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# News Briefing: 23 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-23-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-22T20:51:43.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-22T21:22:45.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**BUDGET SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS**  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [Analysis: Finance Minister delivers 'nip and tuck’ Budget](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561864/analysis-finance-minister-delivers-nip-and-tuck-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Janet Wilson (Post): [Winners make gains at the expense of the strugglers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698866/winners-make-gains-expense-strugglers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Budget reveals we’re going broke faster than we knew](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/gdp/budget-reveals-were-going-broke-faster-than-we-knew-matthew-hooton/CCEVHOFO4ZAGPLFRNULW3CFWEM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Labour’s Chris Hipkins won’t commit to returning $13 billion savings to pay equity regime](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-labours-chris-hipkins-wont-commit-to-returning-13-billion-savings-to-pay-equity-regime/N2PN3C5DVBBCXE2FXF7MG2DQFE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [A Budget painted on a much darker global canvas](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360698746/budget-2025-budget-painted-much-darker-global-canvas?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/trump%E2%80%99s-tariff-flames-lick-incentives?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Rashbrooke (Post): [Throwback Budget aiming for ‘holy grail’ target](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698828/throwback-budget-aiming-holy-grail-target?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [The Budget’s political problem](https://www.politik.co.nz/the-budgets-political-problem/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Growth promised, but will it come?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360698839/budget-2025-growth-promised-will-it-come?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Act leader David Seymour almost had it right](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-act-leader-david-seymour-almost-had-it-right-audrey-young/6BTAH5OXGNEL3HJX64MCKTP6T4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Labour claims Budget is being paid for by the country's women](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561844/labour-claims-budget-is-being-paid-for-by-the-country-s-women?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [‘Women’s pay' and ‘retirement funds’ paying for Budget 2025, Labour says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360698890/womens-pay-and-retirement-funds-paying-budget-2025-labour-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Rashbrooke (Spinoff):[A budget for machines, not midwives](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/23-05-2025/a-budget-for-machines-not-midwives?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Rabbits, switch-ups and highway robbery: Politicians, economists react to Budget 25](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561871/rabbits-switch-ups-and-highway-robbery-politicians-economists-react-to-budget-25?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [S&P, some economists and opposition parties criticise, or are underwhelmed by, Budget 2025](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/133407/sp-some-economists-and-opposition-parties-criticise-or-are-underwhelmed-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Dennett (Post): [Winners and losers of Budget 2025: Economists give their verdict](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360698823/winners-and-losers-budget-2025-economists-give-their-verdict?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joel Maxwell and Mildred Armah (Stuff): [Pou Tiaki panel gives the ‘No-BS Budget’ the sniff test for community voices](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360698264/budget-pou-tiaki-panel-gives-no-bs-budget-sniff-test-community-voices?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [‘Everything comes at a cost’: Business leaders on Budget trade-offs](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/politics/everything-comes-at-a-cost-business-leaders-on-budget-trade-offs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [Budget gambles on growth](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/budget-gambles-growth?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald Editorial: [Nicola Willis’ blunt message is the first of many tough choices](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/budget-the-first-of-many-tough-choices-editorial/6W3GLIMX7BFE7IBEL4MZYSQAHU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Firms given get-fit regime](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/firms-given-get-fit-regime?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [The Budget at least gives us hope](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-budget-at-least-gives-us-hope/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paul Hansen (ODT): [A govt has fewer options when its back's against the wall](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/govt-has-fewer-options-when-its-backs-against-wall?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robbie Moginie (ODT): [What looks like thrift risks exacting great cost](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/what-looks-thrift-risks-exacting-great-cost?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber, Budget 2025 edition: Who is Mr Bo-Jandals?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/23-05-2025/echo-chamber-budget-2025-edition-who-is-mr-bo-jandals?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Parliament left speechless as Winston walks, Māori leaders absent](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/parliament-left-speechless-as-winston-walks-maori-leaders-absent/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Justin Hu (1News): ['Growth Budget' or 'Austerity Budget'? All the reaction from Parliament](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/growth-budget-or-austerity-budget-all-the-reaction-from-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [The House: Words and Numbers: Beginning Budget Day in the House](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/561895/words-and-numbers-beginning-budget-day-in-the-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [A funding boost for private education - and other Budget surprises](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360698955/funding-boost-private-education-and-other-budget-surprises?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Wesney (Stuff): [The real cost of Budget 2025 on your household](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360698919/katie-wesney-real-cost-budget-2025-your-household?ref=goodoil.news)  
Blayne Slabbert (Post): [Budget leaves South Island with little to show](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360698921/budget-leaves-south-island-little-show?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
André Chumk (Post): [Wellington’s Fale Malae project a victim of arts funding changes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360697259/whats-budget-2025-arts-and-culture?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [10 key reads on Buget 2025](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/23-05-2025/10-key-reads-on-buget-2025?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ani O’Brien: [KiwiSaver, women, and "austerity"](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/budget-2025-kiwisaver-women-and-austerity)  
Post: [Budget 2025: In pictures](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360699040/budget-2025-pictures?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kevin Norquay (Post): [Locked in, logged out and lunching: Surviving Budget Day](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698424/locked-logged-out-and-lunching-surviving-budget-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, WEEK IN POLITICS**  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Regulatory Standards Bill will be debated under urgency this week](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/regulatory-standards-bill-will-be-debated-under-urgency/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Ward: [Regulatory takings: The ace up the corporate sleeve](https://weareunderused.substack.com/p/regulatory-takings-the-ace-up-the)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Nicola Willis’ focus on the Opposition shows she’s feeling the pressure](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-nicola-willis-focus-on-the-opposition-shows-shes-feeling-the-pressure-audrey-young/QTLXWVI3INHGJB3EPPQ2PDKOLI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Dixon (Listener): [Poll reveals most NZers find Budget coverage ‘boring’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-poll-reveals-most-nzers-find-budget-coverage-boring/AFHOPUK3NZCA7JPBMANGJUFJ3I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liam Hehir (The Blue Review): [ACT Asks: Can We Use the Dungeon?](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/act-asks-can-we-use-the-dungeon)  
David Harvey: [Do Not Speak to Me of Rules!](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/do-not-speak-to-me-of-rules)  
Ani O’Brien: [Racist or righteous? Privileges Committee versus Te Pāti Māori](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/racist-or-righteous-privileges-committee)  
Melissa Nightingale (Herald): [Tonkin + Taylor Wellington train station heckler ‘apologetic’ after swearing at Winston Peters](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tonkin-taylor-wellington-train-station-heckler-apologetic-after-swearing-at-winston-peters/YL6YF5RZ5JGTPKYAP77AOE224I/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Williams: [Is this really our country?](https://peterallanwilliams.substack.com/p/is-this-really-our-country)  
  
**KIWISAVER**  
Thomas Coughlan, Adam Pearse, Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Budget-night papers reveal effective 0.5% tax hike on 180,000 families, KiwiSaver changes may undermine growth agenda](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-budget-night-papers-reveal-05-tax-hike-on-180k-families-kiwisaver-changes-may-undermine-growth-agenda/BFKVRWKXQZBPTPRCPBJJFH2XKI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brian Fallow (Just the Business): [Sleight of hand in taxing retirement savings](https://justthebusinessjennyruth.substack.com/p/sleight-of-hand-in-taxing-retirement)  
RNZ: [Retirement saving for 80 percent of NZers to increase under KiwiSaver changes, analysis finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561877/budget-2025-retirement-saving-for-80-percent-of-nzers-to-increase-under-kiwisaver-changes-analysis-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [‘Grave concerns’ changes will put people off saving](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/%E2%80%98grave-concerns%E2%80%99-changes-will-put-people-saving?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Nicola Willis takes knife to $2.4 billion KiwiSaver subsidies](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360696632/willis-takes-knife-24-billion-kiwisaver-subsidies-experts-say-higher-contribution-rates-will-boost?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Frances Cook (Stuff): [Please stop messing with KiwiSaver](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360699046/budget-2025-please-stop-messing-kiwisaver-writes-frances-cook?ref=goodoil.news)  
Frances Cook (Spinoff): [KiwiSaver just changed – what should I do with my money now?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/23-05-2025/kiwisaver-just-changed-what-should-i-do-with-my-money-now?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELFARE, FAMILIES**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Tens of thousands of families will be worse off under Budget changes to Best Start tax credit](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561888/tens-of-thousands-of-families-will-be-worse-off-under-budget-changes-to-best-start-tax-credit?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Tougher benefit rules for young people trigger mixed responses](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561848/tougher-benefit-rules-for-young-people-trigger-mixed-responses?ref=goodoil.news)  
Isaac Davison (Herald): [KiwiSaver and Best Start cut, while Working for Families boosted](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/budget-2025-kiwisaver-and-best-start-cut-while-working-for-families-boosted/3RJE64VLGZATRNVLCZJLNVDI7Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Janhavi Gosavi (Re:News): [No benefit if your parents can pay: Eligibility limits for 18- and 19-year-olds](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/no-benefit-if-your-parents-can-pay-eligibility-limits-for-18-and-19-year-olds/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kevin Norquay (Post): [Rates relief for SuperGold cardholders](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698447/budget-2025-rates-relief-supergold-cardholders?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BUSINESS**  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Finance Minister reaches for the defibrillator to get investment pumping again](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360698477/finance-minister-reaches-defibrillator-get-investment-pumping-again?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Govt’s ‘Think Big’ Investment Boost: There. Is. No. Limit.](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/govts-think-big-investment-boost-there-is-no-limit/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Government opted for accelerating depreciation over cutting the corporate tax rate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/tax/budget-2025-government-opted-for-accelerating-depreciation-over-cutting-the-corporate-tax-rate/DMZ6FLI7NJGMZMC6PYXDYN2LGU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Budget’s new tax break gives the ‘best bang for buck’](https://www.nbr.co.nz/budget-2025/willis-and-edmonds-budget-story-for-friday-morning/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [Business cheers quick tax deductions on new kit in Budget](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360698541/business-cheers-quick-tax-deductions-new-kit-budget?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [New Plymouth businesses largely support 'investment boost’ package](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561861/new-plymouth-businesses-largely-support-investment-boost-package?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gill South (Stuff): [SMEs say yes to Budget’s Investment Boost encouraging them to buy plant and tech](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360699016/smes-say-yes-budgets-investment-boost-encouraging-them-buy-plant-and-tech?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [Investment boost seen as a step in the right direction](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/investment-boost-seen-step-right-direction?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sheree Carey (ODT): [SMEs may need extra support](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/smes-may-need-extra-support?ref=goodoil.news)  
Benno Blaschke (Herald): [Breaking up supermarkets won’t solve competition issues](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/retail/breaking-up-supermarkets-wont-solve-competition-issues-benno-blaschke/LRVAD7I6S5GXBHTNNYV2KFDPJ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Craig Hickman (Post): [What Fonterra can teach Foodstuffs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360691660/what-fonterra-can-teach-foodstuffs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [500 job applications in 12 months - a jobseeker's struggle](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561758/500-job-applications-in-12-months-a-jobseeker-s-struggle?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Nearly two thirds of workers would switch jobs for a higher salary - survey shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561794/nearly-two-thirds-of-workers-would-switch-jobs-for-a-higher-salary-survey-shows?ref=goodoil.news)  
NBR: [Huljich breach, AI lawyers, NZME dump, Coldplay tickets](https://www.nbr.co.nz/private-bin-2/huljich-breach-ai-lawyers-nzme-dump-coldplay-tickets/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Alarm bells sound on tertiary education budget](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/alarm-bells-sound-on-tertiary-education-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Funding blow to humanities: uni](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/funding-blow-humanities-uni?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Cate Macintosh (Press/Post): [Uplift in funding for learning support: ‘dirty money’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698291/uplift-funding-learning-support-dirty-money?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Education’s $2.5b boost - Where the money is going](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/budget-2025-educations-25b-boost-where-the-money-is-going/SMN4EFZ66FHIXPNLJRXLOBRHRI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [‘Major trade-offs’ allow for learning support boost](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/major-trade-offs-allow-for-learning-support-boost/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Māori education gets boost, targeted funding remains tight](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561818/budget-2025-maori-education-gets-boost-targeted-funding-remains-tight?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alex Gunn and Karen Nairn (ODT): [Growth in the wrong places for education](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/growth-wrong-places-education?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mark Sheehan: [Erica Stanford: Making a difference? (1)](https://marksheehan.substack.com/p/erica-stanford-making-a-difference)  
Frances Chin (Post): [Nearly 60 polytech staffers face losing their jobs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698567/nearly-60-polytech-staffers-face-losing-their-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [School building funds haven't increased in 15 years - principal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561708/school-building-funds-haven-t-increased-in-15-years-principal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Renee Liang (North & South): [A schooling on school lunches](https://northandsouth.co.nz/2025/05/21/school-lunches/?utm%5Fsource=rss&utm%5Fmedium=rss&utm%5Fcampaign=school-lunches)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘We just awhi them’: Iwi-led initiative tackles school attendance crisis](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561777/we-just-awhi-them-iwi-led-initiative-tackles-school-attendance-crisis?ref=goodoil.news)  
Neil Sands (Law News): [Parliament rules against compulsory inclusion of tikanga in core law degree subjects](https://lawnews.nz/treaty-maori/parliament-rules-against-compulsory-inclusion-of-tikanga-in-core-law-degree-subjects/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TARGETED FUNDING FOR MĀORI AND PASIFIKA, MĀORI-CROWN RELATIONS**  
Kelvin McDonald and Māni Dunlop (Te Ao Māori News): [Thanks for your ‘racist’ questions: Seymour attacks Māori funding pātai](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/23/thanks-for-your-racist-questions-seymour-attacks-maori-funding-patai/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Māori question lack of targeted funding in 2025 Budget](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561870/maori-question-lack-of-targeted-funding-in-2025-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tini Molyneux (Te Ao Māori News): [Nicola Willis says budget promises strong support for Māori and their whānau](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/21/nicola-willis-says-budget-promises-strong-support-for-maori-and-their-whanau/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alakihihifo Vailala (RNZ): [MPP faces major cuts, yet new initiatives aim for support, development](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561819/budget-2025-mpp-faces-major-cuts-yet-new-initiatives-aim-for-support-development?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Harris (Post): [Review of Waitangi Tribunal risks tampering with the country’s compass](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698028/review-waitangi-tribunal-risks-tampering-countrys-compass?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Stephen Ward (Waikato Times): [Tainui eyes more small business starters plus big projects at 30 year settlement anniversary](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360694801/tainui-eyes-more-small-business-starters-plus-big-projects-30-year-settlement-anniversary?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HEALTH, AGED CARE**  
Esther Willing and Gabrielle McDonald (ODT): [Significant healthcare issues unaddressed](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/significant-healthcare-issues-unaddressed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Government yet to confirm Nelson Hospital redevelopment Budget](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561859/government-yet-to-confirm-nelson-hospital-redevelopment-budget?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Annual health funding likely to lag behind rising costs - doctor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561869/annual-health-funding-likely-to-lag-behind-rising-costs-doctor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicholas Pointon (NBR): [Extension of aged care funding labelled an ‘insult’ ](https://www.nbr.co.nz/budget-2025/extension-of-aged-care-funding-labeled-an-insult/?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled)  
Davina Zimmer (RNZ): [The Detail: Misleading figures on New Zealand youth suicide rates](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561866/misleading-figures-on-new-zealand-youth-suicide-rates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Megan Wilson (Bay of Plenty Times/Herald): [Tend seeks Health NZ contract, leaves Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/tend-seeks-health-nz-contract-leaves-western-bop-primary-health-organisation/IAFJMJ2MQZEOBPND6XEEWECQWA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT**  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Budget backsliding on climate change 'defies belief', say advocates](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561847/budget-backsliding-on-climate-change-defies-belief-say-advocates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Govt’s climate aid reduction ‘betrayal’ of Pacific, NGOs say](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/govts-climate-aid-reduction-betrayal-of-pacific-ngos-say/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [West Coast iwi back moves to speed up goldmining consents](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/22/west-coast-iwi-back-moves-to-speed-up-goldmining-consents/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Wastewater spill into Lake Wakatipu](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561799/wastewater-spill-into-lake-wakatipu?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**POLICE, JUSTICE, CRIME**  
Katie Ham (Post): [Police funding boost more than union expected, but ‘devil will be in the detail’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360697465/budget-2025-11-billion-crackdown-crime-tranche-fresh-initiatives?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Bootcamp bill: Public feedback overwhelmingly negative, MPs recommend physical force safeguards](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/bootcamp-bill-public-feedback-overwhelmingly-negative-mps-recommend-physical-force-safeguards/5MB4EBRQMFH4BKRLV4FHAIPH3Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Roger Brooking (Spinoff): [Who really makes up New Zealand’s sentenced prison population?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/22-05-2025/who-really-makes-up-new-zealands-sentenced-prison-population?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Hunter (NBR): [The worst kept secret of insider trading](https://www.nbr.co.nz/hunters-corner/the-worst-kept-secret-of-insider-trading/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Catherine Masters (One Roof): [Budget 2025: What the changes mean for house prices and mortgage rates](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/nz-budget-2025-what-the-changes-mean-for-house-prices-and-mortgage-rates-47581?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Dunedin rental check reveal improvements needed in student accommodation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561840/dunedin-rental-check-reveal-improvements-needed-in-student-accommodation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Todd (RNZ): [The social housing waitlist: Woman told no emergency homes available at all](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561772/the-social-housing-waitlist-woman-told-no-emergency-homes-available-at-all?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Government's social housing model not delivering for Wellington residents, Rongotai MP says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561762/government-s-social-housing-model-not-delivering-for-wellington-residents-rongotai-mp-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Makiha (Rotorua Daily Post/Herald): [Ngongotahā development progresses, 202 homes to ease Rotorua housing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/ngongotaha-development-progresses-202-homes-to-ease-rotorua-housing/HKBNLYDLEBEVFM62BSSM2DR6BI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Maioha Panama (Te Ao Māori News): [Te Tai Rāwhiti housing collective to provide 150 new homes for whānau facing hardship](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/21/te-tai-rawhiti-housing-collective-to-provide-150-new-homes-for-whanau-facing-hardship/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Regional journalism boost at RNZ expense: ‘The bleeding hasn’t stopped’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/regional-journalism-boost-at-rnz-expense-the-bleeding-hasnt-stopped/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Mike Hosking and ZB’s record reign, Simon Barnett’s early rises and falls, Ryan Bridge’s new show; RNZ budget cuts](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-breakfast-shake-up-mike-hosking-remains-king-simon-barnetts-early-christchurch-inroads-ryan-bridges-new-show-launches-rnzs-budget-cuts/OPC3FZ6P6JDO3ITYXPN6X4WKTQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Dropping digital tax frees big tech to ship $4b revenues offshore](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/22/dropping-digital-tax-frees-big-tech-to-ship-4b-revenues-offshore/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Google New Zealand sends $1 billion offshore as it increases profit, threat of digital sales tax melts away](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/google-new-zealand-sends-1-billion-offshore-as-it-increases-profit-threat-of-digital-sales-tax-melts-away/JNSJWJJ6EZGMPIZDV347N5ZOFY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
No Right Turn: [National grovels to Trump](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/national-grovels-to-trump.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Mike Hosking and Newstalk ZB rule the airwaves as radio industry celebrates weekly jump in listeners](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/mike-hosking-newstalk-zb-rule-the-airwaves-as-radio-industry-celebrates-weekly-jump-in-listeners/XEZ2FEDLQNFB3NRNDRC3NHW24U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington councillors vote to save beloved community assets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561845/wellington-councillors-vote-to-save-beloved-community-assets?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [What goes, what stays in Wellington City Council’s long term plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360696451/water-land-and-motorbikes-mega-wellington-city-council-meeting-soon-start?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [As it happened: Big day of decisions for Wellington City Council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561768/as-it-happened-big-day-of-decisions-for-wellington-city-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Wellington councillor to propose middle ground for Airbnb rates](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360697440/wellington-councillor-propose-middle-ground-airbnb-rates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Regional approach’: Carterton enters Wai+T water entity talks](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360696285/regional-approach-carterton-enters-wait-water-entity-talks?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Environment Southland backs council merger idea](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561830/environment-southland-backs-council-merger-idea?ref=goodoil.news)  
Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [Selwyn Huts residents make impassioned plea for future of settlement](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561776/selwyn-huts-residents-make-impassioned-plea-for-future-of-settlement?ref=goodoil.news)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): [Auckland War Memorial Museum likely to stay closed for at least one more week, losing around $19,000 a day](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561783/auckland-war-memorial-museum-likely-to-stay-closed-for-at-least-one-more-week-losing-around-19-000-a-day?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [James Kirkpatrick's K Rd development may get reprieve](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/james-kirkpatricks-k-rd-development-may-get-reprieve?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Torika Tokalau (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Vibrant’ southern rural region fastest growing area in Auckland](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360696571/vibrant-southern-rural-region-fastest-growing-area-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Napier fisherman plans to skirt round beach barriers: ‘We pay a s\*\*\*load of rates’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561842/napier-fisherman-plans-to-skirt-round-beach-barriers-we-pay-a-s-load-of-rates?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): ['No big bang' for infrastructure, PPP projects miss out on funding](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/budget-2025-no-big-bang-for-infrastructure-ppp-projects-miss-out-on-funding?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Katrina Van Houtte (BusinessDesk): [The infrastructure elephant in the room](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/budget-2025-the-infrastructure-elephant-in-the-room?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY**  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Budget 2025: Tech boss’ withering take](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/budget-2025-tech-boss-withering-take/YUEZCX2YARDGFK2IBSW7T4JYB4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Shuffling the deckchairs for science](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/budget-2025-shuffling-the-deckchairs-for-science?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Giant grid-connected battery site set to open at Marsden Point, Northland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561873/giant-grid-connected-battery-site-set-to-open-at-marsden-point-northland?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Meridian Energy to replace five transformers at Manapōuri Power Station](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561654/meridian-energy-to-replace-five-transformers-at-manapouri-power-station?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marcos Pelenur (Post): [Power-smart appliances critical in saving strain on NZ’s grid](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360693383/power-smart-appliances-critical-saving-strain-nzs-grid?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS**  
Lydia Lewis and Christina Persico (RNZ): ['Every man and his dog is coming': Samoan PM warns of growing geopolitical interest in Pacific](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/561781/every-man-and-his-dog-is-coming-samoan-pm-warns-of-growing-geopolitical-interest-in-pacific?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Reported back](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/reported-back.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Tony Burton: [The 1980s and all that](https://accidentaltouristinbureaucracy.substack.com/p/the-1980s-and-all-that)  
Arena Williams, Stuart Smith (Stuff): [Minister Karen Chhour has no one else to blame but herself](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360699099/arena-williams-minister-karen-chhour-has-no-one-else-blame-herself?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonty Dine (RNZ): [Run It Straight organisers promise more events, despite criticism](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561803/run-it-straight-organisers-promise-more-events-despite-criticism?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Run It Straight’ event cancelled in Māngere](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561684/run-it-straight-event-cancelled-in-mangere?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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