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# News Briefing: 22 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-22-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-21T20:15:37.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-21T21:16:51.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**BUDGET**  
RNZ: [New Zealanders across political spectrum want increased spending on public services, poll finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561616/new-zealanders-across-political-spectrum-want-increased-spending-on-public-services-poll-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Budget 2025: Nicola Willis to Labour: ‘Show me the money’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-nicola-willis-to-labour-on-eve-of-budget-day-show-me-the-money/SFWLE7QS5BC6VMYWGWQ6XWVX7M/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [National says Labour divided on fiscal policy - here’s what was said](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360696726/national-says-labour-divided-fiscal-policy-heres-what-was-said?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Budget 2025: What is ‘accelerated depreciation’ and why might it help?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360695627/budget-2025-what-accelerated-depreciation-and-why-might-it-help?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [The coalition’s future goes on the line today](https://www.politik.co.nz/willis-puts-the-coalitions-future-on-the-line-today/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Budget Day: Government looks to make its promises add up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561732/budget-day-government-looks-to-make-its-promises-add-up?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Budget 2025: The key tests for the second Willis Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696558/key-tests-second-willis-budget?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Budget 2025: KiwiSaver changes, tax write-offs and other ‘surprises’ – what to watch out for](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/budget-2025-kiwisaver-changes-tax-write-offs-and-other-surprises-what-to-watch-out-for/SEDABXAPJVBP5JZUUSNVSZKIHA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Five key questions to be answered this Budget](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/five-key-questions-to-be-answered-this-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Five key questions for Budget Day 2025](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360697110/five-key-questions-budget-day-2025?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Budget 2025: Five things to watch at 2pm](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/budget-2025-five-things-to-watch-at-2pm?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [What might get a cut or a boost in today's Budget](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/what-might-get-a-cut-or-a-boost-in-todays-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Inside Economics: Everything you need to know about tomorrow’s Budget](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/inside-economics-what-even-is-a-budget-a-beginners-guide-to-the-big-day/QOQ4ZQ34OVHWJHCGUJESAVYU4A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Budget 2025: No more ‘confetti’ as economists look for ‘consolidation’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696450/budget-2025-no-more-confetti-economists-look-consolidation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Budget Day 2025: Here’s all you need to know](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360697461/budget-day-2025-heres-all-you-need-know?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Budget Day 2025 arrives with cuts, cookies and promises of ‘no BS’](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/22-05-2025/budget-day-2025-arrives-with-cuts-cookies-and-promises-of-no-bs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Toby Moore (Herald): [Government’s debt ceiling fears are overblown](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/governments-debt-ceiling-fears-are-overblown-toby-moore/2RZYZOJ5NBHPZCZQACLDEAWGRM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Morgan Edwards: [The Story of Your Tax Dollars](https://neweconomicmanagement.substack.com/p/the-story-of-your-tax-dollars)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Budget 2025: Willis promises ‘no BS’, Luxon promises ‘relief’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360694748/budget-2025-willis-promises-no-bs-luxon-promises-relief?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Labour slams 'big tax breaks' for tech giants as government ditches digital levy](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561711/labour-slams-big-tax-breaks-for-tech-giants-as-government-ditches-digital-levy?ref=goodoil.news)  
Prudence Walker (Post): [Budget 2025: choosing rights over rationing](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360695854/budget-2025-choosing-rights-over-rationing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nicola Gaston (The Conversation): [NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete](https://theconversation.com/nz-budget-2025-science-investment-must-increase-as-a-proportion-of-gdp-for-nz-to-innovate-and-compete-255591?ref=goodoil.news)  
Zoe Aroha Witika-Hawke (Spinoff): [Who pays when the budget cuts?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-05-2025/who-pays-when-the-budget-cuts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [A lack of investment in infrastructure is eroding Kiwis’ quality of life](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-lack-of-investment-in-infrastructure-is-eroding-kiwis-quality-of-life-editorial/VRJKUGEJVRHYLL6GFPB2NPCMA4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liu Chen (RNZ): [Budget 2025: Ethnic leaders seek targeted investment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/561638/budget-2025-ethnic-leaders-seek-targeted-investment?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Dennett (Post): [Nicola Willis reveals the cover of the ‘no BS’ Growth Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696553/nicola-willis-reveals-cover-no-bs-growth-budget?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [A look back at some of the more famous Budgets in NZ history](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360697113/look-back-some-more-famous-budgets-nz-history?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT**  
Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [NZ’s “Chumocracy” and the suppression of Prof Robert MacCulloch](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-nzs-chumocracy)  
Bryan Bruce: [Democracy Under Pressure. Or, Killing The Messengers](https://bryanbruce.substack.com/p/democracy-under-pressure) (paywalled)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [RNZ issued gag order by Attorney-General over education story](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561744/rnz-issued-gag-order-by-attorney-general-over-education-story?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Capie (Post): [Fast-track a lesson in how not to make reforms](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360686692/fast-track-lesson-how-not-make-reforms?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [David Seymour defends $18m annual cost of Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561717/david-seymour-defends-18m-annual-cost-of-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate MacNamara (Herald): [Government’s Regulatory Standards Bill to cost $20m per year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/big-bill-governments-regulatory-standards-bill-to-cost-20m-per-year/U2BPCOATLNAVTMRWXVDV4ZTEJ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [From tikanga to ‘protocol’: Luxon’s war on the Māorification of Aotearoa](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/21-05-2025/from-tikanga-to-protocol-luxons-war-on-the-maorification-of-aotearoa?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Te Pāti Māori gets the last laugh – for now](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-05-2025/echo-chamber-te-pati-maori-gets-the-last-laugh-for-now?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Peters heckling: 'It is absolutely a sackable offence' - employment lawyer](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561702/peters-heckling-it-is-absolutely-a-sackable-offence-employment-lawyer?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): [Should you lose your job for heckling a politician?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360697168/should-you-lose-your-job-heckling-politician?ref=goodoil.news)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [The Tonkin + Taylor saga shows free speech cuts both ways](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-the-tonkin-plus-taylor-saga-shows-free-speech-cuts-both-ways/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Employer of man who heckled Winston Peters criticised after launching probe into 'disruption' he caused](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561677/employer-of-man-who-heckled-winston-peters-criticised-after-launching-probe-into-disruption-he-caused?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva de Jong (Herald): [Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says he won’t feel bad if Wellington Railway Station heckler from Tonkin + Taylor loses job](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/deputy-prime-minister-winston-peters-says-he-wont-feel-bad-if-wellington-railway-station-heckler-from-tonkin-taylor-loses-job/473C5UAOF5AVFNLX33HKIVBF7A/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Post): [Being heckled a part of living in ‘free democracy’, Chris Hipkins says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360697006/being-heckled-part-living-free-democracy-chris-hipkins-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [It's three strikes for Chippy](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-its-three-strikes-for-chippy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Spinoff: Podcast: [Gone By Lunchtime: House of C\*\*\*\*](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/21-05-2025/gone-by-lunchtime-house-of-c?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TE PĀTI MĀORI**  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Labour and Greens queried possible punishments, Act took it further](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/labour-and-greens-queried-possible-punishments-act-took-it-further/?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Parliamentary privilege is a threat to us all](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/parliamentary-privilege-is-threat-to.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lynn Prentice (The Standard): [Liam Hehir needs to relearn his civics](https://thestandard.org.nz/liam-hehir-needs-to-relearn-his-civics/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Debate deferred but not defused](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/debate-deferred-not-defused?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lianne Dalziel (Newsroom): [Te Pāti Māori is being held to a higher standard](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/21/te-pati-maori-is-being-held-to-a-higher-standard/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [The Government isn't trying to silence the Māori Party](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-the-government-isnt-trying-to-silence-the-m%C4%81ori-party/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Chris Hipkins needs help](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-chris-hipkins-needs-help/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louis Collins (RNZ): [Privileges debate shortened: What was said so far?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561714/privileges-debate-shortened-what-was-said-so-far?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Te Pāti Māori MP proposes bill requiring MPs to learn about Te Tiriti: ‘This is how we need to move forward’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/te-pati-maori-mp-proposes-bill-requiring-mps-to-learn-about-te-tiriti-this-is-how-we-need-to-move-forward/HUTUPVFD6BE45ITLSZ6UXKBEJE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sanjana Hattotuwa: [Te Pāti Māori (TPM) references on Twitter/X: 14-20 May 2025](https://sanjanah.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/te-pati-maori-tpm-references-on-twitter-x-14-20-may-2025/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [When public spending cuts precipitate a meltdown](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/21/when-public-spending-cuts-precipitate-a-meltdown/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Kāinga Ora confirms disestablishment of over 600 roles](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360697378/kainga-ora-confirms-disestablishment-over-600-roles?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Kāinga Ora cutting 620 roles in restructure](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561706/kainga-ora-cutting-620-roles-in-restructure?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Hunt for new Oranga Tamariki CEO yet to start seven weeks after resignation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/hunt-for-new-oranga-tamariki-ceo-yet-to-start-seven-weeks-after-resignation/7PQO7VAQVVE57KCPGJB4QSAT6Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Annika Naschitzki: [Overpriced and Overestimated? The paradox role of external consultants in the public service](https://fishhooks.substack.com/p/overpriced-and-overestimated)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [Patient harm warning as heart surgery delays laid bare in new figures](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360697002/patient-harm-warning-heart-surgery-delays-laid-bare-new-figures?ref=goodoil.news)  
Edward Miller: [Accounting for public funds](https://labourcartel.substack.com/p/accounting-for-public-funds)  
Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [Victim Support steps aside as suicide bereavement service](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561669/victim-support-steps-aside-as-suicide-bereavement-service?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Explained: What’s happening with youth suicide rates and what’s beneath the numbers?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360696527/explained-whats-happening-youth-suicide-rates-and-whats-beneath-numbers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Clive Bensemann, Wikepa Keelan, Arana Pearson (Spinoff): [‘Completely avoidable’: inside the efforts to eliminate seclusion in NZ mental health care](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/22-05-2025/completely-avoidable-inside-the-efforts-to-eliminate-seclusion-in-nz-mental-health-care?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kaya Selby (RNZ): [Fiji hospital promises Kiwis complex surgeries for 'a fraction' of the cost in New Zealand](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561635/fiji-hospital-promises-kiwis-complex-surgeries-for-a-fraction-of-the-cost-in-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Hepburn (ODT): [Hospital vacancy rate disputed](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/hospital-vacancy-rate-disputed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Brown (RNZ): [Student midwife attack: 'These after-hours assaults continue to happen'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561682/student-midwife-attack-these-after-hours-assaults-continue-to-happen?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Brown (RNZ): [Hospital security increased after student midwife attacked leaving work](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561664/hospital-security-increased-after-student-midwife-attacked-leaving-work?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Unsafe health workers need more than a band-aid](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-unsafe-health-workers-need-more-than-a-band-aid/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Prebble (Herald): [ACC’s sexual abuse liability at risk of becoming another pay equity fiscal cliff](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/accs-sexual-abuse-liability-at-risk-of-becoming-another-pay-equity-fiscal-cliff-richard-prebble/Q2DVWOBHYBBD5O3X7MS2MBKAQU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Global ADHD drugs shortage has Kiwis worried over potential job loss, survey shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561659/global-adhd-drugs-shortage-has-kiwis-worried-over-potential-job-loss-survey-shows?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT**  
Kelly Dennett (Post): [Budget 2025: Pay equity change savings to be revealed today](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696957/budget-2025-pay-equity-change-savings-be-revealed-today?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Pay equity changes make new claims ‘virtually impossible’ – unions](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/20/pay-equity-changes-make-new-claims-virtually-impossible-unions/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Financial Markets Authority staff face compulsory weekly survey in strive for efficiency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561678/financial-markets-authority-staff-face-compulsory-weekly-survey-in-strive-for-efficiency?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shilpy Arora Gaikwad (Stuff): [‘Exploited’ workers awarded $30k after boss calls in the liquidators](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360695005/exploited-workers-awarded-30k-after-boss-calls-liquidators?ref=goodoil.news)  
Libby Wilson (Waikato Times): [Waikato businesses still owe at least $67.6m in Covid loans at crunch time](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360688428/waikato-businesses-still-owe-least-676m-covid-loans-crunch-time?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald: [The pay rise most Kiwis would quit their jobs for](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/the-pay-rise-most-kiwis-would-quit-their-jobs-for/UCV65PDDGJFEFG4HW6NISHBT3A/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith (Herald): [EMA sees record number of businesses looking for restructuring advice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ema-sees-record-number-of-businesses-looking-for-restructuring-advice/KQJKXUW3MBF43B5HRK5O32IGYA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tracy Neal (Open Justice Reporting): [Union calls for tougher laws after stevedore falls from cargo ship at Port Nelson](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561725/union-calls-for-tougher-laws-after-stevedore-falls-from-cargo-ship-at-port-nelson?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Job ads rise again as SEEK reports signs market may be stabilising](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360697236/job-ads-rise-again-seek-reports-signs-market-may-be-stabilising?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest: [Major new Reserve Bank survey shows businesses have across-the-board expectation of rising inflation](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133350/first-official-release-results-new-survey-reserve-bank-has-spent-lot-time-developing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [New Reserve Bank survey shows business inflation expectations rising](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-reserve-bank-survey-shows-business-inflation-expectations-rising/425K7M4MCRGODNJJ7IUDTYQRDA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Reserve Bank survey shows inflation expectations rise but pay forecasts fall](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360697162/reserve-bank-survey-shows-inflation-expectations-rise-pay-forecasts-fall?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [Manawatū smokes the rest of NZ in job ad growth, business confidence](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360697466/manawatu-smokes-rest-nz-job-ad-growth-business-confidence?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [New RBNZ business survey signals higher inflation](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/new-rbnz-business-survey-signals-higher-inflation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS**  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [Pacific must not become a ‘military zone’ amid rise of China, New Zealand’s deputy PM warns](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/21/winston-peters-new-zealand-deputy-pm-pacific-china-influence?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Winston Peters joins allies in demanding Israel allow aid into Gaza](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561641/winston-peters-joins-allies-in-demanding-israel-allow-aid-into-gaza?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alison Forrest (Scoop): [US Warship In Wellington Harbour Symbol Of NZ Vassalage](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2505/S00041/us-warship-in-wellington-harbour-symbol-of-nz-vassalage.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA**  
Philip Crump: [Former Dominion Post Editor: 'Fed up with the bias'](https://cranmer.substack.com/p/former-dominion-post-editor-fed-up)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Outspoken NZME shareholder sells out of media company; Jim Grenon lifts stake to about 13%](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-outspoken-nzme-shareholder-sells-out-of-media-company-jim-grenon-lifts-stake-to-about-13/4SN7V5K6HRAITAMNDWPTPHNTPQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Nominee for NZME board wants ‘political leaning’ of NZ Herald stories measured](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360697187/nominee-nzme-board-wants-political-leaning-nz-herald-stories-measured?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Stuff seeks security for costs in defamation case brought by Chantelle Baker](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360697079/stuff-seeks-security-costs-defamation-case-brought-chantelle-baker?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sarah Daniell (North & South): [Talkback Radio And Empty Shells](https://northandsouth.co.nz/2025/05/21/talkback-radio-and-empty-shells/?utm%5Fsource=feedly&utm%5Fmedium=rss&utm%5Fcampaign=talkback-radio-and-empty-shells)  
Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Jazz Thornton slams social media ban, warns prime minister is putting children at risk](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360696519/jazz-thornton-slams-social-media-ban-warns-prime-minister-putting-children-risk?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Harvey: [Internet Control and Regulation](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/internet-control-and-regulation)  
Serena Solomon (RNZ): [The teens saying no to social media (and yes to brick phones)](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/relationships/family/the-teens-saying-no-to-social-media-and-yes-to-brick-phones?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT**  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Minister shelves faster phase-out of $70m carbon subsidies](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/21/minister-shelves-faster-phase-out-of-70m-carbon-subsidies/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Taxpayer-funded climate satellite MethaneSAT finally reveals what's behind delays](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561623/taxpayer-funded-climate-satellite-methanesat-finally-reveals-what-s-behind-delays?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: The injustice of a freshwater crisis](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/561735/the-injustice-of-a-freshwater-crisis?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Court warned of potential consent chaos](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/21/court-warned-of-potential-consent-chaos/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [KiwiRail’s history littered with derailments](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/kiwirails-history-littered-with-derailments/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [$600M for rail is a good start, but it's just a start](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-600m-for-rail-is-a-good-start-but-its-just-a-start/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [We have a legacy of rail but do we have a future?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-we-have-a-legacy-of-rail-but-do-we-have-a-future/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tina Law (Press): [Public to be consulted for second time on speed limits around Te Kaha stadium](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360694800/public-be-consulted-second-time-speed-limits-around-te-kaha-stadium?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jack Riddell (Hawkes Bay Today): [Ngāti Kahungunu wants te reo road works signs reinstated](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/ngati-kahungunu-wants-te-reo-road-works-signs-reinstated/5JCJBQUASNELPGHX5DK2QRMGQY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Public transport woes for Canterbury's big growth areas](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/561697/public-transport-woes-for-canterbury-s-big-growth-areas?ref=goodoil.news)  
Madeleine Powers (Waikato Times): [Transport rates debate splits Waikato regional councillors](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360696607/transport-rates-debate-splits-waikato-regional-councillors?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Waikato Times: [Auditor-General has eyes on Ruapehu council overspend](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360694169/auditor-general-has-eyes-ruapehu-council-overspend?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington City Council considers spend on Khandallah Pool, Begonia House, water infrastructure and cycleways](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561737/wellington-city-council-considers-spend-on-khandallah-pool-begonia-house-water-infrastructure-and-cycleways?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Wellington mayor backs Karori Event Centre, Khandallah Pool](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360695384/wellington-mayor-backs-karori-event-centre-khandallah-pool?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Justin Wong (Post): [Upper Hutt mall ends legal stoush with city council](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360695443/upper-hutt-mall-ends-legal-stoush-city-council?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [After nearly 30 years, Wellington could see a Pasifika councillor again](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360694731/after-nearly-30-years-wellington-could-see-pasifika-councillor-again?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Auckland Council announces strategic alliance with tech sector to boost city's influence](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561539/auckland-council-announces-strategic-alliance-with-tech-sector-to-boost-city-s-influence?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Auckland passing hat around to save popular public events](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/21/auckland-passing-hat-around-to-save-popular-public-events/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown launches tech alliance, calls for Govt to locate new institute in Auckland](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-launches-tech-alliance-calls-for-govt-to-locate-new-institute-in-auckland?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anne Gibson (Herald): [Rich-lister, Malcolm Dick, wants to demolish, rebuild iconic historic Ngāpipi boatshed in Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/richlister-wants-to-demolish-rebuild-iconic-historic-ngapipi-boatshed/NQAKG2UQ3FCERIPIAG7SIAQZA4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Landmark fire station faces demolition](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/landmark-fire-station-faces-demolition?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [DCC urged to ‘top up’ heritage property sales](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/dcc-urged-%E2%80%98top-%E2%80%99-heritage-property-sales?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Eighth time lucky for Vandervis in mayoral bid?](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/eighth-time-lucky-vandervis-mayoral-bid?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Napier City Council restructure impacts more than 100 jobs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/561573/napier-city-council-restructure-impacts-more-than-100-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Hundreds of Christchurch council staff relocated due to quake concerns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561589/hundreds-of-christchurch-council-staff-relocated-due-to-quake-concerns?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Move to increase te reo Māori street names in Invercargill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/561698/move-to-increase-te-reo-maori-street-names-in-invercargill?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Napier port profits show recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561650/napier-port-profits-show-recovery-from-cyclone-gabrielle?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [‘Inhumane’: Widow’s house of 50 years rezoned, and rates more than tripled](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360693379/inhumane-widows-house-50-years-rezoned-and-rates-more-tripled?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga councillor optimistic Ōtūmoetai Pool could be saved](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561645/tauranga-councillor-optimistic-otumoetai-pool-could-be-saved?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Resident warns ratepayers could face hefty bill to save part of Waitangi's waterfront](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561657/resident-warns-ratepayers-could-face-hefty-bill-to-save-part-of-waitangi-s-waterfront?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Emma Andrews (RNZ): [Homelessness told through the eyes of a wāhine Māori](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561679/homelessness-told-through-the-eyes-of-a-wahine-maori?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amy Williams (RNZ): [Art classes an 'amazing' outlet for homeless in Auckland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561622/art-classes-an-amazing-outlet-for-homeless-in-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [First-home buyers are getting into market with less savings, data shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561738/first-home-buyers-are-getting-into-market-with-less-savings-data-shows?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BANKS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [One digit wrong, $2000 lost: Man who paid money to wrong account urged to drop complaint](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561690/one-digit-wrong-2000-lost-man-who-paid-money-to-wrong-account-urged-to-drop-complaint?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Where does money come from? Are home loans actually 'fake'?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561626/where-does-money-come-from-are-home-loans-actually-fake?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mina Martin (NZA): [Banking sector supports CCCFA amendment to fix unfair penalties](https://www.mpamag.com/nz/news/general/banking-sector-supports-cccfa-amendment-to-fix-unfair-penalties/536501?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Mildred Armah (Stuff): [No evidence to show refugees pose a security risk to NZ but new bill targets them anyway](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360695482/no-evidence-show-refugees-pose-security-risk-nz-new-bill-targets-them-anyway?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amy Williams (RNZ): [Foodbanks hungry for desperately-needed funding from Budget](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561743/foodbanks-hungry-for-desperately-needed-funding-from-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maddy Croad (Press): [Struggling Kiwis on the brink before winter even arrives](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360648853/nervous-kiwis-brink-winter-even-arrives?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Food insecurity in Porirua: 'There's real pressure on our whānau'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561481/food-insecurity-in-porirua-there-s-real-pressure-on-our-whanau?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eric Crampton (Newsroom): [What lies beneath: the unseen of film subsidies](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/20/what-lies-beneath-the-seen-and-unseen-of-film-subsidies/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Inland port competition fears](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/inland-port-competition-fears?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Tech Insider: Survey reveals nuances of support for Under 16 social media ban; Lawyer shares his ‘AI horror story’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/survey-reveals-nuances-of-support-for-under-16-social-media-ban-lawyer-shares-his-ai-horror-story-tech-insider/FR52K7HY4BAHVL62TBBB3UK7VY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Karl du Fresne: [Bob Jones, Sitiveni Rabuka and me](https://karldufresne.blogspot.com/2025/05/bob-jones-sitiveni-rabuka-and-me.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Stanford (Stuff): [Cruise industry booming with record number of passengers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360696802/cruise-industry-booming-record-number-passengers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Rose (Herald): [New Zealand’s cruise industry falters as bookings drop 40%](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-news/new-zealands-cruise-industry-falters-as-bookings-drop-40-nationwide/BWAEE3YHJJCALCLRRRHZH5UTDA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Economic recovery off to slow start, rural areas buoyed by exports](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561733/economic-recovery-off-to-slow-start-rural-areas-buoyed-by-exports?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Boxing promoter calls for law changes to cover unregulated combat sports](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561721/boxing-promoter-calls-for-law-changes-to-cover-unregulated-combat-sports?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Run It Straight’ event blocked in Māngere](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/561684/run-it-straight-event-blocked-in-mangere?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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