> ## 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 March 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-17-march-2025/ - Published: 2025-03-16T19:13:23.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-16T19:54:05.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENT** 1News: [Q+A: Shane Jones: Cameras on fishing boats is 'state surveillance'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/16/shane-jones-cameras-on-fishing-boats-is-state-surveillance/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [The orange roughy and a ‘cautionary tale of over-exploitation’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360608501/orange-roughy-and-cautionary-tale-over-exploitation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Law firm Russell McVeagh says Mt Messenger wildlife permit ruling causing ‘big headaches’ for developers, Government](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/law-firm-russell-mcveagh-says-mt-messenger-wildlife-permit-ruling-causing-big-headaches-for-developers-government/V57NOQBUCVDKJE4YH4ARHDQOG4/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Wildlife Act looks set to be changed by May Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360615535/wildlife-act-looks-set-be-changed-may-budget?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Victor Waters (RNZ): [Hundreds in Northland protest fast-tracked sand mining operation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545007/hundreds-in-northland-protest-fast-tracked-sand-mining-operation?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [Sixty-four helipads on Waiheke Island, tougher rules coming to protect wildlife](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360615217/sixty-four-helipads-waiheke-island-tougher-rules-coming-protect-wildlife?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Billington (Press/Post): [Forget Predator Free 2050 - mega sanctuaries can save our wildlife](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360610053/forget-predator-free-2050-mega-sanctuaries-can-save-our-wildlife?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sean Connelly (ODT): [A trade-off for no benefit](https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/trade-no-benefit?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Nine kiwi killed in the Bay of Islands](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544955/nine-kiwi-killed-in-the-bay-of-islands?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Burns (RNZ): ['Worst thing they've ever seen' - Man sentenced over killing thousands of eels](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544872/worst-thing-they-ve-ever-seen-man-sentenced-over-killing-thousands-of-eels?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Gore man fined $130,000 after effluent kills thousands of eels](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/14/gore-man-fined-130000-after-effluent-kills-thousands-of-eels/?ref=goodoil.news) Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Eels returned to stream after being dumped at compost facility](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/544771/eels-returned-to-stream-after-being-dumped-at-compost-facility?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [D-Day for South Dunedin](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/d-day-south-dunedin?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Janine Starks (Post): [Money behaviour can drive recycling; why don’t we do it more?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360612054/money-behaviour-can-drive-recycling-why-dont-we-do-it-more?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Three weeks of ugly headlines and ACC's leadership crisis just got worse](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360615723/three-weeks-ugly-headlines-and-accs-leadership-crisis-just-got-worse?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [ACC cover must change](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/acc-cover-must-change?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Government went against health advice to lower bowel cancer screening age further for Māori, Pasifika](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-went-against-health-advice-to-lower-bowel-cancer-screening-age-for-maori-pacific/KDOH3NOT2FDIDIMN4TMYCVKZIY/?ref=goodoil.news) Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Simeon Brown rejected officials' advice to have lower bowel screening age for Māori, Pasifika](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544876/simeon-brown-rejected-officials-advice-to-have-lower-bowel-screening-age-for-maori-pasifika?ref=goodoil.news) Ros Pochin and John Mutu-Grigg (Sunday Star Times): [Bowel screening policy a shameful step backwards](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360613635/bowel-screening-policy-shameful-step-backwards?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Brown not backing down on bowel cancer screening](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/17-03-2025/brown-not-backing-down-on-bowel-cancer-screening?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Presland (Standard): [Does the Government not like Māori and Pasifika?](https://thestandard.org.nz/does-the-government-not-like-maori-and-pasifeka/?ref=goodoil.news) Brian Easton (Pundit): I[s The New Zealand Healthcare System Doing Badly?](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/is-the-new-zealand-healthcare-system-doing-badly?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Little’s mega-merger is tracking $28 billion with Excel!](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/littles%5Fmega-merger%5Fis%5Ftracking%5F28%5Fbillion%5Fwith%5Fexcel.html?ref=goodoil.news) Cushla Norman (1News): [Calls to ban engineered stone amid incurable lung disease risk](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/calls-to-ban-engineered-stone-amid-incurable-lung-disease-risk/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Engineered stone ban: 'People just tend to think there's no problem'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545020/engineered-stone-ban-people-just-tend-to-think-there-s-no-problem?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Hunt for new Pharmac chief executive begins](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544813/hunt-for-new-pharmac-chief-executive-begins?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Schulz (Consumer NZ): [New research reveals 'heartbreaking' stories behind NZ’s woeful dental statistics](https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/new-research-reveals-heartbreaking-stories-behind-nz-s-woeful-dental-statistics?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Fluoridation stand-off: Councillors to meet today](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545021/fluoridation-stand-off-councillors-to-meet-today?ref=goodoil.news) Henry McMullan (1News): [Protest planned after cutbacks at Napier’s only 24-hour medical centre](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/16/protest-planned-after-cutbacks-at-napiers-only-24-hour-medical-centre/?ref=goodoil.news) Tina McCafferty (Herald): [Hospices under serious financial pressure and require a new form of funding](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hospices-under-serious-financial-pressure-they-require-a-new-way-of-funding-opinion/LUB6ZJIE3VF6VFIVV2FBDCVCV4/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Nearly one in four bottle shops in alcohol sting failed to check users' age](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544810/nearly-one-in-four-bottle-shops-in-alcohol-sting-failed-to-check-users-age?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McLean (Stuff): [New Plymouth dairy owner fined $22,000 for illegal vape sales](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360613283/new-plymouth-dairy-owner-fined-22000-illegal-vape-sales?ref=goodoil.news) **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, POLLS** Andrea Vance (Post): [Why Christopher Luxon isn’t about to be rolled (yet)](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360613452/why-christopher-luxon-isnt-about-be-rolled-yet?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [National can only be as good as its weakest link](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360614946/national-can-only-be-good-its-weakest-link?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Claire Trevett (Herald): [Polls indicate PM Christopher Luxon, National and Act’s David Seymour in for a tense year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/polls-indicate-pm-christopher-luxon-national-and-acts-david-seymour-in-for-a-tense-year-claire-trevett/CXHDGY6QBVG3HKJDWTCJX57FEQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [National could yet snatch defeat from jaws of victory](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/13/an-unlikely-national-defeat-next-year-cannot-be-ruled-out/?ref=goodoil.news) Georgina Stylianou (Post): [If a ‘relentless focus’ looks past people, it will soon lose them](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360615036/if-relentless-focus-looks-past-people-it-will-soon-lose-them?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Labour leader takes swipe at PM after another poll defeat for National](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360615379/labours-lead-grows-over-national-latest-political-poll?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [New poll: Support dips for National, Chris Hipkins leads as preferred PM](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360615599/new-poll-support-dips-national-chris-hipkins-leads-preferred-pm?ref=goodoil.news) Ryan Bridge (Herald): [Christopher Luxon is on a roll. He’s not in any danger of getting rolled, despite current polls](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christopher-luxon-is-on-a-roll-hes-not-in-any-danger-of-getting-rolled-despite-current-polls-ryan-bridge/H7B4JUIHDBGQBBDQNHBWDTNPUQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Robert MacCulloch: [NZ Election 2026 will be a close call. Choosing between Labour's Proven Loser & National's Travelling Salesman](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/why-election-2026-in-nz-will-be-close-its-a-choice-between-labour-s-proven-loser-national-s-trave?ref=goodoil.news) Martyn Bradbury (Daily Blog): [Another Poll highlights National plunging in support](https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/03/15/another-poll-highlights-national-plunging-in-support/?ref=goodoil.news) Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to … King Luxon](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/16/an-ode-to-king-luxon-6/?ref=goodoil.news) Laszlo Szollosi-Cira: [2026 Election: turbulent changes in the political landscape](https://fairpolicycommentary.substack.com/p/2026-election-turbulent-changes-in) Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Urgency and fudging budgets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/544954/the-house-urgency-and-fudging-budgets?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Houlahan (ODT): [This is not a dream, you really are acting transport minister](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/not-dream-you-really-are-acting-transport-minister?ref=goodoil.news) Ffion Heale (Post): [Is AI in politics the final technology taboo?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360614411/ai-politics-final-technology-taboo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald: [Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi reshares social media post comparing his lawns to David Seymour](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-pati-maori-co-leader-rawiri-waititi-reshares-social-media-post-comparing-his-lawns-to-david-seymour/TKSLJDGWZ5F6FGW4K373YXT7ZY/?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [ACT hits back as Rawiri Waititi compares David Seymour to grass](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360616873/act-hits-back-rawiri-waititi-compares-david-seymour-grass?ref=goodoil.news) Katie Ham (Post): [From policing to politicking: Police Minister’s half-term report](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360614166/policing-politicking-police-ministers-half-term-report?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald: [Ask Me Anything: Marama Davidson talks cancer, support from Nikki Kaye and returning to work with Paula Bennett](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/marama-davidson-talks-cancer-support-from-nikki-kaye-and-returning-to-work-with-paula-bennett-ask-me-anything/WOQR6Q2RHRELVIXS257SO3L3YI/?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [10 minutes with... Swanndri-wearing MP Duncan Webb](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360615030/10-minutes-swanndri-wearing-mp-duncan-webb?ref=goodoil.news) (paywaled0 ODT: [Obituary: Ann Hartley, politician](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/obituary-ann-hartley-politician?ref=goodoil.news) **INFRASTRUCTURE, FOREIGN INVESTMENT, PPPS, WEALTH VISA** Thomas Manch and Luke Malpass (Post): [Toll nation: Government plots new user-pays route to road investment](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360615144/toll-nation-government-plots-new-user-pays-route-road-investment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [The politics of new roads and the weight of money](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360614933/politics-new-roads-and-weight-money?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Labour sets out investment non-negotiables](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544870/labour-sets-out-investment-non-negotiables?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock and Luke Malpass (Post): [Cracks in 'bipartisan' infrastructure pitch as Labour pushes back on private ownership](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360615042/cracks-bipartisan-infrastructure-pitch-labour-pushes-back-private-ownership?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [Foreign investment’s fine print](https://www.politik.co.nz/the-foreign-investment-fine-print/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Infrastructure summit: NZ must harness local funds for growth, not just foreign investment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/infrastructure-summit-nz-must-harness-local-funds-for-growth-not-just-foreign-investment-bruce-cotterill/DEXTJA2U3BHFPJ3C4HG6AHOI7A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Stubbs (Post): [Investment summit surpassed my low expectations: Sam Stubbs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360616707/investment-summit-surpassed-my-low-expectations-sam-stubbs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [PPPs are more expensive, slower & riskier than Govt DIY](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/ppps-are-more-expensive-slower-and) Craig Renney: [When should you use a PPP? – A bluffer's guide](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/when-should-you-use-a-ppp-a-bluffers) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Govt’s infrastructure summit a success as PM Christopher Luxon touts project ‘pipeline’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/govts-infrastructure-summit-a-success-despite-labour-winning-competition-over-having-most-kids/RQGPJUSZDBG7RHMP7LM6VNY4TE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Katie Bradford (1News): [Investment summit an overture to the hopes of a nation](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/analysis-investment-summit-an-overture-to-the-hopes-of-a-nation/?ref=goodoil.news) Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Ex-Trump adviser Chris Liddell tells NZ stay cautious, seize opportunities in global shifts](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/ex-trump-adviser-liddell-tells-nz-to-stay-cautious-seize-opportunities-in-global-shifts-fran-osullivan/CJI5DXNI4JEGTME7IQ6TJP4OC4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [Govt seeking investment interest in Akl harbour crossing, toll concessions](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/14/govt-seeking-investment-interest-in-akl-harbour-crossing-toll-concessions/?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Auckland Harbour Bridge: Bishop appeals for international input on second crossing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544786/auckland-harbour-bridge-bishop-appeals-for-international-input-on-second-crossing?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock and Luke Malpass (Post): [Government to sound out market on second Auckland harbour crossing](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360614857/government-sound-out-market-second-auckland-harbour-crossing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [NZTA to sound out markets on multi-billion dollar Auckland harbour crossing](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/nzta-to-sound-out-markets-on-multi-billion-dollar-auckland-harbour-crossing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Zane Small (Stuff): [Investor visa brings in hundreds of millions, tipped to increase ‘significantly’ after changes](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360616620/investor-visa-brings-hundreds-millions-tipped-increase-significantly-after-changes?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Nicola Willis: ‘Stability is our middle name’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/nicola-willis-stability-is-our-middle-name/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Govt picks winning firms to pass go – and not go to jail](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/govt-picks-winning-firms-at-investment-summit/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Italian tunnelers to stay in New Zealand following Infrastructure Investment Summit](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544844/italian-tunnelers-to-stay-in-new-zealand-following-infrastructure-investment-summit?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Investment Summit creates 'momentum', helps convince Italian tunnelers to stay](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/investment-summit-creates-momentum-helps-convince-italian-tunnelers-to-stay?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) The Standard: [Failed Conference](https://thestandard.org.nz/failed-conference/?ref=goodoil.news) Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Best intentions: The reasons leftist governments can’t build infrastructure](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/books/best-intentions-the-reasons-leftist-governments-cant-build-infrastructure/63TBIX3MSJDMDEMWRHQX5DMSEI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE FORCE** Logan Church (1News): [Winston Peters in America: 'This is a whole new world'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/winston-peters-in-america-this-is-a-whole-new-world/?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [After 20 years in and out of the saddle, Winston Peters' latest foreign rodeo has potential to be his bumpiest yet](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545034/after-20-years-in-and-out-of-the-saddle-winston-peters-latest-foreign-rodeo-has-potential-to-be-his-bumpiest-yet?ref=goodoil.news) Toby Manhire (Spinoff): [David Parker on what Trump and a whiplash world mean for New Zealand](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-03-2025/david-parker-on-what-trump-and-a-whiplash-world-mean-for-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Glen McConnell (Stuff): [Trade Minister Todd McClay talks to new Trump trade boss](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360616951/trade-minister-todd-mcclay-talks-new-trump-trade-boss?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [First official talks between New Zealand and United States trade representatives as Trump rolls out tariffs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/first-official-talks-between-new-zealand-and-united-states-trade-representatives-as-trump-rolls-out-tariffs/IPJFHX2MINFCNE7N5NOAKXD6A4/?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [When the landlord goes rogue: Trump, trade, and NZ’s next move](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/when-the-landlord-goes-rogue-trump-trade-and-nzs-next-move?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— Phil Pennington (RNZ): [How much can NZ boost its military spending, really? And is it really needed?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544807/how-much-can-nz-boost-its-military-spending-really-and-is-it-really-needed?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [How to spend billions on the Defence Force](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360611574/how-spend-billions-defence-force?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Fears funding gap left by USAID cuts could be filled by China](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/16/fears-funding-gap-left-by-usaid-cuts-could-be-filled-by-china/?ref=goodoil.news) Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Concerns raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/concerns-raised-about-chinese-interference-in-the-pacific/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Peters (World Socialists): [New Zealand’s record of colonial oppression of the Cook Islands](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/14/vxno-m14.html?ref=goodoil.news) Lydia Lewis (RNZ): [Tokelau sets sights on a potential third referendum](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/544878/tokelau-sets-sights-on-a-potential-third-referendum?ref=goodoil.news) ————— Robert Patman (Spinoff): [New Zealand and Gaza: Confronting and not confronting the unspeakable](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-03-2025/new-zealand-and-gaza-confronting-and-not-confronting-the-unspeakable?ref=goodoil.news) Nina Brown (Critic Te Ārohi): [Otago Academic Experts Say ‘Gaza – Yes it is genocide’](https://www.critic.co.nz/news/article/11562/otago-academic-experts-say-gaza--yes-it-is-genocid?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Luxon reaffirms NZ's support for Ukraine after 'Coalition of the Willing' call with world leaders](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544961/luxon-reaffirms-nz-s-support-for-ukraine-after-coalition-of-the-willing-call-with-world-leaders?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Christopher Luxon joins 'coalition of the willing' talks as military moves over Ukraine begin](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360616656/christopher-luxon-joins-coalition-willing-talks-military-moves-over-ukraine-begin?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Prime Minister confirms he will join world leaders in 'coalition of the willing' phone call](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544860/prime-minister-confirms-he-will-join-world-leaders-in-coalition-of-the-willing-phone-call?ref=goodoil.news) David Fisher (Herald): [Russian disinformation targets NZ with te reo Māori news site](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russian-disinformation-targets-nz-with-te-reo-maori-news-site/36BBFJ2D4FG3JLZNE7TG36G2FA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM Luxon’s trade talk revival invigorates India visit, but can he keep the momentum?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/analysis-pm-luxons-trade-talk-revival-invigorates-india-visit-but-can-he-keep-the-momentum/AWNXDAQHEBC7VKQAMPX26UDPUY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Touchdown in Delhi: Christopher Luxon fires starting gun on trade talks with India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545008/touchdown-in-delhi-christopher-luxon-fires-starting-gun-on-trade-talks-with-india?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Surprise on day one of Luxon’s India trip: free trade talks agreed](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/surprise-on-day-one-of-luxons-india-trip-free-trade-talks-agreed/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM in India: Free trade negotiations to restart with India as Christopher Luxon begins visit](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-in-india-free-trade-negotiations-to-restart-with-india-as-christopher-luxon-begins-visit/5YYREYWMC5DZDBYZJH7HUAARBE/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Notes from India: Christopher Luxon’s big adventure](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617070/notes-india-christopher-luxons-big-adventure?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Stuff): [NZ and India open free trade talks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360617064/nz-and-india-open-free-trade-talks?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [NZ and India open free trade talks](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617064/nz-and-india-open-free-trade-talks?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Deal or no deal? Christopher Luxon's India trip puts trade promise to the test](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544879/deal-or-no-deal-christopher-luxon-s-india-trip-puts-trade-promise-to-the-test?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM to India: Will Christopher Luxon get his coveted free-trade deal?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-to-india-will-christopher-luxon-get-his-coveted-free-trade-deal/6XV3GJRRH5CDXBWQS7OUQCE2PQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [There’s more to India than a free trade deal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/theres-more-to-india-than-a-free-trade-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [New Zealand takes on India - but it’s complicated](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360610254/new-zealand-takes-india-its-complicated?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gianina Schwanecke (RNZ): [Country Life: Geoff Allott on new market possibilities in India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/544857/country-life-geoff-allott-on-new-market-possibilities-in-india?ref=goodoil.news) Bhav Dhillon (Post): [A strategic partnership for the Indo-Pacific century](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360614859/strategic-partnership-indo-pacific-century?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **SCHOOL LUNCHES** 1News: [Q+A: Seymour says school lunch critics 'nitpicking' over late deliveries](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/16/seymour-says-school-lunch-critics-nitpicking-over-late-deliveries/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Associate Education Minister David Seymour accuses school lunch programme critics of 'nitpicking](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544999/associate-education-minister-david-seymour-accuses-school-lunch-programme-critics-of-nitpicking?ref=goodoil.news) Esther Taunton (Stuff): [School lunch critics ‘nitpicking’ over 13,500 late meals last week, Seymour says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360616537/school-lunch-critics-nitpicking-over-13500-late-meals-last-week-seymour-says?ref=goodoil.news) Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): [Cut-price school lunch scheme a false economy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360614924/cut-price-school-lunch-scheme-false-economy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [Complaint made about flies found in school lunch](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/complaint-made-about-flies-found-in-school-lunch/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Frozen pizza rolls are the latest school lunch blunder](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/14/frozen-pizza-rolls-are-the-latest-school-lunch-blunder/?ref=goodoil.news) Nick Truebridge and Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [‘A whole lot more just pushed on us’: Staff at liquidated school lunch provider speak out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360615746/whole-lot-more-just-pushed-us-staff-liquidated-school-lunch-provider-speak-out?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Libelle announces sale of school lunches operation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/544873/libelle-announces-sale-of-school-lunches-operation?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Loss of Libelle leads to drop in quality, schools to close canteens with short notice](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544862/loss-of-libelle-leads-to-drop-in-quality-schools-to-close-canteens-with-short-notice?ref=goodoil.news) Mountain Tui: [On why complaining about incompetent David Seymour's School Lunches is the only rational response](https://mountaintui.substack.com/p/on-why-complaining-about-incompetent) Joe Hendren: [Seymour's lack of accountability over school lunch fiasco](https://joehendren.substack.com/p/seymours-lack-of-accountability-over) Arena Williams, Stuart Smith (Stuff): [A Prime Minister who sneers at struggling families has no idea what life is really like](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360614995/arena-williams-prime-minister-who-sneers-struggling-families-has-no-idea-what-life-really?ref=goodoil.news) **PUBLIC SERVICE, WOKENESS** Anna Whyte (Sunday Star Times): [Which public service agency pays the most?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360610408/which-public-service-agency-pays-most?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ben Thomas (Post): [The shift in power and re-shaping of the public service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360615048/shift-power-and-re-shaping-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of … Winston Peters](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/15/the-secret-diary-of-winston-peters/?ref=goodoil.news) Anaru Eketone (ODT): [‘Woke’ used to silence, dismiss validity of views](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/%E2%80%98woke%E2%80%99-used-silence-dismiss-validity-views?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Angela Wilton (Sunday Star Times): [Attacking diversity measures is a threat to the fabric of our society](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360611787/attacking-diversity-measures-threat-fabric-our-society?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Would an anti-woke banking law change how banks lend?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545014/would-an-anti-woke-banking-law-change-how-banks-lend?ref=goodoil.news) Nina Brown (Critic Te Ārohi): [‘Woke’ UniPol’s New Rearrangement](https://www.critic.co.nz/news/article/11564/woke-unipols-new-rearrangement?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Herald: [Labour slams Govt as Jobseeker numbers rise, but minister says increase was expected](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-slams-govt-as-jobseeker-numbers-rise-but-minister-says-increase-was-expected/B23OLIQPXJHE7LFSU5JD2MCDQY/?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [On The Money: Shihad, woke, a grocery breakfast, and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/on-the-money/on-the-money-shihad-woke-a-grocery-breakfast-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Fraud and scams top agenda for Consumer NZ's meeting with minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544824/fraud-and-scams-top-agenda-for-consumer-nz-s-meeting-with-minister?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Bayly’s reforms whet appetite for stagnant NZX](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/baylys-reforms-whet-appetite-for-stagnant-nzx/?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [All library workers deserve a fair wage - union](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544995/all-library-workers-deserve-a-fair-wage-union?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Bill Hickman (RNZ): [Figure for Wellington Water losses 'does not exist' - Acting chair](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544831/figure-for-wellington-water-losses-does-not-exist-acting-chair?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she doesn't think Christopher Luxon is a 'nice person' after ‘lame-o’ comment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544785/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-says-she-doesn-t-think-christopher-luxon-is-a-nice-person-after-lame-o-comment?ref=goodoil.news) Barrie Saunders: [Wellington Water woes](https://barriesaunders.wordpress.com/2025/03/16/wellington-water-woes/?ref=goodoil.news) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Labour candidates announced ahead of Wellington council election](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360616968/labour-candidates-announced-ahead-wellington-council-election?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon Wilson (Herald): [$150b shock – Council v Govt on big Auckland projects](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/150b-shock-council-v-govt-on-big-auckland-projects-simon-wilson/TPM7AXG5ZNHCJP43DBL465GTMI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shayne Currie (Herald): [Rubbish proposal: Auckland’s biggest landfill set to stay open for seven to eight years longer than expected after delays for new facility](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/rubbish-proposal-aucklands-biggest-landfill-set-to-stay-open-for-seven-to-eight-years-longer-than-expected-after-delays-for-new-facility/KPBOPWAYUFAKTAEYY553PFXZGQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Auckland Council opens dog adoption centre](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544877/auckland-council-opens-dog-adoption-centre?ref=goodoil.news) Local Aotearoa: [Local Aotearoa calls for LGOIMA update to open up council workshops and briefings](https://localaotearoa.substack.com/p/local-aotearoa-calls-for-lgoima-update) Mike Tweed (Whanagnui Chronicle): [Three-council model preferred for Whanganui’s water delivery, with Ruapehu and Rangitīkei](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/three-council-model-preferred-for-whanganuis-water-delivery-with-ruapehu-and-rangitikei/TS3N27C3HFGL3B2QKTWLKUDPDQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Western Bay community boards resist merger proposal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/western-bay-community-boards-resist-merger-proposal/L7Q6PURA5JD77F3PP6SLCGD3JU/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Leask (Local Democracy Reporting): [Canterbury chasing regional deal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/544773/canterbury-chasing-regional-deal?ref=goodoil.news) Robin Martin (RNZ): [New Plymouth rough sleepers warned to remove their belongings or risk them being impounded](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544800/new-plymouth-rough-sleepers-warned-to-remove-their-belongings-or-risk-them-being-impounded?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [South Wairarapa council ponders Facebook exit](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544851/south-wairarapa-council-ponders-facebook-exit?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [More than 150 jobs cut and one campus closed as Te Pūkenga disestablishment looms](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-03-2025/more-than-150-jobs-cut-and-one-campus-closed-as-te-pukenga-disestablishment-looms?ref=goodoil.news) Jaime Cunningham (Herald): [Concerns over lack of national data on bullying in schools](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/concerns-over-lack-of-national-data-on-bullying-in-schools/RQ6VNS7RF5GQVOACVC45PRU264/?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Why student loan debt is going to get more expensive](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544953/why-student-loan-debt-is-going-to-get-more-expensive?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Morton (Herald): [Law school stoush: Auckland Uni vice-chancellor Dawn Freshwater faces backlash](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/law-school-stoush-auckland-uni-vice-chancellor-dawn-freshwater-faces-backlash/5CPEYMVVXFELJFKR7MLJMIXQZM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jaime Lyth (Herald): [David Seymour slams Auckland University’s compulsory Te Tiriti course](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/david-seymour-slams-auckland-universitys-compulsory-te-tiriti-course/GRIAH4SL3NB43EBTPBW7CZFWVU/?ref=goodoil.news) Layla Bailey-McDowell (RNZ): ['Hōhā': Te Reo Māori teaching students 'left in the dark' over delayed scholarship payments](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/544808/hoha-te-reo-maori-teaching-students-left-in-the-dark-over-delayed-scholarship-payments?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Uni welcomes rise in student numbers](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/uni-welcomes-rise-student-numbers?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY** Liam Dann (Herald): [Can the economy turn the polls around in time for Christopher Luxon?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/liam-dann-can-the-economy-turn-the-polls-around-in-time-for-christopher-luxon/GQWJLID74ZFHFMAM7E7RDMH3QI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): [GDP Preview: Have we escaped recession? New data due this week](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/gdp-preview-have-we-escaped-recession-new-data-due-this-week/A6KFTXZNCNGRTNXRNVKTT77TGE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Crawling back out of recession: Economy likely grew in the final quarter](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545025/crawling-back-out-of-recession-economy-likely-grew-in-the-final-quarter?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [The economy has found its forward gear again](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132260/after-plunging-previous-two-quarters-gdp-likely-returned-positive-growth-december?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [GDP figures expected to show economy ‘limping into recovery’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360615340/gdp-figures-expected-show-economy-limping-recovery?ref=goodoil.news) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [NZ economy likely expanded, left recession in rear-view mirror](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/nz-economy-likely-expanded-left-recession-in-rear-view-mirror?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **RESERVE BANK** Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Adrian Orr’s vanishing act](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-adrian-orrs-vanishing-act/V4YIV666ABA3FIAAZQG2IPINSU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Why the Reserve Bank Governor is an $800,000 job](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360613053/why-reserve-bank-governor-800000-job?ref=goodoil.news) Damien Grant (Stuff): [Adrian Orr did something I can get behind. He resigned](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360614756/damien-grant-adrian-orr-did-something-i-can-get-behind-he-resigned?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** Tom Pullar-Strecker (Sunday Star Times): [Why competition task force move is only a partial fix for the electricity sector](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360608801/why-competition-task-force-move-only-partial-fix-electricity-sector?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Transpower given more powers to manage supply risks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544806/transpower-given-more-powers-to-manage-supply-risks?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Gray (Herald): [Record low lake levels push Electricity Authority to strengthen power supply rules ahead of winter](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/record-low-lake-levels-push-electricity-authority-to-strengthen-power-supply-rules-ahead-of-winter/Z75U2OXUI5AX7EOA374CWLV4E4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Govt belatedly backs ‘world class’ offshore wind farms](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/15/govt-belatedly-backs-world-class-offshore-wind-farms/?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Second firm halts plans for offshore wind farms](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/second-firm-halts-plans-for-offshore-wind-farms/?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Watts warned about deindustralisation due to gas supply dwindling](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/watts-warned-about-deindustralisation-due-to-gas-supply-dwindling?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: NZME faces board challenge as billionaire Jim Grenon pushes for change](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nzme-faces-board-challenge-as-billionaire-jim-grenon-pushes-for-change-the-front-page/DHS7KVQJNBCAXD7QP5Q2ULGCVE/?ref=goodoil.news) Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: Media pump up rumours of Prime Minister's demise](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/544978/media-pump-up-rumours-of-prime-minister-s-demise?ref=goodoil.news) Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: RNZ's Gaza conflict coverage abided by its editorial policy - Review](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544839/rnz-s-gaza-conflict-coverage-abided-by-its-editorial-policy-review?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [RNZ review of Gaza conflict coverage found no policy, media standards breaches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544841/rnz-review-of-gaza-conflict-coverage-found-no-policy-media-standards-breaches?ref=goodoil.news) Steven Cowan: [RNZ: Whitewashing genocide](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/03/rnz-whitewashing-genocide.html?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-17-march-2025)