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# News Briefing: 26 February 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-26-february-2025/
- Published: 2025-02-25T19:03:20.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-25T19:50:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**REGIONAL ECONOMIC ZONES, ENERGY**  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government mulls bespoke regional tax and concessions to spur growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-mulls-bespoke-regional-tax-and-nconcessions-to-spur-growth/XXOM6DWNMNDBRP2YDVEW77W7QA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Special economic zones could boost NZ's fuel security - energy minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542905/special-economic-zones-could-boost-nz-s-fuel-security-energy-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (The Post): [Marsden Point set to become NZ's first ‘special economic zone’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360592803/marsden-point-set-become-nzs-first-special-economic-zone?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Jones proposes Special Economic Zone for Marsden Point refinery](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132099/shane-jones-says-cabinet-will-consider-creating-special-economic-zones-support?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Government floats special economic zone for Marsden Point](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/government-floats-special-economic-zone-for-marsden-point?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jamie Gray (Herald: [Meridian, NZAS invoke power cut deal for Tiwai](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/meridian-nzas-invoke-power-cut-deal-for-tiwai/7KEAZFKN2REYJCWQNEAOYGGGH4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Mercury customers face near 10 percent rise in power bills](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542908/mercury-customers-face-near-10-percent-rise-in-power-bills?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Mercury to hike electricity prices by almost 10%, ups payout to shareholders](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360592635/mercury-hike-electricity-prices-almost-10?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Mercury Energy's earnings fall on lower generation, higher costs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542903/mercury-energy-s-earnings-fall-on-lower-generation-higher-costs?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE**  
Gordon Campbell: [On Why Our China Panic Is About To Get Expensive](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/02/gordon-campbell-on-why-our-china-panic-is-about-to-get-expensive/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maria Siow (South China Morning Post): [Were China’s ‘unprecedented’ naval drills in Tasman Sea ‘signal’ to Australia, New Zealand?](https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3300065/were-chinas-unprecedented-naval-drills-tasman-sea-signal-australia-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [Peters to seek answers from China over warships, Cook Islands deal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542983/peters-to-seek-answers-from-china-over-warships-cook-islands-deal?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Winston Peters needs to address Cook Islands-China deal during meeting - Helen Clark](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542893/winston-peters-needs-to-address-cook-islands-china-deal-during-meeting-helen-clark?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Winston Peters arrives in China amid heightened tensions](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360592679/winston-peters-arrives-china-amid-heightened-tensions?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [The tense backdrop to Winston Peters’ trip to Beijing, explained](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-02-2025/the-tense-backdrop-to-winston-peters-trip-to-beijing-explained?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World Socialists): [New Zealand government whips up hysteria over Chinese naval exercise in Tasman Sea](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/02/25/kgqv-f25.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [What we know about the Chinese vessels conducting military exercises in the Tasman Sea](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/542972/what-we-know-about-the-chinese-vessels-conducting-military-exercises-in-the-tasman-sea?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Chinese warships in Tasman Sea inch closer to Australia](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542922/chinese-warships-in-tasman-sea-inch-closer-to-australia?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Virgin pilot sounded alarm on Chinese live fire drill in Tasman Sea](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/25/virgin-pilot-sounded-alarm-on-chinese-live-fire-drill-in-tasman/?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Spend up large on defence, we have no choice](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-spend-up-large-on-defence-we-have-no-choice/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [Prepare for a defence-focused budget](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/ryan-bridge-prepare-for-a-defence-focused-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [China ties behind Kiribati-NZ impasse, opposition leader says](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/24/china-ties-behind-kiribati-nz-impasse-opposition-leader-says/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Christopher Luxon intent on 'stepping up tempo' in trade, education ties with Vietnam](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542985/christopher-luxon-intent-on-stepping-up-tempo-in-trade-education-ties-with-vietnam?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jason Walls (Newstalk ZB): [Christopher Luxon poised to meet Vietnam’s ‘Big Four’; plays down China tensions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-poised-to-meet-vietnams-big-four-plays-down-china-tensions/FH2R2YIVTVBGVHXCO3BVB6PMDY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ananish Chaudhuri (Newsroom): [We will all be poorer from Trump’s tariff wars](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/26/we-will-all-be-poorer-from-trumps-tariff-wars/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Govt extends expiry date for Russia sanctions](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/25/govt-extends-expiry-date-for-russia-sanctions/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): ['Nationally significant' espionage trial to resume](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360593528/nationally-significant-espionage-trial-resume?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: 'You've made a complete meal of this' - Hosking-PM interview turns into a farcical 3 minutes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-newstalk-zb-host-mike-hoskings-interview-with-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-youve-made-a-complete-meal-of-this/ORACEWPNWVDDLOH4N6BV6ODD4A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Handling a scandal: Did Chris Hipkins do things differently?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360592947/handling-scandal-did-chris-hipkins-do-things-differently?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Christopher Luxon says he would have fired Andrew Bayly had he not resigned](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542861/christopher-luxon-says-he-would-have-fired-andrew-bayly-had-he-not-resigned?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [PM says he would have sacked Andrew Bayly had he not resigned](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360592785/pm-says-he-would-have-sacked-andrew-bayly-had-he-not-resigned?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Chaplin (BusinessDesk): [Bridging the Bayly gap: The unfinished financial services reforms](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/bridging-the-bayly-gap-the-unfinished-financial-services-reforms?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Who is the ‘new’ minister Scott Simpson?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360593679/who-new-minister-scott-simpson?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [What exactly is the Business of Government? (and more … )](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/what-exactly-is-the-business-of-government-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Day (1News): [MPI withdraws staff from NZ First Minister's office after complaints](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/25/mpi-withdraws-staff-from-nz-first-ministers-office-after-complaints/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Ministry stops sending workers to NZ First minister Mark Patterson’s office amid complaints, issues between staff](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ministry-stops-sending-workers-to-nz-first-minister-mark-pattersons-office-amid-complaints-between-staff/52NY2CCMCRG6JHXSOZTBGUZGIE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [MPI staff pulled from Rural Communities Minister's office](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542978/mpi-staff-pulled-from-rural-communities-minister-s-office?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [David Seymour to be acting Prime Minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542941/david-seymour-to-be-acting-prime-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Mega ministry and union reach tense milestone in year-long bargaining](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360593770/mega-ministry-and-union-reach-tense-milestone-year-long-bargaining?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Wright (Press/Post): [The Government’s in-house liquidator is 1000% busier than five years ago](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360591535/governments-house-liquidator-1000-busier-five-years-ago?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Will Johnston (Stuff): [Minister calls in a favour and stays with New Plymouth MP](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360592983/minister-calls-favour-and-stays-new-plymouth-mp?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [NZ blocks South Pacific seamount protections two years running](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/25/nz-blocks-south-pacific-seamount-protections-two-years-running/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Hopes West Coast towns will see benefits from potential mining boom](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/26/hopes-west-coast-towns-will-see-benefits-from-potential-mining-boom/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Tough nitrate limits put to iwi farm leader](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/26/tough-nitrate-limits-put-to-iwi-farm-leader/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Yolisa Tswanya (Northern Advocate): [Taumata Arowai assesses Kāeo water crisis after 10 years under boil notice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/taumata-arowai-assesses-kaeo-water-crisis-after-10-years-under-boil-notice/ZXCHBHYYQVCRBOWQ2GVMUK347Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Monique Steele (RNZ): [First herds of special interest bids 'very close' - Game Animal Council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/542878/first-herds-of-special-interest-bids-very-close-game-animal-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Pharmac prolongs culture review, as minister refuses to publicly back CEO](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360592946/pharmac-prolongs-culture-review-minister-refuses-publicly-back-ceo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [‘I didn’t want to smile’: How unaffordable and inaccessible dental care damages the daily lives of so many, and why dental care should be available for all](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/interview-i-didnt-want-to-smile)  
RNZ: ['Dangers' to increasing prescription supply to 12 months, Royal NZ College of General Practitioners medical director says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542942/dangers-to-increasing-prescription-supply-to-12-months-royal-nz-college-of-general-practitioners-medical-director-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bill Hickman (RNZ): [Gender affirming care: Law firm's letter an 'attempt to intimidate', GP group says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542987/gender-affirming-care-law-firm-s-letter-an-attempt-to-intimidate-gp-group-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrier: [Franks Ogilvie Law's Threat to Health Professionals](https://www.webworm.co/p/franksogilvielaw?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrier: [Breaking: Legal Threats Made to Gender-Affirming Health Professionals](https://www.webworm.co/p/legalthreatsnz?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natalie Akoorie (RNZ):['I was chosen for my vulnerability'': Abuse survivor wants sculptor's work removed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542995/i-was-chosen-for-my-vulnerability-abuse-survivor-wants-sculptor-s-work-removed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World Socialist Website): [New Zealand nurses union promotes racial divisions](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/02/22/mnrc-f22.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**COVID-19, COVID INQUIRY**  
Michael Baker, Amanda Kvalsvig, John Donne Potter, Matire Harwood, Nick Wilson (The Conversation): [5 years on, COVID remains NZ’s most important infectious disease – it still demands a strong response](https://theconversation.com/5-years-on-covid-remains-nzs-most-important-infectious-disease-it-still-demands-a-strong-response-246873?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Covid Inquiry hit by top level resignations](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593610/covid-inquiry-hit-top-level-resignations?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Covid-19 inquiry executive director and assisting counsel resign](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542963/covid-19-inquiry-executive-director-and-assisting-counsel-resign?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL**  
Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Treaty Principles Bill: ‘If this law was kai it would be an ACT school lunch’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360592546/treaty-principles-bill-if-law-was-kai-it-would-be-act-school-lunch?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith and Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Treaty principles bill hearings, day nine: Tory Whanau challenges government priorities](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-02-2025/treaty-principles-bill-hearings-day-nine-tory-whanau-challenges-government-priorities?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Treaty Principles Bill: Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau warns of local government impact as submitters call for apology](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-warns-of-local-government-impact-as-submitters-call-for-apology/XNWCXXOEIFED7PBYAXM7EDDJS4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Treaty Principles Bill 'pollutes' the idea of a future together - submission](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542967/treaty-principles-bill-pollutes-the-idea-of-a-future-together-submission?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CRIME**  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Citizen’s arrest powers to be expanded amid rise in retail theft](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/citizens-arrest-powers-to-be-expanded-amid-rise-in-retail-theft/4JCTYFFMKFCX3AB2LMSW7AJTOM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [Labour criticises retail crime advisory group spend](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/542958/labour-criticises-retail-crime-advisory-group-spend?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Retail crime plan set to be revealed by Government](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360593641/retail-crime-plan-set-be-revealed-government?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [Is violent crime really dropping?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-ryan-bridge-is-violent-crime-really-dropping/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown calls for pause on $60m Victoria St linear park project](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-calls-for-pause-on-60m-victoria-st-linear-park-project/AAJFWZA3D5EE3I7Q5O2FRNAGBY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [Port of Auckland almost doubles interim profit as operation gets back into pre-Covid groove](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360593630/port-auckland-almost-doubles-interim-profit-operation-gets-back-pre-covid-groove?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Wellington City Council supports move to delist heritage buildings more easily](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-city-council-supports-move-to-delist-heritage-buildings-more-easily/WBGG6NLTF5EQ3FGMW2MBM4HNN4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Melissa Nightingale (Herald): [Wellington mayor Tory Whanau cancels monthly slot on Newstalk ZB’s morning show with Nick Mills](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-mayor-tory-whanau-cancels-monthly-slot-on-newstalk-zbs-morning-show-with-nick-mills/NM3HEXXR2BFK5IPNQA5XG6ZHQU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Tory Whanau pulls out of monthly radio slot](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360593015/tory-whanau-pulls-out-monthly-radio-slot?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Regional deal to be sent to govt; doubt remains](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/regional-deal-be-sent-govt-doubt-remains?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [Pipes’ state ‘not well understood’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/pipes%E2%80%99-state-%E2%80%98not-well-understood%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [Residents told they were 'widely consulted' over controversial Tauranga marine precinct sale](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542947/residents-told-they-were-widely-consulted-over-controversial-tauranga-marine-precinct-sale?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua considers new bottle store freeze to tackle alcohol harm](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/25/rotorua-considers-new-bottle-store-freeze-to-tackle-alcohol-harm/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lois Williams (Local Democracy Reporting): [Soaring cost of combined plan shocks Coast councillors: 'This is a disaster'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542979/soaring-cost-of-combined-plan-shocks-coast-councillors-this-is-a-disaster?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tāpu lake: The battle over a sewerage pipeline](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542847/tapu-lake-the-battle-over-a-sewerage-pipeline?ref=goodoil.news)  
Linda Hall (Local Democracy Reporting): [Councillor clashes with mayoral hopeful, makes jibe about European holiday](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542975/councillor-clashes-with-mayoral-hopeful-makes-jibe-about-european-holiday?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Kerbside food scrap collection to be rolled out in Whanganui](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/25/kerbside-food-scrap-collection-to-be-rolled-out-in-whanganui/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Will Harvie (The Press): [Double ECan rates hit for some, but lower rise than expected](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360592892/double-ecan-rates-hit-some-lower-rise-expected?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sinead Gill (Press): [Protection for central Christchurch venues another 18 months away](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360593368/protection-central-christchurch-venues-another-18-months-away?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Leask (Local Democracy Reporting): [Mid Canterbury SPCA backs tougher rules on desexing and microchipping cats](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/542851/mid-canterbury-spca-backs-tougher-rules-on-desexing-and-microchipping-cats?ref=goodoil.news)  
Martin Edmond (Newsroom): [A brief history of Michael Laws’ war on the Sarjeant Gallery](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/26/a-brief-history-of-michael-laws-war-on-the-sarjeant-gallery/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glen Morgan (ODT): [We test drivers, so how about councillors?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/we-test-drivers-so-how-about-councillors?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
Katharine Moody (Interest): [Regulation of the private rental market could be the only way to avoid the plague of homelessness seen in many parts of the world](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132074/katharine-moody-suggests-regulation-private-rental-market-could-be-only-way-avoid?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [Public left out in hazard levies consultation](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360591602/public-left-out-hazard-levies-consultation?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mary Argue (RNZ): [Pensioners in quake-prone council housing block feel stuck in limbo](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542998/pensioners-in-quake-prone-council-housing-block-feel-stuck-in-limbo?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Inside the legal fight over Wellington’s character areas](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-02-2025/war-for-wellington-inside-the-legal-fight-over-wellingtons-character-areas?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Fundamental disagreement at core of Wellington character housing dispute](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360591669/fundamental-disagreement-core-wellington-character-housing-dispute?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [New Zealand rental prices rise, but surge in listings could ease pressure](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360591197/new-zealand-rental-prices-rise-surge-listings-could-ease-pressure?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [The number of new homes being built in Auckland continues declining](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132078/number-new-homes-completed-auckland-last-year-fell-52-year-year?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [How much you need to earn to buy a house in NZ's cheapest region](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542984/how-much-you-need-to-earn-to-buy-a-house-in-nz-s-cheapest-region?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [The regions where bus fares could be hiked by 500%](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360592595/regions-where-bus-fares-could-be-hiked-500?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Wellington off-peak transport fares could go up 20%](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593685/wellington-peak-transport-fares-could-go-20?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington dream of electric bus fleet by 2030 seems over](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360592609/wellington-dream-electric-bus-fleet-2030-seems-over?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Long (Stuff): [West Auckland city's 'poor cousin' as no funds to remove level crossings ahead of CRL opening](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593811/west-auckland-citys-poor-cousin-no-funds-remove-level-crossings-ahead-crl-opening?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Williams (ODT): [NZTA cuts funding, Hollyford road access at risk](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/nzta-cuts-funding-hollyford-road-access-risk?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [The case for a tolled motorway through the Remutakas](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360591970/case-tolled-motorway-through-remutakas?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Consortium looks to take control of Northport](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542913/consortium-looks-to-take-control-of-northport?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [Tar-sealing of Tangarakau Gorge marks end of an era](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542867/tar-sealing-of-tangarakau-gorge-marks-end-of-an-era?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Rosen (1News): [Nelson Airport one step closer to future runway extension](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/24/nelson-airport-one-step-closer-to-future-runway-extension/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
RNZ: [Primary teachers to get fast-tracked residency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542909/primary-teachers-to-get-fast-tracked-residency?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Eleven days of butter chicken: Principals report more problems with school lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542977/eleven-days-of-butter-chicken-principals-report-more-problems-with-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mark John (ODT): [Cheesed off: ‘on all levels, a disaster’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/cheesed-%E2%80%98-all-levels-disaster%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Te Pūkenga in the black as student numbers grow](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360591701/te-pukenga-black-student-numbers-grow?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**POVERTY**  
David Farrar: [Jacinda’s record on child poverty](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/02/jacindas%5Frecord%5Fon%5Fchild%5Fpoverty.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Taylor (Stuff): [Our forgotten moko only ever get one childhood](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360592900/sir-ian-taylor-our-forgotten-moko-only-ever-get-one-childhood?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS**  
Fiona Rotherham (NBR): [The pros and cons of split shifts for workers](https://www.nbr.co.nz/toil-and-trouble/the-pros-and-cons-of-split-shifts-for-workers/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Hornsby-Geluk (Post): [How big earners should expect to be hit by change in employment law](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360592750/how-big-earners-should-expect-be-hit-change-employment-law?cx%5FtestId=10&cx%5FtestVariant=cx%5F1&cx%5FartPos=1&utm%5Fsource=the%5Fpost%5Fstuff%5Fhome&utm%5Fmedium=referral#cxrecs%5Fs) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Telco One NZ getting some grief from Kiwis over Elon Musk link](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360592198/telco-one-nz-getting-some-grief-kiwis-over-elon-musk-link?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Should we be buying the closed mills?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-should-we-be-buying-the-closed-mills/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Off-shore online stores, Temu, Shein, 'significant worry' for NZ retailers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542965/off-shore-online-stores-temu-shein-significant-worry-for-nz-retailers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Temu mania: Online shopping grows at expense of bricks-and-mortar](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/25/temu-mania-kiwis-buy-more-online-but-spend-less-overall/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**IMMIGRATION, MIGRANT WORKERS**  
Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [Migrant who sank Darleen Tana's career faces unhappy exit from NZ](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593615/migrant-who-sank-darleen-tanas-career-faces-unhappy-exit-nz?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Immigration NZ announces one-time increase in parent visa quota](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/542961/immigration-nz-announces-one-time-increase-in-parent-visa-quota?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Edwards (Coast & Country News): [Waikato dairy farmer’s cautious optimism over migrant visa rule changes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/waikato-dairy-farmers-cautious-optimism-over-migrant-visa-rule-changes/UTLRT3T7JVGRPNWQUMMM44QYBQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DESTINY CHURCH, NZ CHURCHES**  
RNZ: [Labour MP Phil Twyford alleges office targeted over his stance on Destiny Church](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542946/labour-mp-phil-twyford-alleges-office-targeted-over-his-stance-on-destiny-church?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Labour MP claims rubbish dumped outside office linked to Destiny stance](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/25/labour-mp-claims-rubbish-dumped-outside-office-linked-to-destiny-stance/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rip Bhatia (Stuff): [Labour MP discovers ‘load of rubbish dumped outside office door’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593616/labour-mp-discovers-load-rubbish-dumped-outside-office-door?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrier: [The Rot of NZ's Biggest Churches](https://www.webworm.co/p/therot?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN INVESTMENT**  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Seymour argues foreign investment should be as open as trade](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/seymour-argues-foreign-investment-should-be-as-open-as-trade/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Overseas Investment Act changes will bring much needed investment - BusinessNZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542789/overseas-investment-act-changes-will-bring-much-needed-investment-businessnz?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TOURISM**  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Increasing opposition to tourism predicted](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/increasing-opposition-tourism-predicted?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Warning of hostility to Queenstown Lakes councillors over tourist pressures](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542980/warning-of-hostility-to-queenstown-lakes-councillors-over-tourist-pressures?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alan Granville (Stuff): [‘Everyone Must Go!’: Controversial NZ tourism slogan hitting the mark with its intended audience, Australians](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360591695/everyone-must-go-controversial-nz-tourism-slogan-hitting-mark-its-intended-audience-australians?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BANKS**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Is it up to banks to cut their margins to give better interest rates?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542891/is-it-up-to-banks-to-cut-their-margins-to-give-better-interest-rates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Fitzgerald, Julian Brown & Tristan Hutchinson (Interest): [NZ First's 'woke banking bill' could represent a significant incursion into the contract between financial institutions and their customers](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/132075/nz-firsts-woke-banking-bill-could-represent-significant-incursion-contract-between?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
Richard Prebble (Herald): [Relying on flawed data undermines Reserve Bank decisions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/gdp/relying-on-flawed-data-undermines-reserve-bank-decisions-richard-prebble/JEK2W43OYNETVCKOFFX7IPF6VI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [Paul Conway Interview: RBNZ wary of any administered inflation spiral](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/interview-rbnz-wary-of-any-administered?utm%5Fsource=post-email-title&publication%5Fid=102473&post%5Fid=157782866&utm%5Fcampaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=2peuab&triedRedirect=true&utm%5Fmedium=email)  
  
**OTHER**  
ODT Editorial: [We doth protest too much/not enough?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/we-doth-protest-too-muchnot-enough?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Prisoners served dinner as early as 2.30pm in Northland, report finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542932/prisoners-served-dinner-as-early-as-2-point-30pm-in-northland-report-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [The tax perk you might have forgotten about](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/542927/the-tax-perk-you-might-have-forgotten-about?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sherwood (Stuff): [‘My healing can start’: Complainants react to review of historical sexual abuse by former MP](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593275/no-further-action-after-allegations-historical-sexual-abuse-former-mp?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [Former senior ComCom lawyer sets up competition law firm](https://www.nbr.co.nz/professional-services/former-senior-comcom-lawyer-sets-up-competition-law-firm/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mandy Henk (Spinoff): [We are in an information war – and we are losing](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-02-2025/we-are-in-an-information-war-and-we-are-losing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Wellington basketball team owner, restaurateur Nick Mills given another three weeks to settle tax debts after deal falls through](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/wellington-basketball-team-owner-restaurateur-nick-mills-given-another-three-weeks-to-settle-tax-debts-after-deal-falls-through/HRO7VCRWGFCWDD2O5DASSDAPZQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kurt Bayer (Herald): [Apocalypse now: Doomsday bunker secretly installed on New Zealand property – confirmed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/apocalypse-now-doomsday-bunker-secretly-installed-on-nz-property-confirmed/IHQ47FV7ZJGDLMJUEA3YMUG6MM/?lid=wf7l2k9oxg4j&ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

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# Cartoons

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea16b614-e429-4015-8acf-ebf0b91b7ad4_2352x1401.png)

Murdoch - The Post 26 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F499f4902-8267-472d-bb65-e8b75133c406_2490x1609.png)

Parton - NZ Herald 26 February 2025

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