> ## 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: 27 March 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-27-march-2025/ - Published: 2025-03-26T19:20:31.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-26T19:47:41.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **JUSTICE, CRIME, POLICE** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [What a Green MP said about police, and why it’s being called ‘nutty’, ‘stupid’ and ‘la la land stuff’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360629704/do-greens-actually-want-defund-police?ref=goodoil.news) Grant Duncan: [The Green Police](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/the-green-police) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Green MP Tamatha Paul doubles down on criticism of police](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/549783/green-mp-tamatha-paul-doubles-down-on-criticism-of-police?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Wellington MP getting ‘law and order completely backwards’, critics say](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360629324/act-accuses-wellington-central-mp-getting-law-and-order-completely-backwards?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [Green MP Tamatha Paul’s cop comments are not credible](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/green-mp-tamatha-pauls-cop-comments-are-not-credible-editorial/FCBOU74M2RFWLLHRHFSRSKTGTI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [What exactly Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul said about police](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360630080/what-exactly-wellington-central-mp-tamatha-paul-said-about-police?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Police have recruited 13 constables in their bid to hire 500 by November](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360629839/police-have-recruited-13-constables-their-bid-hire-500-november?ref=goodoil.news) Isaac Gunson (Te Ao Māori News): [Outgoing Chief Ombudsman says justice system overhaul ‘a risk worth taking’](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/26/outgoing-chief-ombudsman-says-justice-system-overhaul-a-risk-worth-taking/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Labour reserves judgment on Government’s caps to sentencing discounts](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-reserves-judgment-on-govts-caps-to-sentencing-discounts/PECVBUFI7JG4LOXQD6CFL3C56E/?ref=goodoil.news) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Opposition cries foul over tougher sentencing laws](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556291/opposition-cries-foul-over-tougher-sentencing-laws?ref=goodoil.news) Trevor Richards (Spinoff): [Why a proposal to change the laws governing protest should worry us all](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/27-03-2025/why-a-proposal-to-change-the-laws-governing-protest-should-worry-us-all?ref=goodoil.news) David Harvey: [Too Much Protest, methinks - Part 3](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/too-much-protest-methinks-part-3) RNZ: [Concerns new drug-driving testing could detect medication](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556311/concerns-new-drug-driving-testing-could-detect-medication?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Drug-driving testing legislation passes despite concerns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547547/drug-driving-testing-legislation-passes-despite-concerns?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Roadside drug testing legislation passes third reading](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/26/roadside-drug-testing-legislation-passes-third-reading/?ref=goodoil.news) Alexa Cook (RNZ): ['Very real threat': Gisborne gang tensions escalate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545902/comcom-considers-deregulating-fees-for-calls-and-texts-between-networks?ref=goodoil.news) Gisborne Herald: [Gisborne police given special powers as gang crackdown ramps up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gisborne-police-given-special-powers-as-gang-crackdown-ramps-up/HVGAYCWP7ZDGZGBY4A4C7HGBOI/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Hunger striker Dean Wickliffe to be released from prison](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/549809/hunger-striker-dean-wickliffe-to-be-released-from-prison?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Tame Iti joins calls for release of hunger striker Dean Wickliffe](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547562/tame-iti-joins-calls-for-release-of-hunger-striker-dean-wickliffe?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH** Gordon Campbell: [On The Americanising Of NZ’s Public Health System](https://werewolf.co.nz/2025/03/gordon-campbell-on-the-americanising-of-nzs-public-health-system/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Government's primary healthcare spend hasn't increased in real terms since 2009](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556295/government-s-primary-healthcare-spend-hasn-t-increased-in-real-terms-since-2009?ref=goodoil.news) Mariné Lourens (Press): ‘[Second among equals’: Study shows primary healthcare neglected despite being Govt ‘priority’](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360629004/second-among-equals-study-shows-primary-healthcare-neglected-despite-being-govt-priority?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tim Tenbensel (NZ Doctor): [Policy goes back to the future](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/opinion/policy-goes-back-future?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [Hospital rebuild uncertainty](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/hospital-rebuild-uncertainty?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [11-year-old put in mental health facility given two doses of antipsychotics, Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547526/11-year-old-put-in-mental-health-facility-given-two-doses-of-antipsychotics-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Fears over minister's bid to loosen psychologist rules](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547554/fears-over-minister-s-bid-to-loosen-psychologist-rules?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Health Minister Simeon Brown announces new South Auckland hospital project](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-minister-simeon-brown-announces-new-south-auckland-hospital-project/QNSCD6XAXRERVDP77YMLUWI3RM/?ref=goodoil.news) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Revealed: Sir Ashley Bloomfield’s radical plan to fix health system](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360629760/revealed-sir-ashley-bloomfields-radical-plan-fix-health-system?ref=goodoil.news) Barbara Fountain (NZ Doctor): [Primary care stakes: I’ll take your detail and raise you two](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/opinion/primary-care-stakes-ill-take-your-detail-and-raise-you-two?ref=goodoil.news) Robert MacCulloch: [Why has Labour's Heather Simpson, responsible for the Failed Creation of Health NZ been promoted to Director of Inter-Island Ferry Procurement?](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/why-has-labour-s-heather-simpson-responsible-for-the-failed-creation-of-health-nz-former-staff-chi?ref=goodoil.news) Jerry Coyne: [Facial surgeons wanted in New Zealand, must be intimately familiar with all things Māori](https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2025/03/25/facial-surgeons-wanted-in-new-zealand-must-be-intimately-familiar-with-all-things-maori/?ref=goodoil.news) **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT** Max Rashbrooke (Spinoff): [Note to ministers: cutting services doesn’t make need go away](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/27-03-2025/note-to-ministers-cutting-services-doesnt-make-need-go-away?ref=goodoil.news) Janet Wilson (Post): [Out with the statesman, in with the populist, as Peters out-Trumps Trump](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360628853/out-statesman-populist-peters-out-trumps-trump?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon Wilson (Herald): [The real reasons for Winston Peters’ war on wokeness](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-real-reasons-for-winston-peters-war-on-wokeness-simon-wilson/S5TG2VSQJVBSZHNWCUQW42VSNM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Dunne: [The "War on Woke" is really just a a "War of Words"](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-common-feature-under-both-old-first.html?ref=goodoil.news) Steven Cowan: [Winston Peters and the phantom woke menace](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/03/winston-peters-and-phantom-woke-menace.html?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Prebble (Herald): [Why is Christopher Luxon so successful abroad and so woeful at home](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/why-is-luxon-so-successful-abroad-and-woeful-at-home-richard-prebble/ETQOKZTX35CERGRVTK4W3NY5NM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Labour's Peeni Henare not in contempt over 'disorderly' actions during Treaty Principals reading](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547574/labour-s-peeni-henare-not-in-contempt-over-disorderly-actions-during-treaty-principals-reading?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Privileges Committee recommended Peeni Henare apologise in House for ‘disorderly’ actions during Treaty Principles vote](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/privileges-committee-recommends-peeni-henare-apologise-in-house-for-disorderly-actions-during-treaty-principles-vote/FTRZU4MHT5BABJABIZJE7QER5Q/?ref=goodoil.news) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Gerry Brownlee loses control of the classroom](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-03-2025/echo-chamber-gerry-brownlee-loses-control-of-the-classroom?ref=goodoil.news) Luisa Girao (ODT): [South Island minister listens to region’s concerns](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/south-island-minister-listens-region%E2%80%99s-concerns?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ben Strang (RNZ): [Unexpected time capsule leads to Parliamentary team bomb checks, historic photos](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556308/unexpected-time-capsule-leads-to-parliamentary-team-bomb-checks-historic-photos?ref=goodoil.news) **RMA, ENVIRONMENT** Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [‘I wondered when someone would notice’ – Bishop reshuffling RMA timeline](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/i-wondered-when-someone-would-notice-bishop-to-reshuffle-rma-timeline/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Chris Hipkins unimpressed with government's RMA invitation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547535/chris-hipkins-unimpressed-with-government-s-rma-invitation?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Māori Development Minister unaware government ruled out Treaty clause in RMA reform](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547454/maori-development-minister-unaware-government-ruled-out-treaty-clause-in-rma-reform?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [RMA reform: Tama Potaka unaware Treaty principles removed from Resource Management Act replacement](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/rma-reform-tama-potaka-unaware-treaty-principles-removed-from-resource-management-act-replacement/YZRABN6D35EYXEE3IYZKIKAZUA/?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Finding political consensus on RMA reform](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/how-to-find-political-consensus-on-rma-reform/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gianina Schwanecke (RNZ): [Farmer productivity should improve under RMA reforms - Federated Farmers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/547569/farmer-productivity-should-improve-under-rma-reforms-federated-farmers?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Govt doubles smelter’s carbon subsidy to $75m, overriding officials](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/govt-doubles-smelters-carbon-subsidy-to-75m-overriding-officials/?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [US security blunder prompts questions for NZ on intel sharing and Five Eyes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556286/us-security-blunder-prompts-questions-for-nz-on-intel-sharing-and-five-eyes?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Minister uses Signal - but not for sharing classified information](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360629670/judith-collins-uses-signal-not-sharing-classified-information?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jo Moir (RNZ): [Foreign Minister stays tight-lipped over high-level Washington DC meetings for now](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556290/foreign-minister-stays-tight-lipped-over-high-level-washington-dc-meetings-for-now?ref=goodoil.news) Katie Kenny (RNZ): [What you need to know about how countries apply tariffs, and what the US' proposals mean for NZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-need-to-know/556284/what-you-need-to-know-about-how-countries-apply-tariffs-and-what-the-us-proposals-mean-for-nz?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [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) Susana Suisuiki (RNZ): [NZ-funded water project brings much-needed relief to Rabi Island communities](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/547546/nz-funded-water-project-brings-much-needed-relief-to-rabi-island-communities?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Larson (RNZ): [‘Nightmare fuel’ - Kiwi soldier in Ukraine on the reality of drone warfare](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/547496/nightmare-fuel-kiwi-soldier-in-ukraine-on-the-reality-of-drone-warfare?ref=goodoil.news) Monique Steele (RNZ): [NZ's fruit wins in competitive Vietnamese produce market](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/549795/nz-s-fruit-wins-in-competitive-vietnamese-produce-market?ref=goodoil.news) Philip Nel (ODT): [Another new low in international relations](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/another-new-low-international-relations?ref=goodoil.news) **AUCKLAND** Todd Niall (Newsroom): [Which promises is Mayor Brown really keeping?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/which-promises-is-mayor-brown-really-keeping/?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): ['Capital city of growth': central Auckland plan change to allow taller buildings and more development brought forward](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/capital-city-of-growth-central-auckland-plan-change-to-allow-taller-buildings-and-more-development-brought-forward?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Auckland stadium vote: Onus on govt to help pay, councillors say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556293/auckland-stadium-vote-onus-on-govt-to-help-pay-councillors-say?ref=goodoil.news) Farah Hancock (RNZ): [Eden Park proposes to build university accommodation without talking to university](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/556297/eden-park-proposes-to-build-university-accommodation-without-talking-to-university?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Western Springs: Wayne Brown says fewer people go to Speedway than corner dairy](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547568/western-springs-wayne-brown-says-fewer-people-go-to-speedway-than-corner-dairy?ref=goodoil.news) Victor Waters (RNZ): [Auckland stadium vote: Councillor confident decision will be made on Thursday](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547513/auckland-stadium-vote-councillor-confident-decision-will-be-made-on-thursday?ref=goodoil.news) Felix Walton (RNZ): [Neither new stadium or Eden Park upgrade viable - advisory staff](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545900/neither-new-stadium-or-eden-park-upgrade-viable-advisory-staff?ref=goodoil.news) Matt Lowrie (Greater Auckland): [Stadium Unfeasibility](https://greaterauckland.substack.com/p/stadium-unfeasibility) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Auckland councillor concerned over impact of wastewater system constraints on residents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/555213/auckland-councillor-concerned-over-impact-of-wastewater-system-constraints-on-residents?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Aucklanders' water bill increases to fund budget blow out of treatment plant upgrade](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/551860/aucklanders-water-bill-increases-to-fund-budget-blow-out-of-treatment-plant-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Auckland water charges set to increase 7.2% from July](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547500/auckland-water-charges-set-to-increase-7-point-2-percent-from-july?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Watercare to spash out $1.8b, water rates to spiral](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/watercare-to-splash-out-13-8b-water-rates-set-to-spiral/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Bishop (Herald): [Transit development key to growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/chris-bishop-on-aucklands-future-transit-development-key-to-growth/6SPV6DTR2VB5LLGCWNRJ3UV7UA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Connor Sharp (Greater Auckland): [Most people want a people-friendly city](https://greaterauckland.substack.com/p/most-people-want-a-people-friendly) Cameron Law and Lauren Jewell (Herald): [City Rail Link to boost Auckland’s growth amid connectivity challenges](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/city-rail-link-to-boost-aucklands-growth-amid-connectivity-challenges-cameron-law-and-lauren-jewell/6OLY7IREYNDHBA2BYVK6BY6URE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mark Thomas (Herald): [Call for New Auckland Agenda to tackle city’s challenges and opportunities](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/call-for-new-auckland-agenda-to-tackle-citys-challenges-and-opportunities-mark-thomas/E3XI4637FNBBXKBEOWQHKGQDPM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mahvash Ikram (RNZ): [How food scrap bins are working out for Aucklanders](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547510/how-food-scrap-bins-are-working-out-for-aucklanders?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Fox (Herald): [Port of Auckland CEO calls for 24/7 supply chain, congestion charging](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/business-reports/project-auckland/port-of-auckland-ceo-calls-for-247-supply-chain-congestion-charging-project-auckland/FFDIXDEOKZGHLGCIFRHSY4KMGY/?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Peter Newport (Crux): [Avery admits spending "around $700,000" on illegal sewage wall that 'did not work'](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/qldc-admits-spending-700000-on-illegal-sewage-wall-that-did-not-work/?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Newsroom): [Bird-strike risk unacceptable, Queenstown mayor told](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/27/bird-strike-risk-unacceptable-queenstown-mayor-told/?ref=goodoil.news) Tess Brunson (RNZ): [Protesters picket in bid to stop Queenstown council sewage plan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547531/protesters-picket-in-bid-to-stop-queenstown-council-sewage-plan?ref=goodoil.news) Guy Williams (ODT): [Spectre of legal action over discharge raised](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/spectre-legal-action-over-discharge-raised?ref=goodoil.news) Local Democracy Reporting: [Tauranga councillor claims council ‘lying’ about water service options](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tauranga-councillor-claims-council-lying-about-water-service-options/EF4E4CVCI5CNXDTWM7UFLJEQ4A/?ref=goodoil.news) Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [Mayor roasted over half a million spend for staff coffees](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627236/mayor-roasted-over-half-million-spend-staff-coffees?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua water to be fluoridated by Friday, council to ask PM for inquiry](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360630143/rotorua-water-be-fluoridated-friday-council-ask-pm-inquiry?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Westport residents berate council over 'stupid' plan to relocate town](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556298/westport-residents-berate-council-over-stupid-plan-to-relocate-town?ref=goodoil.news) Will Harvey (Press): [‘Killing for fun’ should be banned on Lake Ellesmere, ECan told](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360629148/killing-fun-should-be-banned-lake-ellesmere-ecan-told?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sinead Gill (Press): [Ticket levy discussions getting serious ahead of stadium opening](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360628817/ticket-levy-discussions-getting-serious-ahead-stadium-opening?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tina Law (Press): [Ōtākaro Orchard eyes up winter opening thanks to council grant](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360625375/otakaro-orchard-eyes-winter-opening-thanks-council-grant?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [Three Waters delivery up for discussion](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/three-waters-delivery-discussion?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [Councillors split on rates rises in plan](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/councillors-split-rates-rises-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Mayoral hopeful dumps candidate over karakia critique](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/mayoral-hopeful-dumps-candidate-over-karakia-critique?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Robin Martin (RNZ): [New Plymouth councillors vote down move to clear city of rough sleepers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547575/new-plymouth-councillors-vote-down-move-to-clear-city-of-rough-sleepers?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Councillor rapped for assuming gender of mayors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/549811/councillor-rapped-for-assuming-gender-of-mayors?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Kate MacNamara (Herald): [Foodstuffs' fight: Commerce Commission’s million-dollar bill to counter supermarkets' merger effort](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/retail/foodstuffs-fight-commerce-commissions-million-dollar-bill-to-counter-supermarkets-merger-effort/X2BRNOMBLFBJHHSVGA5XBM52KU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Comcom considers deregulating fees for calls and texts between networks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545902/comcom-considers-deregulating-fees-for-calls-and-texts-between-networks?ref=goodoil.news) Krystal Gibbens (RNZ): [Vegetarian and vegan labelling would 'eliminate ambiguity' - advocates](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547582/vegetarian-and-vegan-labelling-would-eliminate-ambiguity-advocates?ref=goodoil.news) Esther Taunton (Stuff): [Looking for work? These are the roles where competition is fiercest](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360627107/looking-work-these-are-roles-where-competition-fiercest?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY** David Hargreaves (Interest): [The economy is recovering - but then again, it was pretty bad](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132569/first-quarter-year-nearly-gone-and-gdp-having-returned-growth-david-hargreaves-has?ref=goodoil.news) Mike McRoberts (NBR): [Labour’s plan for growing the Māori economy](https://www.nbr.co.nz/te-ao-maori/labours-plan-for-growing-maori-economy/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Billionaire or belligerent, Herald board raider is relentless](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/26/billionaire-or-belligerent-herald-board-raider-is-relentless/?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Post): [Is this the ad that sparked Jim Grenon’s NZME takeover?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360629350/ad-sparked-jim-grenons-nzme-takeover?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [NZME boardroom battle: 'Try for a fresh start for all' - businessman](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/551859/nzme-boardroom-battle-try-for-a-fresh-start-for-all-businessman?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Canadian billionaire willing to compromise on NZME board changes to become chair](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360629820/canadian-billionaire-willing-compromise-nzme-board-changes-become-chair?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Grenon offers terms to end ‘futile’ NZME board stoush](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/finance/grenon-offers-terms-to-end-futile-nzme-board-stoush?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Grenon tells NZME he expects 'overwhelming support' to roll its board](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360629293/grenon-tells-nzme-he-expects-overwhelming-support-roll-its-board?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EDUCATION, SCIENCE** Jade Wrathall and Marta Estellés (The Conversation): [National standards by stealth? Why the government’s latest plan for schools might fail the history test](https://theconversation.com/national-standards-by-stealth-why-the-governments-latest-plan-for-schools-might-fail-the-history-test-252917?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [More job losses likely at Tertiary Education Commission due to budget cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/549810/more-job-losses-likely-at-tertiary-education-commission-due-to-budget-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Hanna McCallum (Post): [Zone Out: How Māori education is affecting school rolls](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360603145/zone-out-how-maori-education-affecting-school-rolls?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) John Lewis (ODT): [Food pantries set up at uni help students](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/food-pantries-set-uni-help-students?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Hilary Calvert (ODT): [Should we reassess our entry priorities?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/should-we-reassess-our-entry-priorities?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [NZ research ties grow with Europe and China but US takes a back seat](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/25/nz-research-ties-grow-with-europe-and-china-as-us-takes-a-back-seat/?ref=goodoil.news) **COVID** Katie Kenny (RNZ): [Too many catching Covid-19 in hospital, experts say - but precautions being rolled back](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545120/too-many-catching-covid-19-in-hospital-experts-say-but-precautions-being-rolled-back?ref=goodoil.news) Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Five years after the first big lockdown, is NZ ready for the next pandemic?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556281/five-years-after-the-first-big-lockdown-is-nz-ready-for-the-next-pandemic?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [How the Covid-19 pandemic changed our economy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360627414/how-covid-19-pandemic-changed-our-economy?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING** Claire Dale (Post): [Urgent reforms needed to keep older people in affordable homes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360619731/urgent-reforms-needed-keep-older-people-affordable-homes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Eric Crampton (Newsroom): [Behind the curve on construction](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/25/behind-the-curve-on-construction/?ref=goodoil.news) Miriam Bell (Post): [The ‘silver tsunami’ of retirees is building - will supply meet demand?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360619484/silver-tsunami-retirees-building-will-supply-meet-demand?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [$6.9m vs $80,000: How homes in suburbs stack up](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556292/6-point-9m-vs-80-000-how-homes-in-suburbs-stack-up?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) David Hargreaves (Interest): [First home buyers take smallest share of mortgages in two-and-a-half years](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132534/latest-figures-reserve-bank-show-first-home-buyers-continue-take-declining?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Road workers abused and threatened: 'We really need to do better as a society'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547515/road-workers-abused-and-threatened-we-really-need-to-do-better-as-a-society?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Body cams for parking wardens: 'You've gotta be prepared'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547533/body-cams-for-parking-wardens-you-ve-gotta-be-prepared?ref=goodoil.news) Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [What has Christchurch done right to get so many people on bikes?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/26-03-2025/what-has-christchurch-done-right-to-get-so-many-people-on-bikes?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS** Guy Grantham (Post): [Gen Z home ownership at risk in bamboozling banking inquiry](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360630172/gen-z-home-ownership-risk-bamboozling-banking-inquiry?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Why it's tough to open a bank account](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547558/why-it-s-tough-to-open-a-bank-account?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Complaint rejected about how long banks take to pass on OCR rate drops](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360628878/complaint-rejected-about-how-long-banks-take-pass-ocr-rate-drops?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [Westpac CEO tells MPs it’s time to review bank capital settings](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360625588/westpac-ceo-tells-mps-its-time-review-bank-capital-settings?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FA'ANĀNĀ EFESO COLLINS** Irra Lee (1News): [Widow of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins: Inquest is needed to get answers](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/26/widow-of-faanana-efeso-collins-inquest-is-needed-to-get-answers/?ref=goodoil.news) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Watch: Fa’anānā Efeso Collins’ wife seeks answers after ‘unbearable loss’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-faanana-efeso-collins-wife-seeks-answers-after-unbearable-loss/ULOS22MRKNF4LFH3QO73EFIGTI/?ref=goodoil.news) Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Widow of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins seeks inquiry into his death: 'Unanswered questions'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/553207/widow-of-fa-anana-efeso-collins-seeks-inquiry-into-his-death-unanswered-questions?ref=goodoil.news) **OTHER** Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Beneficiaries on money cards may not be able to pay rent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556301/beneficiaries-on-money-cards-may-not-be-able-to-pay-rent?ref=goodoil.news) Derek Cheng (Herald): [Gun law reforms: Christopher Luxon told Nicole McKee to emphasise public safety. Is this more than talk?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gun-law-reforms-christopher-luxon-told-nicole-mckee-to-emphasise-public-safety-is-this-more-than-talk/L2DTTEJBW5FILMWL32GI3WDS7U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ben Moore (BusinessDesk): [TAB’s apps reveal dark side of digital tech](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/tabs-apps-reveal-dark-side-of-digital-tech?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Esther Taunton (Stuff): [How to tell if you’re financially average](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360627595/how-tell-if-youre-financially-average?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Food bank keeps lunches coming with corporate sponsorship](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547519/food-bank-keeps-lunches-coming-with-corporate-sponsorship?ref=goodoil.news) Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Governor-General tour rolls through Whangārei](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556279/governor-general-tour-rolls-through-whangarei?ref=goodoil.news) Dana Johannsen (RNZ): [Yachting NZ receives Sport NZ backing while under investigation by integrity watchdog](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/556285/yachting-nz-receives-sport-nz-backing-while-under-investigation-by-integrity-watchdog?ref=goodoil.news) David Williams (Herald): [Backlash at inflammatory Brian Tamaki post about Christopher Luxon’s India trip](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/backlash-at-inflammatory-brian-tamaki-post-about-christopher-luxons-india-trip/UGYSGJCYGFGJPOUJHLDOEUDZKU/?ref=goodoil.news) Duncan Connors (ODT): [Burning in the shame of the annual Paddy’s pandemonium](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/burning-shame-annual-paddy%E2%80%99s-pandemonium?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-27-march-2025)