> ## 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: 18 July 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-18-july-2025/ - Published: 2025-07-17T20:12:22.000Z - Updated: 2025-07-17T22:29:20.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** Russell Palmer (RNZ): ['Councils have lacked fiscal discipline’ Local Government Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567248/councils-have-lacked-fiscal-discipline-local-government-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne Newsroom): [Govt to explore sharing GST with councils next year](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/17/govt-to-explore-sharing-gst-with-councils-next-year/?ref=goodoil.news) Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [The tension between central and local government bubbles to the surface](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-07-2025/the-tension-between-central-and-local-government-bubbles-to-the-surface?ref=goodoil.news) Sinead Gill (Press/Post): [MPs promise to unburden councils, but how remains a mystery](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761370/mps-promise-unburden-councils-how-remains-mystery?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Councils under pressure as government pushes ‘back to basics’ agenda](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/18-07-2025/councils-under-pressure-as-government-pushes-back-to-basics-agenda?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Peters suggests Seymour ‘doesn’t know’ proper protocol after karakia remarks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360605837/live-nz-politics-blog?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [David Seymour blames karakia for high power bills. Here’s what he gets wrong](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/17-07-2025/david-seymour-blames-karakia-for-high-power-bills-heres-what-he-gets-wrong?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Rate capping: 'You've got to be able to control the costs first' - ACT leader David Seymour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567176/source-of-big-bang-at-wellington-hospital-found?ref=goodoil.news) Press/Post: [Healthy competition between councils ‘long overdue’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360760607/healthy-competition-between-councils-long-overdue?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [Councils call for a review of their responsibilities](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360761452/councils-call-review-their-responsibilities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Dunne: [Little needs to up his game, otherwise Wellington's council circus will continue](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/07/national-prime-ministers-seem-to-have.html?ref=goodoil.news) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Tory Whanau on why she shared Ray Chung’s email](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360760827/tory-whanau-why-she-shared-ray-chungs-email?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Amy Ridout and Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [From 13 candidates, Independent Together group dwindles to eight](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360760852/13-candidates-independent-together-group-dwindles-eight?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Wellington Live owner told to pay former worker almost $30k](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567212/wellington-live-owner-graham-bloxham-told-to-pay-former-worker-almost-30k?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Development restrictions reform slated](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/development-restrictions-reform-slated?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Robin Martin (RNZ): [Council $3.1m rates blunder: New Plymouth households overcharged by $102](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567216/council-3-point-1m-rates-blunder-new-plymouth-households-overcharged-by-102?ref=goodoil.news) **PARLIAMENT** Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Labour’s chance to distance itself from Te Pāti Māori](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/labours-chance-to-distance-itself-from-te-pati-maori-matthew-hooton/WJFEW6SSHRBJDBTWZ4VK3SUHLA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [The Government needs to give us the truth about boot camps and charter schools](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-ryan-bridge-the-government-needs-to-give-us-the-truth-about-boot-camps-and-charter-schools/?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [Luck on Camilla Belich’s side (again) over pay secrecy; Chris Bishop puts boot into councils](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/luck-on-camilla-belichs-side-again-over-pay-secrecy-chris-bishop-puts-boot-into-councils-audrey-young/C6BT6UQSXRDENLBY54RFJSII6Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Aussie roolz, NZ droolz](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-07-2025/echo-chamber-aussie-roolz-nz-droolz?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [New code of conduct coming for public service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360761770/new-code-conduct-coming-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CLIMATE CHANGE, COMPENSATION FOR WEATHER-RELATED EVENTS** Morgan Edwards: [New Zealand’s adaption framework](https://neweconomicmanagement.substack.com/p/new-zealands-adaption-framework) Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: Paying for the reality of climate change](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/567251/paying-for-the-reality-of-climate-change?ref=goodoil.news) Bryan Bruce: [The Big Answer - Government Bailouts For Flood Victims?](https://bryanbruce.substack.com/p/the-big-answer-government-bailouts) No Right Turn: [Climate Change: Holding conservatives responsible](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/07/climate-change-holding-conservatives.html?ref=goodoil.news) Monique Stele (RNZ): [Farmers and council at odds over management of Tasman's flood-hit Upper Motueka River](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/567185/farmers-and-council-at-odds-over-management-of-tasman-s-flood-hit-upper-motueka-river?ref=goodoil.news) **INEQUALITY, COST OF LIVING, ECONOMY** Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Do people earning $200,000 need help with childcare?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567261/do-people-earning-200-000-need-help-with-childcare?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Nicola Willis to speak to Fonterra as butter price surges by nearly 50%](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360761108/nicola-willis-speak-fonterra-butter-price-surges-nearly-50?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Supermarkets aren’t moving fast enough to lower dairy prices, says Federated Farmers dairy chair](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567276/supermarkets-aren-t-moving-fast-enough-to-lower-dairy-prices-says-federated-farmers-dairy-chair?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Food prices surge again - up 4.6% in past year](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/134150/statistics-nzs-selected-price-indexes-show-food-prices-rose-12-june-and-annual?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Pricey butter pulling up food bills - but there may be some relief in sight](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567174/pricey-butter-pulling-up-food-bills-but-there-may-be-some-relief-in-sight?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): ['200 years to pay back debt': Lender reveals cost of leaving abusive relationships](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567138/200-years-to-pay-back-debt-lender-reveals-cost-of-leaving-abusive-relationships?ref=goodoil.news) Jeffrey Halley (RNZ): [Infometrics doubles New Zealand's 2026 growth forecast](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567250/infometrics-doubles-new-zealand-s-2026-growth-forecast?ref=goodoil.news) **EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT** Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Pay talk protection: National backs Labour’s transparency bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567209/pay-talk-protection-national-backs-labour-s-transparency-bill?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Number of benefit sanctions increase, over 80k people find work, new figures show](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567197/number-of-benefit-sanctions-increase-over-80k-people-find-work-new-figures-show?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Work Interrupted: Ikea’s 20,000-plus applicants for 500 jobs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360758167/work-interrupted-ikeas-20000-plus-applicants-500-jobs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Victoria Young (BusinessDesk): [BNZ whistleblower wins $500k, fights on](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/finance/bnz-whistleblower-wins-500k-fights-on?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EDUCATION, TRAINING** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Principals fear increase in students from poor communities leaving school without qualifications](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567255/principals-fear-increase-in-students-from-poor-communities-leaving-school-without-qualifications?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Govt’s $100m polytech property sell-off a ‘one-shot deal’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/17/govts-100m-sell-off-of-polytech-property-a-one-shot-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Undetermined and undermined](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/undetermined-and-undermined?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Polytech merger leaves MP baffled](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/polytech-merger-leaves-mp-baffled?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ian Hall (ODT): [Nightmare over as autonomy back](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/nightmare-over-autonomy-back?ref=goodoil.news) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [Erica Stanford is this Govt's MVP](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-erica-stanford-is-this-govts-mvp/?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Keall (Herald): [Government’s giant broadband, internet security upgrade under way for 2500 schools](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/governments-giant-internet-security-upgrade-under-way-for-2500-schools/XNTJIKD5LZFFPHMG5VAHYEU2HU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION** Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [Penny Simmonds bins Ministry for Environment advice on waste policy](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/penny-simmonds-bins-ministry-for-environment-advice-on-waste-policy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [MPs urged to put politics aside on environmental spending](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/mps-need-to-ask-serious-questions-about-environment-spending/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Nick Clark (Herald): [Towards a system that respects property rights: Tidy tweaks or real change?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/towards-a-system-that-respects-property-rights-tidy-tweaks-or-real-change-nick-clark/QKTD7IVJFVF4NDM2YOFCMDKHWA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [Forestry company, director fined $112k for continued pollution of stream](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567214/forestry-company-director-fined-112k-for-continued-pollution-of-stream?ref=goodoil.news) Steve Hepburn (ODT): [Forest & Bird loses appeal against council](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/forest-bird-loses-appeal-against-council?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sandy Eggleston (ODT): [Dead deer had 1080 bait in stomachs](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/dead-deer-had-1080-bait-stomachs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** Guyon Espiner (RNZ): [Villa Maria adds fatal cancer warning label on bottles sold in Ireland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/567254/villa-maria-adds-fatal-cancer-warning-label-on-bottles-sold-in-ireland?ref=goodoil.news) Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Auckland mental health facility Segar House to close](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567220/auckland-mental-health-facility-segar-house-to-close?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [ACC finances factor in pause on sexual harm prevention programme](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360761506/acc-finances-factor-pause-sexual-harm-prevention-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [Part of Hutt Hospital deemed earthquake prone](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360761210/part-hutt-hospital-deemed-earthquake-prone?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MĀORI-CROWN RELATIONS** Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown (Newsroom): [Disregard for indigenous rights comes straight from the top](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/18/disregard-for-indigenous-rights-comes-straight-from-the-top/?ref=goodoil.news) Te Aniwaniwa Paterson (Te Ao Māori News): [NZ under scrutiny for failing to engage with UN Indigenous rights body](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/07/17/nz-under-scrutiny-for-failing-to-engage-with-un-indigenous-rights-body/?ref=goodoil.news) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [David Seymour and the UN letter](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-david-seymour-and-the-un-letter/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Behind 'bombshell' Treaty Principles Bill scoop that sparked national debate](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/17/behind-bombshell-treaty-principles-bill-scoop-that-sparked-national-debate/?ref=goodoil.news) Louisa Wall (Te Ao Māori News): [Māori rights are not an ideology, they are a constitutional imperative](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/07/14/opinion-maori-rights-are-not-an-ideology-they-are-a-constitutional-imperative/?ref=goodoil.news) **REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL, ACT** Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [David Seymour lashes officials after LINZ becomes latest agency raising concerns about his Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567191/david-seymour-lashes-officials-after-linz-becomes-latest-agency-raising-concerns-about-his-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news) Gordon Campbell: [On The Costs Of Regulating Cost, And Burkina Faso As A Role Model](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2507/S00038/on-the-costs-of-regulating-cost-and-burkina-faso-as-a-role-model.htm?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, PROVINCIAL GROWTH FUND** RNZ: [Commerce Commission moves to lower debit and credit card surcharges](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567165/commerce-commission-moves-to-lower-debit-and-credit-card-surcharges?ref=goodoil.news) Nick Stride (Interest): [ComCom’s final decision on card interchange fees delivers only $90 million in consumer savings, down from $260 million](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/134253/commerce-commissions-final-decision-card-interchange-fees-delivers-only-90?ref=goodoil.news) Cameron Smith (Herald): [Businesses to save $90m a year as Commerce Commission tackles interchange fees](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/businesses-to-save-90-million-a-year-as-commerce-commission-tackles-interchange-fees/WAVWYOCOLZFVJFTLJBQWNYK4KM/?ref=goodoil.news) Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rural community in Western Bay of Plenty ‘in shock’ as industrial park greenlit](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567159/rural-community-in-western-bay-of-plenty-in-shock-as-industrial-park-greenlit?ref=goodoil.news) **AI** Chris McGavin (Newsroom): [NZ can’t afford to be careless with its AI strategy](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/13/nz-cant-afford-to-be-careless-with-its-ai-strategy/?ref=goodoil.news) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [Shane Reti defends Government AI strategy, says NZ was starting from ‘zero’ on it](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/politics/shane-reti-defends-government-ai-strategy-says-nz-was-starting-from-zero-on-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Griffin (BusinessDesk): [Open-source adoption is NZ’s pathway to sovereign AI](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/open-source-adoption-is-nzs-pathway-to-sovereign-ai?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, TRADE** Talaia Mika (Cook Islands News): [New Zealand snub a clear message for Cook Islands, says opposition](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/567180/new-zealand-snub-a-clear-message-for-cook-islands-says-opposition?ref=goodoil.news) Louisa Wall (Post): [As international law is tested, states must step up to defend it](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360758329/international-law-tested-states-must-step-defend-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrew Shepherd (ODT): [Endure and remain true to an ethic of all-embracing and forgiving love](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/endure-and-remain-true-ethic-all-embracing-and-forgiving-love?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [New Zealand reaches deal with Canada in long-running dairy trade dispute](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567278/new-zealand-reaches-deal-with-canada-in-long-running-dairy-trade-dispute?ref=goodoil.news) Eric Frykberg (Interest): [No Trump trade letter - yet](https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/134256/no-nz-letter-america-about-higher-tariffs-august?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [RNZ reviving a national news wire as it aims to be journalism’s cornerstone](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/15/rnz-reviving-a-national-news-wire-as-it-aims-to-be-journalisms-cornerstone/?ref=goodoil.news) Shayne Currie (Herald): [Chlöe Swarbrick film - taxpayer-funded documentary delayed; Outdoor advertising industry shake-up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-chloe-swarbrick-film-taxpayer-funded-documentary-delayed-outdoor-advertising-industry-shake-up-nz-v-australia-compare-the-countries-best-tv-ads-beacon-awards-winners/BCNPA7EAEZAUVNLZAPGFSJF47I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shayne Currie (Herald): [How an RNZ story about this city’s weather ended up in front of two media watchdogs - with different outcomes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-how-an-rnz-story-about-this-citys-weather-ended-up-in-front-of-two-media-watchdogs-with-different-outcomes/BUVGCY7G5FBIXGIGOLN6Y3K4P4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Rawhiti-Connell (Spinoff): [Why The Spinoff is explaining the news on TikTok, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/16-07-2025/why-the-spinoff-is-explaining-the-news-on-tiktok-explained?ref=goodoil.news) **RETIREMENT** Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [What would happen if a KiwiSaver provider failed?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567018/what-would-happen-if-a-kiwisaver-provider-failed?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): ['Dramatic shift' that could leave KiwiSaver members better off](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567148/dramatic-shift-that-could-leave-kiwisaver-members-better-off?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Call for better advice for older KiwiSavers, as investments in high-risk funds soar](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/17/call-for-better-advice-for-older-kiwisavers-as-investments-in-high-risk-funds-soar/?ref=goodoil.news) Claire Dale (The Conversation): [With falling house prices, fewer retirees can rely on their home as a nest egg](https://theconversation.com/as-house-prices-drop-will-the-retirement-nest-egg-still-be-such-a-safe-bet-259380?ref=goodoil.news) Michelle Palmer (Herald): [The retirement village sector is commercial, and it must be](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/opinion-the-retirement-village-sector-is-commercial-and-it-must-be-michelle-palmer/DRRRN6OPOFEPTMDOSP6OACUCDY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **POLICE** Sam Sherwood (RNZ): [Judge clears reporting of material on former Deputy Police Commissioner's computer](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566682/judge-clears-reporting-of-material-on-former-deputy-police-commissioner-s-computer?ref=goodoil.news) Bonnie Sumner (Newsroom): [The Boy in the Water: Is the police complaints authority fit for purpose?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/14/the-boy-in-the-water-is-the-police-complaints-authority-fit-for-purpose/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [NZ Police not concerned about Australian efforts to recruit officers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566993/nz-police-not-concerned-about-australian-efforts-to-recruit-officers?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Australian recruiters say they're just making sure Kiwi cops know they have other options](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566883/policing-is-policing-australian-recruiters-say-they-re-just-making-sure-kiwi-cops-know-they-have-other-options?ref=goodoil.news) **EREBUS MEMORIAL** RNZ: [Christchurch sites considered for Erebus memorial site](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567101/christchurch-sites-considered-for-erebus-memorial-site?ref=goodoil.news) Will Harvie/Post (Press): [Three sites in Christchurch shortlisted for Erebus memorial](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759195/three-sites-christchurch-shortlisted-erebus-memorial?ref=goodoil.news) Laura James (1News): [Focus for Erebus memorial sites turns to Christchurch](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/16/focus-for-erebus-memorial-sites-turns-to-christchurch/?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, BUILDING** Michael Daly (Stuff): [Deadly Loafers Lodge fire raised as MP seeks tougher boarding house rules](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360761503/deadly-loafers-lodge-fire-raised-mp-seeks-tougher-boarding-house-rules?ref=goodoil.news) Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [What Kiwi home buyers want is one thing; what developers are building is another](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/what-kiwi-home-buyers-want-is-one-thing-what-developers-are-building-is-another?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Ninness (Interest): [REINZ House Price Index declines four months in a row](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/134197/reinz-house-price-index-and-sales-volumes-both-took-dive-june?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Apprentices dropped as builders struggle with downturn](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/17/apprentices-dropped-as-builders-struggle-with-downturn/?ref=goodoil.news) **TAX** Martin Van Beynen (Press/Post): [The ordinary folks who owe us lots of money](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759237/ordinary-folks-who-owe-us-lots-money?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Should GST be hiked to 18%?](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/134201/inland-revenue%E2%80%99s-long-term-insight-briefing-says-there-are-%E2%80%98many-reasons%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [If you see Shane Jones, tell him he's dreaming](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-if-you-see-shane-jones-tell-him-hes-dreaming/?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Electricity sector issues hit hard at all levels](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/electricity-sector-issues-hit-hard-at-all-levels-editorial/LNLNQW7DFBAUZHYPOEH6COKVTY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Heavy rain fills hydro lakes, boosts winter energy supplies](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567203/heavy-rain-fills-hydro-lakes-boosts-winter-energy-supplies?ref=goodoil.news) **GAMBLING** Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Online casino bill: Greens vote with coalition govt to pass first reading](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/566995/online-casino-bill-greens-vote-with-coalition-govt-to-pass-first-reading?ref=goodoil.news) Joe Shaw (RNZ): [Uni students warned about promoting overseas gambling websites on social media](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567236/uni-students-warned-about-promoting-overseas-gambling-websites-on-social-media?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Crypto crackdown is a spanner in the works for billion dollar deal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/10/crypto-atm-ban-spanner-in-the-works-for-billion-dollar-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Abuse in care: Govt increases Lake Alice redress pool after more people eligible than expected](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/abuse-in-care-govt-increases-lake-alice-redress-pool-after-more-people-eligible-than-expected/JJJDNWN5I5BNVI74RIT3ZXQCLM/?ref=goodoil.news) Les Morgan (Herald): [I managed four MIQ hotels during Covid, it was a shambles](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/i-managed-four-miq-hotels-during-covid-it-was-a-shambles-les-morgan-of-sudima/MJYFTVGNOBDH3OBRWQDKIUBS7U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Fire station demo not a done deal: Fenz](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/fire-station-demo-not-done-deal-fenz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Azaria Howell (Newstalk ZB): [Quran, Bible, Torah among books set to be destroyed by National Library](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/quran-bible-torah-among-books-set-to-be-destroyed-by-national-library/D3JI2SSHIZCJ5BQAZC53XKPQ7U/?ref=goodoil.news) Tyson Beckett (Herald): [Community advocate David Letele confirms political aspirations](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/community-advocateex-sportsman-david-letele-confirms-political-aspirations/AWPEEAZXVREQXILFPAZFC4NJGA/?ref=goodoil.news) Isaac Davison (Herald): [Malachi Subecz inquiry: Failings in child protection case ‘routine’ and still happening, doctor says](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/malachi-subecz-inquiry-failings-in-child-protection-case-routine-and-still-happening-doctor-says/P3UXCPGBUND7BOYF2GEVNDEO2M/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Call for digital connectivity to be treated as basic need](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567027/call-for-digital-connectivity-to-be-treated-as-basic-need?ref=goodoil.news) [Leave a comment](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/news-briefing-18-july-2025/comments) [Subscribe now](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/subscribe?)