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# News Briefing: 21 March 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-21-march-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-20T19:16:44.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-20T21:01:27.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**HEALTH**  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [‘It’s censorship’: Public health leaders slam ‘Trumpian’ edict](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360620860/its-censorship-public-health-leaders-slam-trumpian-edict?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [‘Farcical’: Quarter of hospital budget already spent](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98farcical%E2%80%99-quarter-hospital-budget-already-spent?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Natalie Akoorie (RNZ): [Some patients waiting for heart scan given death sentence due to delays, cardiologists say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545502/some-patients-waiting-for-heart-scan-given-death-sentence-due-to-delays-cardiologists-say?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paul Penfold (Stuff): [New claims of multiple complaints and inaction as ACC review ordered](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360623067/new-claims-multiple-complaints-and-inaction-acc-review-ordered?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [ACC launches review into workplace culture](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545464/acc-launches-review-into-workplace-culture?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Dunne: [Government must amend ACC act to ensure volunteer firefighters are treated equitably](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/03/new-zealands-accident-compensation.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [‘The point of crisis’: Nearly 300% more youngsters ending up in Christchurch Hospital ED for mental health](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360622705/point-crisis-nearly-300-more-youngsters-ending-christchurch-hospital-ed-mental-health?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [Fewer beds, fewer doctors - Christchurch Hospital reduces staffing in ICU](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360619347/fewer-beds-fewer-doctors-christchurch-hospital-reduces-staffing-icu?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Caron Copek (Stuff): [City of 67,500 has no doctor available after 8pm - here’s the Government’s solution](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360622007/city-67500-has-no-doctor-available-after-8pm-heres-governments-solution?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Upper Hutt is on the rise, but its healthcare has never been worse](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/21-03-2025/upper-hutt-is-on-the-rise-but-its-healthcare-has-never-been-worse?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sapeer Mayron (Stuff): [‘Go out and build’: Generous couple fund Wellington Charity Hospital](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360620765/go-out-and-build-generous-couple-fund-wellington-charity-hospital?ref=goodoil.news)  
Deborah Morris (Post): [Who are the couple giving millions to healthcare in Wellington?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360622032/who-are-couple-giving-millions-healthcare-wellington?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jeremy Wilkinson (Open Justice Reporting): [Doctor and former TVNZ presenter Samantha Bailey has medical registration cancelled](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545488/doctor-and-former-tvnz-presenter-samantha-bailey-has-medical-registration-cancelled?ref=goodoil.news)  
Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Doctor, former TVNZ host, has medical registration cancelled over misleading Covid videos](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360623085/doctor-former-tvnz-host-has-medical-registration-cancelled-over-misleading-covid-videos?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Disgraced GP Elias forgiven by boss](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/disgraced-gp-elias-forgiven-boss?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE, OIA**  
Herald Editorial: [Health NZ treats transparency as a buzzword on a whiteboard](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-nz-treats-transparency-as-a-buzzword-on-a-whiteboard-editorial/FG5U5UCQPRBKDMJRIXTU6FN4QM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Tougher Official Information Act penalties needed, Chief Ombudsman says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545441/tougher-official-information-act-penalties-needed-chief-ombudsman-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Ecclestone (Proactively Open): [Advocating for ‘culture change’: the Ombudsman endorses strengthening the OIA](https://proactivelyopen.org/2025/03/20/advocating-for-culture-change-the-ombudsman-endorses-strengthening-the-oia/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Cribb (Newsroom): [Toothless Luxon’s about-face on diversity](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/toothless-luxons-about-face-on-diversity-and-inclusion/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Annika Naschitzki: [More risky business?](https://fishhooks.substack.com/p/more-risky-business)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE**  
Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Christopher Luxon’s bold India FTA push could secure second term as PM](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/christopher-luxons-bold-india-fta-push-could-secure-second-term-as-pm-matthew-hooton/CJZY6UE53VBOJHVV67EA5ANSIA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Defence focus on Luxon's last day in India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545497/defence-focus-on-luxon-s-last-day-in-india?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in India defends NZDF job cuts plan](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-in-india-defends-nzdf-job-cuts-plan/TSRVQKMGIRHFFDTJFF2QI5HVOA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [NZDF proposing to cut 374 positions from civilian workforce](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/20/nzdf-proposing-cuts-to-civilian-workforce-union-says/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Krystal Gibbens (RNZ): [New Zealand Defence Force proposing to cut 374 roles, union says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545439/new-zealand-defence-force-proposing-to-cut-374-roles-union-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Defence Force proposing to cut 374 civilian roles, union says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360622232/psa-says-nzdf-proposing-cut-374-civilian-roles?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [NZDF proposes hundreds of civilian roles to go](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360621827/nzdf-proposes-hundreds-civilian-jobs-go?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [New Zealand’s efforts to win a trade deal with India may have ‘damaged’ its relationship with China](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132490/new-zealand%E2%80%99s-efforts-win-trade-deal-india-may-have-%E2%80%98damaged%E2%80%99-its-relationship?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [NZ ‘apathy’ on Sikh separatists shows limits of partnership – Indian journalist](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/20/nz-apathy-on-sikh-separatists-shows-limits-of-partnership-indian-journalist/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Air NZ commits to direct India flight, visas still a sticking point](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/20/air-nz-commits-to-direct-india-flight-visas-still-a-sticking-point/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [PM needs strategic win in India, not just a dairy tale](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/20/luxon-needs-a-strategic-win-in-india-not-just-a-dairy-tale/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Luxon puts runs on the board](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/luxon-puts-runs-board?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [The ‘Indo-Pacific bookends’ seeking to land on common ground](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545452/the-indo-pacific-bookends-seeking-to-land-on-common-ground?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [PM stresses value of sports diplomacy as he bats a few balls at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545486/pm-stresses-value-of-sports-diplomacy-as-he-bats-a-few-balls-at-wankhede-stadium-in-mumbai?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Cricket diplomacy key to New Zealand business ties with India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545463/cricket-diplomacy-key-to-new-zealand-business-ties-with-india?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Stuff): [Luxon pads up for cricket diplomacy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360623091/luxon-pads-cricket-diplomacy?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Notes from India: The PM’s tour moves south](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360621626/notes-india-pms-tour-moves-south?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
—————  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [What exactly was Winston Peters' mission in Washington DC?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545462/what-exactly-was-winston-peters-mission-in-washington-dc?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bruce Munro (ODT): [Global Insight: NZ urged to speak truth to Trump](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/world/global-insight-nz-urged-speak-truth-trump?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Washington wants defence 'burden sharing' from New Zealand](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360622547/washington-wants-defence-burden-sharing-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Pharmac escapes US plea for Donald Trump to tariff Australia over drug prices](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pharmac-escapes-us-plea-for-donald-trump-to-tariff-australia-over-drug-prices/GGJQS2T235EXBM3R5NMDMM2OBA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Trump tariffs won’t hit NZ, Trade Minister says](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132473/trade-minister-todd-mcclay-says-reciprocal-tariffs-are-unlikely-affect-kiwi?ref=goodoil.news)  
—————  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Where does NZ stand on killer drones?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545434/where-does-nz-stand-on-killer-drones?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eugene Doyle (Asia Pacific Report): [‘Declare your city genocide free’ – lessons from NZ’s nuclear-free movement](https://eveningreport.nz/2025/03/20/declare-your-city-genocide-free-lessons-from-nzs-nuclear-free-movement/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Ratings of government performance hit new low - Ipsos survey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545494/ratings-of-government-performance-hit-new-low-ipsos-survey?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ipsos New Zealand: [Issues Monitor - Feb 2025](https://www.ipsos.com/en-nz/ipsos-new-zealand-issues-monitor-feb-2025?ref=goodoil.news)  
Martin Van Beynen (Press/Post): [‘It’s the cost of living, stupid’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360621562/its-cost-living-stupid?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Working group feud re-erupts between Labour and National](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/working-group-feud-re-erupts-between-labour-and-national/RA4PE4X24BGEBFMPOEGWYTQO44/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig Renney and Edward Miller: [Away win? - How much would offshore shareholders benefit from a drop in the NZ company tax rate?](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/away-win-how-much-would-offshore)  
Garth Bray (BusinessDesk): ['The speed is good': Hitting fast forward on FIF changes may halt entrepreneur flight](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/the-speed-is-good-hitting-fast-forward-on-fif-changes-may-halt-entrepreneur-flight?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Steven Moe (Post): [Government will change charity tax rules at its peril](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360621791/government-will-change-charity-tax-rules-its-peril?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga MP’s proposed equal voting rights bill criticised by iwi group leaders](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tauranga-mps-proposed-equal-voting-rights-bill-criticised-by-iwi-group-leaders/ZHEWAIQFZBAHPOPBLPU33XP5SQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters take very different styles to world stage](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-and-winston-peters-take-very-different-styles-to-world-stage-audrey-young/YDWQDLTKKVGTDBLVBSEIDXCZ6Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mihingarangi Forbes (RNZ): [Mata: Nanaia Mahuta and Tau Henare discuss Whānau Ora, foreign policy, frozen school lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/mata-with-mihingarangi-forbes/story/2018944172/mata-season-3-episode-5-whanau-ora-foreign-policy-frozen-school-lunches-nanaia-mahuta-and-tau-henare-discuss?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Parliament’s darkest corners showcased on a Spooky Tour](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360620887/parliaments-darkest-corners-showcased-spooky-tour?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PPPS**  
Gordon Campbell: [On Winston Peters’ bad trip, and the return of the PPPs zombie](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2503/S00039/gordon-campbell-on-winston-peters-bad-trip-and-the-return-of-the-ppps-zombie.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Labour's shifting position on public-private partnerships](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545397/labour-s-shifting-position-on-public-private-partnerships?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [How many politicians does it take to change a lightbulb?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/19/how-many-politicians-does-it-take-to-change-a-lightbulb/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Chris Hipkins says PPP school could not hang kids’ art, school disagrees says PPP model is ‘excellent’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-says-ppp-school-could-not-hang-kids-art-school-disagrees-says-ppp-model-is-excellent/IKI7HWV4RZDP3GNBCQV526IUCI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENT**  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Government rejects Hauraki Gulf compromise](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360617322/government-rejects-hauraki-gulf-compromise?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [What are New Zealand's international climate targets and do we really have to meet them?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545487/what-are-new-zealand-s-international-climate-targets-and-do-we-really-have-to-meet-them?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louisa Steyl (Stuff): [Feds welcome stay on Southland Water and Land Plan rules](https://www.stuff.co.nz/rural/360622590/feds-welcome-stay-southland-water-and-land-plan-rules?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [World War II era shipwreck could trigger $200m oil spill cleanup](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545496/world-war-ii-era-shipwreck-could-trigger-200m-oil-spill-cleanup?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [SH1 lights to be changed to protect town's birds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545419/sh1-lights-to-be-changed-to-protect-town-s-birds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Bevin (Spinoff): [Industry divided over health of Bluff oyster stocks](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/21/industry-divided-over-health-of-bluff-oyster-stocks/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tyson Beckett (Herald: [Bluff oysters off the menu as iwi and leading restaurants pull the plug on 2025 tio season](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bluff-oysters-off-the-menu-as-iwi-and-leading-restaurants-pull-the-plug-on-2025-tio-season/YXKYX2OPCBGLLDSPGVTR3LQPIM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kim Knight (Herald): [Why Al Brown’s Depot is not serving Bluff oysters – but Josh Emett and Judith Tabron are](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/why-al-browns-depot-is-not-serving-bluff-oysters-but-josh-emett-and-judith-tabron-are/JRNF7JMX4ZECBO5DA62JDJR3DQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Hapū knowledge could upend kaimoana rules](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360621831/hapu-knowledge-could-upend-kaimoana-rules?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Victor Waters (RNZ): [Auckland councillors defend getting freebies for Eden Park events ahead of stadium vote](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545469/auckland-councillors-defend-getting-freebies-for-eden-park-events-ahead-of-stadium-vote?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [West Coast mayor fires back at ACT criticism of councils](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545440/west-coast-mayor-fires-back-at-act-criticism-of-councils?ref=goodoil.news)  
Local Aotearoa: [LGNZ isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than the alternative of councils going it alone](https://localaotearoa.substack.com/p/lgnz-isnt-perfect-but-its-a-lot-better)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [S&P’s uncertainty about Local Water Done Well](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/s-and-ps-uncertainty-about-local-water-done-well/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Davison (ODT): [Proposed rates rises ‘still ungodly’, mayor says](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-otago/proposed-rates-rises-%E2%80%98still-ungodly%E2%80%99-mayor-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Matariki post unleashes racist torrent for Far North council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/545425/matariki-post-unleashes-racist-torrent-for-far-north-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Sargent (RNZ): [Queenstown Lakes pursues new bylaw for freedom campers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545477/queenstown-lakes-pursues-new-bylaw-for-freedom-campers?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Cut back on showers, Aucklanders warned, as drought plan activated](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545407/cut-back-on-showers-aucklanders-warned-as-drought-plan-activated?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [Western Springs Speedway’s final race after 96 years](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/21-03-2025/western-springs-speedways-final-race-after-96-years?ref=goodoil.news)  
Justin Wong (Post): [Hutt Valley planned rates increases lower than forecast](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360621078/hutt-valley-rates-increases-lower-forecast?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
RNZ: [Cost of living: Older Kiwis cutting back on food to save money](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545431/cost-of-living-older-kiwis-cutting-back-on-food-to-save-money?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [GDP: Is the economy’s ‘surprise’ bounce the start of a real recovery?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/gdp-is-the-economys-surprise-bounce-the-start-of-a-real-recovery-liam-dann/2RJQBAOY5JFC5J7VF67LZ34CYI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Surprise 0.7% rise in GDP shouldn’t threaten April rate cut](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360617930/gdp-surprise-economic-activity-beats-forecast-07-rise?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [No economic ‘hallelujah’ moment just yet, says ANZ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/no-economic-hallelujah-moment-just-yet/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Economy rebounds out of recession more sharply than expected](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545457/economy-rebounds-out-of-recession-more-sharply-than-expected?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Economy crawls out of recession, as GDP grows 0.7%](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545413/economy-crawls-out-of-recession-as-gdp-grows-0-point-7-percent?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [Recession ends: GDP rises 0.7% in December quarter](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132422/after-plunging-previous-two-quarters-gdp-grew-better-expected-07-december-quarter?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [New Zealand climbs out of recession — GDP up 0.7%](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/20/new-zealand-climbs-out-of-recession-gdp-up-07/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Out of recession: New Zealand’s GDP rises 0.7%](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/gdp-will-todays-data-show-the-end-of-the-recession/MTNBTKWXCNATTMH5DW4U7KJLNI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [New Zealand economy exits deep recession with 0.7% expansion](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/new-zealand-economy-exits-deep-recession-with-0-7-expansion/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION, SCHOOL LUNCHES**  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [New reading, maths test could see schools unfairly ranked - expert](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545435/new-reading-maths-test-could-see-schools-unfairly-ranked-expert?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Daly (Stuff): [Labour accuses Government of trying to bring back national standards for schools by stealth](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360622923/labour-accuses-government-trying-bring-back-national-standards-schools-stealth?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amy Ridout (Nelson Mail): [‘Horsey’ hairstyle could get chop as school looks to ‘smarten up’ students](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360613397/horsey-hairstyle-could-get-chop-school-looks-smarten-students?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Neilson (BusinessDesk): [Compass accused of ‘failing legal obligations’ to hundreds of former school lunch staff](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/compass-accused-of-failing-legal-obligations-to-hundreds-of-former-school-lunch-staff?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Creditor 'blindsided' by school lunch provider Libelle Group going into liquidation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545471/creditor-blindsided-by-school-lunch-provider-libelle-group-going-into-liquidation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Yolisa Tswanya (Northern Advocate): [Libelle Group liquidation sparks calls for school lunch reforms and local solutions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/libelle-group-liquidation-sparks-calls-for-school-lunch-reforms-and-local-solutions/LHWAWP27EBCCFJD2VHK36LMN6A/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Ship broker sought to buy new Cook Strait ferries](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360622637/ship-broker-sought-buy-new-cook-strait-ferries?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Could speed cameras be used to catch drunk drivers?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545493/could-speed-cameras-be-used-to-catch-drunk-drivers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Metiria Stanton Turei (ODT): [Speed limit increase knowingly puts children’s lives at risk](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/speed-limit-increase-knowingly-puts-children%E2%80%99s-lives-risk?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Erin Johnson (Stuff): [‘Everyone fangs it up here’: The upmarket Auckland street drivers use as a ‘rat run’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360621202/everyone-fangs-it-here-upmarket-auckland-street-drivers-use-rat-run?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [$5 park-and-ride fee being proposed by regional council](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360622458/5-park-and-ride-fee-being-proposed-regional-council?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Alan Brent and Isabella Pimentel Pincelli (The Conversation): [If NZ wants to decarbonise energy, we need to know which renewables deliver the best payback](https://theconversation.com/if-nz-wants-to-decarbonise-energy-we-need-to-know-which-renewables-deliver-the-best-payback-251819?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Shane Jones looks to convince iwi of geothermal potential under Maori-owned land](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545507/shane-jones-looks-to-convince-iwi-of-geothermal-potential-under-maori-owned-land?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Energy minister wants immediate solutions to prevent another winter power crisis](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/energy-minister-wants-immediate-solutions-to-prevent-another-winter-power-crisis?ref=goodoil.news)  
Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [Olympians hit back against Kaituna River plans](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545442/olympians-hit-back-against-kaituna-river-plans?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS**  
RNZ: [Advertised salary growth rate falls further - SEEK](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545443/advertised-salary-growth-rate-falls-further-seek?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ella Somers (Interest): [Job ads drop 2% in February, reversing January’s gains](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132467/seek-reports-2-decline-february-job-ads-hiring-demand-slows-following-january-rise?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gregor Thompson (BusinessDesk): [NZ tradies trickle into $11,000 'Build a Life in Western Australia’ scheme](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/nz-tradies-trickle-into-11000-build-a-life-in-western-australia-scheme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Customers 'double-billed' when they switch mobile provider](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545481/customers-double-billed-when-they-switch-mobile-provider?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Half of mobile users switching telcos face issues - Commerce Commission](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/half-of-mobile-users-switching-telcos-face-issues-commerce-commission/36JSPK62BFA27GPI3MJ2UKDGFY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [How far do you have to travel to a supermarket?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545509/how-far-do-you-have-to-travel-to-a-supermarket?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emily Makere Broadmore (Post): [The New Arrogance: How employers are forgetting the human cost of market power](https://www.thepress.co.nz/business/360619072/new-arrogance-how-employers-are-forgetting-human-cost-market-power?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Why climate risk is being left off company balance sheets](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/sustainable-finance/why-climate-risk-is-being-left-off-company-balance-sheets?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [Duty-free, where no-one gets a bargain](https://www.nbr.co.nz/hunters-corner/duty-free-where-no-one-gets-a-bargain/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Influential NZME shareholder Roger Colman on the fight for board seats – and where he sits](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-influential-nzme-shareholder-on-the-fight-for-board-seats-and-where-he-sits/HYF6CSV575BHXMM745RHUHGHTA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: TV star Wairangi Koopu and the drugs charges; Stripe Media liquidator: ‘The director has not been located’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tv-star-wairangi-koopu-and-the-drugs-charges-stripe-media-liquidator-the-director-has-not-been-located/KHJCWO7ST5DATIIFNTJ3DPNL7Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Simon O’Connor: [They doth protest too much](https://onpointnz.substack.com/p/they-doth-protest-too-much)  
  
**OTHER**  
Rob Stock (Post): [Commerce Commission to probe big bank membership of UN’s Net-Zero Banking Alliance](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360622443/commerce-commission-probe-big-bank-membership-uns-net-zero-banking-alliance?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Green MP calls for release of prison hunger striker Dean Wickliffe](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545421/green-mp-calls-for-release-of-prison-hunger-striker-dean-wickliffe?ref=goodoil.news)  
Neil Holdom (Stuff): [Time for Government to help with housing](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360622006/time-government-help-housing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Terry Baucher (Interest): [Te wiki o te tāke: Should NZ Super be changed to a UBI, and treated as a grant?](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132479/new-zealand-tax-podcast-imf-suggests-comprehensive-capital-gains-tax-again?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [People trafficking probes surge by 4000%, no prosecutions in five years](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545409/people-trafficking-probes-surge-by-4000-percent-no-prosecutions-in-five-years?ref=goodoil.news)  
Juliette Sivertsen (Stuff): [Why you might need to get a new NZ passport this year](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360612662/why-you-might-need-get-new-nz-passport-year?ref=goodoil.news)David Williams (Newsroom):Taking flats from lease will ‘destroy’ farm station  
Indigenous Endurance: [DRR Dancing in the Dark...](https://whogetswhat.blogspot.com/2025/03/drr-dancing-in-dark.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [‘It’ll be pretty low’: Chatham Islands forced to conserve fuel, could run out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360622798/itll-be-pretty-low-chatham-islands-forced-conserve-fuel-could-run-out?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [International conflicts see prices at petrol pump fall](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545399/international-conflicts-see-prices-at-petrol-pump-fall?ref=goodoil.news)  
Blessen Tom (RNZ): [New Zealand eyes India as key market for tourism growth](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545410/new-zealand-eyes-india-as-key-market-for-tourism-growth?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alecia Rousseau (Manawatǔ Standard): [‘Real impact’: Lake Alice survivors win at NZer of the Year awards](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360619822/real-impact-lake-alice-survivors-win-nzer-year-awards?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Professor Bev Lawton named the New Zealander of the Year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545489/professor-bev-lawton-named-the-new-zealander-of-the-year?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Oliver (Herald): [Former Russell McVeagh lawyer James Gardner-Hopkins seeks new practising certificate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/disgraced-former-russell-mcveagh-lawyer-james-gardner-hopkins-seeks-new-practising-certificate/MJPKZ2XG75D4BC4ZE36APLNJ3Y/?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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![](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%2F0f595a50-15d6-41f9-828e-58585181f4a5_2340x1548.png)

Emmerson - NZ Herald 21 March 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4530057c-7761-4cc4-aca8-95cb8d39079d_2509x1452.png)

Cook - NZ Herald 21 March 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F39172517-911a-4876-9648-f4671e7f759c_2147x1694.png)

Yeo - ODT 21 March 2025

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