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# News Briefing: 21 July 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-21-july-2025/
- Published: 2025-07-20T20:15:17.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-20T21:15:22.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): ['Announcement of an announcement': Govt accused of recycling projects in $6b infrastructure push](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567479/announcement-of-an-announcement-govt-accused-of-recycling-projects-in-6b-infrastructure-push?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Govt says billions being spent on infrastructure will create thousands of jobs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567446/watch-govt-says-billions-being-spent-on-infrastructure-will-create-thousands-of-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Government promises $6b infrastructure blitz will create thousands more jobs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360763800/government-promises-6b-infrastructure-blitz-will-create-thousands-more-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [All at sea: The whirlpool of unanswered questions around new ferry plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360759882/all-sea-whirlpool-unanswered-questions-around-new-ferry-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [KiwiRail submits Marsden Point rail spur business case, Winston Peters says project is 'going to happen’](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/kiwirail-submits-marsden-point-rail-spur-business-case-winston-peters-says-project-is-going-to-happen?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [Queenstown risks becoming the ‘next Barcelona’, and locals are afraid](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360756750/queenstowns-growing-pains?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Grant Duncan: [The Tāmaki Makaurau by-election](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/the-tamaki-makaurau-by-election)  
Amelia Wade (Post): [Minor parties, major influence: Do ACT and NZ First have the mandate for their moves?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360762909/minor-parties-major-influence-do-act-and-nz-first-have-mandate-their-moves?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Education proving a winter bright spot for National](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360762374/education-proving-winter-bright-spot-national?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte and Katie Hunter (Post): [Public service shake-up: Who’s shuffling, snipping and restructuring](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360762760/public-service-shake-whos-shuffling-snipping-and-restructuring?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Treasury announces second restructure, 35 roles to go, but new roles created](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treasury-announces-second-restructure-35-roles-to-go-but-new-roles-created/HUJTXQSMKFDERLZ7I6CD7IANFE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Parliamentary agency resources under pressure](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567311/the-house-parliamentary-agency-resources-under-pressure?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZ campaign Make It 16 renews call to lower voting age after UK's announcement](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567287/nz-campaign-make-it-16-renews-call-to-lower-voting-age-after-uk-s-announcement?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Duncan: [Should the voting age be 16? Have your say](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/should-the-voting-age-be-16)  
Louis Collins (RNZ): [Are our politicians safe from threats and 'free to lead’?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/567438/are-our-politicians-safe-from-threats-and-free-to-lead?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [A telling off of sorts, election stress, the by-election](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/a-telling-off-of-sorts-election-stress-and-the-by-election/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
The Standard: [What is the point of taxation?](https://thestandard.org.nz/what-is-the-point-of-taxation/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Verity Johnson (Stuff): [Jacinda Ardern is our Winston Churchill](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360762239/jacinda-ardern-our-winston-churchill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Minister James Meager on select committees, South Island, and youth migration](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/james-meager-on-south-island-role-youth-migration-and-flight-costs-the-front-page/Z2MXNTMPPJBWFBNSRMRTYG5H5A/?lid=7air9ald51kp&ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CORRUPTION, INTEGRITY ISSUES**  
Bryce Edwards (Herald): [“Anti-Corruption Taskforce Pilot” – A Welcome Step, But Too Little, Too Late?](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-anti-corruption?utm%5Fsource=post-email-title&publication%5Fid=1885783&post%5Fid=168608995&utm%5Fcampaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=2peuab&triedRedirect=true&utm%5Fmedium=email)  
RNZ: [SFO launches pilot programme to tackle public sector corruption risks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567332/sfo-launches-pilot-programme-to-tackle-public-sector-corruption-risks?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Weekes (Herald): [Anti-Corruption Taskforce could grow to cover private sector; Serious Fraud Office chief says ‘billions’ potentially lost to fraud and bribery each year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/anti-corruption-taskforce-could-grow-to-cover-private-sector-serious-fraud-office-chief-says-billions-potentially-lost-to-fraud-and-bribery-each-year/S6LKHRZAPFEXDNBBMZSKUZS2GY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matt Nippert (Herald): [Waipareira Trust wins legal point against Charities Board but fails to quash deregistration notice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/waipareira-trust-wins-legal-point-against-charities-board-but-fails-to-quash-deregistration-notice/FY5HJ7WUMFBNFLXWIPJ3ZV6HFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Davina Zimmer (RNZ): [The Detail: Booze warnings on hold](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/567492/booze-warnings-on-hold?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julie Jacobson (Post): [In and out of ED in 6 hours? Maybe, if you're dying](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360757676/and-out-ed-6-hours-maybe-if-youre-dying?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rachel Graham (RNZ): [Christchurch Hospital asks patients' families to help cover short staffing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567444/christchurch-hospital-asks-patients-families-to-help-cover-short-staffing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Taupō clinicians plan for emergency hospital shutdown amid critical staff shortages](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567358/taupo-clinicians-plan-for-emergency-hospital-shutdown-amid-critical-staff-shortages?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Poor access to patient notes makes outsourcing risky, say doctors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567501/poor-access-to-patient-notes-makes-outsourcing-risky-say-doctors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Isaac Davison (Herald): [Big rise in demand for assisted dying in New Zealand – should we be worried?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/analysis-big-rise-in-demand-for-assisted-dying-in-new-zealand-should-we-be-worried/FXIQBHJAANBYFMWNLVFII3VFRE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Wild (Spinoff): [When immunisation is a health target, why isn’t the flu vaccine free for kids?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/18-07-2025/when-immunisation-is-a-health-target-why-isnt-the-flu-vaccine-free-for-kids?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Vigilance, not luck, helping NZ avoid widespread measles outbreak](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567420/vigilance-not-luck-helping-nz-avoid-widespread-measles-outbreak?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Ten years of boiling water in Kāeo: ‘They just can’t rely on the water’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567507/ten-years-of-boiling-water-in-kaeo-they-just-can-t-rely-on-the-water?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Gore residents told not to drink tap water due to high nitrate levels](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567362/gore-residents-told-not-to-drink-tap-water-due-to-high-nitrate-levels?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gerrit Doppenberg (ODT): [Notice still in place as levels dip](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/notice-still-place-levels-dip?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Ministry of Health reviewing campylobacter data after scaremongering accusations](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567494/ministry-of-health-reviewing-campylobacter-data-after-scaremongering-accusations?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Homegrown health workers fill Taranaki gaps](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761952/homegrown-health-workers-fill-taranaki-gaps?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Call for wider consultation on memorial for patients' unmarked graves](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567426/call-for-wider-consultation-on-memorial-for-patients-unmarked-graves?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, BUILDING**  
Justin Hu (1News): [Q+A: 'Many' link Govt's emergency housing policy to homelessness rise - minister](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/20/many-link-govts-emergency-housing-policy-to-homelessness-rise-minister/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Government faces growing pressure on homelessness](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360763897/government-faces-growing-pressure-homelessness?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mildred Armah (Stuff): [‘What happened to me can happen to anybody’: Eight months homeless in Auckland](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360762401/what-happened-me-can-happen-anybody-eight-months-homeless-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joanna Theodore (Newsroom): [Throwaway culture is a recent privilege we just can’t afford](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/19/throwaway-culture-is-a-recent-privilege-we-just-cant-afford/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maddy Croad (Press): [‘A broken promise’: Govt to sell land earmarked for 90 affordable homes](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360763867/broken-promise-govt-sell-land-earmarked-90-affordable-homes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Miriam Bell (Sunday Star Times): [‘Stumbling sideways’: the housing market at mid-year](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360757573/stumbling-sideways-housing-market-mid-year?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Local democracy under threat? Officials warn against removing council 'four wellbeings'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567339/local-democracy-under-threat-officials-warn-against-removing-council-four-wellbeings?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Local government confusion](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/local-government-confusion?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ben Thomas (Post): [Beating up councils will only get Government so far](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360762880/another-week-beatings-councils-how-long-can-go?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kira Carrington (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council pushes ahead with changes despite Government’s ‘plan-stop’ policy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761185/council-pushes-ahead-changes-despite-governments-plan-stop-policy?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Environment Canterbury’s chair rebuffs government’s directive to stop planning](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/567477/environment-canterbury-s-chair-rebuffs-government-s-directive-to-stop-planning?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Govt policy won’t stop plan hearings](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/govt-policy-won%E2%80%99t-stop-plan-hearings?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): ['Woman's voice' Diane Calvert joins Wellington mayoral race](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567388/woman-s-voice-diane-calvert-joins-wellington-mayoral-race?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Diane Calvert makes surprise Wellington mayoral bid, rejects 'slogan politics’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360763290/diane-calvert-makes-surprise-wellington-mayoral-bid-rejects-slogan-politics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Independent Together looking to rebuild after candidates quit ticket](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360762212/independent-together-looking-rebuild-after-candidates-quit-ticket?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick James (RNZ): [More council candidates quit Ray Chung’s Independent Together campaign group](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567322/more-council-candidates-quit-ray-chung-s-independent-together-campaign-group?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ethan Manera (Herald): [Ray Chung vile email scandal: Two more Independent Together candidates quit](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington/ray-chung-vile-email-scandal-two-more-independent-together-candidates-quit/CVOVK6AWQNFXLM3NVT3KLGO6YA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
K Gurunathan (Post): [A lesson for Ray Chung and other hopefuls in letting the dog off the leash](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761399/lesson-ray-chung-and-other-hopefuls-letting-dog-leash?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Election countdown: EIce cream and a Little thirst trap ... it must be election time](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761980/election-countdown-eice-cream-and-little-thirst-trap-it-must-be-election-time?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Justin Wong (Post): [Is there really a $1.8 million surplus in Porirua's coffers?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360756669/there-really-18-million-surplus-poriruas-coffers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Todd Niall (Newsroom): [Auckland mayor’s top executive liquidating personal firm owing $570k](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/21/auckland-mayors-top-executive-liquidating-personal-firm-owing-570k/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Talkfests and Auckland’s bad case of Fonterra Syndrome](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/love-this-city-talkfests-and-the-fonterra-syndrome/XH4YMQUFMBHKXLCILFHOCQLDVQ/?lid=f213x3xehga4&utm%5Fsource=digi%5Facquisition&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=NZH%5FNewsletter%5FTop%5FStories%5FNewsletter%5FE&uuid=d3bae148d07a4dd18ed80d817255953c&utm%5Fcontent=Control+group) (paywalled)  
Hayden Donnell (Spinoff): [Better things… are… possible?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-07-2025/better-things-are-possible?ref=goodoil.news)  
Todd Niall (Newsroom): [Why Auckland’s 2027 America’s Cup bid never stood a chance](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/19/why-aucklands-2027-americas-cup-hosting-bid-never-stood-a-chance/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Departing councillor: ‘Social media abuse has got out of hand’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567425/departing-councillor-social-media-abuse-has-got-out-of-hand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council should have engaged Māori stakeholders ‘much earlier’](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/07/20/council-should-have-engaged-maori-stakeholders-much-earlier/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga’s Baypark speedway lease extended to 2039](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/567344/tauranga-s-baypark-speedway-lease-extended-to-2039?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [Dispute ends with $6k settlement](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/dispute-ends-6k-settlement?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Removal of churches from protected list decried](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/removal-churches-protected-list-decried?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Will Working for Families changes leave people worse off?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567468/will-working-for-families-changes-leave-people-worse-off?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Inflation is back and that’s a problem for the Prime Minister](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/inflation-is-back-and-thats-a-problem-for-the-prime-minister-liam-dann/UOOU5EN6QJGLHJGZKO6SWVHRRY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Inflation predicted to hit 12-month high for June quarter](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567491/inflation-predicted-to-hit-12-month-high-for-june-quarter?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Rising prices a risk to Reserve Bank’s effort to avoid inflation danger zone](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/inflation-preview-will-rising-prices-take-rbnz-to-the-danger-zone/PTVA5EFTTFAODDESEWAIKS4EJI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Rise in inflation today could dent hopes of August rate cut](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360756514/rise-inflation-today-could-dent-hopes-august-rate-cut?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [The return of inflation - time to find out how concerned we should be](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/134151/june-quarter-consumers-price-index-inflation-figures-coming-out-monday-shouldnt?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Sir John Key urges 100-basis-point interest rate cut to boost NZ economy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/sir-john-key-urges-100-basis-point-interest-rate-cut-to-boost-nz-economy/DTHZTVGQGZDC5ASZGELH3IVUEY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald Editorial: [Can you afford to die?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/can-you-afford-to-die-editorial/TAJK65CX5ZG2RMVC7JHPFQL5FY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BANKS. MONEY**  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [ASB joins ANZ in declining legal settlement proposal, as Winston Peters comes in to bat for them](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/asb-joins-anz-in-declining-legal-settlement-proposal-as-winston-peters-comes-in-to-bat-for-them/NMMJ6KXZXZDOPLJBDJBZCFVLKQ/?lid=f213x3xehga4&utm%5Fsource=digi%5Facquisition&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=NZH%5FNewsletter%5FTop%5FStories%5FNewsletter%5FE&uuid=d3bae148d07a4dd18ed80d817255953c&utm%5Fcontent=Control+group) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [ASB rejects offer to settle class action lawsuit for more than $300m](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567377/asb-rejects-offer-to-settle-class-action-lawsuit-for-more-than-300m?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenny Ruth: [Trivial? The courts should be left to decide banking class action](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/trivial-the-courts-should-be-left) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Battle lines drawn over anti-woke banking bill](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360760954/battle-lines-drawn-over-anti-woke-banking-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Stubbs (Sunday Star Times): [Should banks pay windfall taxes?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360759075/should-banks-pay-windfall-taxes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nik Dirga (RNZ): [New Zealand First's Cash Transactions Protection Bill - What it is and what it could do](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567371/new-zealand-first-s-cash-transactions-protection-bill-what-it-is-and-what-it-could-do?ref=goodoil.news)  
Janine Starks (Post): [Welcome to Direct Pay: no more plastic, no more surcharges](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360759433/welcome-direct-pay-no-more-plastic-no-more-surcharges?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT: [Civis: Credit card fee changes highlight unfair costs](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/credit-card-fee-changes-highlight-unfair-costs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Long-term ’negative effects’ for payments, Visa claims](https://www.nbr.co.nz/finance/long-term-negative-effects-for-payments-visa-cautions/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [The dirty money delusion, AML, and ‘following the money’ into a dead end](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/the-dirty-money-delusion-aml-and-following-the-money-into-a-dead-end?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**CLIMATE CHANGE, NATURAL DISASTERS**  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Flood victims will not be on their own, says chair of contentious report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567504/flood-victims-will-not-be-on-their-own-says-chair-of-contentious-report?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matt Whineray (Herald): [Government can’t be the de facto insurer of property after weather events](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/government-cant-be-the-de-facto-insurer-of-property-after-weather-events-matt-whineray/NEITOIB5KNFKDBMSGIDDDWW7FM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Royce Kurmelovs (Drilled): [“Ideological Sludge”: How New Zealand Is Quiet Quitting Climate Action](https://drilled.media/news/new-zealand-climate?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Harman (Politk): [More faultlines in the coalition](https://www.politik.co.nz/more-faultlines-in-the-coalition/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Decision on additional Tasman flood funds not yet made - prime minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567410/decision-on-additional-tasman-flood-funds-not-yet-made-prime-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Government grants $50,000 to Student Volunteer Army for Nelson Tasman clean-up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567460/government-grants-50-000-to-student-volunteer-army-for-nelson-tasman-clean-up?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Nelson-Tasman region to get its own rain radar by 2027](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567399/nelson-tasman-region-to-get-its-own-rain-radar-by-2027?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sara Walton (ODT): [Voting on the pressing issues](https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/voting-pressing-issues?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): ['Birthplace of the nation' threatened by climate change](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/567301/birthplace-of-the-nation-threatened-by-climate-change?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Lewis (ODT): [Event teaches students how to protest](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/event-teaches-students-how-protest?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Lewis (ODT): [Ozone data fears as satellites’ time runs out](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/ozone-data-fears-satellites%E2%80%99-time-runs-out?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Methane measuring drones could take the guesswork out of farm emissions](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/technology/methane-measuring-drones-could-take-the-guesswork-out-of-farm-emissions?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Wright (Press/Post): [The $300 million redemption of Southern Response](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360761481/300-million-redemption-southern-response?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, MINING**  
Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Minister proud of potshots in seabed mine ‘culture war’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360763742/minister-proud-potshots-seabed-mine-culture-war?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Independent commissioners approve sand mine for 16 years near Hokitika](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/567354/independent-commissioners-approve-sand-mine-for-16-years-near-hokitika?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Sunday Star Times): [Mining consultant’s call for shared NZ-Australia rules triggers fierce response](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360757858/mining-standards-weaker-nz-australia-says-former-rio-tinto-executive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nina Hindmarsh (Nelson Mail/Press): [Siren Gold faces more backlash over latest results and Sams Creek mining plans](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360759994/siren-gold-faces-more-backlash-over-latest-results-and-sams-creek-mining-plans?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION, TRAINING**  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [NCEA changes: Briefing raises concerns over qualification’s credibility, Education Minister Erica Stanford to make proposals](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ncea-changes-briefing-raises-concerns-over-qualifications-credibility-education-minister-erica-stanford-to-announce-proposals/WDSIREDPDJFLFOOPZLDHNIQLL4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Principals call for alternative assessments to stay beyond 2027](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567455/principals-call-for-alternative-assessments-to-stay-beyond-2027?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [It may be too late to save NCEA](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-it-may-be-too-late-to-save-ncea/UDFRPQB4I5CKDDIYMCMOLN3VGM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ben Leahy (Herald): [Epsom Girls Grammar to offer Cambridge as fears grow top schools could abandon NCEA](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/epsom-girls-grammar-to-offer-cambridge-as-fears-grow-top-schools-could-abandon-ncea/XZ6I2MEOOBEQLDQ3OGP2KHP2NY/?lid=8q8qvu4iu6cg&utm%5Fsource=digi%5Facquisition&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=NZH%5FNewsletter%5FTop%5FStories%5FNewsletter%5FE&uuid=d3bae148d07a4dd18ed80d817255953c&utm%5Fcontent=Control+group) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [The 137 schools getting new classrooms: Govt spends $120m upgrading Auckland schools, creates new school property agency](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/education-minister-erica-stanford-to-make-school-property-announcement/K2Z43ONTBNH25JQQYSXEZTM6P4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New agency to manage school property announced](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/567313/new-agency-to-manage-school-property-announced?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte and Cate Macintosh (Post): [Schools welcome new Crown agency for property portfolio](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360762347/major-overhaul-announced-future-school-buildings?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [The Penny Simmonds Experience ‘Death to Te Pukenga’ NZ tour](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/penny-simmonds-experience-%E2%80%98death-te-pukenga%E2%80%99-nz-tour?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [New Institute for Advanced Technology announced by government](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567304/new-institute-for-advanced-technology-announced-by-government?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Can a creative capital survive without creatives? Arts cuts gut Te Auaha](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360760319/can-creative-capital-survive-without-creatives-arts-cuts-gut-te-auaha?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Herald): [When parents avoid something in a school, you know it’s a bad idea](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/when-parents-avoid-something-in-a-school-you-know-its-a-bad-idea-heather-du-plessis-allan/BTVBWM64XNF2TNR33KEOPI3KKU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL, ACT**  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Changes to flagship bill: ‘You never play poker with your cards on the table’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/18/seymour-will-allow-changes-to-flagship-bill-but-wont-reveal-whats-on-the-table/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. the United Nations letters](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/19/the-secret-diary-of-the-united-nations-letters/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Regulations ministry clarifies cost estimate for Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567353/regulations-ministry-clarifies-cost-estimate-for-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [Parliament versus Executive: Regs Review and the Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/567342/parliament-versus-executive-regs-review-and-the-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [The Regulatory Standards Bill is a gadfly not a Trojan Horse](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/134285/david-seymour%E2%80%99s-proposed-regulation-law-would-briefly-shine-light-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tina Ngata (E-Tangata): [‘Seymour’s letter is about avoiding accountability’](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/seymours-letter-is-about-avoiding-accountability/?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Killing the alternative](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/07/killing-alternative.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, TRADE**  
David Fisher (Herald): [Analysis: The $3.1b election year windfall Government could grab - and those who would be left empty-handed as a result](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/analysis-the-31b-election-year-windfall-government-could-grab-and-those-who-would-be-left-empty-handed-as-a-result/BURB5ZXYZNC2FKVNXMOP3FD6IQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joanna Wane (Herald): [Defence Minister Judith Collins talks tough to graduating Army recruits as global tensions rise](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/defence-minister-judith-collins-talks-tough-to-graduating-army-recruits-as-global-tensions-rise/7X5OPLXD4JCVRCLYA72ES2HTW4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Sunday Star Times): [Reports from a war zone: Ex defence minister Ron Mark returns from Ukraine](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360759603/reports-war-zone-ex-defence-minister-ron-mark-returns-ukraine?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Luxon goes back to the future on China](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/19/luxon-goes-back-to-the-future-on-china/?ref=goodoil.news)  
'Alakihihifo Vailala (PMN): [Regional unity not at risk amid tensions between NZ and Cook Islands, says Peters](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/567305/regional-unity-not-at-risk-amid-tensions-between-nz-and-cook-islands-says-peters?ref=goodoil.news)  
Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): ['Building deterrence': PNG to host part of Australia's largest military exercise](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/567151/building-deterrence-png-to-host-part-of-australia-s-largest-military-exercise?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hillmare Schulze (NBR): [Is continued aid to the Pacific justifiable](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economy-matters/is-continued-aid-to-the-pacific-justifiable/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Watchdog rules against foreign ministry in dispute over whether Israel group was ‘vexatious’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/18/watchdog-rules-against-foreign-ministry-in-dispute-whether-israel-group-was-vexatious/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [How not to breach the NZ-EU free trade agreement](https://www.nbr.co.nz/primary-industries/how-not-to-breach-the-nz-eu-free-trade-agreement/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Antarctica NZ spend on Scott Base redevelopment tops $143m, monthly bills exceed $2m](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/antarctica-nz-spend-on-scott-base-redevelopment-tops-143m-monthly-bills-exceed-2m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

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