiting primary industries workers harms their brand](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/566606/labour-inspectorate-says-exploiting-primary-industries-workers-harms-their-brand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Pukekohe growers warn national food crop in danger if rules not overhauled](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360754818/pukekohe-growers-welcome-freshwater-proposal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tony Wall (Stuff): [Pines and politics: The frustrations behind Molesworth manager’s ‘shock’ exit](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759827/pines-and-politics-frustrations-behind-molesworth-managers-shock-exit?ref=goodoil.news)  
Riley Kennedy (BusinessDesk): [Butter’s up, but don't blame the processors – or the supermarkets](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/butters-up-but-dont-blame-the-processors-or-the-supermarkets?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tony Wall (Stuff): [‘We haven’t come to terms with it yet’: Manager of country’s largest farm quits suddenly](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360757955/we-havent-come-terms-it-yet-manager-countrys-biggest-farm-quits-suddenly?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Queenstown hotel fined $22,000 for breaches under Fisheries Act](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566982/queenstown-hotel-fined-22-000-for-breaches-under-fisheries-act?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, TRADE**  
Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): [Cook Islands' 60th anniversary: 'Who New Zealand sends, sends a message'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/567051/cook-islands-60th-anniversary-who-new-zealand-sends-sends-a-message?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Starlink approved for military use in NZ](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/16/starlink-approved-for-military-use-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Influential China course for public servants overhauled](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/16/influential-china-course-for-public-servants-overhauled/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Second round of FTA talks with India start in Delhi](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/567072/second-round-of-fta-talks-with-india-start-in-delhi?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Goff (Stuff): [Israel’s actions now amount to genocide](https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/360759140/phil-goff-israels-actions-now-amount-genocide?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Cheap Chinese peaches on Govt’s menu once again](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/16/cheap-chinese-peaches-on-govts-menu-once-again/?ref=goodoil.news)  
'Alakihihifo Vailala (Pacific Media Network): [NZ’s Customs Minister urges cooperation to combat organised crime in the Pacific](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/566911/nz-s-customs-minister-urges-cooperation-to-combat-organised-crime-in-the-pacific?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**IMMIGRATION, MIGRANT EXPLOITATION, WEALTH VISA**  
Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [Criminologist fears electronic tagging of migrants 'going to get huge'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567140/criminologist-fears-electronic-tagging-of-migrants-going-to-get-huge?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [Immigration adviser banned for migrant rip-offs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360759920/immigration-adviser-banned-migrant-rip-offs?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Immigration adviser previously censured has licence cancelled](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/16/immigration-adviser-previously-censured-has-licence-cancelled/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liu Chen (RNZ): [Parent Resident Visa review advanced after shortcomings recognised](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/566977/parent-resident-visa-review-advanced-after-shortcomings-recognised?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Raynel (Herald): [Small businesses don’t have the cash for Investment Boost – advisory group chair David Downs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/small-businesses-dont-have-the-cash-for-investment-boost-advisory-group-chair-david-downs/DACV5NF2FNAV3NEQIX77P3BAM4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**CENSUS**  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Scrapping census could compromise infrastructure planning](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/15/infrastructure-planning-could-be-compromised-by-scrapping-census/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Homelessness data quality set to worsen in census overhaul](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/11/homelessness-data-quality-could-worsen-under-new-census/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**COST OF LIVING**  
Amy Williams (RNZ): [Charities see alarming levels of poverty as families struggle](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567129/charities-see-alarming-levels-of-poverty-as-families-struggle?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Cost-of-living crisis hits harder in winter](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cost-of-living-crisis-hits-harder-in-winter-editorial/GWNAJZPAZVFHVPYBZN5F3LKFF4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mildred Armah (Stuff): [Parents of baby born at 27 weeks face uncertain future in NZ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360752700/parents-baby-born-27-weeks-face-uncertain-future-nz?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva de Jong (Herald): [Rising cemetery fees add burden to grieving low-income families](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rising-cemetery-fees-add-burden-to-grieving-low-income-families/7ACBASCWFVHC3AOKZBA5FGJI6Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**COVID-19**  
Rachel Moore (Stuff): [New Zealand’s Covid strategy not perfect but it saved lives - expert](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360756357/new-zealands-covid-strategy-not-perfect-it-saved-lives-expert?ref=goodoil.news)  
Graham Adams (The Platform): [Hipkins’ role as Covid czar thrust into spotlight](https://theplatform.kiwi/opinions/hipkins-role-as-covid-czar-thrust-into-spotlight?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Former Auckland accountant Howard Taylor gets community detention for $94k Covid loan fraud](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/former-auckland-accountant-howard-taylor-gets-community-detention-for-94k-covid-loan-fraud/GGVG7OMKDZAJTI7UCON2MCD5KQ/?ref=goodoil.news)

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