> ## 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: 20 February 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-20-february-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-19T19:04:29.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-20T00:54:18.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **MANUREWA MARAE INQUIRY** Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Manurewa Marae and the Integrity crisis at the heart of NZ democracy](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-manurewa-marae) Anna Whyte (Post): [‘All options on the table’ over Electoral Commission probe](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360586601/all-options-table-over-electoral-commission-probe?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kelly Dennett (Post): [Manurewa Marae inquiry: Former chief statistician says copying of census forms of ‘phenomenal concern’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360587335/manurewa-marae-inquiry-former-chief-statistician-says-copying-census-forms-phenomenal-concern?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Manurewa Marae inquiry: Waipareira Trust targeted for being Māori - Tamihere](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542324/manurewa-marae-inquiry-waipareira-trust-targeted-for-being-maori-tamihere?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Stuff): [Manurewa Marae inquiry: John Tamihere admits census forms were photocopied](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360586187/manurewa-marae-inquiry-john-tamihere-admits-census-forms-were-photocopied?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Post): [Census forms found at marae in 2024](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360587416/census-forms-found-marae-2024?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Daniel Perese, Toni Molyneux and Maioha Panapa (Te Ao Māori News): [‘It was a witch hunt’ - Tamihere on the Manurewa Marae inquiry](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/19/it-was-a-witch-hunt-tamihere-on-the-manurewa-marae-inquiry/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Te Pāti Māori claims Manurewa Marae inquiry ‘hatch job’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360586515/te-pati-maori-claims-manurewa-marae-inquiry-hatch-job?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Barry Soper (Herald): [Manurewa Marae inquiry is in everyone’s interest](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/manurewa-marae-inquiry-is-in-everyones-interest-barry-soper/FVC3PML5JFEHPEAHPV2KHN3QC4/?ref=goodoil.news) The Facts: [Massive 323 Manurewa Marae margin in tight 42 vote win](https://thefacts.nz/manurewa-marae/?ref=goodoil.news) Robert MacCulloch: [How Former PM Hipkins Mislead Five Million Kiwis & Betrayed their Trust in Government](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/how-former-pm-hipkins-mislead-five-million-kiwis-betrayed-their-trust-in-government?ref=goodoil.news) **PARLIAMENT, ELECTORAL COMMISSION, PUBLIC SECTOR** Tom Day (1News): [Whistleblower doubts commission has enough IT staff to run an election](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/19/whistleblower-doubts-commission-has-enough-it-staff-to-run-an-election/?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Electoral Commission’s preparedness in doubt after IT staff exodus](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/19/electoral-commissions-preparedness-in-doubt-after-it-staff-exodus/?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel & Jamie Ensor (Herald): [David Seymour distances himself from Winston Peters’ comments on Green MP; Greens say PM complicit](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymour-distances-himself-from-winston-peters-comments-on-green-mp-greens-say-pm-complicit/VKBDBAM7V5G5PBM24NUZY5FOPA/?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Winston Peters, Shane Jones again attack migrant Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542388/winston-peters-shane-jones-again-attack-migrant-green-mp-ricardo-menendez-march?ref=goodoil.news) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Beware! The immigrant Marxists have invaded parliament!](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-02-2025/echo-chamber-beware-the-immigrant-marxists-have-invaded-parliament?ref=goodoil.news) Jack McDonald (Post): [Positive opposition prospects, if egos can be shelved](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360587243/positive-opposition-prospects-if-egos-can-be-shelved?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Louis Collins (RNZ): [Party MPs' first look at member's bills this year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542390/party-mps-first-look-at-member-s-bills-this-year?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Taxpayers funding lobby group](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/taxpayers%5Ffunding%5Flobby%5Fgroup.html?ref=goodoil.news) Jo Moir (RNZ): [Public agencies 'finding it unaffordable to increase pay ranges'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542414/public-agencies-finding-it-unaffordable-to-increase-pay-ranges?ref=goodoil.news) Michael Reddell: [Really?](https://croakingcassandra.com/2025/02/19/really-3/?ref=goodoil.news) Spinoff: [Gone By Lunchtime Podcast: David Seymour and his Prince Hal epoch](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-02-2025/gone-by-lunchtime-david-seymour-and-his-prince-hal-epoch?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Richard Prebble (Herald): [The Cook Islands/China strategic partnership is a huge diplomatic failure](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/the-cook-islandschina-strategic-partnership-is-a-huge-diplomatic-failure-richard-prebble/HUPTWQTC4NARTERL5JGPHZQXPE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Richard Harman (Politik): [Peters’ developing Pacific crisis](https://www.politik.co.nz/peters-developing-pacific-crisis/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [New Zealand wants to rewrite Cook Islands relationship](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360586359/new-zealand-wants-rewrite-cook-islands-relationship?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Cook Islands is gonna need a bigger boat – two of them](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/19/cook-islands-is-gonna-need-a-bigger-boat-two-of-them/?ref=goodoil.news) Nicholas Khoo (Post): [Hard lessons in defence for Europe - and New Zealand](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360586310/hard-lessons-defence-europe-and-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Samoan district affected by Manawanui disaster continues to smell 'oil and diesel odours'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/542342/samoan-district-affected-by-manawanui-disaster-continues-to-smell-oil-and-diesel-odours?ref=goodoil.news) Tenby Powell (Herald): [Russia-Ukraine war: After three years of fighting, the world - and NZ - must not forget Ukraine’s plight](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russia-ukraine-war-after-three-years-of-fighting-the-world-and-nz-must-not-forget-ukraines-plight-tenby-powell/53FM2KNXLFBCXO5GW675YYQU3U/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Gunn: [Putting New Zealand Off The Map](https://andrewgunn.substack.com/p/putting-new-zealand-off-the-map) **ECONOMY, OCR** Craig Renney: [Banking On The Future](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/banking-on-the-future) Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [‘Dear New Zealanders, your victory is pyrrhic’](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/where-will-your-kids-raise-your-grand?utm%5Fsource=podcast-email,substack&publication%5Fid=102473&post%5Fid=157393830&utm%5Fcampaign=email-play-on-substack&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcontent=play%5Fcard%5Fpost%5Ftitle&r=2peuab&triedRedirect=true) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Here’s the good news - and reasons to be cautious - about the economy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360587134/heres-good-news-and-reasons-be-cautious-about-economy?ref=goodoil.news) Robert MacCulloch: [A Comment on Chief Crazy Horse Reserve Bank of NZ's Official Cash Rate Cut Today](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/a-comment-on-sitting-bull-crazy-horse-rbnz-s-official-cash-rate-cut-today?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [RBNZ delivers the Government a cost of living gift](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360586773/rbnz-delivers-government-cost-living-gift?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liam Dann (Herald): [OCR call: Reserve Bank on track for ‘more cuts sooner’ but reduces forecast for house prices](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ocr-call-reserve-bank-on-track-for-more-cuts-sooner-but-reduces-forecast-for-house-prices/ZEEHWKEUKZH2PKN5C42Y5KI2GE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sanda Arambepola (Stuff): [Five key takeaways from Reserve Bank’s latest OCR decision](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360587370/five-key-takeaways-reserve-banks-latest-ocr-decision?ref=goodoil.news) Bryce Wilkinson (Herald): [Bureaucracy is strangling NZ’s potential for growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/getting-serious-about-economic-growth-bryce-wilkinson/3WXMDPRNLFFWPFJ5Y7U5Q2EFGI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Miriam Bell (Post): [OCR call a ‘big injection’ for housing market](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586307/ocr-call-big-injection-housing-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [All major banks cut interest rates after official cash rate drops](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542378/all-major-banks-cut-interest-rates-after-official-cash-rate-drops?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [All major banks make cuts to some home loans in wake of OCR fall](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/19/all-major-banks-make-cuts-to-some-home-loans-in-wake-of-ocr-fall/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Reserve Bank cuts OCR by 50 basis points to 3.75%](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542372/reserve-bank-cuts-ocr-by-50-basis-points-to-3-point-75-percent?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [RBNZ delivers 0.5% interest rate cut, more on the table](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586272/reserve-bank-delivers-05-interest-rate-cut?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sapeer Mayron (Post): [OCR cut a relief for buyers and sellers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360587280/ocr-cut-relief-buyers-and-sellers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [RBNZ plans more cuts sooner rather than later](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/rbnz-plans-more-cuts-sooner-rather-than-later?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EMPLOYMENT** Cristóbal Castro Barrientos (The Conversation): [Economic ‘green shoots’ and lower interest rates disguise worrying trends in NZ’s job market](https://theconversation.com/economic-green-shoots-and-lower-interest-rates-disguise-worrying-trends-in-nzs-job-market-249685?ref=goodoil.news) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Coalition defends return of pay cuts for partial strikes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542365/coalition-defends-return-of-pay-cuts-for-partial-strikes?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Personal grievance shake-up risks ‘unjust’ outcomes – officials](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/14/personal-grievance-shake-up-risks-unjust-outcomes-officials/?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA, ONLINE SAFETY** Colin Peacock and Hayden Donnell (RNZ): [NZME plans new video channel amid news cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/542423/nzme-plans-new-video-channel-amid-news-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Natalie Akoorie and Hayden Donnell (RNZ): [High-profile journalists to go as NZME announces 30 job cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542349/high-profile-journalists-to-go-as-nzme-announces-30-job-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: NZME confirms plans to cut NZ Herald newsroom roles, launch new video brand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-confirms-plans-to-cut-nz-herald-newsroom-roles-launch-new-video-brand/K43EQMZQ3VGOXCAWEU36YMCETA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [NZME confirms journalism jobs cut](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586270/nzme-expected-confirm-journalism-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Guyon Espiner (RNZ): [Netsafe's tech ties spark calls for independent regulator](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/542415/netsafe-s-tech-ties-spark-calls-for-independent-regulator?ref=goodoil.news) David Harvey: [Regulatory Overreach](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/regulatory-overreach) Robert McCulloch: [A Plea to the Leaders of National, ACT and NZ First: Shaft the Main Stream Media & give most of your interviews to Podcasters, Bloggers (yes us) & Alternative Platforms.](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/a-plea-to-the-leaders-of-national-act-and-nz-first-shaft-the-main-stream-media-and-give-most-of-yo?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** Herald Editorial: [Has Wayne Brown done enough to win another term as Auckland mayor?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/has-wayne-brown-done-enough-to-win-another-term-as-auckland-mayor-editorial/A3X34O6NL5GM5L6HGVCL2AA67Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Long (Stuff): [Wayne Brown in talks to bring America's Cup back to Auckland, but says bed night levy needed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587481/wayne-brown-talks-bring-americas-cup-back-auckland-says-bed-night-levy-needed?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [Wayne Brown reveals why he's standing for Auckland mayor again](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587067/wayne-brown-reveals-why-hes-standing-auckland-mayor-again?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown announces plans for a second term](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-announces-plans-for-a-second-term/RRGZAAYIERCILASUAO4NKCK5EA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Auckland mayor Wayne Brown launches re-election campaign](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542386/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-launhes-re-election-campaign?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Post): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown confirms re-election bid](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360586696/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-confirms-re-election-bid?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alka Prasad (Post): [Auckland Council waiting on Govt to fix $7m events budget hole](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586935/auckland-council-waiting-govt-fix-7m-events-budget-hole?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Finn Blackwell (RNZ): [Copper plaque thieves costing Aucklanders - deputy mayor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542355/copper-plaque-thieves-costing-aucklanders-deputy-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Secret DCC report on financial claims](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/secret-dcc-report-financial-claims?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Innovation and leaders that listen in vision for Wellington’s future](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587366/innovation-and-leaders-listen-vision-wellingtons-future?ref=goodoil.news) Ethan Griffiths (Herald): [James Cameron calls for more investment in Wellington’s film industry, criticises ‘nightmare’ parking](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/james-cameron-calls-for-more-investment-in-wellingtons-film-industry-criticises-nightmare-parking/NNHWBII3XRDARMKHBHEDOAAS2Q/?ref=goodoil.news) Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Taranaki council vows to promote Māori wards](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/18/taranaki-council-vows-to-promote-maori-wards/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Burns (RNZ): [Christchurch councillors back recommendation to keep water services under total council control](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542392/christchurch-councillors-back-recommendation-to-keep-water-services-under-total-council-control?ref=goodoil.news) Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [Canterbury residents take water battle to council, claim sewage is seeping into their wells](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542315/canterbury-residents-take-water-battle-to-council-claim-sewage-is-seeping-into-their-wells?ref=goodoil.news) Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Nelson Council spends nearly $10 million on slip-damaged home buyouts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542407/nelson-council-spends-nearly-10-million-on-slip-damaged-home-buyouts?ref=goodoil.news) Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [West Coast Regional Council debt soars as big flood projects shape up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542367/west-coast-regional-council-debt-soars-as-big-flood-projects-shape-up?ref=goodoil.news) **TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL, TE AO MĀORI** Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Extra Treaty Principles Bill staffing costs Parliament more than $270k](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/18/extra-treaty-principles-bill-staffing-costs-parliament-more-than-270k/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [National Iwi Chairs Forum calls on UN to scrutinise ‘threats to indigenous rights’ in New Zealand](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360585863/national-iwi-chairs-forum-calls-un-scrutinise-threats-indigenous-rights-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Craig Ashworth (RNZ): [Council pledges Treaty law apology after brutal history lesson](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542408/council-pledges-treaty-law-apology-after-brutal-history-lesson?ref=goodoil.news) Maioha Panapa (Te Ao Māori News): [“There is no Māori privilege,” Co-Chair of Kura Kaupapa Māori Council tells select committee](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/17/there-is-no-maori-privilege-co-chair-of-kura-kaupapa-maori-council-tells-select-committee/?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** RNZ: [Health NZ under scrutiny by new government unit, open for four month](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542409/health-nz-under-scrutiny-by-new-government-unit-open-for-four-months?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [New Health NZ unit to 'drive greater accountability' - minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542302/new-health-nz-unit-to-drive-greater-accountability-minister?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Thomas (Post): [New taskforce sharpens focus on Health NZ and its commissioner](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360586649/new-taskforce-sharpens-microscope-health-nz-and-its-commissioner?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): ['It's been left so long without treatment' - gastro delays at public hospitals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542400/it-s-been-left-so-long-without-treatment-gastro-delays-at-public-hospitals?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Mental health priorities](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/mental-health-priorities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Maddy Croad (Press): [Calls for government to fund health checks for Kiwis with intellectual disabilities](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360583530/calls-government-fund-health-checks-kiwis-intellectual-disabilities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (Local Democracy Reporting): [Commissioner plan to help with patient rights](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/commissioner-plan-help-patient-rights?ref=goodoil.news) Patrice Dougan (NZ Doctor): [Transgender care: Doctors receive letters ‘warning’ of legal action](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/transgender-care-doctors-receive-letters-warning-legal-action?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **POLICE** Sam Sherwood (Stuff): [Fewer police officers in New Zealand, with only nine months to meet target of 500 more](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360586868/fewer-police-officers-new-zealand-only-nine-months-meet-target-500-more?ref=goodoil.news) Katie Ham (Post): [Aussie police set to return to NZ after ‘strong interest’ from Kiwi cops](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360585502/aussie-police-set-return-nz-after-strong-interest-kiwi-cops?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lucy Rogers (Kiwiblog): [Ignore the rumours: the IPCA are awesome](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/guest%5Fpost%5Fignore%5Fthe%5Frumours%5Fthe%5Fipca%5Fare%5Fawesome.html?ref=goodoil.news) **PRIMARY INDUSTRIES** Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [High court rules 2023 Minister's decision on crayfish catch limits "unlawful"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542412/high-court-rules-2023-minister-s-decision-on-crayfish-catch-limits-unlawful?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Westpac looks seaward to boost NZ's economy](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/westpac-looks-seaward-to-boost-nzs-economy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gianina Schwanecke (RNZ): [Farmer confidence grows to highest level in nearly a decade](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/542362/farmer-confidence-grows-to-highest-level-in-nearly-a-decade?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Farmer confidence hits a 10-year high](https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/131992/federated-farmers-survey-shows-significant-shift-mood-rural-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey reveals highest level in over a decade](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/federated-farmers-latest-farm-confidence-survey-reveals-highest-level-in-over-a-decade/SYX3SC7GWFBI7PVOWI2WVNHKSM/?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT, GE, WATER** Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: The 'bulldozer' of a bill set to change gene editing laws](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/542417/the-bulldozer-of-a-bill-set-to-change-gene-editing-laws?ref=goodoil.news) Eric Frykberg (Interest): [Agriculture sector lobby groups want trade risks considered in GE Bill assessment](https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/131988/major-agricultural-organisations-urge-government-consider-trade-access-well?ref=goodoil.news) Peter Griffin (BusinessDesk): [GE guinea pig? We should be so lucky](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/ge-guinea-pig-we-should-be-so-lucky?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mary Argue (RNZ): [New Zealand's glaciers have shrunk by 29% since 2000](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542425/new-zealand-s-glaciers-have-shrunk-by-29-percent-since-2000?ref=goodoil.news) Pascale Lubbe, Michael Knapp and Nic Rawlence (The Conversation): [Loss of forests brought new birds to NZ during the last Ice Age – we’re witnessing a similar process now](https://theconversation.com/loss-of-forests-brought-new-birds-to-nz-during-the-last-ice-age-were-witnessing-a-similar-process-now-248523?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Public interest in buying station with precious wetland near Wellington](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542426/public-interest-in-buying-station-with-precious-wetland-near-wellington?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [Tribe backs contamination charges to improve lake, court told](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/tribe-backs-contamination-charges-to-improve-lake-court-told/?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS** Rob Stock (Post): [Reserve Bank has given NZ ‘the stability of the graveyard’, banking inquiry told](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586820/reserve-bank-has-given-nz-stability-graveyard-banking-inquiry-told?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Officials MIA on banking competition, critics tell inquiry](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/finance/officials-mia-on-banking-competition-critics-tell-inquiry?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [RBNZ’s Adrian Orr is ‘punishing rural NZ’, Fed Farmers says](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/131991/federated-farmers-want-finance-minister-nicola-willis-force-reserve-bank-loosen-its?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [‘Get Adrian Orr to stop punishing rural New Zealand’, Federated Farmers tells MPs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586267/get-adrian-orr-stop-punishing-rural-new-zealand-federated-farmers-tells-mps?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TRANSPORT** Nick James (RNZ): [Transmission Gully: NZTA spent $600k on legal battle](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542418/transmission-gully-nzta-spent-600k-on-legal-battle?ref=goodoil.news) Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Why is Tauranga the home of toll roads? And is your city next?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360586976/why-tauranga-home-toll-roads-and-your-city-next?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Fox (Herald): [New port in Manukau Harbour ‘technically’ possible but many red flags](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/infrastructure-report/new-port-in-manukau-harbour-technically-possible-but-many-red-flags/UCVGLAMWHNAB5C56YUOB4G3A6I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BUSINESS** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Rocket Lab 'ready to serve' Pentagon](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542305/rocket-lab-ready-to-serve-pentagon?ref=goodoil.news) David Chaplin (BusinessDesk): [Breaking the fourth wall: how politics is trumping investments](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/breaking-the-fourth-wall-how-politics-is-trumping-investments?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Newport (Crux): [Chinese government linked Queenstown development in liquidation](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/chinese-government-linked-queenstown-development-in-liquidation/?ref=goodoil.news) **CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN** Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Children’s Minister Karen Chhour calls child violence ‘national shame’ as cases rise](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/minister-calls-child-violence-national-shame-as-cases-rise-the-front-page/67XBUKW4PNA2NISOZOKO5XEORU/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Abuse survivors and their supporters protest for ACC eligibility change](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542401/abuse-survivors-and-their-supporters-protest-for-acc-eligibility-change?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [$2 million to honour unmarked graves of state children](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542351/2-million-to-honour-unmarked-graves-of-state-children?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [New fund to remember victims of state abuse buried in unmarked graves](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360586733/new-fund-remember-victims-state-abuse-buried-unmarked-graves?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** John Duffy (Post): [The electricity market is failing consumers - here’s how we can fix it](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360587075/electricity-market-failing-consumers-heres-how-we-can-fix-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Energy Crisis: Simon Bridges calls for 'one stop shop' for regulation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542321/energy-crisis-simon-bridges-calls-for-one-stop-shop-for-regulation?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Meridian bid to acquire NZ Windfarms will not spark ComCom probe](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360587194/meridian-bid-acquire-nz-windfarms-will-not-spark-comcom-probe?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP** Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [Citizenship law under fire as children discover they are overstayers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542345/citizenship-law-under-fire-as-children-discover-they-are-overstayers?ref=goodoil.news) Christina Persico and Susana Suisuiki (RNZ): [Fijian teen faces deportation from NZ due to education needs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/542366/fijian-teen-faces-deportation-from-nz-due-to-education-needs?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Alarming numbers of young Kiwis are heading abroad – will they ever come home?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/alarming-numbers-of-young-kiwis-heading-abroad-will-they-ever-come-home-editorial/363SMDRMTZFC7NJAMMVFIX5MRY/?ref=goodoil.news) (Paywalled) **EDUCATION** Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Compass awarded multimillion-dollar lunch deal despite controversial history](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/19/compass-awarded-multimillion-dollar-lunch-deal-despite-controversial-history/?ref=goodoil.news) Paula Penfold (Stuff): [When ‘halal friendly’ school lunches come with ham](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587431/when-halal-friendly-school-lunches-come-ham?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Homeschool enrolments still high after rapid rise](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542420/homeschool-enrolments-still-high-after-rapid-rise?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING** Anne Gibson (Herald): [Crown forced to buy 109 new Auckland, Wellington KiwiBuild homes: trying to sell $77.3m of properties](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/crown-forced-to-buy-109-new-auckland-wellington-kiwibuild-homes-trying-to-sell-773m-of-properties/VO2B2SNC5BHAJGIT7O7BI6IYII/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [More than 8500 new homes in Wellington fast-track plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360586195/more-8500-new-homes-wellington-fast-track-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Ninness (Interest): [Sales up but house prices tumbled in January - REINZ](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/131981/aucklands-median-price-dropped-51000-january-national-median-down-30000?ref=goodoil.news) **REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL** David Harvey: [The Regulatory Standards Bill Proposals - Part 2](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/the-regulatory-standards-bill-proposals-102) David Harvey (Listener): [Law & society: Dial down rhetoric and ramp up reasoning on Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/law-society-dial-down-rhetoric-and-ramp-up-reasoning-on-regulatory-standards-bill/RQIQHDEH6BE5JKTBQWNUOO4EKI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TOURISM** Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [From world leader to falling behind, NZ’s tourism industry struggles to keep up](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/from-world-leader-to-falling-behind-nzs-tourism-industry-struggles-to-keep-up?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Area Mahdawi (Guardian): [New Zealand’s tourism campaign is not the world’s worst – and I should know](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/19/new-zealands-tourism-campaign-is-not-the-worlds-worst-and-i-should-know?ref=goodoil.news) **DESTINY CHURCH** Virginia Fallon (Post): [Let’s all call Destiny what it really is](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360582633/lets-all-call-destiny-what-it-really?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Verity Johnson (Stuff): [The Destiny’s Church haka isn’t a Māori thing, it’s a d...head thing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360586398/verity-johnson-destinys-church-haka-isnt-maori-thing-its-dhead-thing?ref=goodoil.news) **KIWISAVER, SUPERANNUATION** Ranjana Gupta (The Conversation): [With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue](https://theconversation.com/with-billions-in-profit-exempt-from-tax-changes-to-nzs-charity-rules-are-long-overdue-249575?ref=goodoil.news) Alka Prasad (Stuff): [Young people on back foot in retirement path - and retirement saving](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360575747/housing-and-kiwisaver-drawdowns-likely-bite-future-superannuitants?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Sir Ian Taylor asks: Do you really need your pension?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542295/sir-ian-taylor-asks-do-you-really-need-your-pension?ref=goodoil.news) Alka Prasad (Post): [How the young are paying for super - and how superannuitants can give back](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575751/how-young-are-paying-super-and-how-superannuitants-can-give-back?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alka Prasad (Sunday Star Times): [‘We don’t see them’: Sir Ian Taylor on sharing NZ Super to help Aotearoa’s forgotten moko](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360575753/we-dont-see-them-sir-ian-taylor-sharing-nz-super-help-aotearoas-forgotten-moko?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Esther Taunton (Stuff): [Do you know where your KiwiSaver funds are invested?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360586170/do-you-know-where-your-kiwisaver-funds-are-invested?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Greg Presland (The Standard): [About Karen Chhour’s youth offending claims](https://thestandard.org.nz/about-karen-chhours-youth-offending-claims/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Mead (1News): [NZ a 'soft target' for scammers, researcher Jarrod Gilbert says](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/19/nz-a-soft-target-for-scammers-researcher-jarrod-gilbert-says/?ref=goodoil.news) Doug Laing (Hawkes Bay Today): [Hawke’s Bay: One conviction so far after claim of ‘network of corruption’ of gaming funds](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hawkes-bay-one-conviction-so-far-after-claim-of-network-of-corruption-of-gaming-funds/JRMR6TZY35HKZBP3B2VUZGNLCU/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Posties defy PO box order from NZ Post](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542077/posties-defy-po-box-order-from-nz-post?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [NZ Post staff offered voluntary redundancy or reduced hours](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360586115/nz-post-staff-offered-voluntary-redundancy-or-reduced-hours?ref=goodoil.news) Tracy Neal (Open Justice Reporting): [Nelson Tenths case: Māori land claim leader Rore Stafford seeks Supreme Court hearing to expedite justice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/nelson-tenths-case-maori-land-claim-leader-rore-stafford-seeks-supreme-court-hearing-to-expedite-justice/RPT6XGCGGNEFPJK42QPYCMJTK4/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Auckland man used emigrants' names to claim $23,600 of Covid relief](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/17/auckland-man-used-emigrants-names-to-claim-23600-of-covid-relief/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Raynel (Herald): [Man gets home detention for falsely claiming Covid relief money - twice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/man-gets-home-detention-for-falsely-claiming-covid-relief-money-twice/XIDULA56FJBUTIHZGRWAYRACWI/?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn (Spinoff): [Legal personhood for Taranaki: transformative or tokenistic?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/17-02-2025/legal-personhood-for-taranaki-transformative-or-tokenistic?ref=goodoil.news) Steve Braunias (Herald): [Liz Gunn, free at last, the law is an ass](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/liz-gunn-free-at-last-the-law-is-an-ass/BXPV2B4DDJBEDJPAOSFDEGXZFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Farrar: [Liz Gunn wins](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/liz%5Fgunn%5Fwins.html?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Makere Broadmore (Post): [The high cost of ‘AI hesitation’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360581617/high-cost-ai-hesitation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Good Ideas: [The new frontier of democracy? A Treaty-based citizens’ assembly](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/the-new-frontier-of-democracy-a-treaty) (paywalled) [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) # Cartoons ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9b6481ea-b7e1-4d27-b1a1-712f4a51df7e_2182x1438.png) Hubbard - The Post 20 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0c0ce44-67eb-4219-9e33-d9cb76c6acde_2423x1638.png) Body - NZ Herald 20 February 2025 ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F912b9110-63d0-4210-a25e-283f41beb6a2_2496x1446.png) Cook - The Post 18 February 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-20-february-2025/comments)