> ## 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 May 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-26-may-2025/ - Published: 2025-05-25T20:51:35.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-25T21:24:48.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **BUDGET** Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Ministers don’t know the scale of the tax break they’ve signed up to](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/ministers-dont-know-the-scale-of-the-tax-break-theyve-signed-up-to/?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Investment Boost: Govt’s ticking fiscal time bomb](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/24/investment-boost-govts-ticking-fiscal-time-bomb/?ref=goodoil.news) Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [“Investment Boost” or “Corporate Welfare”?](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-investment-boost) Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [$6.6b business tax incentive much needed but abrupt closure of pay equity door not ok](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nicola-willis-budget-2025-pragmatic-ruthless-and-generous-opinion/VSXUD4P3E5CRJJYCPAPRJK2DKA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) No Right Turn: [National’s “investment boost"](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/nationals-investment-boost.html?ref=goodoil.news) Jarod Chisholm (ODT): [Investment Boost should improve business confidence](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/investment-boost-should-improve-business-confidence?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Christopher Luxon: I am retraining the public service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360700283/christopher-luxon-i-am-retraining-public-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Manch (Post): [Nicola Willis, Christopher Luxon talk up Budget at business events](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360699393/nicola-willis-lauds-her-budget-small-business-walkabout?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [On The Money: ‘Oprah’ O’Sullivan, Jones, Luxon, and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/on-the-money/on-the-money-oprah-osullivan-jones-luxon-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Greens claim $700m 'uncosted hole' in Budget](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/562101/greens-claim-700m-uncosted-hole-in-budget?ref=goodoil.news) Brian Easton (Pundit): [Budget 2025: Perhaps the state of the economy is not as sound as we are being told](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/budget-2025?ref=goodoil.news) Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Short-term financial planning won’t settle the debt](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-short-term-financial-planning-wont-settle-the-debt/5KKFXKHSYRGPDCNC6NQYCUZSKQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): [A rose by any other name](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360699282/rose-any-other-name?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [Tax promises are cheap, but the bill is coming](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/tax-promises-are-cheap-but-the-bill-is-coming?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government tacks hard right in Budget and why that’s a challenge for Labour](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-tacks-hard-right-in-budget-and-why-thats-a-challenge-for-labour-thomas-coughlan/46NYZW2ENFFP7JMK3OFGHBIBUQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [Winning the debt debate, but the jury is out on choices](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360699668/winning-debt-debate-jury-out-choices?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [Do conviction and politics still mix?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360699688/do-conviction-and-politics-still-mix?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Trotter (Interest): [Nicola Willis’ budget played favourites – rewarding the Right’s friends at the expense of the Left’s electoral supporters](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/133436/inevitably-nicola-willis%E2%80%99-budget-played-favourites-%E2%80%93-rewarding-right%E2%80%99s-friends?ref=goodoil.news) Gordon Campbell: [On Budget 2025](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/05/gordon-campbell-on-budget-2025/?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Labour’s Chris Hipkins denies differences with finance spokeswoman Barbara Edmonds over $13b pay equity changes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labours-chris-hipkins-denies-differences-with-finance-spokeswoman-barbara-edmonds-over-13b-pay-equity-changes/HD3QDKJHFFD65O7S67VQVQOPSA/?ref=goodoil.news) Jennifer Curtin (The Conversation): [Funding growth at the expense of pay equity for women could cost National in the long run](https://theconversation.com/nz-budget-2025-funding-growth-at-the-expense-of-pay-equity-for-women-could-cost-national-in-the-long-run-257225?ref=goodoil.news) Cameron Bagrie (BusinessDesk): [The Government's Bunny Budget](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/the-governments-bunny-budget?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ben Thomas (Post): [Keeping the dollars in hand as they become more elusive](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360700097/keeping-dollars-hand-when-theyll-really-matter?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Good Ideas: [“Austerity” or “overspending”? The truth behind yesterday’s Budget](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/austerity-or-overspending-the-truth) (paywalled) Damien Grant (Stuff): [Willis Budget merely minding the social welfare state](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360699632/damien-grant-willis-budget-merely-minding-social-welfare-state?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Budget 2025: A fiscal ‘time bomb’ and a ‘disrespectful’ blue dress](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/26-05-2025/budget-2025-a-fiscal-time-bomb-and-a-disrespectful-blue-dress?ref=goodoil.news) Donal Curtain: [Too slow? I don't think so](https://economicsnz.blogspot.com/2025/05/too-slow-i-dont-think-so.html?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [The everyday New Zealanders who will lose out on Budget 2025](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360699451/growth-budget-yeah-right-more-losers-winners-budget-2025?ref=goodoil.news) Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [School lunches joined atop Budget’s fiscal cliffs](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/school-lunches-dominate-budgets-fiscal-cliff-landscape/?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Differing views on the Budget and its impact on productivity](https://www.nbr.co.nz/budget-2025/differing-views-on-the-budget-and-its-impact-on-productivity/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Budget 2025 decisions 'strange and unnecessary' - Labour leader](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562021/budget-2025-decisions-strange-and-unnecessary-labour-leader?ref=goodoil.news) Verity Johnson (Stuff): [‘Running the country like a household’ is a political con](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360699486/verity-johnson-running-country-household-political-con?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Nokise (Post): [Volatile coalition partners paint National as sensible family member](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360699869/volatile-coalition-partners-paint-national-sensible-family-member?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steven Cowan: [The George Orwell budget](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-george-orwell-budget.html?ref=goodoil.news) Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Budget 2025: What’s stopping a young person from moving to Australia?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360694661/budget-2025-whats-stopping-young-person-moving-australia?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Budget 2025 passes the ‘taxi driver test’ but doesn’t raise wages](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/133426/growth-budget-doesn%E2%80%99t-succeed-boosting-wage-growth-despite-improving?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Day (1News): [Analysis: Was Nicola Willis' no BS Budget 'cruel and mean'?](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/23/analysis-was-nicola-willis-no-bs-budget-cruel-and-mean/?ref=goodoil.news) Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Budget 2025 the ‘buy your ticket to Australia’ Budget](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-the-buy-your-ticket-to-australia-budget-shane-te-pou/FDEYMG3DSZDZHB3YDIVJANJ4A4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Hayden Wilson (Herald): [A pass mark, with reservations](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/budget-2025-a-pass-mark-with-reservations-hayden-wilson/PAG7Q36JRJAONPLZXAKM7YFRYQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The secret diary of .. the Budget](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/24/the-secret-diary-of-the-budget/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Gunn (Press/Post): [All your Budget questions answered](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360698821/all-your-budget-questions-answered?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Trotter (ODT): [We were born to run outside to escape from Highway 29](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/we-were-born-run-outside-escape-highway-29?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer miss key Budget 2025 debate, speeches](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/te-pati-maori-co-leaders-rawiri-waititi-debbie-ngarewa-packer-miss-key-budget-2025-debate-speeches/3KR7CUDDUNGEJKN4YZCGAISGVM/?ref=goodoil.news) Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode for .. Nicola ‘No BS’ Willis](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/25/an-ode-to-nicola-willis-2/?ref=goodoil.news) Tyson Beckett (Herald): [Finance Minister Nicola Willis criticised for wearing UK dress on Budget day](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/finance-minister-nicola-willis-criticised-for-wearing-uk-dress-on-budget-day/DHEKF6VHVFH7BC3GF5JFB3XYEY/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Male National MPs conduct outfit checks in support of Nicola Willis](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-male-national-mps-conduct-outfit-checks-in-support-of-nicola-willis/7URXX4KFU5EV7FQG3LS5NKDGQE/?ref=goodoil.news) Tobias Macintosh (Stuff): ['It’s not the 1950s': Chris Bishop defends Nicola Willis’ Budget Day outfit amid criticism](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360700876/be-better-chris-bishop-defends-nicola-willis-budget-day-outfit-amid-criticism?ref=goodoil.news) Stuff: [Five of your top Budget questions with Nicola Willis](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360699906/five-your-top-budget-questions-nicola-willis?ref=goodoil.news) **KIWISAVER** Zane Small (Stuff): [Government warned KiwiSaver changes could result in lower pay rises](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360700690/government-warned-kiwisaver-changes-could-result-lower-pay-rises?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Employers will exploit new KiwiSaver 'loophole', economist says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360699701/employers-will-exploit-new-kiwisaver-loophole-economist-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Nicola Willis stands by KiwiSaver changes, dismissing critique it will hamper pay rises](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360700999/nicola-willis-stands-kiwisaver-changes-dismissing-critique-it-will-hamper-pay-rises?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Providers say KiwiSaver ‘switcheroo’ will hit low-income workers and women hardest](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/providers-say-kiwisaver-switcheroo-will-hit-low-income-workers-and-women-hardest/?ref=goodoil.news) Aaron Gilbert (The Conversation): [KiwiSaver at a crossroads: Budget another missed opportunity to fix NZ's underperforming retirement scheme](https://theconversation.com/kiwisaver-at-a-crossroads-budget-another-missed-opportunity-to-fix-nzs-underperforming-retirement-scheme-257341?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [High earners can't get KiwiSaver credit - but they can get the pension](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561918/budget-2025-high-earners-can-t-get-kiwisaver-credit-but-they-can-get-the-pension?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [Kiwis need to save their way out of this financial hole](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/liam-dann-kiwis-need-to-save-their-way-out-of-this-financial-hole/APYMBICPOFBEHHIZSZL4TIH57E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [Government’s KiwiSaver changes don’t go far enough](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/governments-kiwisaver-changes-dont-go-far-enough/NHPTH5KZDBF77NMXPK4UWOW3BE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [People leaving relationships being kept out of the property market, financial coach says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561991/people-leaving-relationships-being-kept-out-of-the-property-market-financial-coach-says?ref=goodoil.news) Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Sole trader feels 'ripped off' by government's KiwiSaver cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561967/budget-2025-sole-trader-feels-ripped-off-by-government-s-kiwisaver-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Michael Daly (Stuff): [How KiwiSaver changes will affect what you pay into the scheme](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360699528/how-kiwisaver-changes-will-affect-what-you-pay-scheme?ref=goodoil.news) **REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL** Melanie Nelson: [Reading Between the Lines: RSB First Reading](https://melanienelson.substack.com/p/reading-between-the-lines-rsb-first) Roger Partridge: [A Straightforward Guide to the Regulatory Standards Bill (And How Asking Ministers to Justify Laws Became a Neoliberal Conspiracy)](https://rogerpartridge.substack.com/p/a-straightforward-guide-to-the-regulatory) Sam Smith and Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Government’s controversial Regulatory Standards Bill passes first reading](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360700237/governments-controversial-regulatory-standards-bill-passes-first-reading?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Regulatory Standards Bill passes first reading](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/561957/regulatory-standards-bill-passes-first-reading?ref=goodoil.news) **ACT** Adam Pearse (Herald): [Act leader David Seymour invited to Oxford Union debate about ‘stolen land’ and illegal immigration](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/act-leader-david-seymour-invited-to-oxford-union-debate-about-stolen-land-and-illegal-immigration/2GHQB6A54FDGLNJBKYKSMPIMZU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Joseph Los’e (Herald): [Māori will have nothing to fear from me when I’m Deputy Prime Minister](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/maori-will-have-nothing-to-fear-from-me-when-im-deputy-prime-minister-david-seymour/F6XYZGRX3ZAFTPE3Q7UPVHQG7E/?ref=goodoil.news) Mihingarangi Forbes (RNZ): [Mata: ACT: The Foreign Influences That Have Shaped David Seymour's Political Agenda, and What It Means for Aotearoa](https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/mata-with-mihingarangi-forbes/story/2018988425/mata-reports-act-the-foreign-influences-that-have-shaped-david-seymour-s-political-agenda-and-what-it-means-for-aotearoa?ref=goodoil.news) Aaron Smale (Listener): [A government crusade against data, equity and basic fairness](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/aaron-smale-a-government-crusade-against-data-equity-and-basic-fairness/EWSUFDSSN5E2XPAOEHRAGGCJGQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **PARLIAMENT, WEEK IN POLITICS, DEMOCRACY** Charlie Mitchell (Press/Post): [The great property divide inside Parliament](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360647722/great-property-divide-inside-parliament?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) James Kierstead and Geoff Neal (Newsroom): [Politicians are disconnected from the people they represent](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/politicians-are-disconnected-from-the-people-they-represent/?ref=goodoil.news) Helmut Modlik (Post): [Representative democracy is failing us - we can lead the search for a new way](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360699819/representative-democracy-failing-us-we-can-lead-search-new-way?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Soumya Bhamidipati (RNZ): [Labour accuses govt of trying to avoid scrutiny by passing bill under urgency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562005/labour-accuses-govt-of-trying-to-avoid-scrutiny-by-passing-bill-under-urgency?ref=goodoil.news) Anton Matthews (E-Tangata): [Permitting the haka when it suits — not when it matters](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/permitting-the-haka-when-it-suits-not-when-it-matters/?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine Delahunty (E-Tangata): [Parliament privileges one culture (and it’s not Māori)](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/parliament-privileges-one-culture-and-its-not-maori/?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Hehir (The Blue Review): [Not How, But Why](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/not-how-but-why) Brian Tweed (E-Tangata): [Is our government racist?](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/is-our-government-racist/?ref=goodoil.news) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Low standards in Parliament mirror societal decline](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/low-standards-in-parliament-mirror-societal-decline-bruce-cotterill/AF27QHAQ2FEFZFB53DAQAAYZQY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebekah Graham (E-Tangata): [When women in power get hurt feelings](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/when-women-in-power-get-hurt-feelings/?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [Maybe it’s time for a second chamber](https://www.politik.co.nz/maybe-its-time-for-a-second-chamber/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [South Island grand committee proposed](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/south-island-grand-committee-proposed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Pay equity, the Budget, Te Pāti Māori punishment, heckling Peters](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/pay-equity-the-budget-te-pati-maori-punishment-heckling-peters/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Killick (Post): [Inside National’s party conference: Four-year terms, MMP and a Defence crush](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360700592/inside-national-party-conference-four-year-terms-mmp-and-defence-crush?ref=goodoil.news) Duncan Garner (Listener): [Should you get sacked for giving lip to a govt minister in the street?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-should-you-get-sacked-for-giving-lip-to-a-govt-minister-in-the-street/PREIFKL6V5H2DG6QA4M36W3MFI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Varsha Anjali (Herald): [Trailer released for documentary about former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/trailer-released-for-documentary-about-former-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern/BKRIXMKL2RHP3LR32D7CGROOXA/?ref=goodoil.news) Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Trailer for new Jacinda Ardern doco features home videos filmed by Clarke Gayford](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360700656/trailer-new-jacinda-ardern-doco-features-home-videos-filmed-clarke-gayford?ref=goodoil.news) **WELFARE, FAMILIES** Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [New 'non-financial' benefit sanctions begin today](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562095/new-non-financial-benefit-sanctions-begin-today?ref=goodoil.news) Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Jobseeker sanctions: 'Forcing people to volunteer is a contradiction in terms'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562100/jobseeker-sanctions-forcing-people-to-volunteer-is-a-contradiction-in-terms?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [New community work sanction kicks in for beneficiaries](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360701168/new-community-work-sanction-kicks-beneficiaries?ref=goodoil.news) Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Benefit sanctions ‘creating barriers’ for the vulnerable](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/benefit-sanctions-%E2%80%98creating-barriers%E2%80%99-vulnerable?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Minister defends money management and community work benefit sanctions coming into force](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/minister-defends-money-management-and-community-work-benefit-sanctions-coming-into-force/WXGMU3CDDBFQ7LZIYFYYBWE7CQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Social Development Minister Louise Upston wary of detailing possible exceptions to 18-19yo benefit cuts](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/budget-2025-minister-wary-to-detail-possible-exceptions-to-18-19yo-benefit-cuts/VSN7TSRBQRBDLEEKZXWKRMXTTY/?ref=goodoil.news) Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [Why a ‘punitive’ youth focus in the Budget makes Māori uneasy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360699504/why-punitive-youth-focus-budget-makes-maori-uneasy?ref=goodoil.news) Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [The teenagers feeling ignored by government's decisions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2025/561971/budget-2025-the-teenagers-feeling-ignored-by-government-s-decisions?ref=goodoil.news) **ENERGY** Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Gas industry could get far more than $200m if deals keep flowing – Jones](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/23/gas-industry-could-get-far-more-than-200m-if-deals-keep-flowing-jones/?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [$200m earmarked for new gas fields could be increased](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360699628/budget-2025-200m-earmarked-new-gas-fields-could-be-increased?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Could new Government gas money put New Zealand trade at risk?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360699540/budget-2025-could-new-government-gas-money-put-new-zealand-trade-risk?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [OMV, Todd assets look ripe for Govt gas discovery support](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/omv-todd-assets-look-ripe-for-govt-gas-discovery-support?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Energy problems: The world is watching – Transpower CEO James Kilty](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/energy-problems-the-world-is-watching-transpower-ceo-james-kilty?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HOUSING** Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Former Kāinga Ora boss Andrew McKenzie behind Parnell redevelopment for affordable housing](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/former-kainga-ora-boss-andrew-mckenzie-behind-parnell-redevelopment-for-affordable-housing/L44VPAMUSJFWZMIEKX6B2LDYTQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anne Gibson (Herald): [$75.5m Crown underwrite on two Auckland and one Wellington apartment projects](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/755m-crown-underwrite-on-two-auckland-and-one-wellington-apartment-projects/KOKOV7ZLUZGTTAHDWFXRLXP7BQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Some landlords, tenants unaware of Healthy Homes standards despite looming deadline](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561902/some-landlords-tenants-unaware-of-healthy-homes-standards-despite-looming-deadline?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Checks on substandard rentals long overdue](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/checks-on-substandard-rentals-long-overdue-editorial/OAHRAEXEMBE6NJPW5C5QPPICBA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [‘Majority’ of student flats had issues](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98majority%E2%80%99-student-flats-had-issues?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Jones (Newsroom): [Too much of a good thing? Looking into housing supply](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/26/too-much-of-a-good-thing-looking-into-housing-supply/?ref=goodoil.news) Savannah Brown (Post): [Allowing a Māori solution to the Māori housing crisis](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360695841/allowing-maori-solution-maori-housing-crisis?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Developers with properties in tough market turn to renters](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/562102/developers-with-properties-in-tough-market-turn-to-renters?ref=goodoil.news) Miriam Bell (Post): [By the numbers: Here’s where the rental market is at](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360667805/numbers-heres-where-rental-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Miriam Bell (Post): [Property, construction sectors didn’t get lollies in Budget 2025, but praise it anyhow](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360699177/property-construction-sectors-didnt-get-lollies-budget-2025-praise-it-anyhow?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Amy Williams (RNZ): [New Auckland CBD building height allowances too short, housing group says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561952/new-auckland-cbd-building-height-allowances-too-short-housing-group-says?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** Michael Morrah (Herald): [More than 1500 patients treated in corridors at Middlemore ED in a month amid staff shortages](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/more-than-1500-patients-treated-in-corridors-at-middlemore-ed-in-a-month-amid-staff-shortages/2ZADGBWTWZFMNI2BL2EOOMYQCU/?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Questions remain on hospital capacity](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/questions-remain-hospital-capacity?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Further cuts slammed](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/further-cuts-slammed?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Bed cuts in new Dunedin hospital revealed](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/bed-cuts-new-dunedin-hospital-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [New Dunedin Hospital configuration revealed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360700126/new-dunedin-hospital-configuration-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) John Lewis (ODT): [Govt allegedly favoured industry over health](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/govt-allegedly-favoured-industry-over-health?ref=goodoil.news) John Lewis (ODT): [Tobacco industry playbook mirrored: research](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/tobacco-industry-playbook-mirrored-research?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Danica MacLean (Herald): [Thousands of children waiting months for dental surgery](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/thousands-of-children-waiting-months-for-dental-surgery/4HQDV44E7FAQZBCT4RHQ54HH6A/?ref=goodoil.news) Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [Health NZ's elective surgery plan sees training shortfall warning](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562096/health-nz-s-elective-surgery-plan-sees-training-shortfall-warning?ref=goodoil.news) Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Budget 2025 leaves blood cancer patients behind](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561987/budget-2025-leaves-blood-cancer-patients-behind?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Diabetics could be at risk with new 12-month prescriptions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562014/diabetics-could-be-at-risk-with-new-12-month-prescriptions?ref=goodoil.news) Paula Penfold (Stuff): [‘So broken’: Secret recordings reveal frank confessions from mental health staff](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360696589/so-broken-secret-recordings-reveal-frank-confessions-mental-health-staff?ref=goodoil.news) Paula Penfold (Stuff): [The ‘damning’ feedback ACC bosses don’t want you to see](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360698892/damning-feedback-acc-bosses-dont-want-you-see?ref=goodoil.news) Nikki Macdonald (Post): [First do no harm: soaring claims for treatment injuries](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360695457/first-do-no-harm-soaring-claims-treatment-injuries?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TARGETED BUDGET FUNDING FOR MĀORI** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Tama Potaka rejects David Seymour’s claim that targeted Māori funding is ‘racist’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360699611/tama-potaka-rejects-david-seymours-claim-targeted-maori-funding-racist?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Māori leaders give disappointed reaction to 'yeah-nah' Budget](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/23/maori-leaders-give-disappointed-reaction-to-yeah-nah-budget/?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [New funding headlines mask deeper cuts to Māori programmes](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/23-05-2025/budget-2025-new-funding-headlines-mask-deeper-cuts-to-maori-programmes?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Alexia Russell (RNZ): [The Detail: Local councils and the battle for money](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/562098/local-councils-and-the-battle-for-money?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [The rules when running for local government](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/562057/the-rules-when-running-for-local-government?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [Council rates are the tax we love to hate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/council-rates-are-the-tax-we-love-to-hate-editorial/ZAYBDMH4LVDHDBYNDXSNOVAOGE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon Wilson (Herald): [‘You’ll be surprised’: D-Day for Desley Simpson is drawing near](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/d-day-for-desley-simpson-is-drawing-near-for-auckland-mayoral-race/OXIFF25F5JC67MUUAEGPIEHUO4/?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [By the numbers: Auckland’s financial problems getting worse](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360700707/numbers-aucklands-financial-problems-getting-worse?ref=goodoil.news) Hayden Donnell (Spinoff): [Auckland Council keeps trying to sabotage its own multibillion-dollar rail upgrade](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-05-2025/auckland-council-keeps-trying-to-sabotage-its-own-multibillion-dollar-rail-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news) Erin Johnston (Stuff): [Growing pains: The town expanding so fast its infrastructure can’t keep up](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360697829/growing-pains-auckland-town-expanding-too-fast?ref=goodoil.news) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Where Wellington City Council found savings](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360700523/where-wellington-city-council-found-savings?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Begonia House reprieve celebrated by Friends of the Wellington Botanic Gardens](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562087/begonia-house-reprieve-celebrated-by-friends-of-the-wellington-botanic-gardens?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City's 'record' pipe investment falls well short of neighbours](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360700819/wellington-citys-record-pipe-investment-falls-well-short-neighbours?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council taking back capital projects from Wellington Water](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360699385/council-taking-back-capital-projects-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news) Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [Large majority of Gisborne residents want local control of water services](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561908/large-majority-of-gisborne-residents-want-local-control-of-water-services?ref=goodoil.news) Toby Adams (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Amalgamation risks severing local democracy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696257/candidates-corner-amalgamation-risks-severing-local-democracy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Nick Smith (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: The Nelson-Tasman case for a council merger](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360696201/candidates-corner-nelson-tasman-case-council-merger?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Taumarunui rail yard ready for economic rebirth](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/561910/budget-2025-taumarunui-rail-yard-ready-for-economic-rebirth?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Burns (RNZ): [Delayed Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre expected to cost $500 million](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561974/delayed-parakiore-recreation-and-sport-centre-expected-to-cost-500-million?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/news-briefing-26-may-2025)