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# News Briefing: 19 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-19-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-18T21:26:09.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-18T21:26:08.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**PAY EQUITY, THE C-WORD**  
Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [I said what I said. And I’m sorry... sort of](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689956/i-said-what-i-said-and-im-sorry-sort?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [When all hell breaks loose, and politics becomes theatre](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360691457/when-all-hell-breaks-loose-and-politics-becomes-theatre?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jesse Mulligan: [Thinking about the c-word](https://jessemulligan.substack.com/p/thinking-about-the-c-word)  
Vernon Small (Post): [Note to Labour - Sometimes, less is more](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360691327/note-labour-sometimes-less-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [Shocking language distraction](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/shocking-language-distraction?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Taylor (Stuff): : [How one bad word derailed the pay equity debate](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691024/ian-taylor-how-one-bad-word-derailed-pay-equity-debate-writes-ian-taylor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Columnist dismisses ‘faux outrage’ after pay equity column](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691630/columnist-dismisses-faux-outrage-after-pay-equity-column?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. Brooke GPT](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/17/the-secret-diary-of-brooke-gpt/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Verity Johnson (Stuff): [Is it misogynistic to drop C-bombs? Nope. It’s not very middle class though](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691799/verity-johnson-it-misogynistic-drop-c-bombs-nope-its-not-very-middle-class-though?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hayden Donnell (RNZ): [Mediawatch: Bad statistics and stereotypes boost bootcamp bid](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/561367/mediawatch-bad-statistics-and-stereotypes-boost-bootcamp-bid?ref=goodoil.news)  
Damien Grant (Stuff): [Brooke Van Velden is one of a handful of ministers directly combatting NZ’s decline](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691019/brooke-van-velden-one-handful-ministers-directly-combatting-nzs-decline-writes-damien-grant?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dellwyn Stuart (Herald): [Pay equity ‘underhand move’ erodes democracy in NZ](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/pay-equity-underhand-move-erodes-democracy-in-nz-dellwyn-stuart/YZ2ICL6Z7ZHN5EMLA5EXUUWZJI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Farrow (ODT): [Pay equity changes under intense scrutiny](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/pay-equity-changes-under-intense-scrutiny?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuart Smith and Arena Williams (Stuff): [Why did we need a change to equal pay laws?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691091/stuart-smith-we-are-committed-addressing-gender-discrimination?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cate Macintosh (Press/Post): ['What does NZ hold for my future?' Teacher mulling move to Australia after pay equity law change](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360688484/what-does-nz-hold-my-future-teacher-mulling-move-australia-after-pay-equity-law-change?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PARLIAMENT**  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Departure of two key figures illuminate what went wrong under Ardern](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-departure-of-two-key-figures-illuminate-what-went-wrong-under-ardern/XZQNHYBLCVEMJP3DVJUU7PLLUE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [54th Parliament’s worst week](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/54th-parliaments-worst-week-thomas-coughlan/ABCJ2ZKDPZBFXLEQ6W3UHKNEDI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kevin Norquay (Sunday Star Times): [‘Under Urgency’: Parliamentary code for no time for you, me or democracy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360686827/under-urgency-parliamentary-code-no-time-you-me-or-democracy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rebekah Graham: [Civility as a weapon: The performance of power](https://drbex.substack.com/p/civility-as-a-weapon-the-performance)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: C-bombs, consequences and ‘chaos’: Unpacking an ‘unprecedented’ week of politics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/house-of-chaos-how-a-c-word-derailed-the-pay-equity-debate-the-front-page/LUYQBZY7UJDINEZUJQNRPTUJZ4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to .. Judge Judy](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/18/an-ode-to-judge-judy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Sunday Star Times): [Being David Parker: Bold ideas that find an audience years later](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360688375/being-david-parker-bold-ideas-find-audience-years-later?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [Parker’s valedictory](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/parkers%5Fvaledictory.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [The Greens’ budget, the Budget, obscenities, and haka punishment](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/the-greens-budget-the-budget-obscenities-and-haka-punishment/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Tikanga or not tikanga, that's the regulatory review question](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/tikanga-or-not-tikanga-thats-regulatory-review-question?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alice Neville (Spinoff): [How wokeism cancelled political correctness](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-05-2025/how-wokeism-cancelled-political-correctness?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TE PĀTI MĀORI SUSPENSION**  
Graeme Edgeler: [Suspending MPs - Contempt of Parliament in the spot light](https://edgelered.substack.com/p/suspending-mps)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [Maori Party suspensions unlikely to be resolved this week](https://www.politik.co.nz/maori-party-suspensions-unlikely-to-be-resolved-this-week/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Parliamentary privileges - Race as an aggravating factor?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561329/the-house-parliamentary-privileges-race-as-an-aggravating-factor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Presland (The Standard): [Te Pati Maori and the Privileges Committee](https://thestandard.org.nz/te-pati-maori-and-the-privileges-committee/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louisa Wall (Post): [Suspending Te Pāti Māori MPs threatens democracy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360692225/suspending-te-pati-maori-mps-threatens-democracy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Lynch: [Te Pāti Māori suspensions: accountability or overreach?](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/te-pati-maori-suspensions-accountability-or-overreach/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dave Kennedy: [Privileges Committee delivers racist decision](https://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.com/2025/05/privileges-committee-delivers-racist.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT**  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s office keeping secret information on trade speech that irritated Winston Peters](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxons-office-keeping-secret-information-on-trade-speech-that-irritated-winston-peters/S5Z6EWBDCVBRJLTXRVNFMP2KKQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Government should immediately halt Regulatory Standards Bill, Waitangi Tribunal says](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-should-immediately-halt-regulatory-standards-bill-waitangi-tribunal-says/BLST4WKOUNG3TPFUWSVA4DOFWA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Waitangi Tribunal recommends 'immediate halt' Regulatory Standards Bill for 'meaningful consultation' with Māori](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561265/waitangi-tribunal-recommends-immediate-halt-regulatory-standards-bill-for-meaningful-consultation-with-maori?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Explained: Why the Govt is getting money from the Super Fund in 2028](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/explained-why-the-govt-is-getting-money-from-the-super-fund-in-2028/R4KOS4ZDO5DANKHLWHUD6BZIRE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ryan Ward: [Seymour feels his chance slipping away](https://weareunderused.substack.com/p/seymour-feels-his-chance-slipping)  
Matt McKillop (LawNews): [Is NZ First’s gender definition bill a solution looking for a problem?](https://lawnews.nz/administrative-public/is-nz-firsts-gender-definition-bill-a-solution-looking-for-a-problem/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY INDUSTRY**  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [The property developers who win from Govt’s big housing underwrites](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/the-property-developers-who-win-from-govts-multi-million-dollar-housing-underwrites/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ben Leahy (Herald): [How property traders are dodging GST to buy new-build homes cheap](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/how-property-traders-are-dodging-gst-to-buy-new-build-homes-cheap/TMMFOD3N4FGBNC4S7N5VVDPJG4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nicholas Pointon (NBR): [The lobby group muddying the water on retirement reform](https://www.nbr.co.nz/shoeshine/the-lobby-group-muddying-the-water-on-retirement-reform/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine Masters (Herald): [Budget 2025: David Seymour, Nicola Willis respond to claims foreign buyer ban will be lifted](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/budget-2025-david-seymour-nicola-willis-respond-to-claims-foreign-buyer-ban-will-be-lifted-47564?ref=goodoil.news)  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [John Key and Helen Clark: The great conundrum of Auckland housing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/john-key-and-helen-clark-ponder-the-problem-of-auckland-housing-simon-wilson/N24EBII4YRCPTN6QWQANMLNQPQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Avina Vidyadharan (Waikato Times/Post): [Hamilton NZ’s emergency housing epicentre](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360681800/hamilton-nzs-emergency-housing-epicentre?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nadine Roberts (Stuff): [Why a near-new social housing property is boarded up, and in need of repair](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360691860/why-near-new-social-housing-property-boarded-and-need-repair?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): ['The Pink Hoodz' lending a helping hand to those sleeping rough on Auckland's Karangahape Road](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561383/the-pink-hoodz-lending-a-helping-hand-to-those-sleeping-rough-on-auckland-s-karangahape-road?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Is it actually a good time to buy a house?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561228/is-it-actually-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Buyers have upper hand in housing market, so vendors may have to take what they ca](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133312/amount-unsold-housing-stock-market-worryingly-high-heading-winter?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Verrall's Tobacco Bill a chink of light in the lobbying gloom](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-verralls-tobacco)  
Ian Powell (Newsroom): [Health chief ‘conductor of an orchestra who’s never played an instrument’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/new-health-dg-conductor-of-an-orchestra-whos-never-played-an-instrument/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Powell: [Predictable smear of salaried senior doctors](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/05/18/predictable-smear-of-salaried-senior-doctors/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Public worried about creeping health privatisation, lack of preventative care](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561400/public-worried-about-creeping-health-privatisation-lack-of-preventative-care?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Government mulls limiting ACC cover as rape victim’s court win exposes insurer to costly claims](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/employment/government-mulls-limiting-acc-cover-as-rape-victims-court-win-exposes-insurer-to-costly-claims/YIRB3XDGCBCXTKR4DMF6UQF3CY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Max Rashbrooke (Post): [The ‘basic dignity’ of hospice care threatened by health crisis](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360691642/basic-dignity-hospice-care-threatened-health-crisis?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Samantha Murton and Luke Bradford (Herald): [We don’t need to create a different health service, we need to invest in the current one](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/we-dont-need-to-create-a-different-health-service-we-need-to-invest-in-the-current-one/6OOJAQPGYBFY3COUAELDVUX6R4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rawan Saadi (ODT): [Call for better psych services amid mental health ‘crisis’](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/wanaka/call-better-psych-services-amid-mental-health-crisis?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Government to run full national interest test on World Health Pandemic Treaty](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561236/government-to-run-full-national-interest-test-on-world-health-pandemic-treaty?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Measles case: 78 in quarantine as hundreds of close contacts identified](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561260/measles-case-78-in-quarantine-as-hundreds-of-close-contacts-identified?ref=goodoil.news)  
Isaac Davison (Herald): [Surgeons protest ‘harsh’ process to perform mesh operations, accuse panel of intimidation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/surgeons-protest-harsh-process-to-perform-mesh-operations-accuse-panel-of-intimidation/SIB4FOQ53ZALLOX3VQWLVS4VCQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eric Crampton (Post): [New medicine approvals plan an exercise in not solving the problem](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360690669/new-medicine-approvals-plan-exercise-not-solving-problem?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Paora Moyle (Post): [Reclaiming power and healing through Indigenous-led research](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360683605/reclaiming-power-and-healing-through-indigenous-led-research?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, FAST-TRACK**  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Govt denies lift in controversial herbicide limit is preparing ground for GMO bill](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/govt-denies-lift-in-controversial-herbicide-limit-is-preparing-ground-for-gmo-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Monique Steele (RNZ): [NZ Food Safety proposes increasing residue limits of insecticides, pesticides in food](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561251/nz-food-safety-proposes-increasing-residue-limits-of-insecticides-pesticides-in-food?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Carbon capture: Pivotal project for cutting greenhouse gas emissions looks shaky](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561410/carbon-capture-pivotal-project-for-cutting-greenhouse-gas-emissions-looks-shaky?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Net Zero is toast and we should recognise that](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-net-zero-is-toast-and-we-should-recognise-that/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Ruataniwha dam developer faces fast-track stigma](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/15/ruataniwha-dam-developer-faces-fast-track-stigma/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bill Hickman (RNZ): [Trans-Tasman Resources' Taranaki seabed mining project clears first phase of Fast-track process](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561328/trans-tasman-resources-taranaki-seabed-mining-project-clears-first-phase-of-fast-track-process?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUDGET**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [How does government spending actually work?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561423/how-does-government-spending-actually-work?ref=goodoil.news)  
Derek Cheng (Herald): [Budget 2025: The Government needs to find billions of dollars for the numbers to add up. What we know so far](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-the-government-needs-to-find-billions-of-dollars-for-the-numbers-to-add-up-what-we-know-so-far/LDZXBNDMWNCURCMNSB4KH537HI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg McConnell (Stuff): [Budget 2025: What the Government's already spent](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360686198/budget-2025-what-governments-already-spent?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [A beginners’ guide to the Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689793/beginners-guide-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Budget 2025: Labour signals it would respect current fiscal rules](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360688378/budget-2025-labour-signals-it-would-respect-current-fiscal-rules?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Budget must balance spending restraint with Govt’s growth agenda](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/budget-must-balance-spending-restraint-with-govts-growth-agenda/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Ryan (The Conversation): [NZ Budget 2025: economic forecasting is notoriously difficult, but global uncertainty is making it harder](https://theconversation.com/nz-budget-2025-economic-forecasting-is-notoriously-difficult-but-global-uncertainty-is-making-it-harder-256469?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Budget 2025: Stage managing a zero budget](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/133322/despite-talking-difficult-choices-nicola-willis-finding-funding-some-nice-have?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Budget 2025: Government debt expected to hit high watermark](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/budget-2025-government-debt-expected-to-hit-high-watermark/6J67WWVP6RHVXH7JXWEI2OTXXE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [KiwiSaver shake-up looms as government prepares budget reveal](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/19-05-2025/kiwisaver-shake-up-looms-as-government-prepares-budget-reveal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [‘Modest’ business tax measure to boost growth: Willis](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/modest-business-tax-measure-to-boost-growth-willis?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Josie Pagani (Post): [Embracing the opportunities of abundance politics](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360691222/new-political-faultline-emerges-our-politicians-need-catch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [The pomp, the drama and the significance of Budget Day](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689240/pomp-drama-and-significance-budget-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick Stewart (Hawkes Bay Today/Herald): [Budget 2025: The case for full expensing of capital expenditure](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/budget-2025-the-case-for-full-expensing-of-capital-expenditure/T4S3VXJUKRGOJBAXHFTXWFN3MQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
—————  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Willis says she ‘persuaded’ ACT to back $500m film subsidy boost, Seymour disagrees](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360691825/nicola-willis-persuaded-act-back-film-subsidy-boost-despite-prior-opposition?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Budget 2025: Nicola Willis announces half-billion-dollar boost for film industry](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561215/budget-2025-nicola-willis-announces-half-billion-dollar-boost-for-film-industry?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Nicola Willis’ film industry backing shows Budget’s economic growth focus](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/media-marketing/nicola-willis-film-industry-backing-shows-economic-growth-focus-in-the-budget-fran-osullivan/ZFSNXFJVGRFAROT6IMJHQOO3LM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tracey Roxburgh (ODT): [Film body praises rebate funding](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/film-body-praises-rebate-funding?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: Budget 2025: [Government commits $164m over four years towards after-hours health care](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2025/561385/budget-2025-government-commits-164m-over-four-years-towards-after-hours-health-care?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [New funding for after-hours care 'not going to go very far' - GP and urgent care doctor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561409/new-funding-for-after-hours-care-not-going-to-go-very-far-gp-and-urgent-care-doctor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Budget 2025: Labour labels $164m over four years for urgent care ‘pocket change’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360692983/budget-2025-labour-labels-164m-over-four-years-urgent-care-pocket-change?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Budget 2025: Māori Wardens receive $1.5m funding boost](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561331/budget-2025-maori-wardens-receive-1-point-5m-funding-boost?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GREENS**  
Justin Hu (1News): [Q+A: 'Not a gotcha': Swarbrick pushed on details over Green Budget](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/18/not-a-gotcha-swarbrick-pushed-on-details-over-green-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan ((Herald): [An average registered nurse’s after-tax pay will fall under the Green Party’s tax plan](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/an-average-registered-nurses-after-tax-pay-will-fall-under-the-green-partys-tax-plan/NGZMP2M4HRF7DP4UWMPBJW7PXA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald Editorial: [A delusional alternative Budget from Greens is what we’ve come to expect](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-delusional-alternative-budget-from-greens-is-what-weve-come-to-expect-editorial/EOW5OKY6RRGB7NTGUPNAVOM3F4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [It’s not easy being Green](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/it%E2%80%99s-not-easy-being-green?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [Are the Greens bonkers?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-are-the-greens-bonkers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ani O’Brien: [The Greens' vision a pathway to Venezuela](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/the-greens-vision-a-pathway-to-venezuela)  
  
**PUBLIC SECTOR, SOCIAL SERVICES**  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Disruptive change: Andy Coster’s new role in reshaping social sector funding](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/disruptive-change-andy-costers-new-role-in-reshaping-social-sector-funding/WP5UME5UUVCFXNOKNAWHLIPSBE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: B[ig changes possible for social service funding](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561230/big-changes-possible-for-social-service-funding?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [MFAT’s top officials involved in ‘tikanga lead’ furore](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360692854/mfats-top-officials-involved-tikanga-lead-furore?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Wake-up call to MPs over building relationships after Treaty settlements](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561197/the-house-wake-up-call-to-mps-over-building-relationships-after-treaty-settlements?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Who’s Your Boss: MPI’s Ray Smith](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360685339/whos-your-boss-mpis-ray-smith?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ORANGA TAMARIKI, CHILD WELFARE**  
RNZ: [Counsellors urge government to take heed of Oranga Tamariki report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561350/counsellors-urge-government-to-take-heed-of-oranga-tamariki-report?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [Children as young as 6 adopted, made to work as house slaves](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561416/children-as-young-as-6-adopted-made-to-work-as-house-slaves?ref=goodoil.news)  
Good Ideas: [How New Zealand became almost the worst developed country for children](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/how-new-zealand-became-almost-the)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [The many complex truths within the #PedosOnThePae movement](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/19-05-2025/the-many-complex-truths-within-the-pedosonthepae-movement?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SOCIAL MEDIA BAN**  
David Harvey: [Social Media Regulatory Targets](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/social-media-regulatory-targets)  
Duncan Garner (Listener): [The only ‘c-word’ I want to concentrate on](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-the-only-c-word-i-want-to-concentrate-on/JAZIZQHWMFFE7HNSEWLGOYYLDA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Pasifika leaders, influencers weigh in on proposed social media ban for under 16s](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561269/pasifika-leaders-influencers-weigh-in-on-proposed-social-media-ban-for-under-16s?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World Socialists): [New Zealand government seeks to ban social media for under-16s](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/15/geab-m15.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DEFENCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [US plans to expand rocket launch options 'nothing to do with' NZ Defence Force](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561384/us-plans-to-expand-rocket-launch-options-nothing-to-do-with-nz-defence-force?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [How the grand old dame of the US Navy navigated NZ’s nuke-free policy](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/how-the-grand-old-dame-of-the-us-navy-navigated-nzs-nuke-free-policy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Boaties told to stay away from US warship in Wellington harbour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561241/boaties-told-to-stay-away-from-us-warship-in-wellington-harbour?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [US Navy command ship arrives in Wellington](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/16/us-navy-command-ship-arrives-in-wellington/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Deborah Morris (Post): [USS Blue Ridge checks Wellington off its bucket list](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360691260/uss-blue-ridge-checks-wellington-its-bucket-list?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rod Carr (Sunday Star Times): [Tariffs: let’s be rational](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360688732/tariffs-lets-be-rational?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Suzannah Jessep (Newsroom): [When might’s not right: The case for keeping multilateralism on life support](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/16/when-mights-not-right-the-case-for-keeping-multilateralism-on-life-support/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELLINGTON**  
Local Aotearoa: [Andrew Little wrong about WCC's ability to govern up until the election](https://localaotearoa.substack.com/p/andrew-little-wrong-about-wccs-ability)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Andrew Little to pledge end to council secrecy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360691441/andrew-little-pledge-end-council-secrecy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Unethical for Wellington council to sign more Golden Mile contracts, Andrew Little says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561244/unethical-for-wellington-council-to-sign-more-golden-mile-contracts-andrew-little-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Ex-Labour MP Andrew Little launches Wellington mayoral campaign](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561335/ex-labour-mp-andrew-little-launches-wellington-mayoral-campaign?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Nicol-Williams (1News): [Wellington mayoral race underway with more than a Little fanfare](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/17/wellington-mayoral-race-underway-with-more-than-a-little-fanfare/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amy Ridout (Stuff): [Little pledges to ‘save’ Wellington’s public facilities ‘under constant threat’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360691995/little-pledges-save-wellingtons-public-facilities-under-constant-threat?ref=goodoil.news)  
Azaria Howell (Herald): [Labour-endorsed Andrew Little formally launches campaign for Wellington mayoralty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-endorsed-andrew-little-formally-launches-campaign-for-wellington-mayoralty/45SNYZXINFDUNJGW7YQ2ZQ6DVY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Virginia Fallon (Post): [Big promises at Andrew Little’s mayoral bid launch](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360690132/big-promises-andrew-littles-mayoral-bid-launch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Shilpy Arora Gaikwad (Stuff): [‘Ridiculous’: Six years of roadworks and ‘dangerous’ Wellington road still not fixed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360686905/ridiculous-six-years-roadworks-and-dangerous-wellington-road-still-not-fixed?ref=goodoil.news)  
André Chumko (Post): [Persistent, ‘dangerous’ leaks in Wellington’s St James Theatre](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360688766/persistent-dangerous-leaks-wellingtons-st-james-theatre?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mary Argue (Stuff): [Abuse toward Wellington City Council staff up 323 percent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561292/abuse-toward-wellington-city-council-staff-up-323-percent?ref=goodoil.news)  
Denis Welch (Post): [Wellington street’s link to a bleak chapter in history](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689133/wellington-streets-link-bleak-chapter-history?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Khandallah pool demo recommended despite cheaper fix](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360692808/khandallah-pool-demo-recommended-wellington-council?ref=goodoil.news) p w  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Wayne Brown (Sunday Star Times): [What’s good for Auckland, is good for New Zealand](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360689721/whats-good-auckland-good-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Sunday Star Times): [Why Scotland provides a glimmer of hope for Wayne Brown’s ‘bed tax’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360688689/why-scotland-provides-glimmer-hope-wayne-browns-bed-tax?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald: [All Blacks great Sir Bryan Williams calls on public to back community-driven Western Springs stadium](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/all-blacks-great-sir-bryan-williams-calls-on-public-to-back-community-driven-western-springs-stadium/Z2Q6KV4AX5DRRJIJTGF67FJXGI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Roaming dogs terrorising South Auckland streets](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/roaming-dogs-terrorising-south-auckland-streets-shane-te-pou/RFVBQK33XRDJHHOFBMQU76GZCE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [‘Addiction to spending’: $40k car park murals latest council cost questioned by ratepayers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360688417/addiction-spending-40k-car-park-murals-latest-council-cost-questioned-ratepayers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [The win-win solution for cash-strapped councils](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561356/the-win-win-solution-for-cash-strapped-councils?ref=goodoil.news)  
Neil Holdom (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Rates are the tax we love to hate](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360688488/candidates-corner-rates-are-tax-we-love-hate?ref=goodoil.news)  
Leah Hawkins (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Above-inflation rates hikes are not sustainable](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360688613/candidates-corner-above-inflation-rates-hikes-are-not-sustainable?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING**  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [How much lower do mortgage rates need to go?](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/133277/david-hargreaves-has-look-how-mortgage-rate-reductions-have-been-tracking?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [What surging food prices mean for the economy (and flat whites)](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/perfect-storm-for-flat-whiteswhat-surging-food-prices-mean-for-the-economy-liam-dann/4HHA6H53RNHVDFMV7NYPRXIVZY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Steven Joyce (Herald): [Govt should scrutinise Fonterra’s role in rising food prices](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/inflation/govt-should-scrutinise-fonterras-role-in-rising-food-prices-steven-joyce/ZAK3HS3NLJDNLCHVB6SFCCNPMA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Woolworths says NZ groceries cheaper than UK, Australia if you take off GST](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561268/woolworths-says-nz-groceries-cheaper-than-uk-australia-if-you-take-off-gst?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Herald): [Kiwi economic refugees are fleeing NZ in droves](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-economic-refugees-are-fleeing-nz-in-droves-ryan-bridge/WYKRWVHUUBABTJTZSNPXYQN4WE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sabrina Delago (Post): [NZ’s weaker demand pulse, caused by people fleeing for more ‘fruitful lands’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360691458/nzs-weaker-demand-pulse-caused-people-fleeing-more-fruitful-lands?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

# Cartoons

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