> ## 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 March 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-20-march-2025/ - Published: 2025-03-19T19:12:17.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-19T19:36:45.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Visits to India, USA test the Government’s approach to changing face of global politics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/how-nz-is-navigating-some-tricky-global-relationships-the-front-page/F65OUZ67OZAWZMRFEX53ZPHR2Y/?ref=goodoil.news) 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) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Winston Peters ‘seriously pleased’ with Marco Rubio meeting, but no answer on tariffs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/winston-peters-meets-us-counterpart-marco-rubio-in-bid-to-ward-off-tariffs/3QZADSWA4RAV5MPFY7KJN6LBTU/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Watch: Winston Peters on what he and Marco Rubio discussed in Washington](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545236/watch-winston-peters-on-what-he-and-marco-rubio-discussed-in-washington?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Peters and Rubio hold 'substantive and productive' meeting](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/peters-and-rubio-hold-substantive-and-productive-meeting/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Winston Peters ‘very pleased’ after talking tariffs with Trump diplomat Rubio](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360620319/winston-peters-very-pleased-after-talking-tariffs-trump-diplomat-rubio?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 'Alakihihifo Vailala (PMN): [New Zealand navigates diplomatic challenges as Trump transforms US foreign policy](https://pmn.co.nz/read/politics-/nz-navigates-diplomatic-challenges-as-trump-transforms-us-foreign-policy?ref=goodoil.news) ————— Brent Edwards (NBR): [Tying down the elusive free trade agreement with India](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/tying-down-a-free-trade-agreement-with-india/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Luxon bristles when asked about his deadline for India trade deal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/luxon-bristles-when-asked-about-his-deadline-for-india-trade-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Can NZ and India sign a trade deal in 90 days?](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132454/india-and-new-zealand-pledge-strike-deal-quickly-possible-won%E2%80%99t-set-formal-deadline?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [How to talk human rights with India and not trigger a diplomatic incident](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/how-to-discuss-human-rights-with-india-and-not-trigger-a-diplomatic-incident/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Hipkins accuses PM of undermining NZ's nuclear-free stance in India memo](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545284/hipkins-accuses-pm-of-undermining-nz-s-nuclear-free-stance-in-india-memo?ref=goodoil.news) Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Long wait continues as 2028 target set for Delhi-Auckland flights](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545384/long-wait-continues-as-2028-target-set-for-delhi-auckland-flights?ref=goodoil.news) Nevil Gibson (NBR): [NZ-India air links still lie well into the future](https://www.nbr.co.nz/nz-aviation-news/nz-india-air-links-still-lie-well-into-the-future/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Pearse (Herald): [PM in India: Christopher Luxon sledges ex-Black Cap Ross Taylor in street cricket game](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-in-india-christopher-luxon-sledges-ex-black-cap-ross-taylor-in-street-cricket-game/7D3F7N7JGFEPXI7CRNARMAJCSI/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [Notes from India: In the slips with the PM](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360620136/notes-india-slips-pm?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— Lillian Hanley (RNZ): [Winston Peters says New Zealand wants permanent Gaza ceasefire](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545396/winston-peters-says-new-zealand-wants-permanent-gaza-ceasefire?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Swarbrick pleads for cross-party support for Israel sanctions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545340/swarbrick-pleads-for-cross-party-support-for-israel-sanctions?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [The future of warfare: Killer drones and AI decision making](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545258/the-future-of-warfare-killer-drones-and-ai-decision-making?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Aid projects to be cut after NZ digs itself into a hole](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/06/aid-project-cuts-possible-after-review/?ref=goodoil.news) Don Wiseman (RNZ): [Foreign aid will continue but in what form it's hard to say - academic](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/545291/foreign-aid-will-continue-but-in-what-form-it-s-hard-to-say-academic?ref=goodoil.news) Lydia Lewis (RNZ): [Pacific’s top diplomat urges new cooperation amid US aid freeze](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/545325/pacific-s-top-diplomat-urges-new-cooperation-amid-us-aid-freeze?ref=goodoil.news) Talaia Mika (Cook (Islands News): [Concerns mount over Cook Islands' ‘national security’ amid China’s influence](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/545273/concerns-mount-over-cook-islands-national-security-amid-china-s-influence?ref=goodoil.news) Susana Leiataua (RNZ): [Samoa chooses the fate of the HMNZS Manawanui as salvors look for weapons and ammunition](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545343/samoa-chooses-the-fate-of-the-hmnzs-manawanui-as-salvors-look-for-weapons-and-ammunition?ref=goodoil.news) **PUBLIC SERVICE, OIA** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Ombudsman singles out Health NZ’s attitude to official information](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/contrary-to-law-ombudsman-singles-out-health-nz-attitude-to-official-information/EH6DILAFNJCSLHDAFSSLOBG5XY/?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Ombudsman criticises defensive approach to releasing information](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/ombudsman-criticises-defensive-approach-to-releasing-information/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Inside Government: [Chief Ombudsman says stiffer penalties may be needed for OIA delays](https://insidegovernment.co.nz/chief-ombudsman-says-stiffer-penalties-may-be-needed-for-oia-delays/?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Science institutes one step ahead of Govt on reorganisation](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/science-institutes-one-step-ahead-of-govt-on-reorganisation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT** Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Poll suggests few support corporate tax breaks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360621413/poll-suggests-few-support-corporate-tax-breaks?ref=goodoil.news) Aaron Smale (Listener): [PM’s disastrous handling of Treaty Principles Bill might yet be his undoing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/aaron-smale-pms-disastrous-handling-of-treaty-principles-bill-might-yet-be-his-undoing/PMAB2BONBVF2NCYTFPC54MCZ2I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Houlahan (ODT): [‘Quality growth’ should be aim: Hipkins](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98quality-growth%E2%80%99-should-be-aim-hipkins?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Gunn: [Seymour: My Message To Jesus](https://andrewgunn.substack.com/p/seymour-my-message-to-jesus) (paywalled) Herald: [Would Jesus vote for Act? Church leaders respond to David Seymour](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/would-jesus-vote-for-act-church-leaders-respond-to-david-seymour/KNC4N6ZOQVBMNMYM3FL4D6E3KY/?ref=goodoil.news) Claire Mabey (Spinoff): [‘I keep that little light of hope alive’: Nicola Willis’s love of literature](https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/19-03-2025/i-keep-that-little-light-of-hope-alive-nicola-williss-love-of-literature?ref=goodoil.news) Spinoff: [Gone By Lunchtime Podcast: Home and away with Christopher Luxon](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-03-2025/gone-by-lunchtime-home-and-away-with-christopher-luxon?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** David Long (Stuff): [Most councillors voting on Auckland’s stadium plan have accepted gifts from Eden Park](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360621433/most-councillors-voting-aucklands-stadium-plan-have-accepted-gifts-eden-park?ref=goodoil.news) Winston Aldworth & Christopher Reive (Herald): [New Auckland stadium proposal one of three being considered to Western Springs Stadium](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/new-auckland-stadium-proposal-one-of-three-being-considered-to-western-springs-stadium/W3KBY2DHRVD55ATFTYWXTPNYX4/?ref=goodoil.news) Hayden Donnell (Spinoff): [Nobody is as creative as Auckland Council at saying no](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-03-2025/nobody-is-as-creative-as-auckland-council-at-saying-no?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Do tall buildings belong on K’ Road?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/20-03-2025/do-tall-buildings-belong-on-k-road?ref=goodoil.news) Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [Council development charge hikes ‘may be illegal’](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/council-development-charge-hikes-may-be-illegal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Wellington City Council paid over $100,000 to recruit chief executive](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360620373/wellington-city-council-paid-over-100000-recruit-chief-executive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Post): [Council iwi rep faces conduct investigation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360620574/council-iwi-rep-faces-conduct-investigation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Eye of the Fish: [Lambton Nine-Nine](https://eyeofthefish.org/%5F%5Ftrashed/?ref=goodoil.news) Tina Law (Press): [Christchurch Foundation secures thousands of dollars in council support](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360620247/christchurch-foundation-secures-thousands-dollars-immediate-council-support?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Local Aotearoa: [SFO investigates allegations of fraudulent allocation of public funds at KCDC](https://localaotearoa.substack.com/p/sfo-investigates-allegations-of-fraudulent) Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [Botched rates and uncertain valuations flagged by council auditors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545355/botched-rates-and-uncertain-valuations-flagged-by-council-auditors?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH, DISABILITY** Lisa Davies (1News): [ACC hastily reviews withdrawn support for girl's head injury](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/acc-hastily-reviews-withdrawn-support-for-girls-head-injury/?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Acute care found wanting](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/acute-care-found-wanting?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Health NZ admits gap in communications over non-existent sick baby unit in Lower Hutt](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-nz-admits-gap-in-communications-over-non-existent-sick-baby-unit-in-lower-hutt/LYVSVD6OWNCTFFVKKPLGN2KTXU/?ref=goodoil.news) Dionne Christian (Listener): [Health in 2025: Smoking, alcohol and diet](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/health/health-in-2025-smoking-alcohol-and-diet/E6TLLLSACZG4ZEQ7V2HKTBSEUE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ruth Hill (RNZ): [People with psychotic symptoms not getting help early enough - study](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545348/people-with-psychotic-symptoms-not-getting-help-early-enough-study?ref=goodoil.news) Elliot Crosson: [Cuts to Disability Services Are Part of a Class War](https://elliotcrossan.substack.com/p/cuts-to-disability-services-are-part) Ffion Heale (Post): [‘Simulation specs’ reveal hazards for blind](https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360620595/simulation-specs-reveal-hazards-blind?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Meet the bus-driving GP and nurse in pink scrubs helping Mongrel Mob President ‘Chopper Dogg’ and his gang](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360621546/meet-bus-driving-gp-and-nurse-pink-scrubs-helping-mongrel-mob-president-chopper-dogg-and-his-gang?ref=goodoil.news) Public Health Communications Centre: [Social media and youth wellbeing: The need for a multi-layered public health approach](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/social-media-and-youth-wellbeing-need-multi-layered-public-health-approach?ref=goodoil.news) Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Critical time for Māori: Iwi-owned research centre marks milestone](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/19/critical-time-for-maori-iwi-owned-research-centre-marks-milestone/?ref=goodoil.news) Stephen Forbes (NZ Doctor): [More questions than answers over shared digital health record](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/more-questions-answers-over-shared-digital-health-record?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENT, WEATHER DISASTERS** Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: 'Bewildered' experts not on board for changes to fisheries management](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/545370/bewildered-experts-not-on-board-for-changes-to-fisheries-management?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Govt ‘doing the minimum’ on climate – Seymour](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/nz-govt-doing-the-minimum-on-climate-david-seymour/?ref=goodoil.news) Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Dire climate report lays out records for ocean heat, shrinking ice cover](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545309/dire-climate-report-lays-out-records-for-ocean-heat-shrinking-ice-cover?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [Climate Change: Failed again](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/climate-change-failed-again.html?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Leading the world: 60% of NZX50 companies now report on climate risk](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360621117/leading-world-60-nzx50-companies-now-report-climate-risk?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Benedict Collins (1News): ['Rubbish': Luxon hits back at ACT MP's claim farmers are irate with National](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/rubbish-luxon-hits-back-at-act-mps-claim-farmers-are-irate-with-national/?ref=goodoil.news) Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Carbon credit deal to provide windfall for Māori landowners](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/carbon-credit-deal-to-provide-windfall-for-maori-landowners/?ref=goodoil.news) Ilan Noy (The Conversation): [NZ has no dedicated database to track losses from weather disasters – without it, we’re planning in the dark](https://theconversation.com/nz-has-no-dedicated-database-to-track-losses-from-weather-disasters-without-it-were-planning-in-the-dark-251224?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [South Island's West Coast most at risk of more extreme atmospheric rivers, research suggests](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545283/south-island-s-west-coast-most-at-risk-of-more-extreme-atmospheric-rivers-research-suggests?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Flooding cost expected to reach $13m](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/flooding-cost-expected-reach-13m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [Vote to engage on flood-check options](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/vote-engage-flood-check-options?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [DOC calls out dog owners after spate of kiwi killings in Bay of Island](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545361/doc-calls-out-dog-owners-after-spate-of-kiwi-killings-in-bay-of-island?ref=goodoil.news) ODT: [Doc dolphin project unnecessary: expert](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/doc-dolphin-project-unnecessary-expert?ref=goodoil.news) Joanne Naish (Press): [West Coast dump owner charged for contaminating Grey River](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360585894/west-coast-dump-owner-charged-contaminating-grey-river?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **SCHOOL LUNCHES** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [The ‘irony’ of David Seymour being in charge of school lunches](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360617855/irony-david-seymour-being-charge-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Dennett (Post): [‘These guys left us in the lurch’: David Seymour says Govt did due diligence on Libelle](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360620317/these-guys-left-us-lurch-david-seymour-says-govt-did-due-diligence-libelle?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [What school lunch provider Libelle's biggest problem was](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545289/what-school-lunch-provider-libelle-s-biggest-problem-was?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Unable to make a $3 school lunch work, Libelle liquidated owing $14.3m to almost 250 creditors](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360620222/unable-make-3-school-lunch-work-libelle-liquidated-owing-143m-almost-250-creditors?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Robert MacCulloch: [The School Lunch Fiasco is not our Politicians' fault. It stems from the NZ Treasury's wrong economic advice](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/the-school-lunch-fiasco-is-not-our-politicians-fault-it-stems-from-the-nz-treasury-providing-wrong?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Govt call for new reading, maths test system shocks principals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545364/govt-call-for-new-reading-maths-test-system-shocks-principals?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Labour recommits to abolishing charter schools after Ginny Andersen comments criticised](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-recommits-to-abolishing-charter-schools-after-ginny-andersen-comments-criticised/62OCKDOZRFGKRMORKUH6ZGMSMQ/?ref=goodoil.news) John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Tertiary institutions 'should not assume funding will be maintained'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545382/tertiary-institutions-should-not-assume-funding-will-be-maintained?ref=goodoil.news) Michael Johnston (Herald): [Trades training is just as important as a university education](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/trades-training-is-just-as-important-as-a-university-education-michael-johnston/GCPEPGBSEJFWLCMMVZMTWMPJNE/?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [An apprenticeship is anything but second-best](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-an-apprenticeship-is-anything-but-second-best/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Father of Sophia Crestani. who died in Dunedin flat, 'horrified' by St Patrick's Day antics](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545344/father-of-sophia-crestani-who-died-in-dunedin-flat-horrified-by-st-patrick-s-day-antics?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY** Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Here’s why economists are wary ahead of the GDP data](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360615058/gdp-data-released-today-heres-why-economists-are-wary?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [An end to the recession? GDP figure may disappoint](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360620893/end-recession-gdp-figure-may-disappoint-amid-more-mixed-economic-data?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hargreaves (Interest): [NZ's current account deficit narrows by slightly less than expected](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132428/deficit-between-what-we-earn-overseas-and-what-we-spend-has-dropped-62-gdp-remains?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [Current account: New Zealand spent $26.4 billion more than it earned in 2024 – that’s an improvement](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/current-account-new-zealand-spent-264-billion-more-than-it-earned-in-2024-thats-an-improvement-thats-an-improvement/BAY2KVPNXRGPNHTORUB2MCX54Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Cameron Smith (RNZ): [NZ consumer confidence takes a hit as storm clouds gather](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-consumer-confidence-takes-a-hit-as-storm-clouds-gather/B5UH4R4KZZECJKJ3ILSVAOJVU4/?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Consumer confidence hits the skids in March, across all genders, ages and places](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360620271/consumer-confidence-hits-skids-march-across-all-genders-ages-and-places?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Dire consumer confidence doesn't bode well for NZ economic recovery](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/dire-consumer-confidence-doesnt-bode-well-for-nz-economic-recovery?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE** Anna Whyte (Post): [Land value for Basin, second tunnel upgrade almost $100m](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360621207/land-value-basin-second-tunnel-upgrade-almost-100m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Eley (Herald): [Finance Minister Nicola Willis backs ‘growing’ Port of Tauranga](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/finance-minister-backs-growing-port-of-tauranga/B7YKI6WGAJGAJI46C7XTY7TXSQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Tina Law (Press): [Council almost refuses to ratify Government’s ‘outrageous’ speed limit laws](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360620265/council-almost-refuses-ratify-governments-outrageous-speed-limit-laws?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [NZTA decelerates plans for increasing speed limits on some highways](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/19/nzta-decelerates-plans-for-increasing-speed-limits-on-some-highways/?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Speed limit reversals near schools: 'It doesn't make sense', Auckland principal says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545345/speed-limit-reversals-near-schools-it-doesn-t-make-sense-auckland-principal-says?ref=goodoil.news) Sinead Gill (Press): [‘A lot of words’: Christchurch sets transport strategy](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360620282/lot-words-christchurch-sets-transport-strategy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Julie Jacobson (Post): [Mid-city bus route taking $24k a week in fines](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360620702/mid-city-bus-route-taking-26k-week-fines?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate Judson (Wairarapa Times-Age/Post): [Forms of protest against unprecedented train pain grow](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360618971/forms-protest-against-unprecedented-train-pain-grow?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENERGY** Richard Harman (Politik): [Fears of a repeat power crisis](https://www.politik.co.nz/fears-of-a-repeat-power-crisis/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Richard Davison (ODT): [Contact to fight wind farm decision](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/contact-fight-wind-farm-decision?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ODT: [Consenting panel rejects $1b South Island wind farm](https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/consenting-panel-rejects-1b-south-island-wind-farm?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Gray (Herald): [Warning Contact’s rejected wind farm project in Southland will delay NZ energy transition](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/warning-contacts-rejected-wind-farm-project-will-delay-nz-energy-transition/YCMYRKVT2BB35LTMKOEL4JGMK4/?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Ellen O’Dwyer (RNZ): [Are you allowed to talk with your colleagues about what you're paid?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545285/are-you-allowed-to-talk-with-your-colleagues-about-what-you-re-paid?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [More applicants, job ads remain flat - employment report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545369/more-applicants-job-ads-remain-flat-employment-report?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Applications per job ad reach new peak as hiring demand flattens - SEEK](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360621669/applications-job-ad-reach-new-peak-hiring-demand-flattens-seek?ref=goodoil.news) Rachael Judge (BusinessDesk): [Employers beware: new crime to be introduced for intentionally withholding wages](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/employers-beware-new-crime-to-be-introduced-for-intentionally-withholding-wages?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [PayWave-style surcharges make me bloody angry – so let's ban them](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360620478/paddy-gower-paywave-style-surcharges-make-me-bloody-angry-so-lets-ban-them?ref=goodoil.news) Serena Solomon (RNZ): [Can companies legally use Māori names?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/identity/can-companies-legally-use-maori-names?ref=goodoil.news) Chris Keall (Herald): [Farmers and Whitcoulls owner James Pascoe Group sends data breach notification to Privacy Commissioner](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/farmers-and-whitcoulls-owner-james-pascoe-group-sends-data-breach-notification-to-privacy-commissioner/OKFMJB6FGFEKXME7HFNJLZTSPM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Griffin (BusinessDesk): [The Māori-led effort to build private 5G networks](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/technology/the-maori-led-effort-to-build-private-5g-networks?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anne Gibson (Herald): [Fletcher Construction suing waterproofers over liability for NZ International Convention Centre fire: June hearing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/fletcher-construction-suing-waterproofers-over-liability-for-nz-international-convention-centre-fire-june-hearing/6R5CX4AIHBF4HA3BQPB2XQGUOQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CORRECTIONS** Tumamao Harawira (Te Ao Māori News): [Greens call for immediate release of Dean Wickliffe following alleged assault by prison guards](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/19/greens-call-for-immediate-release-of-dean-wickliffe-following-alleged-assault-by-prison-guards/?ref=goodoil.news) Layla Bailey-McDowell (RNZ): ['Not how kaumātua should be treated' - alleged beating of parolee Dean Wickliffe condemned](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545360/not-how-kaumatua-should-be-treated-alleged-beating-of-parolee-dean-wickliffe-condemned?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Prisoner Dean Wickliffe loses 17kg in hunger strike, lawyer says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545331/prisoner-dean-wickliffe-loses-17kg-in-hunger-strike-lawyer-says?ref=goodoil.news) Tumamao Harawira (Te Ao Māori News): [Longtime lawbreaker goes on hunger strike following alleged assault by prison staff](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/18/longtime-lawbreaker-goes-on-hunger-strike-following-alleged-assault-by-prison-staff/?ref=goodoil.news) Jack McDonald (Post): [Dean Wickliffe case highlights urgent need for prison reform](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360620867/dean-wickliffe-case-highlights-urgent-need-prison-reform?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** BusinessDesk: [NZME board battle: What makes a director independent and why does it matter?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/media-marketing/nzme-board-battle-what-makes-a-director-independent-and-why-does-it-matter/EILE3IBFOBGG7B63I5L2F4PWPE/?ref=goodoil.news) Rebecca Stevenson (BusinessDesk): [NZME board under siege: shareholder defends performance, CEO pay](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nzme-board-under-siege-shareholder-defends-performance-ceo-pay?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HOUSING** Maddy Croad (Press): [A baby in a tent, a granddad sleeping in a slide: Christchurch’s growing homelessness ‘epidemic’](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360620558/baby-tent-granddad-sleeping-slide-christchurchs-growing-homelessness-epidemic?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Here's how much more renters are paying since Covid](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545270/here-s-how-much-more-renters-are-paying-since-covid?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Is the rental market in trouble or not?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-is-the-rental-market-in-trouble-or-not/?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [Housing market offering paltry returns for residential property investors](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132458/latest-rental-yield-and-cash-flow-figures-suggest-one-bedroom-apartments-are-way-go?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Borrowers finding certainty in home loan 'rate war'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545368/borrowers-finding-certainty-in-home-loan-rate-war?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [‘Rate wars’ puts long-term mortgage-fixing back in the frame](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/rate-wars-puts-long-term-mortgage-fixing-back-in-the-frame/B7YO4LFNQFGD3A2UQNVGYK4SWI/?ref=goodoil.news) Miriam Bell (Post): [‘Rate wars’ impacting on home buyer loan choices](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360620378/rate-wars-impacting-home-buyer-loan-choices?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **OTHER** Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Oranga Tamariki gets 95,000 reports about possible at-risk children](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545365/oranga-tamariki-gets-95-000-reports-about-possible-at-risk-children?ref=goodoil.news) Martien Lubberink (Newsroom): [Orr’s resignation is time to secure banks with high capital buffers](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/after-orr-time-to-rethink-imported-banking-rules/?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine Hutton (Open Justice Reporting): [Judge Ema Aitken awaits her fate after a judicial review into the decision to investigate her](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545354/judge-ema-aitken-awaits-her-fate-after-a-judicial-review-into-the-decision-to-investigate-her?ref=goodoil.news) Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom): [Not enough to applaud semi-automatic ban, PM must act](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/march-15-unity-week-will-only-mean-something-with-restorative-justice/?ref=goodoil.news) Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [Number of NZ foreign trusts down more than 80% since Panama Papers](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132455/theres-much-smaller-number-nz-foreign-trusts-there-was-decade-ago-theyre-still?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Police ‘urgently’ need more info on risky Bitcoin ATMs](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/18/police-urgently-need-more-info-on-risky-bitcoin-atms/?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Thomson (Post): [Five ways to fight retail crime, from a Kiwi tech CEO](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360608930/five-ways-fight-retail-crime-kiwi-tech-ceo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) ![](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%2F829836d2-4479-456c-8591-2e16c99adc83_2433x1605.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 20 March 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%2F2697101a-6ff7-41c7-ba2b-87f66846c83e_1100x582.jpeg) Vernon - The Post 20 March 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%2Fde927904-077b-4a98-a326-cf92d382c5db_1867x1470.jpeg) Yeo - ODT 15 March 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-20-march-2025/comments)