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# News Briefing: 18 February 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-18-february-2025/
- Published: 2025-02-17T19:07:02.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-17T20:32:43.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Christopher Luxon not ruling out directly appointing public service chief executives, Labour calls this Trumpian](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-not-ruling-out-directly-appointing-public-service-chief-executives-labour-calls-this-trumpian/4MK7TX5NEBBGTOCKKVO6UDNAAE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche considers axing government entities](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/public-service-commissioner-sir-brian-roche-considers-axing-government-entities/QGUNL5EPQZD6POOB6ANKQ6WVAE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Trotter (Interest): [Ideology problems](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/131936/chris-trotter-asks-what-happens-nation%E2%80%99s-politics-when-compromise-becomes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Azaria Howell (Herald): [Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment cuts spending on ‘Big Four’ consulting firms by more than 60% in a year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ministry-of-business-innovation-and-employment-cuts-spending-on-big-four-consulting-firms-by-more-than-60-in-a-year/ODLVARV7EFAVVJNID2UTHG435M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [SOEs struggle in tough economic times](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-struggles-of-soes-in-tough-economic-times/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Christopher Luxon’s long, slow walk to oblivion](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christopher-luxons-long-slow-walk-to-oblivion-simon-wilson/IKAYFAB3IJAMJHJLU3QEDFY7ZI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alex Casey (Spinoff): [Exclusive: We found Act MP Simon Court’s full menstrual cup sales pitch](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-02-2025/exclusive-we-found-act-mp-simon-courts-full-menstrual-cup-sales-pitch?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [‘A republic, if you can keep it’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/17/a-republic-if-you-can-keep-it/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natalia Albert: [Chlöe Isn’t a Saint, David Isn’t a Villain](https://nataliaalbert.substack.com/p/lets-compare-chloe-and-david)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Going private: Is it the answer to public health woes?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542180/going-private-is-it-the-answer-to-public-health-woes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: NZ health crisis deepens with trio of top-level resignations](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-health-crisis-deepens-with-trio-of-top-level-resignations-the-front-page/MMXGVQSP55E3BBEP6VCGLPCXUY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Is NZ's health leadership in crisis?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/542183/the-detail-is-nz-s-health-leadership-in-crisis?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): ['Massive body count' in health due to targets falling short - Labour says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542149/massive-body-count-in-health-due-to-targets-falling-short-labour-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Argue (RNZ): [Struggling Christchurch ED asks patients go elsewhere unless it's 'life-threatening'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542172/struggling-christchurch-ed-asks-patients-go-elsewhere-unless-it-s-life-threatening?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Hospital rejecting Porirua patients based on BMI, GPs say](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583705/hospital-rejecting-porirua-patients-based-bmi-gps-say?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [Data reveals drop in access to mental health and addiction services](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542176/data-reveals-drop-in-access-to-mental-health-and-addiction-services?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Powell: [When overlaying fact in health systems with fiction morphs into embellishment](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/02/17/when-overlaying-fact-in-health-systems-with-fiction-morphs-into-embellishment/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Janet Hoek, Anna DeMello and Lani Teddy (The Conversation): [We asked young people if they wanted tighter vaping regulation to phase out nicotine – here’s what they said](https://theconversation.com/we-asked-young-people-if-they-wanted-tighter-vaping-regulation-to-phase-out-nicotine-heres-what-they-said-249456?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Labour’s Kieran McAnulty wants guarantee Masterton ratepayers aren’t helping plug Health NZ’s deficit](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-mp-wants-guarantee-masterton-ratepayers-arent-helping-plug-health-nzs-deficit/VPSMTXQ52RA6PEQAJ5ATX3HZPA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris White (Post): [The case for public-private partnerships in healthcare](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360579480/case-public-private-partnerships-healthcare?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): ['Disgrace': Winston Peters slams Whangārei fluoridation mandate](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/disgrace-winston-peters-slams-whangarei-fluoridation-mandate/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Davis (Newsroom): [Don’t be afraid of what sociology can tell us about ourselves](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/18/lets-not-be-afraid-of-what-sociology-has-to-tell-us-about-ourselves/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, BANKS**  
Rob Stock (Post): [Why anti-monopolist Tex Edwards put his mum's cookie recipe in his competition review submission](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360584033/why-anti-monopolist-tex-edwards-put-his-mums-cookie-recipe-his-competition-review-submission?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Monopolies watchdog warns Government: 'Capitalism needs to be saved, not tinkered with’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360583554/monopolies-watchdog-warns-government-capitalism-needs-be-saved-not-tinkered?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sue Chetwin (Post): [The one action needed to force competition into the grocery sector](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583665/one-action-needed-force-competition-grocery-sector?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [Arch enemy in Wānaka](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/arch-enemy-w%C4%81naka?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Anthony (BusinessDesk): [Blame poor regulation not banks for lack of competition, experts say](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/blame-poor-regulation-not-banks-for-lack-of-competition-experts-say?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kent Duston (Post): [The most expensive government agency in the country is the Commerce Commission](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360584034/most-expensive-government-agency-country-commerce-commission?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Criticism FMA ’too aloof’ was correct, Commerce Minister says](https://www.nbr.co.nz/law/criticism-fma-too-aloof-was-correct-commerce-minister-says/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Collins (Herald): [Labour’s banking claims challenged by credit union leader](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/labours-banking-claims-challenged-by-credit-union-leader-rob-collins/PIB3X36XJBDKDGW2Y37HDAVZ4I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Arena Williams (Herald): [Making banking fairer, more accessible for everyone should be the Government’s focus](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/making-banking-fairer-more-accessible-for-everyone-should-be-the-governments-focus-arena-williams/2XSMGHQSDBGHPJD5Q26TZ2GELY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lee Marshall (Post): [Banks’ good intentions risk paving the road to oblivion for service stations](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581032/how-banks-good-intentions-risk-sending-service-stations-down-road?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, FISHING**  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Environment was fast-track priority before minister’s intervention](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/17/environment-was-fast-track-priority-before-ministers-intervention/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Morrah (Herald): [Superyacht with dirty hull allowed in Hauraki Gulf regatta in ‘highly unusual’ move](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/superyacht-with-dirty-hull-allowed-in-hauraki-gulf-regatta-in-highly-unusual-move/N7XRR5N27BEKPDNMT5VWC3TGWQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luka Forman (RNZ): [Conservationists oppose MPI upped crayfish catch proposal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542163/conservationists-oppose-mpi-upped-crayfish-catch-proposal?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Northland fishing company fined for incorrect gear, false reporting](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/northland-fishing-company-fined-for-incorrect-gear-false-reporting/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [The hydro alternative to Government's $80m+ mining cleanup bill](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/environment/the-hydro-alternative-to-governments-80m-mining-cleanup-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Sewerage pipeline work near tapū lake to continue despite protests](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542155/sewerage-pipeline-work-near-tapu-lake-to-continue-despite-protests?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Heat goes on KiwiSaver investments in fossil fuels](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542193/heat-goes-on-kiwisaver-investments-in-fossil-fuels?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Garth Bray (BusinessDesk): [Developers nervous as infrastructure fund changes management](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/developers-nervous-as-infrastructure-fund-changes-management?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [No sprinklers in Wellington City Council fire flats](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583713/no-sprinklers-wellington-city-council-fire-flats?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Social housing residents plead for stability in quake-prone complex](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542179/social-housing-residents-plead-for-stability-in-quake-prone-complex?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Six Wellington social housing buildings earthquake prone](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542126/six-wellington-social-housing-buildings-earthquake-prone?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Hundreds of council tenants finding out they live in quake prone homes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360584055/hundreds-council-tenants-finding-out-they-live-quake-prone-homes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Six Wellington City Council housing complexes declared quake-prone](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583912/six-wellington-city-council-housing-complex-declared-quake-prone?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Auckland councillor among those helped into homeownership](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542194/auckland-councillor-among-those-helped-into-homeownership?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Trade Me Property starts the year with surge in listings and a drop in asking prices](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/131937/listings-trade-me-property-five-year-high-january-while-asking-prices-were-decline?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Watts waves unspecified regulatory stick at electricity sector](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/watts-waves-unspecified-regulatory-stick-at-electricity-sector?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Energy task force reforms could save consumers billions](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/13/energy-task-force-reforms-could-save-consumers-billions/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Georgina Stylianou (Post): [Growth dreams need more than marketing and hope](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581107/growth-dreams-need-more-marketing-and-hope?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Some home truths about deindustralisation and the energy sector](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/some-home-truths-about-deindustralisation-and-the-energy-sector?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Contact boss suggests Shane Jones’ attack on power firms is ‘retail politics’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360583340/contact-energy-ups-dividend-and-forecasts-higher-annual-operating-profit?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Contact profit down, earnings up as it looks to a calmer future](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/contact-profit-down-earnings-up-as-it-looks-to-a-calmer-future?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Sunday Star Times): [Rod Carr argues gas may be dirtier than coal – could he be right?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575204/rod-carr-argues-gas-may-be-dirtier-coal-could-he-be-right?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Genesis Energy beefs up coal supply to avoid 2024 winter power price spike](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/genesis-energy-beefs-up-coal-supply-to-avoid-2024-winter-power-price-spike/Z2HQURTBU5G7TD67HZ2BTFHAVU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Power companies launch online resource for struggling customers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542170/power-companies-launch-online-resource-for-struggling-customers?ref=goodoil.news)  
NBR: [Greymouth hits fresh gas in Taranaki](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/greymouth-hits-fresh-gas-in-taranaki/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Windbag: Begonia House and the hypocrisy of ‘nice-to-haves’](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-02-2025/windbag-begonia-house-and-the-hypocrisy-of-nice-to-haves?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dave Armstrong (Post): [Pedestrian ban key to finding our pathway forward](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360584279/pedestrian-ban-key-finding-our-pathway-forward?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Business rates in store for Wellington’s Airbnb-style homes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583926/business-rates-store-wellingtons-airbnb-style-homes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julie Moore (Post): [Flouting Moore Wilson car park rules emblematic of council attitude](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360583519/flouting-moore-wilson-car-park-rules-emblematic-council-attitude?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Justin Wong (Post): [Proposed Porirua Mormon temple gets resource consent go-ahead](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581351/proposed-porirua-mormon-temple-gets-resource-consent-go-ahead?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown to announce plans for second term on Wednesday](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-to-announce-plans-for-second-term-on-wednesday/LXOEAMRQI5DTXLCKBEHRAONRTU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Justin Hu (1News): [Auckland mayoral hopeful pledges 'different style' of leadership](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/18/auckland-mayoral-hopeful-pledges-different-style-of-leadership/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [Council cuts funding to long-standing coastal erosion group](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360583533/council-cuts-funding-long-standing-coastal-erosion-group?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Lynch: [Christchurch City Council won’t fund Canterbury’s 175th anniversary, citing colonisation concerns](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/christchurch-city-council-wont-fund-canterburys-175th-anniversary-citing-colonisation-concerns/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joanne Naish (Press/Post): [Stadium wars: Christchurch’s covered stadium gives it advantage over Wellington](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360581066/stadium-wars-christchurchs-covered-stadium-gives-it-advantage-over-wellington?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Otago Regional Council's strengths and weaknesses exposed in new report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542119/otago-regional-council-s-strengths-and-weaknesses-exposed-in-new-report?ref=goodoil.news)  
Local Democracy Reporting: [Recycling rule breakers in Southland could lose their bins](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/recycling-rule-breakers-in-southland-could-lose-their-bins/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
Brent Burmester (Newsroom): [Golden visa? More like lead balloon](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/18/golden-visa-more-like-lead-balloon/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Edward Miller (Newsroom): [Foreign investors’ use of tax havens as murky as the Panama Canal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/14/foreign-investors-use-of-tax-havens-as-murky-as-the-panama-canal/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [NZIER panel of experts see RBNZ needing to be cautious](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131948/members-shadow-board-nzier-assembles-state-views-official-cash-rate-strongly-agree?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Patterson (Newsroom): [OCR cut a given, but what next from fiscal chocolate box?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/17/ocr-cut-a-given-but-what-next-from-fiscal-chocolate-box/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Bradford (1News): [OCR preview: You betcha — it's likely another rate cut](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/18/ocr-preview-you-betcha-its-likely-another-rate-cut/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Rate cut expected, NZ dollar's direction hinges on RBNZ forecasts](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/rate-cut-expected-nz-dollars-direction-hinges-on-rbnz-forecasts?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [Animal spirits are back in fashion in NZ](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/animal-spirits-are-back-in-fashion-in-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [Services sector breaks 10-month run of contraction](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131945/services-sector-expanded-slightly-january-did-manufacturing-sector-results-point?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Services sector shows signs of promising recovery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542110/services-sector-shows-signs-of-promising-recovery?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenny Ruth: [Green shoots may be emerging – but they’ve been elusive before now](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/green-shoots-may-be-emerging-but)  
  
**TOURISM**  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [New Zealand’s ‘Everyone must go!’ tourism campaign ridiculed as emigration hits record high](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/new-zealand-everyone-must-go-tourism-campaign-criticism-emigration?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [From '100% Pure' to 40% off: NZ's new sales pitch](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/from-100-pure-to-40-off-nzs-new-sales-pitch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Government announces $30m spend on tourism infrastructure and biodiversity projects](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542146/government-announces-30m-spend-on-tourism-infrastructure-and-biodiversity-projects?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Govt to spend $30m on conservation to aid tourism industry](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360584048/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-continue-tourism-pitch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ralph Hanna (Crux): [Economist: Low wage tourism at heart of local productivity and infrastructure problems](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/economist-low-wage-tourism-drags-down-queenstowns-productivity/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DAMAN KUMAR CASE, MIGRATION**  
Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [Kiwi kid who has never left NZ may be spared deportation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360583660/kiwi-kid-who-has-never-left-nz-may-be-spared-deportation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Preventing deportation of NZ-born teen 'sensible thing to do' - Labour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542178/preventing-deportation-of-nz-born-teen-sensible-thing-to-do-labour?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Associate Minister considering case of NZ-born teen facing deportation](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/associate-minister-considering-case-of-nz-born-teen-facing-deportation/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Argue (RNZ): [New Zealand-born teen's deportation to India paused at last minute](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542071/new-zealand-born-teen-s-deportation-to-india-paused-at-last-minute?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Deporting Daman Kumar would be grossly unfair – it’s not what NZ is about](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-deporting-daman-kumar-would-be-grossly-unfair-its-not-what-nz-is-about/LMQMVUXENVCYFJL3LMO7GABBSQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [Net loss of NZ citizens hits calendar year high in 2024](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/net-loss-of-nz-citizens-hits-calendar-year-high-in-2024/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [The outflow of NZ citizens appears to have peaked while inflows of foreign migrants have declined](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131946/outflow-nz-citizens-appears-have-peaked-while-inflows-foreign-migrants-have-declined?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Migration data: New stats reveal age of Kiwis leaving the country](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/losing-our-young-people-new-stats-reveal-age-of-kiwis-leaving-the-country/BLO7SH6E2NHADEOQ4WFXM37W4Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [NZ government should resurrect Trump taskforce - security expert](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/542184/nz-government-should-resurrect-trump-taskforce-security-expert?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [NZ set to formalise its say over Pacific nations’ security](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/14/new-zealand-could-formalise-its-say-over-pacific-nations-security-policy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Cook Islanders to protest for greater transparency](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/18/cook-islanders-to-protest-for-greater-transparency/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-agreement?ref=goodoil.news)  
Christoph Schumacher (NBR): [Tariffs reality is rarely straightforward](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economy-matters/tariffs-reality-is-rarely-straightforward/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Tighter laws for technology exports on the way](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/17/tighter-laws-for-technology-exports-on-the-way/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZDF takes Selwyn District Council to court seeking complaints ban near rifle range](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542151/nzdf-takes-selwyn-district-council-to-court-seeking-complaints-ban-near-rifle-range?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL, WAITANGI, TE AO MĀORI**  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith and Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Treaty principles bill hearings, day six: ‘A travesty, a tragedy, a call to action’](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-02-2025/treaty-principles-bill-hearings-day-six-a-travesty-a-tragedy-a-call-to-action?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith and Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Treaty principles bill hearings, day five: ‘Nice to be here – not really’](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-02-2025/treaty-principles-bill-hearings-day-five-nice-to-be-here-not-really?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Treaty Principles Bill: Auckland Council calls bill ‘unworkable’, Ngāi Tahu leader says it could breach $170m settlement](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360583403/treaty-principles-bill-auckland-council-ceo-says-david-seymours-bill-wrong-unworkable?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike McRoberts (NBR): [Ngāi Tahu 28-year treaty settlement at risk](https://www.nbr.co.nz/te-ao-maori/ngai-tahu-28-year-treaty-settlement-at-risk/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Treaty Principles Bill: Far North mayor says law would place near ‘impossible’ costs on council](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-far-north-mayor-says-law-would-place-near-impossible-costs-on-council/QOTZZA2MGVAAXIIOXVMD7ZO7TY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Treaty Principles Bill: 15-year-old slams bill, says it’s damaging Govt’s ‘positive’ relationship with young people](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-15-year-old-slams-bill-says-its-damaging-govts-positive-relationship-with-young-people/OMEGSPEEMNDKFBRUSUN5NTK7JY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Megan Ellison (ODT): [Kāi Tahu holds strong to right to invite PM](https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/k%C4%81i-tahu-holds-strong-right-invite-pm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anaru Eketone (ODT): [Lasting progress the legacy of a distasteful violent incident](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/lasting-progress-legacy-distasteful-violent-incident?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**DESTINY CHURCH, DRAG STORY TIME**  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Brian Tamaki's end game, explained](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360584594/brian-tamakis-end-game-explained?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Rawhiti-Connell (Spinoff): [When protest isn’t peaceful, you don’t have to be a church mouse about condemning it](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-02-2025/when-protest-isnt-peaceful-you-dont-have-to-be-a-church-mouse-about-condemning-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [Fascism is wrong](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/fascism%5Fis%5Fwrong.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Destiny Church library protest 'intimidating and unacceptable' - police](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542159/destiny-church-library-protest-intimidating-and-unacceptable-police?ref=goodoil.news)  
Raphael Franks & Nazahryth Bernard (Herald): [Destiny Church protests: Niu FM radio personality Bailey Palala, young primary school worker among demonstrators](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/destiny-church-protests-niu-fm-radio-personality-bailey-palala-young-primary-school-worker-among-demonstrators/SC2XLN2M75HSBBIKKUH4XB6OBM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland Council slams Destiny Church for library protest](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542089/auckland-council-slams-destiny-church-for-library-protest?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Prime Minister hits back at Destiny Church after violent Auckland Rainbow event protest](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-to-make-another-tourism-related-announcement-at-prime-ministers-post-cabinet-press-conference/3VFJTXWACFAUTJQWBLYFZBGEXE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Gunn: [Storytime: Brian And The Fabulous Rainbow Folk](https://andrewgunn.substack.com/p/storytime-brian-and-the-fabulous) (paywalled)  
Tumamao Harawira (Te Ao Māori News): [Haka as a form of protest: Destiny Church targets LGBTQIA+ with haka](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/17/haka-as-a-form-of-protest-destiny-church-targets-lgbtqia-with-haka/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Winston Peters announces Cook Strait ferry company directors - Chris Mackenzie, Heather Simpson, Greg Lowe](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/winston-peters-announces-cook-strait-ferry-company-directors-chris-mackenzie-heather-simpson-greg-lowe/O7Z7ABN2P5CATBYNV33X4QLIQE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Rail Minister Winston Peters announces new chairperson of Ferry Holdings Limited](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542147/rail-minister-winston-peters-announces-new-chairperson-of-ferry-holdings-limited?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Government appoints ferry procuring company directors](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/government-appoints-ferry-procuring-company-directors?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Daly (Stuff): [Court hearing starts into Cuba St rainbow crossing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360583862/court-hearing-starts-cuba-st-rainbow-crossing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Furious motorcyclists slam $1 per hour Wellington City Council parking proposal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/furious-motorcyclists-slam-1-per-hour-wellington-city-council-parking-proposal/L2J46FLFYBBG7HY3SLTMWDVZJA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Changes coming for tricky Cuba St intersection](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360582724/changes-coming-tricky-cuba-intersection?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [For sale: 26 surplus Wellington City Council electric car chargers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360582746/sale-26-surplus-wellington-city-council-electric-car-chargers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Martinborough speed review in limbo as community mourns fatality](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541938/martinborough-speed-review-in-limbo-as-community-mourns-fatality?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Flying is about to get even more expensive](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360576227/flying-about-get-even-more-expensive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**JUSTICE, LAW AND ORDER**  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Luxon unsure how many boot camp participants back in custody](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542171/luxon-unsure-how-many-boot-camp-participants-back-in-custody?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alexander Gillespie (The Conversation): [The threat of 3D-printed ‘ghost guns’ is growing, but NZ is yet to act on these three big legal gaps](https://theconversation.com/the-threat-of-3d-printed-ghost-guns-is-growing-but-nz-is-yet-to-act-on-these-3-big-legal-gaps-248541?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Government considering 'big' measures to tackle retail crime](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/542158/government-considering-big-measures-to-tackle-retail-crime?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham (Post): [From entrepreneur, to advocate, to government adviser for victims](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360576491/entrepreneur-advocate-government-adviser-victims?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [‘More golfers than gangsters - we’re not the hood’, Ōpōtiki says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360579297/more-golfers-gangsters-were-not-hood-opotiki-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**INFRASTRUCTURE, PPPS**  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Bipartisan cooperation key to NZ’s infrastructure future](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/bipartisan-cooperation-key-to-nzs-infrastructure-future-fran-osullivan/CXVEK2PORBFRFKWGXRADAQF6FI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
No Right Turn: [PPPs are still a rort](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/02/ppps-are-still-rort.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): ['Devastating': Hundreds of engineers leaving NZ due to infrastructure delays, CEO claims](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542017/devastating-hundreds-of-engineers-leaving-nz-due-to-infrastructure-delays-ceo-claims?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
Julia Gabel & Rachel Maher (Herald): [David Seymour disputes ‘overstep’ during teacher-only day crackdown, says ‘overlap’ is better term](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymour-responds-to-erica-stanford-saying-he-overstepped-the-mark-on-teacher-only-days/RTPKHNRHY5BHVKCH65FJXDU2RY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Fears uni funding lifeline to be cut](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/fears-uni-funding-lifeline-be-cut?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jack Tame (Newstalk ZB): [Savings are worth nothing if the kids don't eat](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/saturday-morning-with-jack-tame/opinion/jack-tame-savings-are-worth-nothing-if-the-kids-dont-eat/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SUPERANNUATION**  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Young people on back foot in retirement path - and retirement saving](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575747/housing-and-kiwisaver-drawdowns-likely-bite-future-superannuitants?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Call for richest 1% to donate state pension](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/call-richest-1-donate-state-pension?ref=goodoil.news)  
Duncan Garner (Listener): [Our economy is broken, so why give millionaires taxpayer-funded pensions?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-our-economy-is-broken-so-why-give-millionaires-taxpayer-funded-pensions/SSHKOFDUAJBFBJC42EZZZDGBQA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Pensioners ask: Why can't I get US Social Security as well as NZ Super](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542044/pensioners-ask-why-can-t-i-get-us-social-security-as-well-as-nz-super?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WATER**  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Ngāi Tahu mourn another loss – one of their own](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/18/ngai-tahu-mourn-another-loss-one-of-their-own/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Ngāi Tahu witness allays fears over water consents](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/15/ngai-tahu-witness-allays-fears-over-water-consents/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Murray Neilson (ODT): [Freshwater claim offers hope to Otago](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/freshwater-claim-offers-hope-otago?ref=goodoil.news)  
Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Legal fight looms over Wairoa’s freshwater](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/legal-fight-looms-over-wairoas-freshwater/LP2UCSMFJVFMTFVEWHB55VVQHA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, NATURAL DISASTERS**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [New Zealand still lacking cohesive storm response, Emergency Management Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541904/new-zealand-still-lacking-cohesive-storm-response-emergency-management-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Emergency Management Minister overstates cost to replace Beehive bunker by 10 times](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541888/emergency-management-minister-overstates-cost-to-replace-beehive-bunker-by-10-times?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Southern Response needs another indemnity to keep it solvent ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/southern-response-needs-another-indemnity-to-keep-it-solvent/?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled)  
Alexa Cook (RNZ): [Cyclone Gabrielle victims still struggling with land issues at its second anniversary](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541919/cyclone-gabrielle-victims-still-struggling-with-land-issues-at-its-second-anniversary?ref=goodoil.news)

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# 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%2Fd45c6162-da43-49cf-827b-8cb1308d26a5_2365x1738.png)

Slane - 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%2F32592b25-c70b-4543-a8bd-60178e119975_2468x1617.png)

Parton - NZ Herald 18 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%2Fa8f4b688-4ddf-47cc-b3ed-fab1901cddc4_1240x996.png)

Yeo - ODT 18 February 2025

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