> ## 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 March 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-18-march-2025/ - Published: 2025-03-17T19:09:23.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-17T19:51:06.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **HEALTH** Paula Penfold (Stuff): [‘Quite frankly nonsense’: $2m contractor responds to Stuff investigation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360618343/quite-frankly-nonsense-2m-contractor-responds-stuff-investigation?ref=goodoil.news) Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Health NZ refuses to release rent costs for Lower Hutt sick baby unit that doesn’t exist](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-nz-refuses-to-release-rent-costs-for-lower-hutt-sick-baby-unit-that-doesnt-exist/SN4C77WYHVBEPOR6DFDE7MO6ZU/?ref=goodoil.news) Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Government criticised for ‘pathetic’ bowel cancer screening response](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/government-criticised-for-pathetic-bowel-cancer-screening-response-the-front-page/QNDC2CZXQZF2PLH3KIZJ6Z2OFM/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Kenny (RNZ): [Too many catching Covid-19 in hospital, experts say - but precautions being rolled back](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-need-to-know/545120/too-many-catching-covid-19-in-hospital-experts-say-but-precautions-being-rolled-back?ref=goodoil.news) Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Doctor shortages: Plans for on the job training puts more pressure on GPs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545134/doctor-shortages-plans-for-on-the-job-training-puts-more-pressure-on-gps?ref=goodoil.news) Bill Hickman (RNZ): [Healthcare delays led to death, later cancer diagnosis - commissioner](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545076/healthcare-delays-led-to-death-later-cancer-diagnosis-commissioner?ref=goodoil.news) Ric Stevens (Open Justice Reporting): [Health and Disability Commissioner: Woman dies at Dunedin Hospital after repeated delays in surgery](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-and-disability-commissioner-woman-dies-at-dunedin-hospital-after-repeated-delays-in-surgery/FIB4IGSDFNBAXOASW7NMER7Z5U/?ref=goodoil.news) Brett Kerr-Laurie (Press/Post): [Delayed surgery the ‘root cause’ of woman’s death after dog park fall](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617446/delayed-surgery-root-cause-womans-death-after-dog-park-fall?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [New digital health service clinicians must have right information system - GP says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545094/new-digital-health-service-clinicians-must-have-right-information-system-gp-says?ref=goodoil.news) Maddy Croad (Press/Post): [New psychology role unveiled to tackle workforce shortages](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360613752/new-type-psychology-roles-announced-combat-workforce-shortages?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dionne Christian (Listener): [Health in 2025: Why measles, whooping cough, HMPV, Covid and bird flu will keep making news](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/why-measles-whooping-cough-hmpv-covid-and-bird-flu-will-keep-making-news/IVW7SR3WTZDXJI3MYODH4263U4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Russell Brown (Listener): [Northland green fairy arrest exposes a flawed system](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/crime/northland-green-fairy-arrest-exposes-a-flawed-system/YP6DOS32QFAHHJBU3EOFOCQYGU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **INFRASTRUCTURE, FAST-TRACK** Chris Trotter (Interest): [Luxon's guests](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132418/will-institutions-billions-dollars-their-disposal-invest-them-country-so?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Melville (NBR): [Cost of speeding up pubic project land purchase ‘unkown’ - LINZ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/cost-of-speeding-up-public-project-land-purchase-is-unknown/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Labour’s fast-changing private partnerships message](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/labours-changed-public-private-partnerships-message/?ref=goodoil.news) Anne Gibson (Herald): [‘Insanity’: Minister Chris Bishop v Auckland Council commissioners on Karangahape Rd rejection](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/insanity-minister-chris-bishop-v-auckland-council-commissioners-on-karangahape-rd-rejection/T5SIDWVWDRFH7FCCD6Y5UYRDP4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua retirement village approved under fast-track consent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545046/rotorua-retirement-village-approved-under-fast-track-consent?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Mitchell (BusinessDesk): [When the fast-track isn’t the best track for developments](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/when-the-fast-track-isnt-the-best-track-for-developments?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE FORCE** Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Peters in Washington: 'Some of us saw the certainty of change'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545114/peters-in-washington-some-of-us-saw-the-certainty-of-change?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): ['We'll keep our nerve': Winston Peters readies for Marco Rubio meeting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545067/we-ll-keep-our-nerve-winston-peters-readies-for-marco-rubio-meeting?ref=goodoil.news) Jaime Lyth (Herald): [Winston Peters US trip: Call for Trump administration to focus on China moving into Pacific](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/winston-peters-us-trip-call-for-trump-administration-to-focus-on-china-moving-into-pacific/HQGKRSFIUVFGHLNYHS6FGVZR6Y/?ref=goodoil.news) Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: The art of tiptoeing around Donald Trump](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/545110/the-art-of-tiptoeing-around-donald-trump?ref=goodoil.news) ————— Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Indian PM Narendra Modi alleges 'anti-India activity' in New Zealand](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545116/indian-pm-narendra-modi-alleges-anti-india-activity-in-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [India’s PM says Luxon will support action against Sikh separatists in NZ](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/indias-pm-says-luxon-will-support-action-against-sikh-separatists-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM Luxon dodges India’s call for support to address ‘illegal anti-India activities’ in New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-luxon-dodges-indias-call-for-support-to-address-illegal-anti-india-activities-in-new-zealand/OQ4CAECQBFDJTCHBDCGQYZKFTA/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Stuff): [PM meets with Narendra Modi: big hugs and a cuppa](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360618571/pm-meets-narendra-modi-big-hugs-and-cuppa?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Notes from India: Luxon gets his mojo back](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360618663/notes-india-luxon-gets-his-mojo-back?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [High-stakes for Kiwi trade negotiators after ‘major breakthrough’ with India](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617724/high-stakes-kiwi-trade-negotiators-after-major-breakthrough-india?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Luxon plays it safe at key Indian summit](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/luxon-speaks-to-raisina-dialogue/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Luxon takes spotlight at India’s ‘noisy’ international summit](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/luxon-takes-spotlight-at-indias-noisy-international-summit/?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Ogden (The Conversation): [Luxon meets Modi: why a ‘good’ NZ-India trade deal is preferable to a ‘perfect’ one](https://theconversation.com/luxon-meets-modi-why-a-good-nz-india-trade-deal-is-preferable-to-a-perfect-one-252036?ref=goodoil.news) Scott St John (Post): [The India opportunity, and the long path to realise it](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360610565/india-opportunity-and-long-path-realise-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— Bernard Lagan (Listener): [Gunboat diplomacy: NZ faces growing defence challenges after China’s naval incursion](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/gunboat-diplomacy-nz-faces-growing-defence-challenges-after-chinas-naval-incursion/J2UGLBSCZJFHBFW3FVGI43YCWU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steven Ratuva (E-Tangata): [Trump, China and the Pacific](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/trump-china-and-the-pacific/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **SCHOOL LUNCHES** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [The school lunch programme is a disaster - here’s how we could fix it and whether we should bother](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/the-school-lunch-programme-is-a-disaster-heres-how-we-could-fix-it-and-whether-we-should-bother/ONMJFFQZMNAAJN6EYNXLMXIZLQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [School lunch that burnt student heated in package not intended for commercial reheating](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545065/school-lunch-that-burnt-student-heated-in-package-not-intended-for-commercial-reheating?ref=goodoil.news) Maddy Croad (Press/Post): [Seymour refuses to let Christchurch school ditch lunch provider](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617759/haeata-community-campus-seeks-exemption-school-lunch-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Burns (RNZ): [Haeata Community Campus wants to ditch free school lunch provider](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545085/haeata-community-campus-wants-to-ditch-free-school-lunch-provider?ref=goodoil.news) Iain Lees-Galloway (Post): [The not-so-obvious cost of failings in school lunch programme](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360618359/not-so-obvious-cost-failings-school-lunch-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Madeline Shelling (E-Tangata): [Let them eat Marmite sandwiches](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/let-them-eat-marmite-sandwiches/?ref=goodoil.news) Jack Riddell (Hawkes Bay Today): [Wairoa schools’ lunch success: Students enjoy fresh, local meals](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wairoa-schools-lunch-success-students-enjoy-fresh-local-meals/JR4MT5KF5BCQXOWCW3XCMCWG5E/?ref=goodoil.news) **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT** Max Rashbrooke (Spinoff): [Luxon’s epic unpopularity in one chart](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-03-2025/luxons-epic-unpopularity-in-one-chart?ref=goodoil.news) Robert MacCulloch: [Does Finance Minister Willis need to "take advice" on everything, including what to eat for lunch?](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/does-finance-minister-willis-need-to-take-advice-on-everything-in-her-work-life-including-what?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Te Pāti Māori co-leader criticised by ACT for comparing David Seymour to his lawns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545053/te-pati-maori-co-leader-criticised-by-act-for-comparing-david-seymour-to-his-lawns?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [This AI technology could supercharge political campaigns](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617635/ai-technology-could-supercharge-political-campaigns?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Polls, investment summit, procurement rules, America and India](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/polls-investment-summit-procurement-rules-america-and-india/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **PUBLIC SERVICE** Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [The Ryan Doctrine: An exit interview with outgoing Auditor-General John Ryan](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/the-ryan-doctrine-an-exit-interview-with-outgoing-auditor-general-john-ryan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Call to create ‘NZ’s DOGE’ met with criticism](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/call-create-%E2%80%98nz%E2%80%99s-doge%E2%80%99-met-criticism?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Channelling Churchill: Judith Collins wants the public service to get to the point, quickly](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360618158/channelling-churchill-judith-collins-wants-public-service-get-point-quickly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Natalia Albert: [Public Engagement in New Zealand: A Masterclass in Going Around in Circles](https://nataliaalbert.substack.com/p/the-myth-of-public-engagement-in) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Act Party looking to stand candidates in local elections for first time](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/act-party-looking-to-stand-candidates-in-local-elections-for-first-time/2MPL6QOKQ5AQVDT24HNAZRZDJA/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Post): [Council iwi rep ejected after disrupting meeting and insulting mayor](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617325/council-iwi-rep-ejected-after-disrupting-meeting-and-insulting-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ethan Manera (Herald): [Labour Party extends nominations for Wellington Mayoral candidate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/labour-party-extends-nominations-for-wellington-mayoral-candidate/6AHSBTZH3RCIJLWXXD24JKLDPY/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt (Post): [City council looking for comms ‘change manager’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617116/city-council-looking-comms-change-manager?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Windbag: The conundrum of the Wellington waterfront fences](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/18-03-2025/windbag-the-conundrum-of-the-wellington-waterfront-fences?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt (Post): [Airbnb host exodus warning if Wellington council rates jump](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617497/airbnb-host-exodus-warning-if-wellington-council-rates-jump?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington Airbnb host cries foul over planned rates hike](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360616527/wellington-airbnb-host-cries-foul-over-planned-rates-hike?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Justin Wong (Post): [Kāpiti Coast councillor Liz Koh challenges for mayor](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617288/kapiti-coast-councillor-liz-koh-challenges-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Abbey Wakefield (1News): [Wellington officials remove 'fun' fake signs warning of crocodiles](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/17/wellington-officials-remove-fun-fake-signs-warning-of-crocodiles/?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Video pulled due to 'legal concerns’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/video-pulled-due-legal-concerns%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [$37.8 million for landfill fix](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/378-million-landfill-fix?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Auckland’s struggling local boards unite in letter to Wayne Brown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545079/auckland-s-struggling-local-boards-unite-in-letter-to-wayne-brown?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [What you missed from Whangārei District Council’s extraordinary fluoridation meeting](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-03-2025/what-you-missed-from-whangarei-district-councils-extraordinary-fluoridation-meeting?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Whangārei District Council bows to government directive to add fluoride to water supply](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545101/whangarei-district-council-bows-to-government-directive-to-add-fluoride-to-water-supply?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): [Whangārei District Council backtracks on fluoridation resistance](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/17/whangarei-district-council-backtracks-on-fluoridation-resistance/?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Smith (Herald): [Rotorua deputy mayor criticises ‘unfair’ rates swap proposal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rotorua-deputy-mayor-criticises-unfair-rates-swap-proposal/HVEQDPTDTZA4NAK33WVB2XQYZU/?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING** Dave Armstrong (Post): [Homelessness more visible than ever on capital’s streets](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360617441/homelessness-more-visible-ever-capitals-streets?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Wellington councillor hopes to delay spending on social housing](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360616636/wellington-councillor-hopes-delay-spending-social-housing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Even 'middle class' struggling to pay rent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545121/even-middle-class-struggling-to-pay-rent?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [New deals to lure Auckland renters: 'There are lots of options'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545111/new-deals-to-lure-auckland-renters-there-are-lots-of-options?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Whangārei hāpu fear landowners will cut down ancient Puriri trees on Onoke Pā](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/544861/whangarei-hapu-fear-landowners-will-cut-down-ancient-puriri-trees-on-onoke-pa?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua retirement village approved under fast-track consent](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rotorua-retirement-village-approved-under-fast-track-consent/XPQVEDZYKVFM3HFKL5KY66QN7A/?ref=goodoil.news) Tony Alexander (One Roof): [How much can you expect house prices to rise over the next 30 years?](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-how-much-can-you-expect-house-prices-to-rise-over-the-next-30-years-47156?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [Median house prices and sales volumes both on the rise - REINZ](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132401/national-median-house-price-rose-29-february-january-reaching-772000?ref=goodoil.news) Miriam Bell (Sunday Star Times): [New build home fails - why new doesn’t mean perfect](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360609239/new-build-home-fails-why-new-doesnt-mean-perfect?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **JUSTICE** Catherine Hutton (Open Justice Reporting): [Judge Ema Aitken challenges referral to Judicial Conduct Panel after alleged incident at Northern Club during Winston Peters speech](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/judge-ema-aitken-challenges-referral-to-judicial-panel/ZCDIDGSMHRDDFEYRC77GGOF6HA/?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Judge says she didn’t recognise voice of Winston Peters](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360618611/judge-says-she-didnt-recognise-voice-winston-peters?ref=goodoil.news) Neil Sands (Law News): [Judge Aitken’s conduct at Northern Club was ‘rude’ but ‘not political’ court told](https://lawnews.nz/courts/judge-aitkens-conduct-at-northern-club-was-rude-but-not-political-court-told/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Deborah Mackenzie (Post): [The troubling evidence about the safety of children in Family Court](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360612648/troubling-evidence-about-safety-children-family-court?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Neil Sands (Law News): [Survey reveals ‘unacceptable’ lack of female counsel appearing in senior courts](https://lawnews.nz/courts/survey-reveals-unacceptable-lack-of-female-counsel-appearing-in-senior-courts/?ref=goodoil.news) **KIWISAVER** Herald Editorial: [Nicola Willis must be bold with KiwiSaver proposals for New Zealand’s financial security](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nicola-willis-must-be-bold-with-kiwisaver-proposals-for-new-zealands-financial-security-editorial/QHSRAIHCZZF2DIPK2S77Z42JSU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Here's how much your KiwiSaver balance should be now](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545015/here-s-how-much-your-kiwisaver-balance-should-be-now?ref=goodoil.news) Duncan Garner (Listener): [Aussie teachers retire with $2.5m. Why does NZ get superannuation so wrong?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-aussie-teachers-retire-with-25m-why-does-nz-get-superannuation-so-wrong/BDKQGLZF5BERFJK66GR75ZBKPU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Supercharge KiwiSaver and create a more equitable and secure financial future](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/supercharge-kiwisaver-and-create-a-more-equitable-and-secure-financial-future-shane-te-pou/E4JBWZHE4VDE3IMIOLZELZ3JFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ella Somers (Interest): [Retirement Commission says KiwiSaver savings gender gap remains at 25%](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132424/%C2%A0retirement-commission-reports-25-gender-gap-kiwisaver-balances-women?ref=goodoil.news) David Chaplin (BusinessDesk): [Why women win the long-game in KiwiSaver (but are left short)](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/why-women-win-the-long-game-in-kiwisaver-but-are-left-short?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alka Prasad (Post): [Calls to lift default KiwiSaver employer contributions to narrow gender gap](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360615386/calls-lift-default-kiwisaver-employer-contributions-narrow-gender-gap?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CHRISTCHURCH MOSQUE ATTACKS, FIREARMS** Alexander Gillespie (The Conversation): [Australia has learned valuable lessons from its own shooting tragedies: Six ideas NZ can borrow](https://theconversation.com/australia-has-learned-valuable-lessons-from-its-own-shooting-tragedies-6-ideas-nz-can-borrow-252178?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [When the PM claps, is it applause or agreement?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/16/when-the-pm-claps-is-it-applause-or-agreement/?ref=goodoil.news) Jessie Curran (RNZ): [Luxon says NZ must confront forces that led to mosque attacks on the sixth anniversary](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544912/luxon-says-nz-must-confront-forces-that-led-to-mosque-attacks-on-the-sixth-anniversary?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [Why marking March 15 is helpful and healing](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/15/why-marking-march-15-is-helpful-and-healing/?ref=goodoil.news) Mahvash Ikram (RNZ): [Six years on, those who helped in the aftermath of the mosque attacks share stories](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544752/six-years-on-those-who-helped-in-the-aftermath-of-the-mosque-attacks-share-stories?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Erin Johnson (Stuff): [Why are speed limit changes costing over $8 million?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360613241/why-are-speed-limit-changes-costing-over-8-million?ref=goodoil.news) Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [NZTA to review automatic speed reversals in Gisborne after public backlash](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/15/nzta-to-review-automatic-speed-reversals-in-gisborne-after-public-backlash/?ref=goodoil.news) Torika Tokalau (Local Democracy Reporting): [Speed calming measures for south Auckland roads an ‘insult’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545099/speed-calming-measures-for-south-auckland-roads-an-insult?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Emergency towing in Cook Strait: 'Work around the business case is ongoing'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545125/emergency-towing-in-cook-strait-work-around-the-business-case-is-ongoing?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY** Esther Taunton (Stuff): [Inflation is under control so why are we still feeling a pinch in the pocket?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360616861/inflation-under-control-so-why-are-we-still-feeling-pinch-pocket?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Economists trim back expectations of future GDP growth](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132425/nziers-latest-consensus-economic-forecasts-shows-while-economic-growth-expected-rise?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) (paywalled) Greg Smith (Post): [Central banks weigh in on market uncertainty, and will NZ avoid a technical recession?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617915/central-banks-weigh-market-uncertainty-and-will-nz-avoid-technical-recession?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [Clock ticking on Covid-era government-backed small business loans](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/132421/inland-revenue-reminds-businesses-small-business-cashflow-loans-2020-repayment?ref=goodoil.news) John Weeks (Herald): [IRD says $161m owed, 10,000 in default over Small Business Cashflow loans](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ird-says-161m-owed-10000-in-default-over-small-business-cashflow-loans/6RUKM6QKEJAGRI2REFVSTNPRG4/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Deadline looms for small firms to repay almost $1b of 'Covid’ loans](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617290/deadline-looms-small-firms-repay-almost-1b-covid-loans?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: ['Errant' businesses warned: The Labour Inspectorate is coming for you](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545123/errant-businesses-warned-the-labour-inspectorate-is-coming-for-you?ref=goodoil.news) Cameron Bagire (BusinessDesk): [Banks' incredible numbers amid economic downturn](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/banks-incredible-numbers-amid-economic-downturn?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Juha Saarinen (Interest): [Still time to submit on New Zealand's right to repair bill](https://www.interest.co.nz/technology/132430/will-right-fix-your-things-pass-law-new-zealand-make-your-voice-heard-april-3?ref=goodoil.news) **SUPERMARKETS** Lisa M. Katerina Asher, Catherine Sutton-Brady and Drew Franklin (The Conversation): [Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within](https://theconversation.com/stop-waiting-for-a-foreign-hero-nzs-supermarket-sector-needs-competition-from-within-251910?ref=goodoil.news) Gemma Rasmussen (Consumer NZ): [Supermarkets' super profits - where’s the fair pricing for Kiwis?](https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/supermarkets-super-profits-where-s-the-fair-pricing-for-kiwis?ref=goodoil.news) Anne Gibson (Herald): [Supermarket wars: Foodstuffs buys Woolworths Te Atatū property, plans expansion, re-opening as New World](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/supermarket-wars-foodstuffs-buys-woolworths-te-atatu-property-plans-expansion-re-opening-as-new-world/2DNXYC4ORZGYTK7WJSDO53XCJE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENVIRONMENT, NGĀI TAHU FRESHWATER CASE** Rob Stock (Post): [Organics industry raises the alarm if NZ’s GE Free status abandoned](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617186/worse-case-scenario-could-shave-billions-exports-if-ge-free-status-dropped-mps-told?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Gene technology debate rumbles on at select committee](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/gene-technology-debate-rumbles-on-at-select-committee/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Williams (Newsroom): [Chief water adviser warns over clean-up disruption](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/chief-water-adviser-warns-over-clean-up-disruption/?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [Top environment ministry official ‘played down’ water urgency](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/top-mfe-official-played-down-water-urgency-lawyer-says/?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [Court can’t make Ngāi Tahu declarations, Crown says](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/14/court-cant-make-ngai-tahu-declarations-crown-says/?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Morton (Herald): [Climate change: Hamilton’s rare February heat streak could happen most summers by 2070](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/climate-change-hamiltons-rare-february-heat-streak-could-happen-most-summers-by-2070/F4FPEQMFLFFTRGU7PBQAF2OB5U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [First carbon auction of the year set to be a non-event](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/first-carbon-auction-of-the-year-set-to-be-a-non-event?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kayla Kingdon-Bebb and Carwyn Jones (E-Tangata): [Removing Māori rights is a war on nature](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/removing-maori-rights-is-a-war-on-nature/?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: NZME chair Barbara Chapman on billionaire Jim Grenon’s push for board cleanout - ‘It is a defining moment for NZME, its future and for NZ’; Grenon pushes back](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-chair-barbara-chapman-on-billionaire-jim-grenons-push-for-board-cleanout-it-is-a-defining-moment-for-nzme-its-future-and-for-nz-grenon-pushes-back/6CI6B5U2MRBWDFVOQZA2HGNV5I/?ref=goodoil.news) Gavin Ellis: [No printed Herald? Let’s hope the speculation is wrong](https://knightlyviews.com/no-printed-herald-lets-hope-the-speculation-is-wrong/?ref=goodoil.news) David Harvey: [Suspended Animation](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/suspended-animation) **ENERGY** Jamie Ensor (Herald): [New Energy Minister Simon Watts warned of risk of outages, business closures in challenging sector](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-energy-minister-simon-watts-warned-of-risk-of-outages-business-closures-in-challenging-sector/N27BREOSQBF67GAQCTGW2MOI6Y/?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Gray (Herald): [NZ hydro lake inflows fall to the lowest on record](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-hydro-lake-inflows-fall-to-the-lowest-on-record/EPJVIQ7RVVCT7GH4R2VXHZYITQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Eloise Gibson (RNZ):['Classic greenwashing': Gas company removes ad after complaints](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545042/classic-greenwashing-gas-company-removes-ad-after-complaints?ref=goodoil.news) **PRIMARY INDUSTRIES** Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [3000 farms may need consents: report](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/3000-farms-may-need-consents-report?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Davis (Post): [Fonterra brands roadshow ‘bittersweet’ for those who champion a move away from commodities](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617990/fonterra-brands-roadshow-bittersweet-those-who-champion-move-away-commodities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Riley Kennedy (BusinessDesk): [Kāinga Ora axed wool carpet due to $200 and $400 extra per home](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/kainga-ora-axed-wool-carpet-due-to-200-and-400-extra-per-home?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **OTHER** Guyon Espiner (RNZ): ['It's broken me': How online gambling ruined a woman's life](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/545009/it-s-broken-me-how-online-gambling-ruined-a-woman-s-life?ref=goodoil.news) Martien Lubberink: [Running for GovernOrr: The Emperor’s New Tracksuit](https://capitalissues.co/2025/03/14/running-for-governorr-the-emperors-new-tracksuit/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [War memorial dispute set for seven-figure settlement](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/13/war-memorial-dispute-set-for-seven-figure-settlement/?ref=goodoil.news) Good Ideas: [New Data: Trust in New Zealand collapses … among high earners](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/new-data-trust-in-new-zealand-collapses) (paywalled) Maioha Panapa (Te Ao Māori News): [Former Whānau Ora minister criticises restructure](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/15/former-whanau-ora-minister-criticises-restructure/?ref=goodoil.news) Dana Johannsen (RNZ): [A $2.3 million white elephant: The curious case of Canoe Racing NZ's deserted high performance centre](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/545012/a-2-point-3-million-white-elephant-the-curious-case-of-canoe-racing-nz-s-deserted-high-performance-centre?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Three further arrests over Auckland Pride Festival protest](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544802/three-further-arrests-over-auckland-pride-festival-protest?ref=goodoil.news) Belinda Feek (Open Justice Reporting): [Recidivist armed robber Solo Turner and his rehab with Destiny Church’s Man Up programme](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544811/recidivist-armed-robber-solo-turner-and-his-rehab-with-destiny-church-s-man-up-programme?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Police stick with old road spikes after years of issues](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545124/police-stick-with-old-road-spikes-after-years-of-issues?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Police used 'violent' sound cannon on Parliament protesters](https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/06/29/police-used-violent-sound-cannon-on-parliament-protesters/?ref=goodoil.news) Peter Williams: [Taxpayers’ Union Boss sued for Defamation](https://peterallanwilliams.substack.com/p/taxpayers-union-boss-sued-for-defamation) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Defence Force sexual assault prevention team's future uncertain](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544938/defence-force-sexual-assault-prevention-team-s-future-uncertain?ref=goodoil.news) Eric Frykberg (Listener): [Kiwi exceptionalism: Does NZ really punch above its weight?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/kiwi-exceptionalism-does-nz-really-punch-above-its-weight/XSK2PDQBPZB7NLUPOWQBE57ZA4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) No Right Turn: [Arbitrary or worse](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/arbitrary-or-worse.html?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-18-march-2025)