> ## 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: 21 February 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-21-february-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-20T19:18:30.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-20T20:48:51.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **INTEGRITY ISSUES, MANUREWA MARAE INQUIRY, FAST-TRACK, RMA** Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Kiwis are waking up with alarm to NZ’s tarnished democracy](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-kiwis-are-waking) Martin Van Beynen (Press): [Do we have harsher rules for Māori organisations?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360587664/do-we-have-harsher-rules-maori-organisations?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Police investigation looms over Te Pāti Māori](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360585861/police-investigation-looms-over-te-pati-maori?ref=goodoil.news) Len Cook (Post): [Trust must be recovered after a second Census failure](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360588461/trust-must-be-recovered-after-second-census-failure?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Health NZ leaves sensitive data unsecure, inquiry finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542535/health-nz-leaves-sensitive-data-unsecure-inquiry-finds?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [The public service - A gargantuan ship of hopelessness](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-the-public-service-a-gargantuan-ship-of-hopelessness/?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [How would you rate your trust in the public service?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-how-would-you-rate-your-trust-in-the-public-service/?ref=goodoil.news) Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [We need a definitive answer to if data was misused](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-we-need-a-definitive-answer-to-if-data-was-misused/?ref=goodoil.news) ————— Farah Hancock (RNZ): [Government warned fast-track bill broke rules in benefiting business](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/542448/government-warned-fast-track-bill-broke-rules-in-benefiting-business?ref=goodoil.news) Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Revealed, fast-track ministers’ personal picks that govt had denied existed](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/ministers-fast-track-favourites-withheld-from-public/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate Green (RNZ): [Winstone Aggregates seeks Belmont Regional Park land through Fast-track Approvals Act](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542503/winstone-aggregates-seeks-belmont-regional-park-land-through-fast-track-approvals-act?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt (The Post): [Fast-track for Belmont quarry expansion into regional park](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360588089/fast-track-belmont-quarry-expansion-regional-park?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Maria Slade (NBR): [Precinct to make a call on fast-tracking Downtown redevelopment](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/precinct-to-make-a-call-on-fast-tracking-downtown-redevelopment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [RMA reform causing ‘more churn in the system’](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/rma-reform-is-causing-more-churn-in-the-system/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Audrey Young (Herald): [Winston Peters A to Z - tumultuous times in foreign affairs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/audrey-young-winston-peters-a-to-z-tumultuous-times-in-foreign-affairs/CPRPUP6X3RC73DF77PXWS7PLM4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [Spy boss warned Cook Islands PM about national security risks before China pact](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360587751/spy-boss-warned-cook-islands-pm-about-national-security-risks-china-pact?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Defence Minister says presence of Chinese ships is 'wake-up call' for Kiwis](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542547/defence-minister-says-presence-of-chinese-ships-is-wake-up-call-for-kiwis?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Defence Minister Judith Collins warns Chinese ships in Tasman have ‘enormous strike power’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/defence-minister-judith-collins-warns-chinese-ships-in-tasman-have-enormous-strike-power/SEMRUIAX7BEZ3H3EP5OWDJYZYA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [NZ Defence Force says 'no notice given' from China about navy ships in the Tasman Sea](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542460/nz-defence-force-says-no-notice-given-from-china-about-navy-ships-in-the-tasman-sea?ref=goodoil.news) Rod McGuirk (AP): [Australian and New Zealand militaries monitoring Chinese warships off Australian coast](https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/360588914/australian-and-new-zealand-militaries-monitoring-chinese-warships-australian-coast?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [New Zealand sends surveillance aircraft to monitor Chinese navy ships](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360588763/new-zealand-sends-surveillance-aircraft-monitor-chinese-navy-ships?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [NZDF helping monitor Chinese navy ships sailing off Australian coast](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/20/nzdf-helping-monitor-chinese-navy-ships-sailing-off-australian-coast/?ref=goodoil.news) Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Splashing out on defence to keep our head above troubled waters](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/542523/splashing-out-on-defence-to-keep-our-head-above-troubled-waters?ref=goodoil.news) Newstalk ZB: [Imperative NZ 'upholds dialogue' amid rising tensions in the Pacific](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/geoffrey-miller-foreign-policy-analyst-on-heightened-tensions-in-the-pacific-as-china-deploys-warships-off-the-coast-of-australia/?ref=goodoil.news) Bruce Munro (ODT): [Global insight: Implications for NZ in Trump's Russia response](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/global-insight-implications-nz-trumps-russia-response?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [The reality of dealing with Donald Trump](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/dealing-with-donald-trump/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [China, a country 'full of DeepSeeks,' now sees NZ as 'a country of diplomatic infidelity’ - Of Interest podcast](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/131990/new-interest-podcast-david-mahon-suggests-pm-christopher-luxon-visiting-india-china?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Christopher Luxon to travel to Vietnam for trip focused on economic growth](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542508/christopher-luxon-to-travel-to-vietnam-for-trip-focused-on-economic-growth?ref=goodoil.news) Madison Reidy (Herald): [NZ must pick a side in US-China AI arms race, Kiwi entrepreneur warns](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets-with-madison/nz-must-pick-a-side-in-us-china-ai-arms-race-kiwi-entrepreneur-warns/U2ELHMRYXNGOJFD5ODGG4I6K3E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [US sponsorship of Pacific disinformation workshop ends after dispute](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/us-sponsorship-of-pacific-disinformation-workshop-ends-after-dispute/?ref=goodoil.news) **PARLIAMENT, ELECTORAL COMMISSION, PUBLIC SECTOR** Peter Dunne: [Lowest common denominator politics instead of informed debate](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/02/mmp-was-expected-to-break-old.html?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [Ill tidings for Health Commissioner Lester Levy; chill thaws between Labour and NZ First](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ill-tidings-for-health-commissioner-lester-levy-chill-thaws-between-labour-and-nz-first-audrey-young/6MOHHEJ5FBHKVJOU6CXVSZJNME/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Luxon allowing MPs 'to run rings around him with anti-migrant sentiment', Menéndez March says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542438/luxon-allowing-mps-to-run-rings-around-him-with-anti-migrant-sentiment-menendez-march-says?ref=goodoil.news) Toby Manhire (Spinoff): [Urgent memo to everyone: Please don’t tell Winston Peters about this MP](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-02-2025/urgent-memo-to-everyone-please-dont-tell-winston-peters-about-this-mp?ref=goodoil.news) Ava Whitworth (Stuff): [‘Aotearoa’ explained: The history and debate behind the name](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360588114/aotearoa-explained-history-and-debate-behind-name?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Judith Collins grilled over Police Minister’s ‘perimenopausal woman’ comment, says she will ‘deal with that later’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/judith-collins-grilled-over-police-ministers-perimenopausal-woman-comment-says-she-will-deal-with-that-later/H7O3VRX7YBE3FDNE4JZZSXV3F4/?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Judith Collins side-eyes Mark Mitchell on Labour's challenge over 'misogynistic comments'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542516/judith-collins-side-eyes-mark-mitchell-on-labour-s-challenge-over-misogynistic-comments?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [The year of the strike? Perfect pay storm looms over public sector](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360588295/year-strike-perfect-pay-storm-looms-over-public-sector?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Deborah Coddington: [We need to talk about David](https://substack.com/inbox/post/157542788?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Dixon (Listener): [Why “Everyone Must Go!” should be our national anthem](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-why-everyone-must-go-should-be-our-national-anthem/5HZANNWVTBHFTH7CDQYVTOE3ZY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Farrar: [Still many MPs without bills in the ballot](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/still%5Fmany%5Fmps%5Fwithout%5Fbills%5Fin%5Fthe%5Fballot.html?ref=goodoil.news) **POVERTY, INEQUALITY** Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Child poverty rates stall, government misses targets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542461/child-poverty-rates-stall-government-misses-targets?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [‘Clear fail’: Government slammed for missing all child poverty targets](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360587932/government-failing-meet-its-child-poverty-reduction-targets?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Child poverty reduction targets set by Jacinda Ardern not met](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/child-poverty-reduction-targets-set-by-jacinda-ardern-not-met/45D3N5LDUVFELPCC5L5HEDWPHQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [Claim of ‘no movement’ in child poverty stats misleading, advocates say](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-02-2025/claim-of-no-movement-in-child-poverty-stats-misleading-advocates-say?ref=goodoil.news) Cameron Brown (The Blue Review): [The Gap Between the Haves and Have-Nots Will Always Grow](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/the-gap-between-the-haves-and-have) **TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL, TE AO MĀORI** Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Jenny Shipley likens David Seymour to a ‘second-hand car salesman’ at Treaty bill hearing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587593/jenny-shipley-likens-david-seymour-second-hand-car-salesman-treaty-bill-hearing?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Treaty Principles Bill: Ex-PM Dame Jenny Shipley; haka in committee room and call for referendum](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-ex-pm-dame-jenny-shipley-haka-in-committee-room-and-call-for-referendum/QTD3JGBXKZBKVMYGXNC34KXMJA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: '[Unconscionable': Iwi leaders, former PM, legal experts blast Treaty bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542437/unconscionable-iwi-leaders-former-pm-legal-experts-blast-treaty-bill?ref=goodoil.news) Maioha Panapa (Te Ao Māori News): [‘Unconscionable’: Former PM Jenny Shipley denounces Treaty Principles Bill](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/20/unconscionable-former-pm-jenny-shipley-denounces-treaty-principles-bill/?ref=goodoil.news) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Treaty principles bill hearings, day seven: Another ex-PM submits, and tears are shed](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-02-2025/treaty-principles-bill-hearings-day-seven-another-ex-pm-submits-and-tears-are-shed?ref=goodoil.news) Mike McRoberts (NBR): [Treaty Principles Bill a matter of trust…or lack of it](https://www.nbr.co.nz/te-ao-maori/treaty-principles-bill-a-matter-of-trust-or-lack-of-it/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shannon Pitman (Herald): [Controversial Ngāpuhi leader Sonny Tau jailed after seven-year indecency case](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/controversial-ngapuhi-leader-sonny-tau-jailed-after-seven-year-indecency-case/4Q2B5LLF7FC2BIAHKG44WOLRBY/?lid=ubhembx0vlml&ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING** David Hargreaves (Interest): [A third of low-income households spend more than 40% of money on housing](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132017/statistics-nz-says-people-have-been-spending-higher-proportion-their-money?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Housing costs squeezed Kiwi households as rents and mortgages surged in 2024](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360588120/housing-costs-squeezed-kiwi-households-rents-and-mortgages-surged-2024?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Here's how much your income hasn't been keeping up with your housing costs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542481/here-s-how-much-your-income-hasn-t-been-keeping-up-with-your-housing-costs?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Signs aligning for house prices to rise in 2025 - economist](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542525/signs-aligning-for-house-prices-to-rise-in-2025-economist?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY, OCR** Simon Shepherd (NBR): [Minister cherry picks ‘golden visa’ research to justify changes](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/goldenvisaresearch/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Interest rate forecasts great news for National re-election](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/official-cash-rate/interest-rate-forecasts-great-news-for-national-re-election-matthew-hooton/FZREV7CHAVBDBCEXLMKAUPOYBM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr warns longer-term mortgage interest rates might not fall too much more](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/official-cash-rate/reserve-bank-governor-adrian-orr-warns-longer-term-mortgage-interest-rates-might-not-fall-too-much-more/MTYFJNJ4ZRAQ7E3PE2HEAANRBI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Deloitte puts numbers on what a corporate tax rate cut could mean for the economy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/gdp/deloitte-puts-numbers-on-what-a-corporate-tax-rate-cut-could-mean-for-the-economy/PS7UWV2H3BENVKUH64E4DST4IU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [Government must listen to Reserve Bank call for higher-quality economic statistics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/editorial-govt-must-listen-to-rbnz-call-for-higher-quality-economic-statistics/3VI5HXOAGRB6ZM5XFP2ANEIPJI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Why didn’t the OCR come down faster? Adrian Orr revisits ‘least regrets’ thinking](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360587749/why-didnt-ocr-come-down-faster-adrian-orr-revisits-least-regrets-thinking?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Adrian Orr sees ‘benign period’ for monetary policy ahead](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132003/reserve-bank-will-cut-official-cash-rate-more-quickly-expected-it-predicts-rapid?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Facts trump economic uncertainty: RBNZ’s Karen Silk](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/facts-trump-economic-uncertainty-rbnzs-silk/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Chaston (Interest): [The ground is about to sink faster for savers](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132005/ground-about-sink-faster-savers-anz-brings-back-td-rate-starting-3-and-now?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT** Kate Green (RNZ): [Archey's frog DOC report uses mining company research, says environmental group](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542507/archey-s-frog-doc-report-uses-mining-company-research-says-environmental-group?ref=goodoil.news) Michael Morrah (Herald): [NZ wants to catch Australia’s quota of orange roughy in the South Pacific and increase limits for how much deep-sea coral bottom trawlers take](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nz-wants-to-catch-australias-quota-of-orange-roughy-in-the-south-pacific-and-higher-limits-for-how-much-deep-sea-coral-bottom-trawlers-take/ZOEAA2IV5BHPTGKLOHUXVLWHMY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Siren Gold mining company drilling at Sams Creek, Golden Bay](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542511/siren-gold-mining-company-drilling-at-sams-creek-golden-bay?ref=goodoil.news) Edward Miller: [Why hasn't government repealed the offshore ban yet?](https://labourcartel.substack.com/p/why-hasnt-government-repealed-the) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Fruit fly discovered on Auckland’s North Shore](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360588856/fruit-fly-discovered-aucklands-north-shore?ref=goodoil.news) Benjamin Plummer (Herald): [Biosecurity operation launched after Oriental fruit fly discovered in Auckland’s Birkdale](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/biosecurity-operation-launched-after-oriental-fruit-fly-discovered-in-aucklands-birkdale/HI3AUSWKIVE3DD5YYBPEUWEKGE/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Biosecurity NZ boosting trapping after new Auckland fruit fly found](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542505/biosecurity-nz-boosting-trapping-after-new-auckland-fruit-fly-found?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Second Oriental fruit fly discovered in Auckland](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/20/second-oriental-fruit-fly-discovered-in-auckland/?ref=goodoil.news) **FRESHWATER** Andrea Vance (Post): [Council failed to protect wetlands, high court rules](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360587755/council-failed-protect-wetlands-high-court-rules?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 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) Will Harvey (Press/Post): [Dairy farming could become more gentle if Ngāi Tahu wins freshwater case](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360588303/dairy-farming-could-become-more-gentle-if-ngai-tahu-wins-freshwater-case?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Auditor-General calls for government to do long-term planning](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542484/auditor-general-calls-for-government-to-do-long-term-planning?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Local govt clashes set stage for new national code of conduct](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/local-govt-clashes-may-lead-to-new-code-of-conduct/?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [WCC hands out $300,000 in social engineering](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/wcc%5Fhands%5Fout%5F300000%5Fin%5Fsocial%5Fengineering.html?ref=goodoil.news) Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [A vision of the 90s: James Cameron’s Vision for Wellington event, reviewed](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/21-02-2025/a-vision-of-the-90s-james-camerons-vision-for-wellington-event-reviewed?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [James Cameron ‘goes out on a limb’ about this contentious cycleway on a major Wellington road](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360587730/film-director-james-cameron-hits-out-wellington-cycle-ways?ref=goodoil.news) Justin Wong (Post): [Potential Porirua poll over interest in single Wellington-wide council](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360588087/potential-porirua-poll-over-interest-single-wellington-wide-council?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kate Judson (Stuff): [Government reduces waste funding, falls on council](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360583920/government-reduces-waste-funding-falls-council?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Hart (Local Democracy Reporting): [Marlborough District Council to end rates remission for 2022 storm damaged properties](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542519/marlborough-district-council-to-end-rates-remission-for-2022-storm-damaged-properties?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Avondale community group to engage Winston Peters over racecourse housing plans](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542495/avondale-community-group-to-engage-winston-peters-over-racecourse-housing-plans?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [Avondale communities concerned over being shut out of racecourse plans](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360588827/avondale-communities-concerned-over-being-shut-out-racecourse-plans?ref=goodoil.news) Anne Gibson (Herald): [$100m Pak’nSave Highland Park to open as planned after deal reached between Foodstuffs and Watercare](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/100m-paknsave-highland-park-to-open-as-planned-after-deal-reached-between-foodstuffs-and-watercare/U3ISUNBPENC5NNDVQGSNIGBYIQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Napier City Council throws Hawke's Bay Tourism agency $1m lifeline](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542504/napier-city-council-throws-hawke-s-bay-tourism-agency-1m-lifeline?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Boy racers costing Carterton ratepayers thousands each month](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542506/boy-racers-costing-carterton-ratepayers-thousands-each-month?ref=goodoil.news) Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom): [Regeneration framework critical for special area of Chch](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/19/regeneration-framework-critical-for-special-area-of-chch/?ref=goodoil.news) Peter Newport (Crux): [Ground breaking regional deal drafted by QLDC](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/ground-breaking-regional-deal-drafted-by-qldc/?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS** Martien Lubberink (The Conversation): [Collateral damage: how the war on ‘woke banking’ could backfire on New Zealand](https://theconversation.com/collateral-damage-how-the-war-on-woke-banking-could-backfire-on-new-zealand-249930?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Telling banks to ‘drop ’em’ is easy politics](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/telling-banks-to-drop-em-is-easy-politics/?ref=goodoil.news) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [NZ First MP Andy Foster’s ‘woke’ bank bill drawn from ballot, but not backed by National and Act – yet, at least](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/nz-first-mp-andy-fosters-woke-bank-bill-drawn-from-ballot-but-not-backed-by-national-and-act-yet-at-least/FRBPDQFMJZG2VP4NJ6OJJS5LP4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [New Zealand First’s woke banking bill to be debated](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360588639/new-zealand-firsts-woke-banking-bill-be-debated?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [NZ First's anti 'woke banking' bill drawn from the ballot](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/nz-firsts-anti-woke-banking-bill-drawn-from-the-ballot?ref=goodoil.news) Raphael Franks (Herald): [Bank profits: Reserve Bank says margins should be cut, competition needed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/bank-profits-reserve-bank-says-margins-should-be-cut-competition-needed/VG5VCIYSERDCXEU4SG5JIZBLRU/?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [When are the banks going to lift their game?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-when-are-the-banks-going-to-lift-their-game/?ref=goodoil.news) **POLICE** Amanda Thomas (Newsroom): [Repress protesters and you repress democracy](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/20/repress-protesters-and-you-repress-democracy/?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [IPCA hides behind secrecy](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/02/ipca-hides-behind-secrecy.html?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Advisory Group appointed to tackle organised crime groups](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542500/advisory-group-appointed-to-tackle-organised-crime-groups?ref=goodoil.news) **IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP** Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [Kiwi kid who'd never left New Zealand spared deportation after U-turn](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360588603/kiwi-kid-whod-never-left-new-zealand-spared-deportation-after-u-turn?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [NZ-born 18-year-old facing deportation offered resident visa](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/20/nz-born-18-year-old-facing-deportation-offered-resident-visa/?ref=goodoil.news) Michael Morrah (Herald): [18-year-old Daman Kumar, who was facing deporation despite living in New Zealand all his life, granted residency](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/18-year-old-daman-kumar-who-was-facing-deporation-despite-living-in-new-zealand-all-his-life-granted-residency/5JEUZ55DH5A4VKZ3KHVKY2NJEE/?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Teenager Daman Kumar granted New Zealand residency, but parents ordered to leave](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542498/teenager-daman-kumar-granted-new-zealand-residency-but-parents-ordered-to-leave?ref=goodoil.news) Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Over 400 Samoans reclaim NZ citizenship since law change](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/542453/over-400-samoans-reclaim-nz-citizenship-since-law-change?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Top reporters leave TVNZ, outsourcing fears emerge; Marketing gone mad – the Vodafone rugby streaker; Peter Williams on his Treaty Principles Bill submission](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-top-reporters-leave-tvnz-outsourcing-fears-emerge-marketing-gone-mad-the-vodafone-rugby-streaker-peter-williams-on-his-treaty-principles-bill-submission/6H235A7UTJFSPDX4MMP3UWRM4I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Harvey: [The Slow Death of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/the-slow-death-of-the-fair-digital) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [More free sport on TV possible if Sunday ad ban axed, says TVNZ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360587731/more-free-sport-tv-possible-if-sunday-ad-ban-axed-says-tvnz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TRANSPORT, AIR NZ** Brent Edwards (NBR): [Govt received 14 unsolicited infrastructure proposals so far](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/managing-private-investment-in-infrastructure/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Government unveils plan to remove ‘loathed’ Auckland road barriers, speed up travel times when City Rail Link opens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-unveils-plan-to-remove-loathed-auckland-road-barriers-speed-up-travel-times-when-city-rail-link-opens/6SWIGO6KCRBYDFIMWLSTGVYD2A/?ref=goodoil.news) Tamsyn Parker (Herald): [Air NZ CEO says engine problems will peak this year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/air-nz-ceo-says-engine-problems-will-peak-this-year/BMTXZWSWMJFSPJRQRWUF4SZNRU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Air New Zealand warns of lower profits in second half of year](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/131973/our-national-airline-says-it-may-have-many-11-jets-out-service-between-now-and-end?ref=goodoil.news) Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Air NZ profit falls as passenger numbers slip, planes grounded](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542442/air-nz-profit-falls-as-passenger-numbers-slip-planes-grounded?ref=goodoil.news) Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Air New Zealand CEO claps back after Auckland Airport’s criticism](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360586612/air-new-zealand-profit-dips?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Will Mace (NBR): [Air NZ and Auckland Airport point fingers over monopoly concerns](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/air-nz-and-auckland-airport-point-fingers-over-monopoly-concerns/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ella Somers (Interest): [Auckland Airport half-year profit surges, bemoans lagging airline capacity](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/132016/auckland-international-airports-profits-take-airport-says-new-zealand%E2%80%99s-aviation?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Air NZ dominance skewing domestic travel and tourism, says Auckland Airport CEO](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360584268/air-nz-dominance-skewing-domestic-travel-and-tourism-says-auckland-airport-ceo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Air NZ announces $100m share buyback](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/air-nz-announces-100m-share-buyback?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TOURISM** RNZ: [Government unveils new $3 million fund to attract more tourists in off-season](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542463/government-unveils-new-3-million-fund-to-attract-more-tourists-in-off-season?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: ['Everyone must go' tourism slogan hits the international headlines](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/542325/everyone-must-go-tourism-slogan-hits-the-international-headlines?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Gray (Herald): [Auckland Airport CEO says more work to do in tourism](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/auckland-airport-ceo-says-more-work-to-do-in-tourism/UFQQCNKDR5AJLK6CHQHD4OTKNA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EDUCATION** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Schools could be short 1250 teachers this year, Ministry of Education warns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542546/schools-could-be-short-1250-teachers-this-year-ministry-of-education-warns?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Govt halal school lunches have contained ham - principal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542509/govt-halal-school-lunches-have-contained-ham-principal?ref=goodoil.news) Arena Williams, Stuart Smith (Stuff): [A centralised, one-size-fits-none food factory](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360589114/arena-williams-centralised-one-size-fits-none-food-factory?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Students eye up Australia as universities brace for cuts](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360584425/students-eye-australia-universities-brace-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) **DESTINY CHURCH DRAG STORY TIME PROTEST** Raphael Franks (Herald): [Brian Tamaki’s Destiny Church pride protests: Te Atatū witness describes terror inside library](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/brian-tamakis-destiny-church-pride-protests-te-atatu-witness-describes-terror-inside-library/GIFZJUQWEJBWXOWCTOHD74E4HA/?ref=goodoil.news) Sanjana Hattotuwa: [New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission: A case study in institutional decay](https://sanjanah.wordpress.com/2025/02/20/new-zealands-human-rights-commission-a-case-study-in-institutional-decay/?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Chris Lynch: [Calls for the Government to ban rodeo following deaths of four animals this summer](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/calls-for-the-government-to-ban-rodeo-following-deaths-of-four-animals-this-summer/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Day (1News): [Health ministry official in legal case against rainbow crossing](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/20/health-ministry-official-in-legal-case-against-rainbow-crossing/?ref=goodoil.news) Dougal Sutherland (The Conversation): [NZ has long suffered from low productivity. A simple fix is keeping workers happy](https://theconversation.com/nz-has-long-suffered-from-low-productivity-a-simple-fix-is-keeping-workers-happy-248752?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Right to Repair Amendment Bill a critical 'first step' for consumers - advocate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542440/right-to-repair-amendment-bill-a-critical-first-step-for-consumers-advocate?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Sharing our super](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/sharing-our-super?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [KiwiSaver reality vs ideology](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-kiwisaver-reality-vs-ideology/?ref=goodoil.news) Aaron Hendry (Post): [Well-being of ‘boot camp kids’, not reoffending rates, the real issue](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360587758/well-being-boot-camp-kids-not-reoffending-rates-real-issue?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tracy Neal (Open Justice Reporting): [Earthquake risk suddenly forces Nelson courthouse to close for four months](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/earthquake-risk-suddenly-forces-nelson-courthouse-to-close-for-four-months/EVM6K6CMKZCZDMSXY3WGU7IZ6U/?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown and Kaea Hudson (Spinoff): [Can Canada and the US guide the way on Indigenous child protection?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/20-02-2025/can-canada-and-the-us-guide-the-way-on-indigenous-child-protection?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Justice, it's complicated](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542515/the-house-justice-it-s-complicated?ref=goodoil.news) [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%2F3bc18c2f-ddd9-40ea-b275-13bc4507db8e_2495x1452.png) Cook - The Post 21 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%2F93be6b2b-cdc5-48dd-8215-0ea1b16da9f7_2219x1744.png) Yeo - ODT 21 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%2F4cc79acb-fee9-4fea-87f5-9e43b867c848_1738x1359.png) Yeo - ODT 19 February 2025 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-21-february-2025/comments)