> ## 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: 28 April 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-28-april-2025/ - Published: 2025-04-27T20:08:21.000Z - Updated: 2025-04-27T20:48:14.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **DEFENCE, ANZAC DAY** Matthew Hooton (Herald): [How military training could transform NZ society](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/how-military-training-could-transform-nz-society-matthew-hooton/GBDVU3U3I5BWRGI7UBEHHEJ75Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Government set to fight latest legal battle in Agent Orange case](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559154/government-set-to-fight-latest-legal-battle-in-agent-orange-case?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Sunday Star Times): [Millions paid out for Defence redundancies amid multibillion-dollar boost](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665034/millions-paid-out-defence-redundancies-amid-multibillion-dollar-boost?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Drone warfare: NZDF 'plugged in' to lessons on use](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558943/drone-warfare-nzdf-plugged-in-to-lessons-on-use?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: Q+A: [Inside the Tauranga drone company with a $66m UK defence contract](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/27/inside-the-tauranga-drone-company-with-a-66m-uk-defence-contract/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Rocket Lab secures chunk of another Pentagon programme](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/558975/rocket-lab-secures-chunk-of-another-pentagon-programme?ref=goodoil.news) James Graham (Spinoff): [Lest we forget? The shame of our two-tier veteran system](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-sunday-essay/25-04-2025/lest-we-forget-the-shame-of-our-two-tier-veterans-system-2?ref=goodoil.news) David Hill (Spinoff): [Seize the day](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-sunday-essay/25-04-2025/david-hill-seize-the-day?ref=goodoil.news) Reimagining Social Work in Aotearoa: [Planning for peace](https://reimaginingsocialwork.nz/2025/04/25/planning-for-peace/?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Sparks (Sunday Star Times): [Have we truly learned the lessons of war?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360663210/have-we-truly-learned-lessons-war?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivers Anzac Day speech at Gallipoli](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-delivers-anzac-day-speech-at-gallipoli/DQY3AOQWONBGPCP6PNHUBWQEP4/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Watch: Luxon's Anzac Day speeches at Gallipoli, Chunuk Bair](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559073/watch-luxon-s-anzac-day-speeches-at-gallipoli-chunuk-bair?ref=goodoil.news) Post: [‘Nobody leaves here unmoved’: PM’s Anzac address in Gallipoli](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360666411/nobody-leaves-here-unmoved-pms-anzac-address-gallipoli?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Samantha Gee (Stuff): [‘We just get on with it:’ New Zealand’s role in clearing unexploded bombs in Laos](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360646631/we-just-get-it-new-zealands-role-clearing-unexploded-bombs-laos?ref=goodoil.news) Scott Hamilton (Spinoff): [New Zealand’s role in the mass deportation of Koreans from post-WWII Japan](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/25-04-2025/new-zealands-role-in-the-mass-deportation-of-koreans-from-post-wwii-japan?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE** Don Brash: [Our foreign policy is increasingly nuts](https://www.bassettbrashandhide.com/post/don-brash-our-foreign-policy-is-increasingly-nuts?ref=goodoil.news) Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [New Zealand’s careful dance with US and China amid trade tensions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-zealands-careful-dance-with-us-and-china-amid-trade-tensions-fran-osullivan/JQFU27V5ZVBQ3ONGUGTDWCHUDM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Smith (Standard): [Poking the dragon](https://thestandard.org.nz/poking-the-dragon/?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [China's NZ embassy expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' over MPs visit to Taiwan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558986/china-s-nz-embassy-expresses-strong-dissatisfaction-over-mps-visit-to-taiwan?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Q+A: Malcolm Turnbull: Trump 'enormous disruption', AUKUS 'absolute shocker'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/27/malcolm-turnbull-trump-enormous-disruption-aukus-absolute-shocker/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Winston Peters says PM’s office concedes error over not releasing Luxon’s foreign affairs speech](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/winston-peters-says-pms-office-concedes-error-over-not-releasing-luxons-foreign-affairs-speech/NHNBYSJ4LJEVJDOVJPX7S6ZVSA/?ref=goodoil.news) Ben Thomas (Post): [Spat between PM and Peters works to Luxon’s benefit](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360666218/spat-between-pm-and-peters-works-luxons-benefit?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [NZ submarine cables are 'attractive espionage targets', officials warn](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559165/nz-submarine-cables-are-attractive-espionage-targets-officials-warn?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Prime Minister Christoper Luxon reflects on Pope Francis' funeral, talks Ukraine peace deal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559232/prime-minister-christoper-luxon-reflects-on-pope-francis-funeral-talks-ukraine-peace-deal?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: ['Tremendous privilege': Luxon reflects on attending the Pope's funeral](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/27/tremendous-privilege-luxon-reflects-on-attending-the-popes-funeral/?ref=goodoil.news) Post: [Prime minister leaves London, heads to Gallipoli](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360664564/prime-minister-leaves-london-heads-gallipoli?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Kiwi travellers blown away by chance meeting with NZ Prime Minister Chris Luxon](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558955/kiwi-travellers-blown-away-by-chance-meeting-with-nz-prime-minister-chris-luxon?ref=goodoil.news) Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: Detentions and arrests at US borders sow fear](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/559217/detentions-and-arrests-at-us-borders-sow-fear?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Australian politicians confirm New Zealanders’ citizenship pathway will stay after election](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/anzac-spirit-australian-politicians-confirm-citizenship-pathway-will-stay-after-election/6GPSYXJWKBCCRJJMQNDIQ4Y2QM/?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [NZ citizenship pathway in Australia appears safe amid election](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/24/nz-citizenship-pathway-in-australia-appears-safe-amid-election/?ref=goodoil.news) **DEMOCRACY** Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Integrity Briefing: Can New Zealand avoid kleptocracy?](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-can-new-zealand) Phil Smith (RNZ): [Democratic guardrails: Is NZ safe from authoritarianism?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559172/democratic-guardrails-is-nz-safe-from-authoritarianism?ref=goodoil.news) Mika Hervel (Newsroom): [Deliberating on a future for democracy in NZ](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/26/mika-hervel-deliberating-on-a-future-for-democracy-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Kiwi citizens’ assembly succeeds in ‘experiment’ to find climate solutions](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/26/kiwi-citizens-assembly-succeeds-in-experiment-to-find-climate-solutions/?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Clark (ABC): [How Atlas Network amassed a global network of free market think tanks and reached into Australia and New Zealand](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-24/atlas-network-think-tanks-active-in-australia-and-new-zealand/104788732?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Presland (The Standard): [Atlas and the Treaty Principles Bill](https://thestandard.org.nz/atlas-and-the-treaty-principles-bill/?ref=goodoil.news) Carwyn Jones (E-Tangata): [Moving forward with Matike Mai](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/moving-forward-with-matike-mai/?ref=goodoil.news) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Is MMP still right for NZ? Reflecting on 30 years of electoral change](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/is-mmp-still-right-for-nz-reflecting-on-30-years-of-electoral-change-bruce-cotterill/NW7BTNXRQBA4VF72Y3BTTSZ6V4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** Jessica Roden (1News): [200,000 Kiwis waiting for first specialist appointment](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/26/200000-kiwis-waiting-for-first-specialist-appointments/?ref=goodoil.news) Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [Nationwide shortage of 500 hospital beds revealed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360663226/nationwide-shortage-500-hospital-beds-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Powell (Newsroom): [How our health workforce is jeopardised by political meddling](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/24/how-our-health-workforce-is-jeopardised-by-political-meddling/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [New Zealand to recognise physician associates - minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559157/new-zealand-to-recognise-physician-associates-minister?ref=goodoil.news) Nicholas Jones (Stuff): [‘Really concerned’: Hundreds of heavily pregnant women showing up to hospital with no or minimal antenatal care](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360664905/really-concerned-hundreds-heavily-pregnant-women-showing-hospital-no-or-minimal-antenatal-care?ref=goodoil.news) Jessie Curran (RNZ): [Three-day hospital stay bill will result in unintended consequences, NZ College of Midwives says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558945/three-day-hospital-stay-bill-will-result-in-unintended-consequences-nz-college-of-midwives-says?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [Auckland intensive mental health service proposed to close](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665363/auckland-intensive-mental-health-service-proposed-close?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Krystal Gibbens (RNZ): [HNZ and senior doctors in mediation ahead of planned strike](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558988/hnz-and-senior-doctors-in-mediation-ahead-of-planned-strike?ref=goodoil.news) Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Pay the doctors what they’re worth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pay-the-doctors-what-theyre-worth-shane-te-pou/ABIQIVOKF5G5PKEWF246FX6Q7Q/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Palmerston North Hospital staff haven't noticed promised boost in security, union says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559184/palmerston-north-hospital-staff-haven-t-noticed-promised-boost-in-security-union-says?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Sargent (RNZ): [Christchurch hospital staff 'let down' after toxic fume exposure says union](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559016/christchurch-hospital-staff-let-down-after-toxic-fume-exposure-says-union?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Medical Council investigating complaints over prescribing medicinal cannabis](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558971/medical-council-investigating-complaints-over-prescribing-medicinal-cannabis?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Supply chain issues for funded medicines increasing, Pharmac says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559006/supply-chain-issues-for-funded-medicines-increasing-pharmac-says?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Q+A: Shaun Hendy: NZ should collaborate with Aus to prepare for next pandemic](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/27/shaun-hendy-nz-should-collaborate-with-aus-to-prepare-for-next-pandemic/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Last call to share Covid-19 pandemic experience with inquiry](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559196/last-call-to-share-covid-19-pandemic-experience-with-inquiry?ref=goodoil.news) Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [Thousands of Kiwis share pandemic experiences as Covid submissions close](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360667263/thousands-kiwis-share-pandemic-experiences-covid-submissions-close?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Where has all the Covid gone?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360664802/where-has-all-covid-gone?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Catherall (Listener): [Cancer rising: Investigating the deadly increase in cancers in younger people](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/as-cancer-diagnoses-in-the-under-50s-soar-researchers-are-focusing-on-environmental-and-dietary-causes/C6BWLC5WCZEYTAKL4JXYZJ52DA/?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS, FINANCIAL SERVICES** Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Retroactive legal immunity - the government’s gift to banks](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-doubly-damned/4YV67LWKGJGHNPU44VQV4E32VU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [Banks to lose veto power on Banking Ombudsman scheme](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360663010/banks-lose-veto-power-banking-ombudsman-scheme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Bank scam protections lacking in detail claims consumer advocate Janine Starks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/559022/bank-scam-protections-lacking-in-detail-claims-consumer-advocate-janine-starks?ref=goodoil.news) Madison Malone (Herald): [What would Kiwibank do with $500 million?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets-with-madison/what-would-kiwibank-do-with-500-million/X7ZETTKM4BFOBBNBEXCVFXR64I/?ref=goodoil.news) Sally Lindsay (Law News): [Commerce Commission blinks in battle with mortgage advisers](https://lawnews.nz/misc/commerce-commission-blinks-in-battle-with-mortgage-advisers/?ref=goodoil.news) **WINSTON PETERS’ RNZ INTERVIEW** Kelly Dennett (Post): [Winston Peters doesn’t hate the media, he’d just like you to think he does](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665403/winston-peters-doesnt-hate-media-hed-just-you-think-he-does?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Harvey: [That Interview: When Information Gathering Becomes Confrontation](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/that-interview) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The secret diary of .. the Dann-Peters interview](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/26/the-secret-diary-of-the-dann-peters-interview/?ref=goodoil.news) ODT Editorial: [A rather Winston way of communicating](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/rather-winston-way-communicating?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to .. Lord Winston](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/27/an-ode-to-lord-winston-2/?ref=goodoil.news) **PARLIAMENT, WEEK IN POLITICS** Brent Edwards (NBR): [Winston Peters’ war against woke and RNZ, the PM, and new roads](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/winston-peters-war-against-woke-and-rnz-the-pm-and-new-roads/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mike Houlahan (ODT): [My lucky number is 52](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/my-lucky-number-52?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On The Trump Upside, And Peters Persecution Of Trans People](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2504/S00052/on-the-trump-upside-and-peters-persecution-of-trans-people.htm?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Dixon (Listener): [God says JD Vance visit “last straw for Pope”](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-god-says-jd-vance-visit-last-straw-for-pope/THFFJXTEORG3ZFEEWKW6WFQUHQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gaurav Sharma (RNZ): [No virginity testing and amending alcohol licensing rules on Indian origin MPs agenda](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/558973/no-virginity-testing-and-amending-alcohol-licensing-rules-on-indian-origin-mps-agenda?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Jacinda Ardern to be awarded honorary degree from Oxford University](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360666742/jacinda-ardern-be-awarded-honorary-degree-oxford-university?ref=goodoil.news) Victoria Carter (BusinessDesk): [Fail File: Stuart Nash, former politician and businessman](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/editors-picks/fail-file-stuart-nash-former-politician-and-businessman?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Chris Bishop (Spinoff): [An ode to Shihad’s Killjoy, the best album by the greatest band in the world](https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/24-04-2025/an-ode-to-shihads-killjoy-the-best-album-by-the-greatest-band-in-the-world?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Disregarding safety in raising speed limits is ‘highly unusual’ – transport agency](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/24/disregarding-safety-in-raising-speed-limits-is-highly-unusual-transport-agency/?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Speed limit increases on SH1 will risk safety - Horowhenua Mayor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559193/speed-limit-increases-on-sh1-will-risk-safety-horowhenua-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [Gisborne clubs protest State Highway 35 speed boost amid crash fears](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/559174/gisborne-clubs-protest-state-highway-35-speed-boost-amid-crash-fears?ref=goodoil.news) Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [Brace for impact: Why Air NZ market study might not fly](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360664741/brace-impact-why-air-nz-market-study-might-not-fly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ODT Editorial: [Flying in the face of fairness](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/flying-face-fairness?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Air NZ blames cost of inflation for rise in airline's airfares](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/559019/air-nz-blames-cost-of-inflation-for-rise-in-airline-s-airfares?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Air NZ faces new wave of anger over soaring fares](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/28-04-2025/air-nz-faces-new-wave-of-anger-over-soaring-fares?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government plans to build thousands of EV chargers by 2030, but more funding needed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-plans-to-build-thousands-of-ev-chargers-by-2030/EA74GIBTOVCUPOOUIQEFLRCKQY/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Government replaces EV charger grants with new loan scheme](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559181/government-replaces-ev-charger-grants-with-new-loan-scheme?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [We need a culture shift if Kiwis are to follow the Government down the EV road ](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/we-need-a-culture-shift-if-kiwis-are-to-follow-the-government-down-the-ev-road-editorial/EZ46OLGKPBAB7FGFUN4ZJWUUJA/?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled) SunLive: [Accelerating the roll-out of public EV chargers](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/accelerating-the-roll-out-of-public-ev-chargers/RWD2D37DUBAG3NO77R62BPX5PM/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Tolling an option for Mill Road project planned for south Auckland - Bishop](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558969/tolling-an-option-for-mill-road-project-planned-for-south-auckland-bishop?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Chris Bishop: PPP approach not suitable for Northwest Busway](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/chris-bishop-ppp-approach-not-suitable-for-northwest-busway?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): ['Long history': NZTA endorses stage one of long-promised Mill Rd upgrade](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/long-history-nzta-endorses-stage-one-of-long-promised-mill-rd-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Officials still mulling over options for recreational use of Manawatū Gorge road](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559202/officials-still-mulling-over-options-for-recreational-use-of-manawatu-gorge-road?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION** Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Ministers rejected advice to review climate grants](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559221/ministers-rejected-advice-to-review-climate-grants?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Inside the climate debate that quietly rocked the National Party](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/inside-the-climate-debate-that-quietly-rocked-the-national-party/2UMDZ7POGVB2DPMBKZU6MXNLL4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) No Right Turn: [Climate Change: F\*\*\*ing the ETS again](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/04/climate-change-fucking-ets-again.html?ref=goodoil.news) Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [Why protesters spent Easter week suspended in coal carts](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-04-2025/why-protesters-spent-easter-weekend-suspended-in-coal-carts?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Burns (RNZ): [Catlins resident calls for beach bylaw changes after car salesmen race, do 'doughnuts'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559137/catlins-resident-calls-for-beach-bylaw-changes-after-car-salesmen-race-do-doughnuts?ref=goodoil.news) Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Digital billboard given final sign off despite dark sky park concerns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558864/digital-billboard-given-final-sign-off-despite-dark-sky-park-concerns?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION, WORKPLACE TRAINING** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Workplace training may be privatised after Te Pūkenga dismantled](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558980/workplace-training-may-be-privatised-after-te-pukenga-dismantled?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [Government apprenticeship reform plan welcomed, but lacks detail](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360664609/government-apprenticeship-reform-plan-welcomed-lacks-detail?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Michael Johnston (Post): [The game-changing approach trades training needs](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360665500/game-changing-approach-trades-training-needs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: [Q+A: Just six state schools interested in charter conversion in latest round](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/27/just-six-state-schools-interested-in-charter-conversion-in-latest-round/?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [David Seymour pulls in mayors to lift school attendance](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665167/david-seymour-pulls-mayors-lift-school-attendance?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ben Leahy (Herald): [Cambridge International exams: The NZ schools that produced the highest-achieving students](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cambridge-international-exams-every-student-award-winner-named/X6ZRI5VILJGKFFWUJLHJDYUCLE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) ODT Editorial: [Jury out on ECE review](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/jury-out-ece-review?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Ava Whitworth (Stuff): [‘Accident waiting to happen’: Water safety rule for ECEs on the chopping block](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360666396/accident-waiting-happen-water-safety-rule-eces-chopping-block?ref=goodoil.news) **FAMILY BOOST POLICY, COST OF LIVING, BUDGET** Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): [Nicola Willis faces dilemma on poorly designed Family Boost policy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360666067/nicola-willis-faces-dilemma-poorly-designed-family-boost-policy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Julia Gabel (Herald): [Government plans FamilyBoost changes after low uptake revealed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-plans-familyboost-changes-after-low-uptake-revealed/EW3P25VC4VCGBNJSUIMWZJUOKQ/?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Nicola Willis confirms FamilyBoost eligibility to be expanded](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559023/nicola-willis-confirms-familyboost-eligibility-to-be-expanded?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Dennett (Post): [IRD to ‘tweak’ FamilyBoost so more families claim the cash](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665462/ird-tweak-familyboost-so-more-families-claim-cash?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Fewer than 50 families to get National's full tax package, says CTU](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/558992/fewer-than-50-families-to-get-national-s-full-tax-package-says-ctu?ref=goodoil.news) Brian Easton (Pundit): [The 2025 Budget In A World Of Trade Warfare](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/the-2025-budget-in-a-world-of-trade-warfare?ref=goodoil.news) Nadine Higgins (Herald): [Financial Resilience Index reveals how concerned Kiwis are about money](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/financial-resilience-index-reveals-how-concerned-kiwis-are-about-money-the-prosperity-project/3H7QTHJT2VA2NL6TS7FGP6VQZY/?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence survey shows kiwis see inflation being 4.7% in 2027 - the highest reading in this survey for two years](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132990/anz-roy-morgan-consumer-confidence-survey-shows-kiwis-see-inflation-being?ref=goodoil.news) Harriet Laughton (Post): [Wellington’s consumer confidence lowest in NZ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360665073/wellingtons-consumer-confidence-lowest-nz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EMPLOYMENT** Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Coalition clash over injury prevention plan for Māori and Pasifika](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/24/coalition-clash-over-injury-prevention-plan-for-maori-and-pasifika/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [Act ramping up pressure on National Party minister Scott Simpson over ACC ‘ethnic outcome targets’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/act-ramping-up-pressure-on-national-party-minister-scott-simpson-over-acc-ethnic-outcome-targets/XJVCFZSNEVCWJPBN3XILSB47DA/?ref=goodoil.news) Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [‘Our dirty little secret’: The dark heart of the cleaning industry](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360652845/our-dirty-little-secret-dark-heart-cleaning-industry?ref=goodoil.news) Duncan Garner (Listener): [When did our teens stop working and whose fault is it?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/duncan-garner-when-did-our-teens-stop-working-and-whose-fault-is-it/SPYTLOPYQNF75HQ7X5VPQX7NJY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenny Ling (Northern Advocate): [Workers in Northland struggle as wages lag behind living costs](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/workers-in-northland-struggle-as-wages-lag-behind-living-costs/NL6INJI3NBBJ5IQRSKXUMXIBF4/?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, PROPERTY INDUSTRY, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION** Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [MSD workloads behind partial scrapping of programme to prevent people ending up in emergency housing, documents show](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559219/msd-workloads-behind-partial-scrapping-of-programme-to-prevent-people-ending-up-in-emergency-housing-documents-show?ref=goodoil.news) Edward Yiu and William Cheung (The Conversation): [The billions spent on NZ’s accommodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?](https://theconversation.com/the-billions-spent-on-nzs-accommodation-supplement-is-failing-to-make-rent-affordable-so-what-will-254779?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Rents may be falling but there’s a long way to go](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133011/trademe-data-suggests-landlords-are-dropping-rents-attract-tenants-housing?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Building firms trim specs to get biggest state housing project over the line](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/23/building-firms-trim-specs-to-get-biggest-state-housing-project-over-the-line/?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Auckland councillor wants mayor to pressure government over building consents in flood-prone areas](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559167/auckland-councillor-wants-mayor-to-pressure-government-over-building-consents-in-flood-prone-areas?ref=goodoil.news) Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Plumbers get the power to sign off their own work](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360663502/plumbers-get-power-sign-their-own-work?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Relief for Whangārei hapū as development plans on tapu land dropped](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559017/relief-for-whangarei-hapu-as-development-plans-on-tapu-land-dropped?ref=goodoil.news) Janine Starks (Post): [The disasters thousands of Kiwi homes may not be insured for](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360665124/disasters-thousands-kiwi-homes-may-not-be-insured?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Jonathan. Milne (Newsroom): [Watercare engineer rips off $1m public money in fake invoicing scam](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/24/watercare-engineer-rips-off-1m-public-money-in-fake-invoicing-scam/?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [Government faces another co-governance row](https://www.politik.co.nz/government-faces-another-co-governance-row/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [Room for the right to capitalise on Wellington woes](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/24/room-for-the-right-to-capitalise-on-wellington-woes/?ref=goodoil.news) Justin Wong (Post): [Mayoral candidate clashes with protesters over ‘No Nazis’ sign](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360666558/mayoral-candidate-clashes-protesters-over-no-nazis-sign?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington mayoral hopeful’s ‘threat’ email referred to police](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360655845/wellington-mayoral-hopefuls-threat-email-referred-police?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington Council backs voting age of 16 to boost turnout](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360667148/wellington-council-backs-voting-age-16-boost-turnout?ref=goodoil.news) Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [Councils take millions of dollars from mortgages for unpaid rates](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360641227/councils-take-millions-dollars-mortgages-unpaid-rates?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Belford (Bay Buzz): [Overstaffed Councils?](https://baybuzz.co.nz/councils-staffs-too-big/?ref=goodoil.news) Verity Elder (Stuff): [Don’t think of Wayne Brown as a mayor, think of him as a strip club owner](https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/360665415/dont-think-wayne-brown-mayor-think-him-strip-club-owner?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Leask (Local Democracy Reporting): [Selwyn District councillor Shane Epiha fed up with online bullies](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/558912/selwyn-district-councillor-shane-epiha-fed-up-with-online-bullies?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Mauger (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Phil Mauger on Christchurch’s continued revival](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360665427/candidates-corner-phil-mauger-christchurchs-continued-revival?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sara Templeton (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Sara Templeton on a sustainable, resilient Christchurch](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360663753/candidates-corner-sara-templeton-sustainable-resilient-christchurch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Over the rainbow: Dunedin cans rainbow crossings](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360663957/rainbow-crossings-twist-dunedin-street-earmarked-modern-makeover?ref=goodoil.news) Paul Gorman (ODT): [Selling Dunedin: When it’s just marketing](https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/selling-dunedin-when-it%E2%80%99s-just-marketing?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Justin Wong (Post): [Outgoing activist-turned-councillor has high hopes for local government](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360663201/outgoing-activist-turned-councillor-has-high-hopes-local-government?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** Grant Duncan: [How much do people trust the news?](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/how-much-do-people-trust-the-news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [The future of news: yet another reckon](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/the-future-of-news-yet-another-reckon?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: The health of health reporting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/559177/mediawatch-the-health-of-health-reporting?ref=goodoil.news) Laszlo Szollosi-Cira: [Trust in Media and the War in Ukraine](https://fairpolicycommentary.substack.com/p/trust-in-media-and-the-war-in-ukraine) Jaime Lyth (Herald): [TVNZ viewers claim anonymous Destiny Church whistleblower’s face ‘visible’, TVNZ cuts clip out of ‘abundance of caution’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tvnz-viewers-claim-anonymous-destiny-church-whistleblowers-face-visible-broadcaster-cuts-clip-out-of-abundance-of-caution/BFPTXAP7QJAMPPOXV5TEX2OIVM/?ref=goodoil.news) Robert MacCulloch: [Turning around NZ for a few million $ by buying the NZ Herald is the Best Deal Ever](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/turning-around-nz-for-a-few-million-by-buying-the-herald-is-the-best-deal-ever-calling-on-all-inv?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-28-april-2025)