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# News Briefing: 3 March 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-3-march-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-02T19:19:22.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-02T20:02:20.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE**  
1News: [Q+A: Helen Clark questions NZ's continued involvement in Five Eyes](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/02/helen-clark-questions-nzs-continued-involvement-in-five-eyes/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Five Eyes: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark questions New Zealand’s continued involvement](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/five-eyes-former-prime-minister-helen-clark-questions-new-zealands-continued-involvement/V2FEZMY7QFBXVF5YJZMR6RCBZQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nadine Roberts (Stuff): [Helen Clark says Europe is traumatised by Trump - describes new international era as ‘terrifying’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360598888/helen-clark-says-europe-traumatised-trump-describes-new-international-era-terrifying?ref=goodoil.news)  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Why Donald Trump is shunning Europe - and what it means for NZ](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-why-donald-trump-is-shunning-europe-and-what-it-means-for-nz/4UVPLO4DXNDONPAH33DHMBTSIM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Defending New Zealand in Trump, Putin and Xi’s new world order](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360593360/defending-new-zealand-trump-putin-and-xis-new-world-order?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [New Zealand's part in US moves provoking China](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/543513/new-zealand-s-part-in-us-moves-provoking-china?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Warships and ferries leave troubled waters for Peters to calm in Asia](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-warships-and-ferries-leave-troubled-waters-for-peters-to-calm-in-asia/VG4SVFA4Z5HQDA4DBNGYBM3FIA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [NZ now even more in China’s sphere of influence](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/27/nz-now-even-more-in-chinas-sphere-of-influence/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Corin Dann and Jo Moir (RNZ): [New Zealand needs to 'step up' on defence spending, Winston Peters says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543390/new-zealand-needs-to-step-up-on-defence-spending-winston-peters-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Media raise alarm over Chinese ships - and the end of 'benign' times](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/543447/media-raise-alarm-over-chinese-ships-and-the-end-of-benign-times?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robert MacCulloch: [The PM and his Mates Have Left NZ Defenseless with No Allies, and Unable to Pay for our own Security](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/the-prime-minister-and-his-mates-have-left-nz-defenseless-with-no-allies-and-unable-to-pay-for-our?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters gifted a horse in Mongolia](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/deputy-prime-minister-winston-peters-gifted-horse-in-mongolia/D5ZWHQYY4BFNVPPEUCJUCCI7WQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Winston Peters gifted a horse on trip to Mongolia](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360598412/winston-peters-gifted-horse-trip-mongolia?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [New Zealand leaves monitoring Chinese warships to Australia](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597194/new-zealand-leaves-monitoring-chinese-warships-australia?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jano Gibson and Andrew Greene (ABC): [China tells Australia to expect more warship visits but insists its navy poses 'no threat'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/543284/china-tells-australia-to-expect-more-warship-visits-but-insists-its-navy-poses-no-threat?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shaun Bamber (Spinoff): [What Cook Islanders think about their country’s relationship with China](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-02-2025/what-cook-islanders-think-about-their-countrys-relationship-with-china?ref=goodoil.news)  
Talaia Mika (Cook Islands News): [Cook Islands government to seek update on China’s naval exercises](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543281/cook-islands-government-to-seek-update-on-china-s-naval-exercises?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kirsty Needham (Reuters): [Australia discusses security, aid with Vanuatu amid competition with China](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543310/australia-discusses-security-aid-with-vanuatu-amid-competition-with-china?ref=goodoil.news)  
Koroi Hawkins (RNZ): [Political expert hopes NZ and Australia will 'step up' to fill gaps left by USAID cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543336/watch-political-expert-hopes-nz-and-australia-will-step-up-to-fill-gaps-left-by-usaid-cuts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Bayldon (Herald): [World Children’s Day: NZ must spend more on foreign aid that supports young people – World Vision](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/world-childrens-day-nz-must-spend-more-foreign-aid-that-supports-young-people-world-vision/XHBCPA5O7BB5JBKWVOIKBJAWSY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Christopher Luxon's Vietnam trip a success, he says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543398/christopher-luxon-s-vietnam-trip-a-success-he-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Restaurant at centre of indecent assault allegations closes](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360597955/restaurant-centre-indecent-assault-allegations-closes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jason Walls (Newstalk ZB): [Kiwi police in Vietnam amid Wellington sexual assault case investigation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kiwi-police-in-vietnam-amid-wellington-sexual-assault-case-investigation/CKCR3RCV4FHGFJYMEKZ7TWKRBE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Stuff): [Ukraine ambassador ‘thankful’ for NZ support after White House row](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360599133/white-house-meeting-further-threat-us-europe-alliance?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Trump, Zelenskyy clash: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reacts to ‘robust’ meeting, supports Ukraine](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/trump-zelenskyy-clash-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-reacts-to-robust-meeting-supports-ukraine/X42TTTOER5HXJLIYKUTZNGKXQQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New Zealand reaffirms support for Ukraine after disastrous White House meeting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543412/new-zealand-reaffirms-support-for-ukraine-after-disastrous-white-house-meeting?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Hobbs (E-Tangata): [Time to drop the rhetoric on Palestine](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/time-to-drop-the-rhetoric-on-palestine/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOUR-YEAR PARLIAMENTARY TERM PROPOSAL**  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Four-year term bill will come back to bite Govt – Sir Geoffrey Palmer](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/28/four-year-term-bill-will-come-back-to-bite-government-sir-geoffrey-palmer/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steven Cowan: [A four-year term will only entrench the status quo](https://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-four-year-term-will-only-entrench.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [The long and the short of it](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/long-and-short-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Campbell (Newsroom): [Four-year terms are a case of politicians focused on the least important things](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/03/four-year-terms-are-a-case-of-politicians-focused-on-the-least-important-things/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tracy Watkins (Post): [The time has come for a four-year term of government](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597319/time-has-come-four-year-term-government?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Greens back a four-year parliamentary term - but with caveats](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543274/greens-back-a-four-year-parliamentary-term-but-with-caveats?ref=goodoil.news)  
Good Ideas: [Four-year terms: a good idea – with one big caveat](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/four-year-terms-a-good-idea-with) (paywalled)  
Ryan Bridge (Herald): [Extending Parliament to four-year terms: I’ll be voting yes, our politicians are too short-sighted](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/extending-parliament-to-four-year-terms-ill-be-voting-yes-our-politcians-are-too-short-sighted-ryan-bridge/YMXVBO6GIZBGJNLWGNGDN4GWQM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [Do we need to give our politicians four-year terms?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-ryan-bridge-do-we-need-to-give-our-politicians-four-year-terms/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT**  
Damien Grant (Stuff): [The difference between Christopher Luxon and Andrew Bayly](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360597340/damien-grant-difference-between-christopher-luxon-and-andrew-bayly?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [Christopher Luxon has questions to answer, including from his own MPs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360598235/christopher-luxon-has-questions-answer-including-his-own-mps?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. the Hosking-Luxon trainwreck](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/01/the-secret-diary-of-the-hosking-luxon-trainwreck/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's increasing strength in foreign policy, deficiency in domestic](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543409/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-s-increasing-strength-in-foreign-policy-deficiency-in-domestic?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jason Walls (Newstalk ZB): [Christopher Luxon’s brilliant week of diplomacy; terrible week of politics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/jason-walls-christopher-luxons-brilliant-week-of-diplomacy-terrible-week-of-politics/EF6TFMZH3VHTBLA7TOUAETZOKQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ben Thomas (Post): [Time for Luxon to front up to himself with some direct answers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360597734/time-luxon-front-himself-some-direct-answers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [The Weekend: Leaders with poor convictions and scripted communications](https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/01-03-2025/the-weekend-leaders-with-poor-convictions-and-scripted-communications?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [The Act leader and his day as the acting Prime Minister](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/act-leader-and-his-day-acting-prime-minister?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Minister resigns, China tension, retail crime, the Greens](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/minister-resigns-china-tension-retail-crime-and-the-greens/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Taylor (Stuff): [Dear David Seymour...](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360599193/sir-ian-taylor-dear-david-seymour?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Q+A: Greens will cut through global trend of 'divisive' politics - Davidson](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/02/greens-will-cut-through-global-divisive-politics-trend-davidson/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [Rachel Boyack & the $26,000 alpaca](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/03/rachel-boyack-the-26000-alpaca/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Philip Crump: [New Zealand’s MMP Journey: Lessons from Germany’s Electoral Long Game](https://cranmer.substack.com/p/new-zealands-mmp-journey-lessons)  
Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [My Net Worth: Chris Penk, Government minister](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/the-life/my-net-worth-chris-penk-government-minister?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald: [Z Manu Grand Finals: Sports Minister Mark Mitchell does bomb fully clothed in Auckland’s Viaduct Habour](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/z-manu-grand-finals-sports-minister-mark-mitchell-does-bomb-fully-clothed-in-aucklands-viaduct-habour/2CEJUIHWRFF4ZOP5QZ5TBMN7JU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victoria Carter (BusinessDesk): [Fail File: Tracey Martin, Aged Care Association CE](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/fail-file/fail-file-tracey-martin-aged-care-association-ce?ref=goodoil.news)  
Phil Smith (RNZ): [How the sound and voices of politics have changed from 1912 to 1990](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543495/how-the-sound-and-voices-of-politics-have-changed-from-1912-to-1990?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING, PROPERTY INDUSTRY**  
Corin Dann (RNZ): [Hyundai in running to build two new Cook Strait ferries](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543384/hyundai-in-running-to-build-two-new-cook-strait-ferries?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Hyundai may bid again for Cook Strait ferries after Winston Peters meeting](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/hyundai-may-bid-again-for-cook-strait-ferries-after-winston-peters-meeting/DH3UITQ5SVGMNNKSJ3FAKOTFEE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Winston Peters to meet Hyundai Mipo in South Korea](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597732/winston-peters-meet-hyundai-mipo-south-korea?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [UK experience shows New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit needs more strategy and less secrecy](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/uk-experience-shows-new-zealand-infrastructure-investment-summit-needs-more-strategy-and-less-secrecy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughaln (Herald): [Chris Bishop’s plan to fight communist-style productivity with ‘the whole shebang’ of affordable housing tools](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishops-plan-to-fight-communist-style-productivity-with-the-whole-shebang-of-affordable-housing-tools/IVIFNIQJNBCNJOE2NC2SZDZSL4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Government moves to reward councils for more houses](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597219/government-moves-reward-councils-more-houses?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [The new tool Chris Bishop says could end NZ's housing crisis](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360597728/new-tool-chris-bishop-says-could-end-nzs-housing-crisis?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Shake-up of council infrastructure funding announced](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543317/shake-up-of-council-infrastructure-funding-announced?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ella Somers (Interest): [Government to replace infrastructure development fees with new levy system](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132162/housing-and-infrastructure-minister-chris-bishop-announces-overhaul-infrastructure?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Bishop announces levies system for infrastructure growth](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360596812/bishop-announce-levies-system-infrastructure-growth?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Growing infrastructure pipeline not ‘translating into projects coming to market’](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/growing-infrastructure-pipeline-not-translating-into-projects-coming-to-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [How do you know when to give up on buying a home?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543534/how-do-you-know-when-to-give-up-on-buying-a-home?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [For and against build-to-rent housing](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/03-03-2025/for-and-against-build-to-rent-housing?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Kāinga Ora tenant ordered to pay $17k in rent arrears](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360593186/kainga-ora-tenant-ordered-pay-17k-rent-arrears?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Is it cheaper to rent or buy a property?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360595997/it-cheaper-rent-or-buy-property?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Williams (ODT): [Intention to end motel housing announced](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/intention-end-motel-housing-announced?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [Why the housing market is just not firing up](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/why-the-housing-market-is-just-not) (paywalled)  
  
**ENERGY** 
***Eloise Gibson (RNZ):*** [***Fossil fuel advocate who slammed clean energy grants joins energy agency board***](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/543516/fossil-fuel-advocate-who-slammed-clean-energy-grants-joins-energy-agency-board?ref=goodoil.news)  
Vernon Small (Post): [Why can’t politicians get along?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597047/why-cant-politicians-get-along?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Milne and Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Govt readies for any court action from aggrieved gentailers](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/28/govt-readies-for-court-action-from-aggrieved-gentailers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Brakes come on four big electricity generator-retailers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543167/brakes-come-on-four-big-electricity-generator-retailers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shane Te Pou (Herald): [Energy crisis: Power gentailers are draining NZ’s economic lifeblood, political courage is needed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/energy-crisis-power-gentailers-are-draining-nzs-economic-lifeblood-political-courage-is-needed-shane-te-pou/5YEXB7WPW5G45AACGIC3JI455Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Once burnt twice shy, gentailers results show loss of confidence in gas](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/once-burnt-twice-shy-gentailers-results-show-loss-of-confidence-in-gas?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Karyn Scherer (NBR): [Consumers facing ’triple whammy’ on power prices](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/consumers-facing-triple-whammy-on-power-prices/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Call to justify increased lines charges](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/call-justify-increased-lines-charges?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Here's why your power bill is getting more expensive](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360598416/heres-why-your-power-bill-getting-more-expensive?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Departing Meridian CEO Neal Barclay’s parting shot: If it ain’t broke …](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/departing-meridian-ceo-neal-barclays-parting-shot-if-it-aint-broke/XI6ZWW4KCZFAPNAJARH5UKSC2Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Casey (Newsroom): [Look to the skies and pray – for sun, not rain](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/28/look-to-the-skies-and-pray-for-sun-not-rain/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Anna Whyte (Post): [What public servants are actually earning](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360596363/what-public-servants-are-actually-earning?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brian Easton (Pundit): [The Cult Of Generic Management](https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/the-cult-of-generic-management?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tony Burton: [In the State we trust...?](https://accidentaltouristinbureaucracy.substack.com/p/in-the-state-we-trust)  
Robert MacCulloch: [Seems neither Pharmac's CEO, nor its Chair, have ever prescribed a drug in NZ](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/seems-neither-pharmac-s-ceo-nor-its-chair-have-ever-prescribed-a-drug-in-nz-since-as-a-general-r?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SCHOOL LUNCHES, EDUCATION**  
Claire Trevett (Herald): [Is David Seymour heading toward a fail mark on school lunches? When small things turn into big headaches](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/claire-trevett-is-david-seymour-heading-toward-a-fail-mark-on-school-lunches-when-small-things-turn-into-big-headaches/VFHAM3BT4RBBLO2KOQQWR42LFU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [Seymour's late, missing, discarded, allergenic, nutritionless, dangerous & skimpy school lunch programme is unravelling](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/seymours-late-missing-discarded-allergic)  
Press Editorial (Post): [Losing it over school lunches](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360597916/losing-it-over-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alex Casey (Spinoff): [The A-Z of David Seymour’s school lunch disaster](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/28-02-2025/the-a-z-of-david-seymours-school-lunch-disaster?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor & Adam Pearse (Herald): [Chris Hipkins calls on PM to compel David Seymour to address school lunch programme issues](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-hipkins-to-speak-at-school-concerned-about-school-lunch-programme/WNUJHZSK4NHS7CJ5UCPZ2NOCXM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Prime Minister expects David Seymour to give school lunch problems his 'full attention'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543386/prime-minister-expects-david-seymour-to-give-school-lunch-problems-his-full-attention?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jason Walls (Newstalk ZB): [School lunches: Christopher Luxon makes expectations clear to David Seymour as minister responsible](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/school-lunches-christopher-luxon-makes-expectations-clear-to-david-seymour-as-minister-responsible/SUOGHXJ5PFECVEPY2YKASF53HE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [This is what school lunches looked like for Wellington’s Mana College last year, and what they look like now](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360595992/what-school-lunches-looked-wellingtons-mana-college-last-year-and-what-they-look-now?ref=goodoil.news)  
Yolisa Tswanya (Northern Advocate): [Ministry investigates school lunch issues in Christchurch but not in Northland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ministry-investigates-school-lunch-issues-in-christchurch-but-not-in-northland/LWEWQKPJ3JES5I7CMW7F2OVGIE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [Who’s at fault on school lunches?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/bruce-cotterill-whos-at-fault-on-school-lunches/DGLEKE4VV5A57NXQES2IQYW44M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Arena Williams, Stuart Smith (Stuff): [No student should feel alienated because their needs aren’t ‘standard’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360597157/arena-williams-no-student-should-feel-alienated-because-their-needs-arent-standard?ref=goodoil.news)  
—————  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [New NCEA tests failing students in low income schools - principals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543511/new-ncea-tests-failing-students-in-low-income-schools-principals?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): ['Why would you even consider this?': Union flabbergasted by plan to switch funding for resource teachers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543423/why-would-you-even-consider-this-union-flabbergasted-by-plan-to-switch-funding-for-resource-teachers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Elizabeth Rata (Open Inquiry): [A Knowledge Rich Curriculum for New Zealand](https://openinquiry.nz/a-knowledge-rich-curriculum-for-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [Preparing our kids for the wild world of the internet](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/543512/preparing-our-kids-for-the-wild-world-of-the-internet?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [Parents left shellshocked at closure of community childcare centre](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543325/parents-left-shellshocked-at-closure-of-community-childcare-centre?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ben Leahy (Herald): [Private schools: Most expensive, biggest fee increases for 2025](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/private-schools-nzs-most-expensive-tuition-fees-and-how-much-theyve-increased/D5MS4PSU5RGPPPOXPFMAOAL3XI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**CITIZEN’S ARREST POWERS, CRIME, JUSTICE**  
Kate Newton and Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Violent crime victimisation rates steady, not dropping, data shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543322/violent-crime-victimisation-rates-steady-not-dropping-data-shows?ref=goodoil.news)  
Duncan Garner (Listener): [Will citizens’ arrests deter retail thugs or will someone die?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-five-million-cops-will-a-citizens-arrest-deter-retail-thugs-or-will-someone-die/EC3F3WF4FNAQJJS5CHVG4J2V2A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Katie Ham (Post): [Citizen’s arrest: End to the ‘paradise for thieves’ or opening Pandora’s box?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360596141/citizens-arrest-end-paradise-thieves-or-opening-pandoras-box?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrew Gunn (Press/Post): [Goldsmith’s DIY crime-fighting plan: Citizen’s arrests, fly spray, and a well-timed wet towel](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360595952/goldsmiths-diy-crime-fighting-plan-citizens-arrests-fly-spray-and-well-timed-wet-towel?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [We wanted citizen arrest powers. Stop moaning](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mike-s-minute-we-wanted-citizen-arrest-powers-stop-moaning/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [Who actually wants the expanded citizen's arrest powers?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-who-actually-wants-the-expanded-citizens-arrest-powers/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Firearms crackdown gives police and courts given new powers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543432/firearms-crackdown-gives-police-and-courts-given-new-powers?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New Auckland training facility hoped to boost police recruit numbers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543453/new-auckland-training-facility-hoped-to-boost-police-recruit-numbers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catrin Owen, Glenn McConnell and Paddy Gower (Stuff): ['Gandalf' the Green Fairy set to appear in court after police bust](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360598201/gandalf-green-fairy-set-appear-court-after-police-bust?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Former cop, widow, Chlöe Swarbrick and more speak out for Gandalf, the arrested green fairy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360596154/former-cop-widow-chloe-swarbrick-and-more-speak-out-gandalf-arrested-green-fairy?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY, GOVT REVENUE**  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Ratings agencies are not worried, but are watching Government’s books](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/theyre-not-worried-but-they-are-watching-what-the-ratings-agencies-think-of-the-governments-books/EOLQYCWWOVHLBJO7NDJCAV4LJI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): ‘[Hard-head’ Treasury Secretary Iain Rennie issues debt and shocks warning](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360598848/hard-head-treasury-secretary-iain-rennie-issues-debt-and-shocks-warning?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Government freezes incomes of 3000 mostly single-parent families, saving $970,000](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-freezes-incomes-of-3000-mostly-single-parent-families-saving-970000/ARL6OG36O5AUZBN25XW2MDQHAI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [IRD is learning the hard way what scams have done to trust](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/03-03-2025/ird-is-learning-the-hard-way-what-scams-have-done-to-trust?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [As interest rates fall, will the economy rise again?](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132098/reserve-bank-clearing-way-further-interest-rate-falls-which-should-spark-economy?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hillmarè Schulze (NBR): [Is New Zealand doomed to mediocrity?](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economy-matters/is-new-zealand-doomed-to-mediocracy/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Reddell: [Forty years of floating](https://croakingcassandra.com/2025/03/01/forty-years-of-floating/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Nicholls (The Conversation): [NZ’s barriers to economic growth: short-term thinking, political concentration and policy flip-flops](https://theconversation.com/nzs-barriers-to-economic-growth-short-term-thinking-political-concentration-and-policy-flip-flops-249007?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Nicholls: [New Zealand isn’t Ireland and it sure as heck ain’t Singapore](https://substack.com/home/post/p-157998066?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PRIMARY AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES, ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [NZ will ‘no longer tolerate’ being pushed around in the Pacific – fisheries minister](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/28/south-pacific-recognising-bottom-trawlings-plight-industry-says/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Reeves (ODT): [Open-cast mines are for keeps, so no to gold prospecting](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/open-cast-mines-are-keeps-so-no-gold-prospecting?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Concern over nitrogen use discussions](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/concern-over-nitrogen-use-discussions?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stefan Korber (The Conversation): [Farming cooperatives can get a bad environmental rap, but they can also be a force for good](https://theconversation.com/farming-cooperatives-can-get-a-bad-environmental-rap-but-they-can-also-be-a-force-for-good-250905?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sally Round (RNZ): [Country Life: Could small-scale farms be the best way to feed the country?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543363/country-life-could-small-scale-farms-be-the-best-way-to-feed-the-country?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Botting (Local Democracy Reporting): [Millions being thrown at Bay of Islands' caulerpa control as pest seaweed spreads](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/543483/millions-being-thrown-at-bay-of-islands-caulerpa-control-as-pest-seaweed-spreads?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Williams (Newsroom): [Court hears of emotional toll of murk and mud](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/01/court-hears-of-emotional-toll-of-murk-and-mud/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Accusations of gerrymandering and suburb-stealing as voter lines drawn in Auckland](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360593222/accusations-gerrymandering-and-suburb-stealing-voter-lines-drawn-auckland?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Inside the meeting: Auckland Council stumps up for St James theatre but not all the players are happy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360597085/inside-meeting-auckland-council-stumps-st-james-theatre-not-all-players-are-happy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Takapuna Golf Club at risk under new proposal from Auckland Council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543389/takapuna-golf-club-at-risk-under-new-proposal-from-auckland-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [Poor approval rating a surprise: mayor](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/poor-approval-rating-surprise-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Toxic waste cleanup budget halved](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/toxic-waste-cleanup-budget-halved?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [1500 ratepayers affected by error](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/1500-ratepayers-affected-error?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [Water supply pipe ‘major risk concern’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/water-supply-pipe-%E2%80%98major-risk-concern%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Four-year terms for councils? No thanks](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-four-year-terms-for-councils-no-thanks/?ref=goodoil.news)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Chch council should be red-faced over red zone decision](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-chch-council-should-be-red-faced-over-red-zone-decision/?ref=goodoil.news)  
K Gurunathan (Post): [The council, the law and the never-ending coastal hazards saga](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360597305/council-law-and-never-ending-coastal-hazards-saga?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Cars and carcasses: Southern council forks out for clean-ups](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360598467/cars-and-carcasses-southern-council-forks-out-clean-ups?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Rotorua council seeks input on proposed alcohol outlet freeze](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/543305/rotorua-council-seeks-input-on-proposed-alcohol-outlet-freeze?ref=goodoil.news)  
Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [Gisborne District Council seeks input on CBD alcohol rule changes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543367/gisborne-district-council-seeks-input-on-cbd-alcohol-rule-changes?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: ['Deeply sorry': Taupō District Councillor Anna Park admits to drink driving](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543349/deeply-sorry-taupo-district-councillor-anna-park-admits-to-drink-driving?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH, DISABILITY**  
Keiller MacDuff (RNZ): [Most health care workers think cuts are damaging services - survey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543517/most-health-care-workers-think-cuts-are-damaging-services-survey?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Health staff survey reveals ‘immeasurable pain’ of cost-cutting](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360596564/health-staff-survey-reveals-immeasurable-pain-cost-cutting?ref=goodoil.news)  
Isaac Davison (Herald): [Nurses, social workers working as receptionists as ‘back office’ public sector cuts bite](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nurses-social-workers-working-as-receptionists-as-back-office-cuts-bite/3DOZT4KNSBEFHIS4UTSPBGSH6Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [What will Whaikaha do about the 62% of disabled people with an unmet need?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543306/what-will-whaikaha-do-about-the-62-percent-of-disabled-people-with-an-unmet-need?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Powell: [Private Versus Public Health Systems](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/03/02/private-versus-public-health-systems/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jacqueline Cumming (NZ Doctor): [Is $6000 enough? The harsh reality of swapping public for private](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/6000-enough-harsh-reality-swapping-public-private?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Cecilia Robinson (Herald): [New prescription guidelines to enhance equity, access to care](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-prescription-guidelines-to-enhance-equity-access-to-care-cecilia-robinson/XEOVAFOF6NC4XNW5F2X5Z52KGE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Dunedin Hospital: Budget for outpatients building ‘under pressure’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/treasury-budget-%E2%80%98under-pressure%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: ['We can start helping people' - Southland Charity Hospital opening](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/28/we-can-start-helping-people-southland-charity-hospital-opening/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New CEO, new culture says Pharmac's board chair](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543410/new-ceo-new-culture-says-pharmac-s-board-chair?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [Pharmac CEO Sarah Fitt resigns after months of pressure](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360597881/pharmac-ceo-sarah-fitt-resigns-after-months-pressure-stuff-understands?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Newshub): [Sarah Fitt resigns as Pharmac chief executive](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/sarah-fitt-resigns-as-pharmac-chief-executive-herald-understands/BPZYT6O2FBFABOK5CPL3KQC4NY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Pharmac chief executive Sarah Fitt resigns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543333/pharmac-chief-executive-sarah-fitt-resigns?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victor Waters (RNZ): [Liver cancer drugs tecentriq and bevacizumab to receive Pharmac funding](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543374/liver-cancer-drugs-tecentriq-and-bevacizumab-to-receive-pharmac-funding?ref=goodoil.news)  
Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [Medical grad wants to be a GP – but is stuck in training limbo](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360592081/medical-grad-wants-be-gp-stuck-training-limbo?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Hospital in rural Northland raises $13,500 for helipad upgrade](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543468/hospital-in-rural-northland-raises-13-500-for-helipad-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news)  
Patrice Dougan (NZ Doctor): [Face off: Political desire meets clinical caution meets telehealth turmoil](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/face-political-desire-meets-clinical-caution-meets-telehealth-turmoil?ref=goodoil.news)(paywalled)  
Barbara Fountain (NZ Doctor): [Editorial – Target practice](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/target-practice?mc%5Fcid=6b88792244&mc%5Feid=25396e0cd9&ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alan Perrott (NZ Doctor): [Minister’s slow response to invites raises red flags for Māori leaders](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/ministers-slow-response-invites-raises-red-flags-maori-leaders?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Stephen Forbes (NZ Doctor): [Health IT in 2025: Trends, tensions and transition in turbulent times](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/health-it-2025-trends-tensions-and-transition-turbulent-times?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alan Perrott (NZ Doctor): [Minister’s slow response to invites raises red flags for Māori leaders](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/ministers-slow-response-invites-raises-red-flags-maori-leaders?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**COVID 19**  
Julie Jacobson, Kelly Dennett and Rachel Thomas (Post): [Covid times: How the pandemic changed us](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360554387/covid-times-how-pandemic-changed-us?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julie Jacobson (Post): [Is New Zealand ready for the next pandemic?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360579715/new-zealand-ready-next-pandemic?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT Editorial: [An odd anniversary](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/odd-anniversary?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [Covid Inquiry: Bullying claims, four resignations, 'concerns' acknowledged](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360597372/covid-inquiry-bullying-claims-four-resignations-concerns-acknowledged?ref=goodoil.news)  
Libby Kirkby-McLeod (RNZ): [A look back at the Covid-19 pandemic, five years on from New Zealand's first case](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543276/a-look-back-at-the-covid-19-pandemic-five-years-on-from-new-zealand-s-first-case?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Covid-19 five years on: What it was like being one of the country's first cases](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543352/covid-19-five-years-on-what-it-was-like-being-one-of-the-country-s-first-cases?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stephen Howie (Newsroom): [Covid anniversary: Time to give this issue oxygen](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/28/covid-anniversary-time-to-give-this-issue-oxygen/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Defending media against defunding](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/543449/defending-media-against-defunding?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: ['Encouraging': TVNZ sees positive half-year earnings](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/28/encouraging-tvnz-sees-positive-half-year-earnings/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nona Pelletier (RNZ): [TVNZ reports half-year profit, but foresees potential full-year loss](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543296/tvnz-reports-half-year-profit-but-foresees-potential-full-year-loss?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: TVNZ interim financial results - state broadcaster posts $11.8m operational profit on revenue of $152.7m](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tvnz-financial-results-state-broadcaster-posts-118m-operational-profit-on-revenue-of-1527m/Q6F5ZVCT7VHKJJVOMB55CQ6JNE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Esther Taunton (Stuff): [TVNZ reports $11.8 million first-half earnings](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360597106/tvnz-reports-118-million-first-half-earnings?ref=goodoil.news)  
Keith Lynch (Stuff): [The Aotearoa complaints have gone up](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360597796/aotearoa-complaints-have-gone?ref=goodoil.news)

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# Cartoons

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb98a5bc4-9899-4bc3-8b69-dd0551c8a4cd_1835x1469.png)

Body - NZ Herald 1 March 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0a309384-3b18-41ff-ab6e-f7aaad11d2f5_2637x1565.png)

Murdoch - Sunday Star Times 2 March 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd128a702-e4b4-4de8-8b55-c4a1ac88e4d0_2570x1597.png)

Bell - The Post 1 March 2025

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