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# News Briefing: 19 March 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-19-march-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-18T19:05:19.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-19T02:11:17.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Act enters the messy, at times unhinged world of local politics](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-03-2025/act-enters-the-messy-at-times-unhinged-world-of-local-politics?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [David Seymour and Chris Hipkins are right, local politics needs a shake-up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/david-seymour-and-chris-hipkins-are-right-local-politics-needs-a-shake-up-editorial/ROL3LRC2AFBI5DCENW4SMJ5CRY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Karl du Fresne: [Why shouldn't ACT have a go? The Left's been at it for decades](https://karldufresne.blogspot.com/2025/03/why-shouldnt-act-have-go-lefts-been-at.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [What's so bad about political parties having a go at council elections?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-whats-so-bad-about-political-parties-having-a-go-at-council-elections/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Azaria Howell (Herald): [Jesus ‘very well might support Act’, leader David Seymour says](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jesus-very-well-might-support-act-leader-david-seymour-says/QKLL4IJS4VAI7J4UGRDSXOHU5U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [ACT looks to stand candidates in local elections for first time](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545146/act-looks-to-stand-candidates-in-local-elections-for-first-time?ref=goodoil.news)  
Post: [ACT seeks candidates to stand in local body elections](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360618938/act-seeks-candidates-stand-local-body-elections?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [S&P Global Ratings cuts 18 councils' credit ratings - will their borrowing costs rise?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/sp-global-ratings-cuts-18-councils-credit-ratings-will-their-borrowing-costs-rise/EILZ62OV4VCEVHEXTMYHY6BTAE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Western Bay of Plenty Council to leave Local Government New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/western-bay-of-plenty-council-to-leave-local-government-new-zealand/HVL6EFFJVFD3DMYVTBY6MKQDRY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Begonias, bikes, pipes, Airbnbs ...now you can have your say](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619524/begonias-bikes-pipes-airbnbs-now-you-can-have-your-say?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julie Jacobson (Post): [City’s newest bike lane ‘confusing and dangerous’ for some](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619594/citys-newest-bike-lane-confusing-and-dangerous-some?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Dunedin City Council agrees to consult community on report about flood risks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545228/dunedin-city-council-agrees-to-consult-community-on-report-about-flood-risks?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: ['One-size-fits-all' approach to wasterwater treatment flawed, scientist says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545219/one-size-fits-all-approach-to-wasterwater-treatment-flawed-scientist-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Criticism of Government’s ‘one size fits all’ approach to water ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/criticism-of-governments-one-size-fits-all-approach-to-water/?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled)  
Peter Newport (Crux): [The question worth hundreds of millions of dollars that QLDC won't answer](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/the-question-worth-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-that-qldc-wont-answer/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown agrees to help local boards](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545210/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-agrees-to-help-local-boards?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [Council hired security for whistleblower staffer who complained about boss](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360612506/council-hired-security-whistleblower-staffer-who-complained-about-boss?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick Truebridge (Stuff): [The multimillion-dollar block of land a council controversially wants to take for a graveyard](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360619485/multimillion-dollar-block-land-council-controversially-wants-take-graveyard?ref=goodoil.news)  
James Doolan (Herald): [Why Auckland Council leaders’ calls for a hotel bed tax won’t help attract world-class events](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/why-auckland-council-leaders-calls-for-a-hotel-bed-tax-wont-help-attract-world-class-event-opinion/72BQ7DWQTJAQPIK7V5DI3DDDJ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [How the NZ International Convention Centre could change Auckland's city centre](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/how-the-nz-international-convention-centre-could-change-aucklands-city-centre?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): [High Court reserves decision on Whangārei fluoridation](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/18/hope-dashed-high-court-reserves-decision-on-whangarei-fluoridation/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [New floor levels not for South D](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/new-floor-levels-not-south-d?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [‘What did you do, Koro?’ Māori ward councillor brings ‘home truths’ to Pākehā voters](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360618849/what-did-you-do-koro-maori-ward-councillor-brings-home-truths-pakeha-voters?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua Lakes Council CEO plans digital engagement for better feedback](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-lakes-council-ceo-plans-digital-engagement-for-better-feedback/BXFZ4AN2HRB5DFBK4VYWBLUXFI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE FORCE**  
Thomas Manch (Post): [New Zealand’s case for a Trump tariff carve out](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360615552/new-zealands-case-trump-tariff-carve-out?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): ['What do they want of us?' - Peters and Rubio to meet this morning](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545236/what-do-they-want-of-us-peters-and-rubio-to-meet-this-morning?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Winston Peters talks 'expectations' with Trump officials](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360618904/winston-peters-talks-expectations-trump-officials?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Ukraine critical for New Zealand in Rubio meeting - Patman](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545182/ukraine-critical-for-new-zealand-in-rubio-meeting-patman?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [No decisions expected on US aid changes for Pacific until April](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545150/no-decisions-expected-on-us-aid-changes-for-pacific-until-april?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Sixty days to do a deal? NZ-India trade negotiators given shot of urgency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545262/sixty-days-to-do-a-deal-nz-india-trade-negotiators-given-shot-of-urgency?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM Luxon hits out at India trade deal doubters but downplays talk of 60-day deadline](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-luxon-hits-out-at-india-trade-deal-doubters-but-downplays-talk-of-60-day-deadline/5XES2LPQARCIDLZ6RJWO6OIYUY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Stuff): [Howzat! An India trade deal in 60 days?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360620135/howzat-india-trade-deal-60-days?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Luxon: ‘You can’t have prosperity without security’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/luxon-speaks-to-raisina-dialogue/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Explainer: How Khalistan could hurt Luxon’s free trade deal chances with India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545221/explainer-how-khalistan-could-hurt-luxon-s-free-trade-deal-chances-with-india?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Explained: Indian PM’s ‘anti-India’ and ‘terrorist’ allegations](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360618832/explained-indias-pm-anti-india-and-terrorist-allegations?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Talking travel and trade, the PM scores a PR win in India](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/19-03-2025/talking-travel-and-trade-the-pm-scores-a-pr-win-in-india?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ani O’Brien: [New Zealand's relationship with India back on track](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/new-zealands-relationship-with-india)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [The future of warfare: Killer drones and AI decision making](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545258/the-future-of-warfare-killer-drones-and-ai-decision-making?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Aid groups: Hike, don’t slash climate funding](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/aid-groups-hike-dont-slash-climate-funding/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
RNZ: [Stuff owner becomes sole holder of one million shares](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545190/stuff-owner-becomes-sole-holder-of-one-million-shares?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Daly (Stuff): [Stuff Group owner changes single share in Stuff Digital to a million](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360620039/stuff-group-owner-changes-single-share-stuff-digital-million?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Will a white knight ride to the Herald’s rescue?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/will-a-white-knight-ride-to-the-heralds-rescue/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Billionaire Jim Grenon's NZME shake-up draws Takeovers Panel's attention](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545166/billionaire-jim-grenon-s-nzme-shake-up-draws-takeovers-panel-s-attention?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [NZME chair voices ‘grave concerns’ over risk to editorial independence](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617927/nz-herald-owner-voices-grave-concerns-over-risk-editorial-independence?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rebecca Stevenson (BusinessDesk): [Takeovers Panel confirms it is looking into Jim Grenon's push to remove NZME board](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/takeovers-panel-confirms-it-is-looking-into-jim-grenons-push-to-remove-nzme-board?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Takeovers Panel unlikely to ping Grenon’s NZME play: lawyer](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/takeovers-panel-unlikely-to-ping-grenons-nzme-play-lawyer/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Katie Todd (RNZ): [TVNZ job cuts expected to save broadcaster $8.9m](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545249/tvnz-job-cuts-expected-to-save-broadcaster-8-point-9m?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Shortland Street job cuts considered by TVNZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545173/shortland-street-job-cuts-considered-by-tvnz?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Peter Crampton and Shelley Campbell (Post): [The high price of the revolving-door approach to health leadership](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619049/high-price-revolving-door-approach-health-leadership?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Doctors fear Govt instruction means they can’t talk freely about public health issues](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360619997/doctors-fear-govt-instruction-means-they-cant-talk-freely-about-public-health-issues?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Graham (RNZ): [Funding for the Nurse Practitioners Transition Programme comes to an end](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545207/funding-for-the-nurse-practitioners-transition-programme-comes-to-an-end?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sarah Dalton (Post): [Dear Commissioner Levy – please respond to your emails](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619092/dear-commissioner-please-respond-your-emails?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [Taranaki radiology services nearing 'crisis' mode](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545257/taranaki-radiology-services-nearing-crisis-mode?ref=goodoil.news)  
Finn Blackwell (RNZ): [Dental health treatment for prisoners needs to improve, advocates say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545214/dental-health-treatment-for-prisoners-needs-to-improve-advocates-say?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dionne Christian (Listener): [Health in 2025: Is there any hope for our mental health system?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/health/health-in-2025-is-there-any-hope-for-our-mental-health-system/Y5QQDN5ELBBPTE6FG2RDLZCYPA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Man who died on mental health ward in 2014 was failed by staff - ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545253/man-who-died-on-mental-health-ward-in-2014-was-failed-by-staff-coroner?ref=goodoil.news)coroners  
  
**SCHOOL LUNCHES**  
Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [Officials warned Libelle could fail to deliver cut-price school-lunch contract](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/investigations/officials-warned-libelle-could-fail-to-deliver-cut-price-school-lunch-contract?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lauren Crimp and Giles Dexter (RNZ): [School lunches provider, Libelle Group, owes more than $14 million to nearly 250 creditors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545225/school-lunches-provider-libelle-group-owes-more-than-14-million-to-nearly-250-creditors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith & Benjamin Plummer (Herald): [School lunch provider Libelle Group owes creditors more than $14.3m](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/school-lunch-provider-libelle-group-owes-creditors-more-than-143m/YFQOYNZIJBCKJJCRAZRIUDJHSM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Government blamed for another school lunch provider insolvency](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360619652/government-blamed-another-school-lunch-provider-insolvency?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Prebble (Herald): [How I would fix the free school lunch programme](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/how-i-would-fix-the-free-school-lunch-programme-richard-prebble/C3XWP6YEPJH5NGDZOWV4PCAM7Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [TVNZ reporting a fourth hand rumour as news](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/tvnz%5Freporting%5Fa%5Ffourth%5Fhand%5Frumour%5Fas%5Fnews.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**INFRASTRUCTURE, PPPS**  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Road tolls, PPPs and the Investment Summit: Time for some honesty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/road-tolls-ppps-and-the-investment-summit-time-for-some-honesty-simon-wilson/UJJKPOL6RZFZJM26NK4DC2JKDA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Campbell (Newsroom): [No free lunch in overseas investment (not even a late or inedible one)](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/no-free-lunch-in-overseas-investment-not-even-a-late-or-inedible-one/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [Useful Public Works Act reforms](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/useful%5Fpublic%5Fworks%5Fact%5Freforms.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
George Heagney (Manawatǔ Standard): [$7.2m in funding for Marton rail hub pulled](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360592758/7m-funding-marton-rail-hub-pulled?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT**  
Grant Duncan (The Conversation): [‘Politically weakened’ or ‘muddling through’ – Luxon and Hipkins ranked on their mid-term prospects](https://theconversation.com/politically-weakened-or-muddling-through-luxon-and-hipkins-ranked-on-their-mid-term-prospects-252483?ref=goodoil.news)  
Toby Manhire (Spinoff): [How Luxon’s bleakest week as PM gave way to his brightest](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-03-2025/how-luxons-bleakest-week-as-pm-gave-way-to-his-brightest?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On Luxon’s Survival Chances, And The India FTA](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2503/S00035/on-luxons-survival-chances-and-the-india-fta.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Burton (Post): [Protecting hard-won reforms from the ‘anti-woke’ agenda](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360618890/protecting-hard-won-reforms-anti-woke-agenda?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Labour need to follow the Keir Starmer blueprint](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-labour-need-to-follow-the-keir-starmer-blueprint/?ref=goodoil.news)  
The Overhang: [The Overhang 2.2: Boundary Issues Parts 1 & 2](https://theoverhangaonz.substack.com/p/the-overhang-22-boundary-issues-part)  
The Overhang: [The Overhang 2.3: Boundary Issues Part 3](https://theoverhangaonz.substack.com/p/the-overhang-23-boundary-issues-part)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE**  
RNZ: [Department of Internal Affairs proposes cutting 64 jobs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545203/department-of-internal-affairs-proposes-cutting-64-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Collins expects ’zero tolerance’ of sexual harassment in public service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360619209/collins-expects-zero-tolerance-sexual-harassment-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Business of Government: Newcomers, old timers, arched eyebrows and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/business-of-government/business-of-government-newcomers-old-timers-arched-eyebrows-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**GAMBLING**  
Guyon Espiner (RNZ): ['Not under my watch' - Minister blocks TAB's $150m casino deal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/545235/not-under-my-watch-minister-blocks-tab-s-150m-casino-deal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughan (Herald): [Do two ATM withdrawals in a day make you a problem gambler? New government rules think it might](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/do-two-atm-withdrawals-in-a-day-make-you-a-problem-gambler-new-government-rules-think-it-might/PXPBQW4FDJHURONNZ6L2LIWK2Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Jarrod Kerr (Post): [IMF warned laxer capital rules could fuel another housing boom, but it’s supply, not demand, that needs attention](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360618903/imf-warned-laxer-capital-rules-could-fuel-another-housing-boom-its-supply-not-demand-needs-attention?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Will next summer be just as intolerable for townhouse dwellers?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/18-03-2025/will-next-summer-be-just-as-intolerable-for-townhouse-dwellers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Houses overheating from poor design not more insulation](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/houses-overheating-from-poor-design-not-more-insulation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Despite falling interest rates the housing market turned in a very average performance in February](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132433/februarys-housing-sales-were-pretty-ordinary-even-though-mortgage-rates-were?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Median house price dips, sales rise year-on-year – REINZ](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/17/median-house-price-dips-sales-rise-year-on-year-reinz/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
RNZ: [Waka Kotahi puts the brakes on reversing some speed limits](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545251/waka-kotahi-puts-the-brakes-on-reversing-some-speed-limits?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Frothy (Local Democracy Reporting): [Appeals lodged against Nelson Airport runway plan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545230/appeals-lodged-against-nelson-airport-runway-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Auckland Airport starts work on temporary runway](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360618871/auckland-airport-starts-work-temporary-runway?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [The Māori economy is more diverse and wealthier than ever](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/18-03-2025/the-maori-economy-is-more-diverse-and-wealthier-than-ever?ref=goodoil.news)  
Christoph Schumacher (NBR): [Has New Zealand’s recession finally ended?](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economy-matters/has-new-zealands-recession-finally-ended/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS**  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [The Covid loans are proof high trust models don't work](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-the-covid-loans-are-proof-high-trust-models-dont-work/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [The right to tell your colleagues what you are paid](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617954/right-tell-your-colleagues-what-you-are-paid?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Mastercard, Consumer NZ urge surcharge ban amid Commerce Commission fee caps](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/mastercard-consumer-nz-urge-surcharge-ban-amid-comcom-fee-caps/OBFCRSMVHVDTLJDBM3RLAGETYA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Tech Insider: ‘Inflationary’ – ‘Surprised’ telcos worry about potential levy rise, Starlink in the gun as Goldsmith outlines reforms](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/tech-insider-inflationary-surprised-telcos-worry-about-levy-rise-starlink-in-the-gun-as-goldsmith-outlines-reforms/B6KVPGD7RVDEZCVJ2QCVPFIPRM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Dairy price pain for consumers with more ‘sticker shock’ ahead](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/17/dairy-price-pain-for-consumers-with-more-sticker-shock-ahead/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [What is going on with the price of butter?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545237/what-is-going-on-with-the-price-of-butter?ref=goodoil.news)  
Raphael Franks (Herald): [Woolworths Te Atatū closure leaves 15,000 residents without supermarket](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/woolworths-te-atatu-closure-leaves-15000-residents-without-supermarket/QP7DPAVIRJFJJBY62PIX4B7UBI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Fisheries minister attacks own officials’ data as ‘demonstrably false’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/fisheries-minister-attacks-own-ministrys-data-as-demonstrably-false/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Climate change risks will be ranked on severity and readiness](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/climate-change-risks-will-be-ranked-on-severity-and-readiness/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Hall (Post): [Wildlife Act decision ‘should mean more care for nature, not less’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619243/wildlife-act-decision-should-mean-more-care-nature-not-less?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Katie Henderson (Newsroom): [Government has work to do to build trust on gene tech bill](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/government-has-work-to-do-to-build-trust-on-gene-tech-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Bioscientists go bananas for GM law reform](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/bioscientists-go-bananas-for-gm-law-reform?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [New Zealand could face twice as many extreme atmospheric rivers, NIWA says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545213/new-zealand-could-face-twice-as-many-extreme-atmospheric-rivers-niwa-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): [The Department of Conservation join international effort to protect endangered leatherback turtles](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545259/the-department-of-conservation-join-international-effort-to-protect-endangered-leatherback-turtles?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Report calls for a trades entrance qualification to rival University Entrance](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545248/report-calls-for-a-trades-entrance-qualification-to-rival-university-entrance?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jerry Cyone: [Auckland Uni Law School teacher: we must decolonize the universities and undo the damage of the “colonial project”](https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2025/03/17/auckland-uni-law-school-teacher-we-must-decolonize-the-universities-and-undo-the-damage-of-the-colonial-project/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laine Priestley (ODT): [Wallaby burned in spate of St Patrick's Day fires](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/wallaby-burned-spate-st-patricks-day-fires?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ben Tomsett (Herald): [Dunedin university students kick off St Patrick’s Day with couch fires, booze, and a barbecued wallaby](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dunedin-university-students-kick-off-st-patricks-day-with-couch-fires-booze-and-a-barbecued-wallaby/4VSDQICWAZF4XGADG45XTRWWUU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Boost for the University of Otago](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/boost-university-otago?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENERGY**  
John Lewis (ODT): [Wind farm rejection large blow, Jones says](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/wind-farm-rejection-large-blow-jones-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Consent for Southland Wind Farm declined due to potential impact on local environment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545218/consent-for-southland-wind-farm-declined-due-to-potential-impact-on-local-environment?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
RNZ: [Seven in court over Destiny Church-linked protest at library Pride Festival event](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545164/seven-in-court-over-destiny-church-linked-protest-at-library-pride-festival-event?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natalie Akoorie (RNZ): [Petition launched to get artist John Middleditch's sculpture removed from University of Otago](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545204/petition-launched-to-get-artist-john-middleditch-s-sculpture-removed-from-university-of-otago?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Rich baby boomers urged to leave something behind for charity](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545161/rich-baby-boomers-urged-to-leave-something-behind-for-charity?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Harvey (Listener): [Proposed new protest rules: A loss of freedom or are greater police powers now needed?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/proposed-new-protest-rules-a-loss-of-freedom-or-are-greater-police-powers-a-necessary-change/HYM6U6WCWBG4JKLQUY2QIBLNCA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Harvey: [Too Much Protest, methinks - Part 2](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/too-much-protest-methinks-part-2)  
Layla Bailey-McDowell and Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Prisoner on hunger strike alleges he was beaten by prison guards](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545189/prisoner-on-hunger-strike-alleges-he-was-beaten-by-prison-guards?ref=goodoil.news)  
Edward Gay (Stuff): [‘An accumulation of errors’: Police took 77 minutes to get to double child homicide](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360620012/accumulation-errors-police-took-77-minutes-get-double-child-homicide?ref=goodoil.news)  
Benn Bathgate (Waikato Times/Post): [Retail crime in New Zealand: ‘More brazen, more organised, more violent and more aggressive’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360618208/retail-crime-new-zealand-more-brazen-more-organised-more-violent-and-more-aggressive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Don't wait to increase KiwiSaver contributions to 10 percent, providers say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545255/don-t-wait-to-increase-kiwisaver-contributions-to-10-percent-providers-say?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lachlan Colquhoun (NBR): [Kiwi migrants helping to create a ‘Big Australia'](https://www.nbr.co.nz/underarm/kiwi-migrants-helping-to-create-a-big-australia/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [Top diplomat slams expats in NZ who 'lie' about bad treatment in South Africa](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545256/top-diplomat-slams-expats-in-nz-who-lie-about-bad-treatment-in-south-africa?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicholas Jones (Herald): [Auckland dialysis patient says deportation of Tongan wife will kill him, case is with Associate Immigration Minister](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-dialysis-patient-says-deportation-of-tongan-wife-will-kill-him-case-is-with-associate-immigration-minister/A5ATTJRINZFGLKSTQCPXYMVLSA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
André Chumko (Post): [Cultural plan ‘should not value the world over NZ’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360613529/cultural-plan-should-not-value-world-over-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

# Cartoons

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