> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # News Briefing: 26 March 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-26-march-2025/ - Published: 2025-03-25T19:01:53.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-25T21:18:29.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, OIA** Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [How new electorate boundaries could affect key races in the 2026 election](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-03-2025/how-new-electorate-boundaries-could-affect-key-races-in-the-2026-election?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Labour's Greg O'Connor plans to stick around even if his Ōhāriu seat is carved up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547480/labour-s-greg-o-connor-plans-to-stick-around-even-if-his-ohariu-seat-is-carved-up?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Wellington to lose an electorate as shake-up of local seats proposed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545912/wellington-to-lose-an-electorate-as-shake-up-of-local-seats-proposed?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Electorate boundary proposals: Three lower North Island seats abolished, two created](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/electorate-boundary-proposals-three-lower-north-island-seats-abolished-two-created/QQ6VXZRCAZDRLD6WVMW5LWLRFQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell and Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Wellington’s lost MP and the very large Māori electorates, explained](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360627470/wellingtons-lost-mp-and-very-large-maori-electorates-explained?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Day (1News): [Wellington set to lose an electorate at next election](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/25/wellington-set-to-lose-an-electorate-at-next-election/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [What are the electoral changes being proposed?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360627952/what-are-electoral-changes-being-proposed?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [O’Connor’s seat goes and puts Willis under pressure](https://www.politik.co.nz/oconnors-seat-goes-and-puts-willis-under-pressure/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Madeleine Chapman (Spinoff): [The city that could be cut in half by proposed electorate changes](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/26-03-2025/the-city-that-could-be-cut-in-half-by-proposed-electorate-changes?ref=goodoil.news) Luke Malpass (Post): [New boundaries could mean ‘a different patchwork quilt of colours’ come election time](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360627762/new-boundaries-could-mean-different-patchwork-quilt-colours-come-election-time?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liz McDonald (Press): [MP could be booted from own electorate if boundary reshuffle goes ahead](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360628166/move-shift-south-island-electorate-boundaries-west?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [‘It’s politics’: Labour colleagues won’t go head to head](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360627484/ohariu-mana-otaki-proposed-be-scrapped-two-new-electorates?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ————— No Right Turn: [Improving OIA enforcement](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/improving-oia-enforcement.html?ref=goodoil.news) LawFuel: [NZ Law – New Zealand’s Transparency Legacy at Risk as Officials Seek to Circumvent OIA Scrutiny](https://www.lawfuel.com/nz-law-new-zealands-transparency-legacy-at-risk-as-officials-seek-to-circumvent-oia-scrutiny/?ref=goodoil.news) Audrey Young (Herald): [The secret of survival – Winston Peters is set to turn 80](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/the-secret-of-survival-winston-peters-is-set-to-turn-80/JLPZPU3OVNAYRKNCUIDB4O5DYU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Hunker down for a week of urgent plod sprinkled with chaos](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547481/the-house-hunker-down-for-a-week-of-urgent-plod-sprinkled-with-chaos?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [Health New Zealand under fire for inaccurate palliative care recruitment claims](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/547508/health-new-zealand-under-fire-for-inaccurate-palliative-care-recruitment-claims?ref=goodoil.news) Benjamin Plummer (Herald): [Mistaken identity case: Missing girl, 11, was identified as female in her 20s via a photograph](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mistaken-identity-case-missing-girl-11-was-identified-as-female-in-her-20s-via-a-photograph/PNAX7M6JHNAWRBHK226LH53I5M/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse & Benjamin Plummer (Herald): [Girl, 11, misidentified by police, cuffed and drugged: Christopher Luxon slates ‘unacceptable’ failure to tell ministers](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/girl-11-misidentified-by-police-cuffed-and-drugged-christopher-luxon-slates-unacceptable-failure-to-tell-ministers/RXOFYM57MVCNHCIY2AGR7CYFZU/?ref=goodoil.news) Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [PM says ‘accountability’ needed around 11-year-old girl handcuffed, dosed with anti-psychotic drugs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627106/11-year-old-girl-handcuffed-after-being-misidentified-missing-mental-health-patient-early-20s?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: ['Horrific': Luxon won't rule out heads rolling over girl's mistaken identity](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545908/horrific-luxon-won-t-rule-out-heads-rolling-over-girl-s-mistaken-identity?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [11-year-old girl put in mental health facility after being mistaken for a 20-year-old](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545893/11-year-old-girl-put-in-mental-health-facility-after-being-mistaken-for-a-20-year-old?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Primary health organisations taking up too much health spending at GPs' expense - report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547478/primary-health-organisations-taking-up-too-much-health-spending-at-gps-expense-report?ref=goodoil.news) New Zealand Doctor: [Simeon Brown’s meetings revealed: The sector groups lobbying the minister](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/simeon-browns-meetings-revealed-sector-groups-lobbying-minister?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Health Minister Simeon Brown bumps pothole up the waiting list at Auckland hospital](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-minister-simeon-bumps-pothole-up-the-waiting-list-at-auckland-hospital/O3BVCHF6ARCARFCLXMPE4UYM5I/?ref=goodoil.news) Mountain Tui: [NZ Government, an Atlas Network puppet, intent on ruining public healthcare](https://mountaintui.substack.com/p/nz-government-an-atlas-network-puppet) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [A vision of two New Zealands: The ‘war on woke’ and a hīkoi for trans healthcare](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-03-2025/a-vision-of-two-new-zealands-the-war-on-woke-and-a-hikoi-for-trans-healthcare?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Midwife left mum with no electricity, phone or internet during 'tragic' birth](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545826/midwife-left-mum-with-no-electricity-phone-or-internet-during-tragic-birth?ref=goodoil.news) **RMA** Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Government’s RMA reforms an ‘open attack on Māoridom’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360628392/governments-rma-reforms-open-attack-maoridom?ref=goodoil.news) Justin Wong (Post): [Concern over proposed planning rules for historical Hutt iwi sites](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360626364/concern-over-proposed-planning-rules-historical-hutt-iwi-sites?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Will RMA change mean cheaper houses?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547479/will-rma-change-mean-cheaper-houses?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Finally, a plan and timeline to fix the broken RMA](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/finally-a-plan-and-timeline-to-fix-the-broken-rma-editorial/VE4MCUFFW5F4JFV57SINVP6N4U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Melville (NBR): [RMA reforms are a miss, on aggregate](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/rma-reforms-are-a-miss-on-aggregate/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION** Ella Somers (Interest): [Climate Change Minister says NZ can’t afford to quit Paris Agreement](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132545/climate-change-minister-simon-watts-says-paris-agreement-participation-?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [National MP moves to shield companies from climate liability](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360627869/national-mp-moves-shield-companies-climate-liability?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Williams (Newsroom): [Just how much influence does Ngāi Tahu have?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/just-how-much-influence-does-ngai-tahu-have/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Minister closes inner Hauraki Gulf to fishing of rock lobster](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545923/minister-closes-inner-hauraki-gulf-to-fishing-of-rock-lobster?ref=goodoil.news) Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [‘Not an adult in the group’: Teen power seeks to draw thousands to school strike](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627965/not-adult-group-teen-power-seeks-draw-thousands-school-strike?ref=goodoil.news) Joe Shaw (RNZ): [Can't keep building stop-banks forever - scientists](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547475/can-t-keep-building-stop-banks-forever-scientists?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [NZ treads water in Indo-Pacific defence as US, Australia make plans](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547514/nz-treads-water-in-indo-pacific-defence-as-us-australia-make-plans?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Spy agency minister Judith Collins refuses to release Pacific cyber security documents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545922/spy-agency-minister-judith-collins-refuses-to-release-pacific-cyber-security-documents?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Luxon and PNG Prime Minister Marape sign new agreement](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360626579/luxon-and-png-prime-minister-marape-sign-new-agreement?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Politics: Papua New Guinea PM and Christopher Luxon hold media conference after meeting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545876/politics-papua-new-guinea-pm-and-christopher-luxon-hold-media-conference-after-meeting?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Government opens consultation on free trade agreement with India](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545921/government-opens-consultation-on-free-trade-agreement-with-india?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Heat on Indian manufacturing as NZ vies for trade deal](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/25/heat-on-indian-manufacturing-as-nz-vies-for-trade-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [Dame Jacinda Ardern joins Oxford University’s World Leaders Circle](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dame-jacinda-ardern-joins-oxford-universitys-world-leaders-circle/QCYPQT2PY5BLTOWRIAAI47SMAU/?ref=goodoil.news) **AUCKLAND** Richard Harman (Herald): [Wayne Brown’s rapport with Government tested by new transport challenges](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/wayne-browns-rapport-with-government-tested-by-new-transport-challenges-richard-harman/X2OQTVNM5ZHRVPRCIE26AUDC24/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [‘Trench warfare’: mayor accuses Auckland Transport of resisting change](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/25/trench-warfare-mayor-accuses-auckland-transport-of-resisting-change/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [New Watercare boss to borrow $10b for ageing pipes and plants](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/new-watercare-boss-to-borrow-10b-for-ageing-pipes-and-plants/?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland’s Huia water treatment plant cost blows out from $420m to $1.1b](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands-huia-water-treatment-plant-cost-blows-out-from-420m-to-11b/XTKEVCHOBVBQ5POX4DOJSFIINY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dita De Boni (Post): [Banks to lend almost half of $14b in new spending at Watercare](https://www.thepress.co.nz/business/360627305/banks-lend-almost-half-14-billion-new-spending-watercare?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Auckland Council seeks feedback on draft plan for the next year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547468/auckland-council-seeks-feedback-on-draft-plan-for-the-next-year?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland stadium battle: Eden Park, Quay Park projects unfeasible without public funding - report](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-stadium-battle-eden-park-quay-park-projects-unfeasible-without-public-funding-report/K64GMS5VERBFJPW77IEY6XY4WE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Good riddance to bad rubbish at a north Auckland tip](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/547501/good-riddance-to-bad-rubbish-at-a-north-auckland-tip?ref=goodoil.news) Graham Skellern (Herald): [Calls for productivity boost as Auckland’s GDP premium stalls](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/calls-for-productivity-boost-as-aucklands-gdp-premium-stalls/2NEKVRMNFZCU7OBNGJWQWNIJ5E/?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Bridges (Herald): [Auckland’s economic future: Opportunities and hurdles ahead](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/aucklands-economic-future-opportunities-and-hurdles-ahead-simon-bridges/3HU2JY4P4NG5LB4TLGFEFW5XWM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bill Bennett (Herald): [Auckland city upgrades spur billions in private investment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/auckland-city-upgrades-spur-billions-in-private-investment-project-auckland/ORIQ2J3VNRFT7DBIEWPOMPJTT4/?ref=goodoil.news) Viv Beck (Herald): [Auckland’s growth hinges on improved public transport and safety](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/aucklands-growth-hinges-on-improved-public-transport-and-safety-viv-beck/FNR7V23T5NDZHIT4YPRIGU4CTI/?ref=goodoil.news) Dean Kimpton (Herald): [City Rail Link nears completion, how it could ease Auckland congestion](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/city-rail-link-nears-completion-how-it-could-ease-auckland-congestion-dean-kimpton/UFOKQJWFTFBIZBE62JXW3FJX4A/?ref=goodoil.news) Patrick Brockie (Herald): [City Rail Link: Auckland’s underground railway enters final phase - Project Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/city-rail-link-aucklands-underground-railway-enters-final-phase-project-auckland/KQ44GZ4D5NACRA724647AHWDX4/?ref=goodoil.news) Peter Reidy (Herald): [The final push on the journey to City Rail Link - Peter Reidy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/the-final-push-on-the-journey-to-city-rail-link-peter-reidy/QAC4TC36JBCHTC2VYDHTPFJ72E/?ref=goodoil.news) Bill Bennett (Herald): [How data is revolutionising the management of road traffic - Project Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/how-data-is-revolutionising-the-management-of-road-traffic-project-auckland/IW2QSSY3MRH3VCYGXPCF2RQUYE/?ref=goodoil.news) Bill Bennett (Herald): [Auckland’s tourism strategy: Year-round events, funding, and growth - Project Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/aucklands-tourism-strategy-year-round-events-funding-and-growth-project-auckland/65VP2O3JDZAUVMPP7KFNM2ZHXM/?ref=goodoil.news) Bill Bennett (Herald): [Auckland Airport’s plan to get Auckland flying again - Project Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/auckland-airports-plan-to-get-auckland-flying-again-project-auckland/OCH5PXIKXNEBVCX3A4DR3OQEDI/?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Peter Newport (Crux): [(Some) QLDC councillors provide their position on sewage crisis](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/some-qldc-councillors-provide-their-position-on-sewage-emergency/?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Govt rejects council ratings downgrades flowing on to LGFA](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/focus-on-councils-to-present-financially-sustainable-water-plans/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Post): [Wellington council performance ‘markedly better’ than we think, says observer](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360627144/wellington-council-performance-markedly-better-we-think-says-observer?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Local Democracy Reporting: [Tauranga faces 12 percent rates hike, council seeks further savings](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/547495/tauranga-faces-12-percent-rates-hike-council-seeks-further-savings?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Whangārei's bid to halt water fluoridation rejected](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547476/whangarei-s-bid-to-halt-water-fluoridation-rejected?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Te Ururoa Flavell seeks return of Rotorua reserve land to whānau](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/te-ururoa-flavell-seeks-return-of-rotorua-reserve-land-to-whanau/5SYGAJTYYRBTFCHB723QOEMDJQ/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Rodent droppings prompt boil water notice for Woodville residents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547470/rodent-droppings-prompt-boil-water-notice-for-woodville-residents?ref=goodoil.news) Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [The National Aquarium’s future looks bleak. Could it become ‘Pandaland’?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627195/national-aquariums-future-looks-bleak-could-it-become-pandaland?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Kāpiti Coast vandals cost ratepayers tens of thousands, targeting public toilets](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627875/kapiti-coast-vandals-cost-ratepayers-tens-thousands-targeting-public-toilets?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Miller (ODT): [Councillor rubbishes landfill plan](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/councillor-rubbishes-landfill-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Something big may be about to happen with supermarket competition](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360627249/something-big-may-be-about-happen-supermarket-competition?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [Why is Labour MP Duncan Webb opposing a new supermarket plan?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360628036/why-labour-mp-duncan-webb-opposing-new-supermarket-plan?ref=goodoil.news) Denise McNabb (BusinessDesk): [Multinationals address vexed issue of transfer pricing with co-operative pricing agreements](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/business-of-food/multinationals-address-vexed-issue-of-transfer-pricing-with-co-operative-pricing-agreements?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Treasury advised against giving Whakapapa Holdings more money](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-governments-ongoing-support-to-keep-whakapapa-ski-field-open/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Hornsby-Geluk (Post): [Bad bosses beware - ‘wage theft’ is now a crime](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360626127/bad-bosses-beware-wage-theft-now-crime?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Employment confidence sags again](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132546/westpac-mcdermott-miller-employment-confidence-survey-shows-lowest-levels-confidence?ref=goodoil.news) Cameron Smith (Herald): [Employment confidence slumps to 2020 post-Covid lockdown lows](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/employment-confidence-slumps-to-2020-post-covid-lockdown-lows/SYFW5SK5FBANZAJIRHJ3UZERSU/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Employment confidence drops to pandemic 2020 levels](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/employment-confidence-drops-to-pandemic-2020-levels/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** Duncan Greive (Spinoff): [A close read of the ‘Grenon letter’ – a billionaire’s vision for the future of the NZ Herald](https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/25-03-2025/a-close-read-of-the-grenon-letter-a-billionaires-vision-for-the-future-of-the-nz-herald?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [NZME board play: Jim Grenon’s ‘extremist’ problem](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nzme-board-play-jim-grenons-extremist-problem?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shane Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Trade Me could be eyeing potential acquisition of Stuff digital arm, website](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-trade-me-could-be-eyeing-potential-acquisition-of-stuff/ZKNODZF2JNE2BDCLA5UFUD63LM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rachel Moore (Stuff): [Speculation about Stuff and Trade Me deal, possible acquisition](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627500/speculation-about-stuff-and-trade-me-deal-possible-acquisition?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Speculation over possible Stuff, Trade Me deal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547463/speculation-over-possible-stuff-trade-me-deal?ref=goodoil.news) Shane Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Billionaire Jim Grenon inquired about buying Stuff during first Covid lockdown in 2020](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-billionaire-jim-grenon-inquired-about-buying-stuff-during-first-covid-lockdown-in-2020/MYIZOY6SUJE3NPFXOMZPCAMDV4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Shilpy Arora Gaikwad (Stuff): [RNZ’s 6pm bulletin fails to go to air due to ‘technical issues’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360628391/rnzs-6pm-bulletin-fails-go-air-south-island?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION, SCHOOL LUNCHES** Layla Bailey-McDowell (RNZ): [Petition launched against 'horrible, disgusting and inedible' school lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/547486/petition-launched-against-horrible-disgusting-and-inedible-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news) Deborah Morris (Stuff): [Zone Out: School zones more important to buyers than safety](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627250/zone-out-school-zones-more-important-buyers-safety?ref=goodoil.news) Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia (Newsroom): [School sex education changes more than a backwards step](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/school-sex-education-changes-more-than-a-backwards-step/?ref=goodoil.news) Graham Adams (Centrist): [Auckland University has a death wish](https://centrist.nz/graham-adams-auckland-university-has-a-death-wish/?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Further uni shake-up on cards](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/further-uni-shake-cards?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CHILD WELFARE** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Oranga Tamariki 'always intended to publish' scathing review](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547477/oranga-tamariki-always-intended-to-publish-scathing-review?ref=goodoil.news) Listener: [NZ’s stolen children: Aaron Smale’s investigation into abuse in state care reaches the screen](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/nzs-stolen-children-aaron-smales-investigation-into-abuse-in-state-care-reaches-the-screen/2HCPKQXWJVHOHMDCFJD5XKF4RA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **COVID** Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [The next pandemic is coming. NZ isn’t ready](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/25/the-next-pandemic-is-coming-and-new-zealand-isnt-ready/?ref=goodoil.news) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Sir Ashley Bloomfield's lockdown anniversary warning: Another pandemic is coming](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360628157/sir-ashley-bloomfields-lockdown-anniversary-warning-another-pandemic-coming?ref=goodoil.news) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Covid-19: Politicians' mixed feelings five years on from first lockdown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547505/covid-19-politicians-mixed-feelings-five-years-on-from-first-lockdown?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Watch: The moment NZ went into its first Covid lockdown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547504/watch-the-moment-nz-went-into-its-first-covid-lockdown?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Newton (RNZ): [Five years after Covid lockdown: Life now for one street](https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/five-years-after-covid-lockdown-life-now-for-one-street?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine Hubbard (Stuff): [Doctor faces discipline for promoting Ivermectin for Covid](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627514/doctor-faces-discipline-promoting-ivermectin-covid?ref=goodoil.news) Catrin Owen (Stuff): [Air New Zealand employees take airline to court over Covid-19 vaccination mandate](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627166/air-new-zealand-employees-take-airline-court-over-covid-19-vaccination-mandate?ref=goodoil.news) **JUSTICE, CRIME, POLICE** Azaria Howell (Herald): [Police Minister Mark Mitchell blasts Green MP Tamatha Paul’s comments at ‘radical alternative to policing’ panel](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/police-minister-blasts-green-mp-comments-at-radical-alternative-to-policing-panel/5SXC7O7DWFFAXDGXDAJNA23KEE/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Concern at 'very visible' gun threat, PM says crime 'coming down'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/25/concern-at-spate-of-very-visible-gun-crimes/?ref=goodoil.news) Paul Goldsmith (Post): [The end of the culture of excuses for crime](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360627631/end-culture-excuses-crime?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Victim Support ditching volunteers from July](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547464/victim-support-ditching-volunteers-from-july?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Are banks' anti-scam tools enough?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547507/are-banks-anti-scam-tools-enough?ref=goodoil.news) Jeremy Wilkinson (Open Justice Reporting): [Wellington law firms fall prey to offshore scammers posing as ANZ bank, over $2m stolen](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-law-firms-fall-prey-to-offshore-scammers-posing-as-anz-bank-more-than-2million-stolen/VQE4C5E4LVECLO7GSJQLCTABZM/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Disputes involving Asian parties clogging up courts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/545911/disputes-involving-asian-parties-clogging-up-courts?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY, TAX** Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [FIF ’tax relief’ a step in the right direction for Govt](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/fif-tax-relief-a-step-in-the-right-direction-for-govt/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Sharesies calls for ‘FIF’ tax tweaks to benefit locals with offshore investments, not just wealthy foreigners](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/tax/sharesies-calls-for-fif-tax-tweaks-to-benefit-locals-with-offshore-investments-not-just-wealthy-foreigners/SEIRCKFSCFFZRDI7UBPQHFJ7HM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [How will US tariffs impact NZ? Report sheds new light](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547484/how-will-us-tariffs-impact-nz-report-sheds-new-light?ref=goodoil.news) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [US tariffs will ‘squeeze, not choke, growth’](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/us-tariffs-will-squeeze-not-choke-growth?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENERGY** NZ Energy: [Transpower CE drives a wedge into the narrative](https://newzealandenergy.substack.com/p/transpower-ce-drives-a-wedge-into) RNZ: [Work set to begin on $227 million Northland solar farm](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545905/work-set-to-begin-on-227-million-northland-solar-farm?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Meridian greenlights its first grid-scale solar power farm](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360627388/meridian-greenlights-its-first-grid-scale-solar-power-farm?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HOUSING** Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Why housing affordability is improving even while prices aren't falling](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547483/why-housing-affordability-is-improving-even-while-prices-aren-t-falling?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Now is the time to buy a house, buyers tell Trade Me](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547498/now-is-the-time-to-buy-a-house-buyers-tell-trade-me?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [BNZ's chief economist sticks with prediction of 7% house price growth this year](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132549/bnz-report-sees-7-house-price-growth-year-warns-downside-risks-too?ref=goodoil.news) Miriam Bell (Post): [Is it the end of the golden weather for retirement villages?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360619442/it-end-golden-weather-retirement-villages?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TRANSPORT** Sinead Gill (Press): [Canterbury bus fares unlikely to jump to $8 to meet 'unreasonable' NZTA target](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360627761/canterbury-bus-fares-unlikely-jump-8-meet-unreasonable-nzta-target?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Train service on ‘knife edge’ for months yet](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625620/train-service-knife-edge-months-yet?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Gill Bonnett (RNZ): [INZ introducing automated decision-making in $336m overhaul](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547516/inz-introducing-automated-decision-making-in-336m-overhaul?ref=goodoil.news) Anne Gibson (Herald): [Assets of 10 biggest iwi rise only $100m since 2022: new TDB Advisory report out](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ten-biggest-iwi-have-82b-assets-tdb-advisory/C3PQ7EBJUJD5FHEQRFCPW2WX7A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenny Nagle (Newsroom): [Dear Brooke van Velden, please pick up](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/dear-brooke-van-velden-please-pick-up/?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-26-march-2025)