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# News Briefing: 20 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-20-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-19T20:14:05.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-19T20:55:57.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**TE PĀTI MĀORI SUSPENSION**  
Matthew Hooton: [Can Luxon lead on TPM shambles?](https://www.patreon.com/posts/can-luxon-lead-129369728?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Parliament faces a debate primed for filibuster in Budget week](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561515/parliament-faces-a-debate-primed-for-filibuster-in-budget-week?ref=goodoil.news)  
Derek Cheng (Herald): [Te Pāti Māori voices in Parliament on Budget Day in doubt after compromise talks fail](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/tin-pot-dictatorship-te-pati-maori-voices-in-parliament-on-budget-day-in-doubt-after-compromise-talks-fail/UB65LHQKQJAPVPP22UKRR6VPEU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Parliament braces for showdown over suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/20-05-2025/parliament-braces-for-showdown-over-suspension-of-te-pati-maori-mps?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [How the Te Pati Maori suspension debate could play out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360694486/how-te-pati-maori-suspension-debate-could-play-out?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Hehir (The Blue Review): [Unprecedented, yes. Arbitrary, no.](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/unprecedented-yes-arbitrary-no) (paywalled)  
1News: [Luxon: No compromise on Te Pāti Māori decision, rejects ‘racism’ claims](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/luxon-no-compromise-on-te-pati-maori-decision-rejects-racism-claims/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Andrews (RNZ): [Iwi says Te Pāti Māori suspension a 'punishment for being unapologetically Māori'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561510/iwi-says-te-pati-maori-suspension-a-punishment-for-being-unapologetically-maori?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [PM on haka punishment: 'If they want to muck around, so be it'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561496/pm-on-haka-punishment-if-they-want-to-muck-around-so-be-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Presland (The Standard): [Privileges Committee recommendations are partisan, indefensible and racist](https://thestandard.org.nz/privileges-committee-recommendations-are-partisan-indefensible-and-racist/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUDGET, TAX**  
Julia Gabel & Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government unable to tell whether anyone has received full tax rebate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-not-geared-up-to-know-how-many-people-if-any-received-252-tax-promise/ANCPEAMSABGZHMSMI5ETCOSKHQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Budget 2025: Why this year in particular it may not pay to rush to judgment](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360688382/budget-2025-why-year-particular-it-may-not-pay-rush-judgment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alice Neville (Spinoff): [Budget 2025: Where might the cuts land – and how deep will they be?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-05-2025/budget-2025-where-might-the-cuts-land-and-how-deep-will-they-be?ref=goodoil.news)  
Georgie Craw (Spinoff): [What kind of economy produces the highest adolescent suicide rate? Ours](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/19-05-2025/what-kind-of-economy-produces-the-highest-adolescent-suicide-rate-ours?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Budget could be 'matter of life or death' for some patients, advocate says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561516/budget-could-be-matter-of-life-or-death-for-some-patients-advocate-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Budget 2025: Christopher Luxon says allowing higher depreciation write-off for businesses ‘not an unattractive idea’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/tax/christopher-luxon-allowing-businesses-to-write-off-more-depreciation-not-an-unattractive-idea-pm-hints-ahead-of-the-budget/NTGTAI7QDBE57MRM2DF76UJSNM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Budget 2025: Government won’t nickel and dime its way to surplus](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360693840/budget-2025-government-wont-nickel-and-dime-its-way-surplus?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Chaplin (BusinessDesk): [Budget 2025: Clipping KiwiSaver’s wings or letting it fly](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/budget-2025-clipping-kiwisavers-wings-or-letting-it-fly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Budget 2025: Government to spend $600m for ‘overdue’ rail upgrades](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-govt-to-spend-600m-for-overdue-rail-upgrades/UTGPDRRVRFARJBCV65AUWSXII4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Budget 2025: $600m for upgrading rail network](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561527/budget-2025-600m-for-upgrading-rail-network?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Budget to invest $600m more in the rail network](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/budget-to-invest-more-in-the-rail-network/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Budget 2025: $604 million for rail improvements](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360694492/budget-2025-604-million-rail-improvements?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Budget 2025: What's been announced so far](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561449/budget-2025-what-s-been-announced-so-far?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Budget announcements unlikely to fire up business confidence](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/19/budget-announcements-unlikely-to-fire-up-business-confidence/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Willis announces tax change proposals to bring more foreign investment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561478/luxon-and-willis-hold-post-cabinet-media-conference-ahead-of-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Budget 2025: Government to give $75m tax break to foreign investors and tech workers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360694214/budget-2025-government-give-75m-tax-break-foreign-investors-and-tech-workers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
NBR: [Budget money to cover proposed tax changes for foreign investors](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/budget-money-to-cover-proposed-tax-changes-for-foreign-investors/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Willis damps down talk of a huge depreciation change](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/willis-damps-down-talk-of-a-huge-depreciation-change?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Natalia Albert: [Budget 2025, Socialism, Neoliberalism, and the Greens Budget](https://nataliaalbert.substack.com/p/the-green-budget-vs-the-real-budget)  
Hayden Wilson (Herald): [Budget 2025’s tricky balance of surplus and growth challenges](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/gdp/budget-2025s-tricky-balance-of-surplus-and-growth-challenges-hayden-wilson/OLGFOPQBMJBCXBGMM5RKDDMI3E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Accountant concerned by potential new tax](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561488/accountant-concerned-by-potential-new-tax?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT**  
Chris Trotter (Interest: [A political party caught speaking out of both sides on its mouth on key issues will soon find itself in big trouble](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/133340/chris-trotter-says-political-party-caught-speaking-out-both-sides-its-mouth?ref=goodoil.news)  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Right hand man: David Seymour on Te Tiriti, being Deputy PM & Act’s next move](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/david-seymour-on-te-tiriti-power-acts-next-move-his-first-major-interview-before-becoming-deputy-pm/2HREH57RL5DQXFATT6KQ26K4FQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [The varied faces of NZ think-tanks: Who fronts them and what they do](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/the-varied-faces-of-think-tanks-in-nz-who-fronts-them-and-what-they-do/X7M4SUFDT5GYHKTJI2JCTJPUMA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [MPs’ property portfolios: Christopher Luxon sells investment houses, politicians with overseas interests](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/mps-property-portfolios-christopher-luxon-sells-investment-houses-politicians-with-overseas-interests/KXBDH4LYB5AKJGEEBPTKFYHL4E/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Duncan: [Is it time for politicians to look self-critically in the mirror?](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/is-it-time-for-politicians-to-look)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Labour’s Chris Hipkins calls Greens’ Budget ‘huge spend-up’, ‘unrealistic’ – but agrees with some elements](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labours-chris-hipkins-calls-greens-budget-huge-spend-up-unrealistic-but-agrees-with-some-elements/ASAOZT6MJNBOBGXDMTBPV4MAXM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steven Cowan: [Chris Hipkins: The rich are people too](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/05/chris-hipkins-rich-are-people-too.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: The Governor General is deep in the DNA of Parliament](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561482/the-governor-general-is-deep-in-the-dna-of-parliament?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alex Casey (Spinoff): [Everything we learned from the Jacinda Ardern movie trailer](https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/19-05-2025/everything-we-learned-from-the-jacinda-ardern-movie-trailer?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Jacinda Ardern talks 'imposter syndrome' at Yale University's graduation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561417/jacinda-ardern-talks-imposter-syndrome-at-yale-university-s-graduation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sanjana Hattotuwa: [Beyond Parliament: Antipathy’s amplification through political speech in Aotearoa New Zealand](https://sanjanah.wordpress.com/2025/05/18/beyond-parliament-antipathys-amplification-through-political-speech-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL**  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Thousands of Regulatory Standards Bill submissions not read by ministry](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/19/thousands-of-regulatory-standards-bill-submissions-not-read-by-ministry/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [‘Treaty Principles 2.0’ – law experts concerned by regulatory bill](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/treaty-principles-20-law-experts-concerned-by-regulatory-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Regulatory Standards Bill to be introduced to House](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561494/regulatory-standards-bill-to-be-introduced-to-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Cabinet approves draft of Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360693903/cabinet-approves-draft-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Roimata Small (E-Tangata): [The wisdom is in the contrast](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/the-wisdom-is-in-the-contrast/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Melanie Nelson (E-Tangata): [The ‘dangerous’ bill has been updated, but how?](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/the-dangerous-bill-has-been-updated-but-how/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY INDUSTRY**  
Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [A Case study in the dark arts of lobbying](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-a-case-study-in)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Owners of low-rise buildings around transport hubs need to be ‘rated out of ownership’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360686704/owners-low-rise-buildings-around-transport-hubs-need-be-rated-out-ownership?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Wellington scheme using office blocks for affordable housing expanded](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561464/wellington-scheme-using-office-blocks-for-affordable-housing-expanded?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Dunedin students told not to put up with run-down flats as rentals inspected](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561463/dunedin-students-told-not-to-put-up-with-run-down-flats-as-rentals-inspected?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Inspectors to check conditions of Dunedin student flats](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/inspectors-to-check-conditions-of-dunedin-student-flats/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Dunedin student flats targeted in tenancy law crackdown](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693628/dunedin-student-flats-targeted-tenancy-law-crackdown?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Stop mucking around - remove the foreign buyer ban](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-stop-mucking-around-remove-the-foreign-buyer-ban/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Q+A: 'Backbone of NZ' should get hand to buy first farm - National MP bill](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/18/backbone-of-nz-should-get-hand-to-buy-first-farm-national-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [How many years would you have to skip coffee to save enough to buy a house?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561512/how-many-years-would-you-have-to-skip-coffee-to-save-enough-to-buy-a-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Janet Hoek, Anna Graham DeMello (Public Health Communication Centre): [How did Government and Opposition MPs justify and oppose repealing the smokefree endgame measures?](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/how-did-government-and-opposition-mps-justify-and-oppose-repealing-smokefree-endgame?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Morrah (Herald): [Luxon backtracks on claim about 100 Uber drivers as overseas doctors](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gps-criticise-christopher-luxon-for-unhelpful-claims-on-uber-driving-doctors/3WIUJDMUBJB6LPDZHZFB2IOG7I/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Patients paying over $200 to visit after-hours in Palmerston North](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561468/patients-paying-over-200-to-visit-after-hours-in-palmerston-north?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [Govt’s urgent care boost misses the point, says GP group](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/govts-urgent-care-boost-misses-the-point-says-gp-group/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT: [After-hours boost details awaited](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/after-hours-boost-details-awaited?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Southland doctor shortages leading to burnout](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/southland-doctor-shortages-leading-burnout?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [ACC ‘pauses’ $45m sexual abuse initiative as questions hover over $3.6b liability](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360693625/acc-pauses-45m-sexual-abuse-initiative-questions-hover-over-36b-liability?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Patrice Dougan (NZ Doctor): [From lived experience to peer support – NZ’s first mental health minister Matt Doocey on what makes him tick](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/spotlight/lived-experience-peer-support-nzs-first-mental-health-minister-matt-doocey-what?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kevin Norquay (Post): [Grandma's fine — it's her grandson who’s lonely](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689536/grandmas-fine-its-her-grandson-whos-lonely?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Adam Burns (RNZ): [Brain injury support group appalled 'Run it' collision sport events held in Auckland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561517/brain-injury-support-group-appalled-run-it-collision-sport-events-held-in-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT**  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [NZ wildlife and construction projects at centre of urgent Wildlife Act changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561497/nz-wildlife-and-construction-projects-at-centre-of-urgent-wildlife-act-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [Government faces backlash over proposed glyphosate residue hike](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/government-faces-backlash-over-proposed-glyphosate-residue-hike?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Herbicide review bad for business, Harraways says](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/19/herbicide-review-bad-for-business-harraways-says/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [$2.6m-plus on water case ‘a waste of money’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/19/2-6m-plus-on-water-case-a-waste-of-money/?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Climate Change: Now what?](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/climate-change-now-what.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**POLICE, JUSTICE**  
Jared Savage (Herald): [Super injunction’ lifted but media still barred from publishing details of ‘objectionable material’ allegations against former deputy commissioner](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcskimming-resignation-super-injunction-lifted-but-media-still-barred-from-publishing-details-of-objectionable-material-allegations-against-former-deputy-commissioner/TIKSDGEOZNAFRNMZWVJNLDVTHI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sherwood (RNZ): [RNZ gagged by former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561473/rnz-gagged-by-former-deputy-police-commissioner-jevon-mcskimming?ref=goodoil.news)  
Edward Gay (Stuff): [Former top cop granted gagging order preventing publication of objectionable material allegations](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360694239/former-top-cop-granted-gagging-order-preventing-publication-objectionable-material-allegations?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham, Edward Gay, Luke Malpass, Blair Ensor and Mike White (Stuff): [The remarkable rise and fall of a top cop embroiled in a scandal](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360691599/remarkable-rise-and-fall-top-cop-embroiled-scandal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Police response to family violence questioned: NGOs considering ’stab vests’ for staff](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/considering-issuing-stab-vests-minister-warned-of-declining-police-responsiveness-to-family-violence-work-falling-to-community-providers/BKDWLT3VZBHCLJNOSYP7DBXFGY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Family and sexual violence prevention minister warned of ‘declining police responsiveness’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/considering-issuing-stab-vests-minister-warned-of-declining-police-responsiveness-to-family-violence-work-falling-to-community-providers/BKDWLT3VZBHCLJNOSYP7DBXFGY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sherwood (RNZ): [Police Commissioner initiates review into preventing misuse of police tech](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561283/police-commissioner-initiates-review-into-preventing-misuse-of-police-tech?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tracy Neal (Open Justice Reporting): [Legal aid: What is it and who’s entitled to it](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/legal-aid-what-is-it-and-whos-entitled-to-it/J3JICNS4NRAN7LILVBQ7QYM6OY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Chipping away at National’s gang-patch ban](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/chipping-away-at-nationals-gang-patch.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EMPLOYMENT, PAY EQUITY**  
Sasha Borissenko (Herald): [Employment law changes are a setback for NZ workers](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/employment-law-changes-are-a-setback-for-nz-workers-sasha-borissenko/C5DMSEYFLVHT3KIX4DXMDJV6YM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Demand for private mediation grows due to tough labour market and Govt backlog](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/15/demand-for-private-mediation-grows-due-to-tough-labour-market-and-govt-backlog/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fiona Rotherham (NBR): [What’s behind there rise in employee surveillance and tracking?](https://www.nbr.co.nz/toil-and-trouble/whats-behind-the-rise-in-employee-surveillance-and-tracking/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ani O’Brien: [Triggered by an ACT social media post](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/triggered-by-an-act-social-media)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Wellington council paid over $12,000 to welcome new boss](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360694027/wellington-council-paid-over-12000-welcome-new-boss?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [From Begonia House to a new water entity: Big decisions loom for Wellington City Council](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693892/begonia-house-new-water-entity-big-decisions-loom-wellington-city-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Hint of seventh Wellington mayoral candidate to fight for bus lanes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360693425/hint-seventh-wellington-mayoral-candidate-fight-bus-lanes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matt Burrows (Herald): [Real Life: Andrew Little ‘persuaded’ to run for Wellington mayor by ‘crescendo’ of support](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/real-life-andrew-little-persuaded-to-run-for-wellington-mayor-by-crescendo-of-support/WN4I4SZ7ZVD7JFYOETQ4SBENLE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dave Armstrong (Post): [Behaving drivers costing council coffers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360694114/behaving-drivers-costing-council-coffers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Windbag: Why Wellington’s vibe shift is coming in 2026](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/20-05-2025/windbag-why-wellingtons-vibe-shift-is-coming-in-2026?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland War Memorial Museum closure: 'We are working as quickly as we can'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561493/auckland-war-memorial-museum-closure-we-are-working-as-quickly-as-we-can?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): [Auckland Council removed this landmark’s rubbish bins, locals say the trash is piling up](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360694213/auckland-council-removed-landmarks-rubbish-bins-locals-say-trash-piling?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): [Controversy over Hindu temple proposal in South Auckland highlights planning and cultural tensions](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360692101/controversy-over-hindu-temple-proposal-south-auckland-highlights-planning-and-cultural-tensions?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Not in my backyard’: Submitters push back on council’s Pain Farm wastewater plan](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693284/not-my-backyard-submitters-push-back-pain-farm-wastewater-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shilpy Arora Gaikwad (Stuff):[ NZ’s most beautiful town slammed for spending $100k on ‘ugly’ dinosaur sculpture ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693586/nzs-most-beautiful-town-slammed-spending-100k-ugly-dinosaur-sculpture?ref=goodoil.news)Brooke Black (Timaru Herald): [Council shares amended restructure proposal with fewer roles to go](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693813/council-shares-amended-restructure-proposal-fewer-roles-go?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Confidence in early childhood at an 'all-time low’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360692919/confidence-early-childhood-all-time-low?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Labour asks Auditor General to consider cost burden in school lunches probe](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561472/labour-asks-auditor-general-to-consider-cost-burden-in-school-lunches-probe?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: In classrooms, money lessons that matter](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561511/in-classrooms-money-lessons-that-matter?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Post): [Is a four-day school week the future of education?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360691587/four-day-school-week-future-education?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Te Pukenga break-up Bill being introduced](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/te-pukenga-break-bill-being-introduced?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Auckland University economics professor Robert MacCulloch ends blog, says politicians have threatened future prospects](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-auckland-university-economics-professor-robert-macculloch-ends-blog-says-politicians-have-threatened-future-prospects/Y4W5AATXFRE2XOY5TFH2TCEZ3A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Harvey: [Below the Parapet: Professor MacCulloch Leaves the Room](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/below-the-parapet)  
David Farrar: [Journalist arrogance](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/journalist%5Farrogance.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Martyn Bradbury (Daily Blog): [Announcing: The Bradbury Group – NZs best weekly political argument](https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/05/16/announcing-the-bradbury-group-nzs-best-weekly-political-argument/?ref=goodoil.news)  
News Publishers’ Association: [Voyager Media Awards 2025 Winners & Finalists](https://npa.co.nz/voyager-media-awards/2025-winners/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kamahl Santamaria: [Voyager 2025 Media Awards: even gongs need some context](https://kamahlsantamaria.substack.com/p/voyager-2025-media-awards-even-gongs)  
  
**INFRASTRUCTURE**  
RNZ: [Competing Otago Port proposals 'frustrating', says Associate Regional Development Minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561492/competing-otago-port-proposals-frustrating-says-associate-regional-development-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Where to for Otago inland ports?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/where-otago-inland-ports?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [Inland port decision result of regional planning failure: MP](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-otago/inland-port-decision-result-regional-planning-failure-mp?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Inland port at Mosgiel receives $8m government investment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561223/inland-port-at-mosgiel-receives-8m-government-investment?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luka Forman (RNZ): [Demand increasing for land unaffected by Auckland's water infrastructure constraints](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561275/demand-increasing-for-land-unaffected-by-auckland-s-water-infrastructure-constraints?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Private ferry operators and infrastructure investors had 'strong appetite' for Cook Strait opportunities](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/private-ferry-operators-and-infrastructure-investors-had-strong-appetite-for-cook-strait-opportunities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [Cook Strait ferry Aratere to retire by August 30](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/cook-strait-ferry-aratere-to-retire-by-august-30/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Aratere to be retired by end of August](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561471/aratere-to-be-retired-by-end-of-august?ref=goodoil.news)  
Patrick Reynolds: [AT directors at risk?](https://greaterauckland.substack.com/p/at-directors-at-risk)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [Hillside reopening sign of ‘belief’](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/hillside-reopening-sign-%E2%80%98belief%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kelvin McDonald (Te Ao Māori News): [Iwi ‘appalled’ by pulling of reo Māori stop-go sign](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/17/iwi-appalled-by-pulling-of-reo-maori-stop-go-sign/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Drug-driving crackdown: Let’s do what it takes to make roads safer and save lives](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/drug-driving-crackdown-lets-do-what-it-takes-to-make-roads-safer-and-save-lives-editorial/ALDUSJA2Y5F2DNVHYIHSNZTJMU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BUSINESS**  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Foodstuffs ‘cheapest supermarket’ claim is called ‘disingenuous’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360693317/why-foodstuffs-refused-include-new-world-their-cheapest-supermarket-data?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Small business Budget wishlist: Tax cuts, R&D and getting Kiwis spending](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360694252/small-business-budget-wishlist-tax-cuts-rd-and-getting-kiwis-spending?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Service sector index drops signalling soft economic recovery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561469/service-sector-index-drops-signalling-soft-economic-recovery?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [Services sector still not surfacing](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133343/services-sector-again-contracted-slightly-last-month-and-long-way-being-back-full?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Manufacturing sector recovery continues at steady pace but caution lingers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561238/manufacturing-sector-recovery-continues-at-steady-pace-but-caution-lingers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Madison Malone (Herald): [Rocket Lab’s Sir Peter Beck not giving up on Mars despite Trump ‘killing’ Nasa mission](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets-with-madison/rocket-labs-sir-peter-beck-not-giving-up-on-mars-despite-trump-killing-nasa-mission/24KLMS5VH5FETKD2VUCM33FQPA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinesDesk): [Dwindling gas supply will bite industrial users this year warns regulator](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/dwindling-gas-supply-will-bite-industrial-users-this-year-warns-regulator?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Stephen Tindall (Post): [The time is now: Working together to build a hydrogen future for Aotearoa](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360691713/time-now-working-together-build-hydrogen-future-aotearoa?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paul Ridley-Smith (BusinessDesk): [Commerce Commission dithering over Manawa deal cost some shareholders millions of dollars](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/commerce-commission-dithering-over-manawa-deal-cost-some-shareholders-millions-of-dollars?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Transpower u-turns on sale of NZ's only gas trading platform](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561450/transpower-u-turns-on-sale-of-nz-s-only-gas-trading-platform?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [DIA mum on Austrac Entrain follow-up](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/dia-mum-on-austrac-entain-follow-up/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Charlie Mitchell (Press/Post): [A dilapidated shed with a radioactive secret](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360689068/dilapidated-shed-radioactive-secret?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Oranga Tamariki security contract unfair - New Zealand Security Association](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561439/oranga-tamariki-security-contract-unfair-new-zealand-security-association?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anthony Grant (LawNews): [Government announces big payout for those abused in state care, despite Supreme Court’s finding on fiduciary obligation](https://lawnews.nz/wills-trusts/government-announces-big-payout-for-those-abused-in-state-care-despite-supreme-courts-finding-on-fiduciary-obligation/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Christine Ammunson (E-Tangata): [Helping survivors of abuse to find answers](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/helping-survivors-of-abuse-to-find-answers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Long-standing Nelson Tenths case back in court](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561235/long-standing-nelson-tenths-case-back-in-court?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Treaty settlement renames sites in central North Island](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/treaty-settlement-renames-sites-in-central-north-island/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Man guilty of 'deliberate and wide-reaching' wage subsidy fraud](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/19/man-guilty-of-deliberate-and-wide-reaching-wage-subsidy-fraud/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eric Frykberg (Interest): [Dairy industry making steady though sometimes controversial progress at eliminating killings of baby calves](https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/133243/dairy-industry-making-steady-though-sometimes-controversial-progress-eliminating?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Whānau Ora commissioning agency Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu farewells staff](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561270/whanau-ora-commissioning-agency-te-putahitanga-o-te-waipounamu-farewells-staff?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lucy Xia (RNZ): [Why did it take so long for an emergency alert to be issued during Auckland's Easter floods?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561304/why-did-it-take-so-long-for-an-emergency-alert-to-be-issued-during-auckland-s-easter-floods?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kevin Norquay (Post): [How female bullying graduates from schoolyard to boardroom](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360687236/how-female-bullying-graduates-schoolyard-boardroom?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [Meet the kaiāwhina who volunteer to keep protesters safe](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/17-05-2025/meet-the-kaiawhina-who-volunteer-to-keep-protesters-safe?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sarah Helm (Post): [Bold action required in face of meth surge](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360693923/bold-action-required-face-methamphetamine-surge?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald Editorial: [Meth crisis needs a collaborative approach](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-meth-crisis-needs-a-collaborative-approach/3MTW6E5GEVCWBBYD7NAQKMADKU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Police release images of former white supremacist gangster’s cache of printed weaponry](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360690079/police-release-images-former-white-supremacist-gangsters-cache-printed-weaponry?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor (RNZ): [A life of service: celebrating the career of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561318/a-life-of-service-celebrating-the-career-of-luamanuvao-dame-winnie-laban?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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