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# News Briefing: 31 March 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-31-march-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-30T19:22:44.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-30T20:36:20.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**SOCIAL COHESION AND DISCONTENT**  
Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [NZ’s trust crisis – A Revolt against oligarchy](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-nzs-trust-crisis)  
1News: Q+A: [Report sheds light on social cohesion in New Zealand](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/report-sheds-light-on-social-cohesion-in-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Do you know what people on benefits actually get?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556587/do-you-know-what-people-on-benefits-actually-get?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Morton (Herald): [Australians happier, less divided than New Zealanders - Helen Clark Foundation report](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/australians-happier-less-divided-than-new-zealanders-helen-clark-foundation-report/EB7DC32GZNCUFNAFUGSAJURSUY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Acumen: [The Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer shows a sense of grievance, as business remains most trusted institution in Aotearoa New Zealand](https://acumennz.com/acumen-edelman-trust-barometer/acumen-edelman-trust-barometer-2025/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sanjana Hattotuwa: [Trust in freefall: What 2025 Acumen Edelman Barometer reveals about New Zealand’s future](https://sanjanah.wordpress.com/2025/03/28/trust-in-freefall-what-2025-acumen-edelman-barometer-reveals-about-new-zealands-future/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roger Partridge (Herald): [Beyond grievance politics: New Zealand’s search for common ground](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/beyond-grievance-politics-new-zealands-search-for-common-ground-roger-partridge/ZFHRHNOF6ND33ACTLL2V5VTWHI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [Over half a million Kiwis accessing food banks per month - survey](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/30/over-half-a-million-kiwis-accessing-food-banks-per-month/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Slater: [The Trust Abyss: Media, Institutions and Government in Freefall](https://goodoil.news/the-trust-abyss-media-institutions-and-government-in-freefall/) (paywalled)  
  
**SUPERMARKETS**  
Anna Whyte (Stuff): [What’s the deal with the supermarket announcement and why it’s a big deal](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360633974/whats-deal-supermarket-announcement-and-why-its-big-deal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [National's Request for Information over supermarket duopoly fails to impress Labour](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556650/national-s-request-for-information-over-supermarket-duopoly-fails-to-impress-labour?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Supermarket duopoly: What Nicola Willis’ adviser thinks about breaking up Foodstuffs and Woolworths](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/retail/supermarket-duopoly-what-nicola-willis-adviser-thinks-about-breaking-up-foodstuffs-and-woolworths-jenee-tibshraeny/C2PSDLLZMZF33FIN4ZSBYRGJCI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Why Willis is dead serious on supermarkets reform](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360633775/why-willis-dead-serious-supermarkets-reform?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinesDesk): [Supermarket competition lessons from the last time NZ broke up a monopoly](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/investigations/supermarket-competition-lessons-from-the-last-time-nz-broke-up-a-monopoly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Rawhiti-Connell (Spinoff): [Willis gets serious about supermarket competition](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/31-03-2025/willis-gets-serious-about-supermarket-competition?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Willis floats break-up of supermarket duopoly to drive competition](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/30/willis-floats-break-up-of-supermarket-duopoly-to-drive-competition/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Nicola Willis considers 'structural separation' of retail grocery market](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556597/nicola-willis-considers-structural-separation-of-retail-grocery-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith (Herald): [Supermarket duopoly on notice as Government targets high food prices, considers ‘structural separation’ of Foodstuffs, Woolworths](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/supermarket-duopoly-on-notice-as-government-targets-high-food-prices-considers-structural-separation-of-foodstuffs-woolworths/Q2G4Z2MS6ZF6NLB4APBZKHDT5E/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith (Herald): [Nicola Willis to consider break-up of supermarket duopoly, wants another big competitor in NZ](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nicola-willis-to-consider-break-up-of-supermarket-duopoly-wants-another-big-competitor-in-nz/5XZWVLL2MNAF7OJVNJX2SXXCOU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Nicola Willis unveils radical supermarkets plan: get a third player or break up current ones](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360633622/nicola-willis-make-supermarkets-announcement?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte and Luke Malpass (Post): [Nicola Willis takes aim at supermarket duopoly](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360633727/announcement-supermarkets-coming-government?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Supermarkets ‘on notice’, face break-up threat: Willis](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/supermarkets-on-notice-face-break-up-threat-willis?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Government’s bid for new entrant to shake up supermarket sector](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/governments-bid-for-new-entrant-to-shake-up-supermarket-sector/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Cameron Smith (Herald): [Nicola Willis set to announce ‘VIP treatment’ for third supermarket, but don’t expect her to pull rabbit out of hat](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nicola-willis-set-to-announce-vip-treatment-for-third-supermarket-but-dont-expect-her-to-pull-rabbit-out-of-hat/6ZBWQB4DPZGPPP5VEMAUVBLHIA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Treaty Principles Bill: Thousands of submissions to be excluded from Parliamentary record, Labour says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556518/treaty-principles-bill-thousands-of-submissions-to-be-excluded-from-parliamentary-record-labour-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Hehir (The Blue Review): [Mad at the wrong people](https://thebluereview.substack.com/p/mad-at-the-wrong-people)  
No Right Turn: [This is not democracy](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/this-is-not-democracy.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Good Ideas: [Act’s Regulatory Standards Bill: protecting liberties – or tying the government’s hands?](https://goodideasnz.substack.com/p/acts-regulatory-standards-bill-protecting) (paywalled)  
Louis Collins (RNZ): [Parliament Bill submissions open up conversation on constitutional arrangements](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thehouse/556610/parliament-bill-submissions-open-up-conversation-on-constitutional-arrangements?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Voter enrolment powers stymied by postal requirements](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/27/voter-enrolment-powers-stymied-by-postal-requirements/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuart Smith, Arena Williams (Stuff): [A four-year Government term could begin with the 2029 election](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360632347/stuart-smith-four-year-government-term-could-begin-2029-election?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Chris Hipkins' straight shooting targets enemies and allies](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360632502/chris-hipkins-straight-shooting-targets-enemies-and-allies?ref=goodoil.news)  
Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): [Brace for a very long NZ First election campaign](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632295/brace-very-long-nz-first-election-campaign?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Virginia Fallon (Sunday Star Times): [The four-letter word that politicians can’t get enough of](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360628035/four-letter-word-politicians-cant-get-enough?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Claire Trevett (Herald): [Why on earth are politicians talking so much about Winston’s war on woke and Tamatha Paul’s abolition of police?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/claire-trevett-why-on-earth-are-politicians-talking-so-much-about-winstons-war-on-woke-and-tamatha-pauls-abolition-of-police/CYM3JPG5Z5DK3LAFH4WWXZBW4U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Duncan Garner (Listener): [Chris Hipkins’ inconvenient truth – the Greens are loopy and Te Pāti Māori too radical](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-chris-hipkins-inconvenient-truth-the-greens-are-loopy-and-te-pati-maori-too-radical/QR5N7H2A65ALNEU7TWUSJXC3GQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [RMA reform, boundary changes, crime, ferries, and supermarkets](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/rma-reform-boundary-changes-crime-ferries-and-supermarkets/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [All the fun of this year’s Taxation (Annual Rates) extravaganza](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/all-fun-year%E2%80%99s-taxation-annual-rates-extravaganza?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ben Thomas (Post): [Bipartisan politics should be easy - just look at Korea](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360632872/bipartisan-politics-should-be-easy-just-look-korea?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. the Snow White flop](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/29/the-secret-diary-of-the-snow-white-flop/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Press Editorial (Post): [A farewell to some notable electorates](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360632808/farewell-some-notable-electorates?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jacques Steenkamp (BusinessDesk): [My Net Worth: Brooke van Velden, Cabinet minister](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/the-life/my-net-worth-brooke-van-velden-cabinet-minister?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [10 minutes with ... Swiftie Lan Pham](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632698/10-minutes-swiftie-lan-pham?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Poppy Clark (Stuff): [Wellington MP Tamatha Paul DJs at CubaDupa](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360634116/wellington-mp-tamatha-paul-djs-cubadupa?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Kate MacNamara (Herald): [Former Kāinga Ora head Andrew McKenzie received $1.066m payout, including special payment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/former-kainga-ora-head-andrew-mckenzie-received-1066m-payout-including-special-payment/WIDJNTJ35RCWFLZE6U63HH554E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Energy-saving agency head had doubts about new appointment](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/556667/energy-saving-agency-head-had-doubts-about-new-appointment?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ryan Bridge (Herald): [State servant numbers: Why the Government wants to overhaul the public service](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/state-servant-numbers-why-the-government-wants-to-overhaul-the-public-service-ryan-bridge/NMWF5LN2XJALJPGHHBGBMK6KMQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Voters want to keep living wage rule for govt cleaners, security guards and catering staff](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/voters-want-to-keep-living-wage-rule-for-government-cleaners-security-guards-and-catering-staff/P3GKLXY2LRBLPPXAU5LGHDH3II/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New E tū union poll shows most Kiwis oppose removing living wage from government contracts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556581/new-e-tu-union-poll-shows-most-kiwis-oppose-removing-living-wage-from-government-contracts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald: [Front Page: Inside the Human Rights Review Tribunal and the long wait for justice](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/inside-the-human-rights-review-tribunal-and-the-long-wait-for-justice-the-front-page/TBFLNLXL4BDUHGULVYDNZK6EVI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [FMA set to axe more than 20 jobs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556429/fma-set-to-axe-more-than-20-jobs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victoria Young (BusinessDesk): [Financial Markets Authority swings axe as costs blow out](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/financial-markets-authority-swings-axe-as-costs-blow-out?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Sexual harassment case costs Ministry more than $100k](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360633049/sexual-harassment-case-costs-ministry-more-100k?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [The Plain Language Act is dead! Long live plain language?](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/the-plain-language-act-is-dead-long-live-plain-language?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Azaria Howell (Newstalk ZB): [Health NZ to cut $204 million of contractor and consultant spend; agency using contractors to fill roles](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/health-nz-to-cut-204-million-of-contractor-and-consultant-spend-agency-using-contractors-to-fill-roles/XMFZDB5DBRBVVNGXLRTK6WEZDM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Roden (1News): ['I think we're failing our community'- senior Nelson ED doctor](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/31/i-think-were-failing-our-community-senior-nelson-ed-doctor/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessica Roden (1News): [Senior doctors speak out over concerns about staffing, patient safety at Nelson Hospital](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/30/senior-doctors-speak-out-over-concerns-about-staffing-patient-safety-at-nelson-hospital/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Is new health minister Simeon Brown up for the fight?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-is-new-health-minister-simeon-brown-up-for-the-fight/Y6SCFULMANE2XFZFXWUENNNIC4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Former PM Bill English on fixing the health system, Auckland iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei leading way](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-pm-bill-english-on-fixing-the-health-system-auckland-iwi-ngati-whatua-orakei-leading-way/7AYPSMAZONEN7IPSBT4TES5NCI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louisa Wall and Rawiri Jansen (Newsroom): [Bowel cancer doesn’t care about politics](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/28/bowel-cancer-doesnt-care-about-politics/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Federico Magrin (Stuff): [Protesters form human chain to support hospital workers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360633854/protesters-form-human-chain-support-hospital-workers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World Socialists): [As healthcare crisis worsens, New Zealand government pushes for privatisation](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/28/agmh-m28.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mahvash Ikram (RNZ): [15-minute consults causing more delays for patients, say GPs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556655/15-minute-consults-causing-more-delays-for-patients-say-gps?ref=goodoil.news)  
Helen Buckland-Wright (ODT): [New role falls short of what’s needed: psychologists](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/new-role-falls-short-what%E2%80%99s-needed-psychologists?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Rawhiti-Connell (Spinoff): [The abysmal state of palliative care for children in New Zealand](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/28-03-2025/the-abysmal-state-of-palliative-care-for-children-in-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cecilia Robinson (Herald): [How shared records could revolutionise NZ healthcare](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/healthcare/how-shared-records-could-revolutionise-nz-healthcare-cecilia-robinson/C2JPMFJUAJFFHJUQZHOWUJAQIM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Higgins (Herald): [Rare Disorders Month: We need action to support the 300,000 Kiwis seeking better healthcare](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rare-disorders-month-we-need-action-to-support-the-300000-kiwis-seeking-better-healthcare-opinion/IAO3GZXBRZHEDETPWZU46RVTHI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**RMA**  
Justin Hu (1News): [RMA reform: Bishop on how much bipartisanship he wants](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/30/rma-reform-bishop-on-how-much-bipartisanship-he-wants/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Resource Management Act finally being fixed after 30 wasted years](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/resource-management-act-finally-being-fixed-after-30-wasted-years-matthew-hooton/WQRT7Z4DQVH5RK7RSN73RLKGNA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [RMA overhaul: When conflicting property rights intersect](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632244/rma-overhaul-when-conflicting-property-rights-intersect?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [The Castle meets planning law reform](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360627411/castle-meets-planning-law-reform?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch and Stewart Sowman-Lund (Sunday Star Times): [Amid RMA reform, Minister Chris Bishop pledges homeowners: ‘Your land is your land, until you affect other people’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360626161/amid-rma-reform-minister-chris-bishop-pledges-homeowners-your-land-your-land-until-you-affect-other?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [The roundabout politics of Resource Management Act reform](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/the-roundabout-politics-of-resource-management-act-reform?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION**  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [Government signals Wildlife Act update following High Court Mt Messenger bypass ruling](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556642/government-signals-wildlife-act-update-following-high-court-mt-messenger-bypass-ruling?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Government resolves to amend Wildlife Act after court decision](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632682/government-resolves-amend-wildlife-act-after-court-decision?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [The tiny charity saving the planet one court case at a time](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360626532/tiny-charity-saving-planet-one-court-case-time?ref=goodoil.news)  
Finnbar Lee (Newsroom): [Saving our native species trickier than we thought](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/30/saving-our-native-species-trickier-than-we-thought/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Two of the three coalition parties want to ditch climate commitments. Is the Paris Agreement over?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360632857/two-three-coalition-parties-want-ditch-climate-commitments-paris-agreement-over?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [New climate target 'below expectations' of partners, government warned](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556438/new-climate-target-below-expectations-of-partners-government-warned?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Morton (Herald): [Hot water: How climate change is pushing NZ’s vital estuaries to worrying extremes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hot-water-how-climate-change-is-pushing-nzs-vital-estuaries-to-worrying-extremes/6QOL454MBBGJZO3S6SPX2VJHRA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Taylor (Stuff): [The Deputy Prime Minister’s ‘war on woke’, and what to champion](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360632590/deputy-prime-ministers-war-woke-and-what-champion?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [Climate Change: More subsidies for Tiwai](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/climate-change-more-subsidies-for-tiwai.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Stock (Post): [A country divided on the wisdom of genetic engineering](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360627233/country-divided-wisdom-genetic-engineering?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [The proposed changes to DOC land – and the reaction to them – explained](thttps://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/31-03-2025/the-proposed-changes-to-doc-land-and-the-reaction-to-them-explained)  
RNZ: [Homes for Kaimanawa wild horses set for muster urgently needed, DOC says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556386/homes-for-kaimanawa-wild-horses-set-for-muster-urgently-needed-doc-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PRIMARY AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [High Court slaps down ministers’ ‘capricious’ changes to fishing quota](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/31/high-court-slaps-down-ministers-capricious-changes-to-fishing-quota/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrew Bevin (Newsroom): [Social licence ‘critical’ for aquaculture as Aust govt rushes protection](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/28/social-licence-critical-for-aquaculture-as-tasmanian-industry-cops-govt-protection/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Expansion risk to environment ‘very high’](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/expansion-risk-environment-%E2%80%98very-high%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [Mining company seeks $2.4m to fund gold hunt](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/mining-company-seeks-24m-fund-gold-hunt?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Madison Malone (Herald): [Why Canadian gold mining company OceanaGold wants to invest $1b in Waihī](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets-with-madison/why-canadian-gold-mining-company-oceanagold-wants-to-invest-1b-in-waihi/P56VCEUDSRFLDOR4JZPXZXW6HE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**JUSTICE, CRIME, POLICE**  
David Fisher (Herald): [Golriz Ghahraman’s supermarket incident: Foodstuffs’ security guard’s texts revealed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/foodstuffs-security-guards-texts-on-golriz-ghahraman-supermarket-incident-revealed/2Q6FDUJMLNBY5HWXC3Z3P37WIU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike White (Post): [Court ruling set to change ‘mean -spirited’, ‘hostile’ legal aid system](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360630739/court-ruling-set-change-mean-spirited-hostile-legal-aid-system?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Audrey Young (Herald): [Legal legends Palmer and Keith release books on law and democracy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/legal-legends-palmer-and-keith-release-books-on-law-and-democracy/OO76VQBNIJBMXM6RYXQCWMWO4E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [Chlöe Swarbrick’s anarkiddies and their TikTok manifesto](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360629154/chloe-swarbricks-anarkiddies-and-their-tiktok-manifesto?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Beat teams ‘incredibly valuable’, City Mission says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360632949/beat-teams-incredibly-valuable-city-mission-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to .. Tamatha Paul](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/30/an-ode-to-tamatha-paul/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT**  
Justin Hu (1News): [Bishop denies emergency housing policy leading to homelessness](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/30/bishop-denies-emergency-housing-policy-leading-to-homelessness/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): [Community groups gather for emergency meeting on youth homelessness in Auckland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556486/community-groups-gather-for-emergency-meeting-on-youth-homelessness-in-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Disabled man faces fourth summer in 'sweat box' motel while allocated state house sits empty](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556498/disabled-man-faces-fourth-summer-in-sweat-box-motel-while-allocated-state-house-sits-empty?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Bishop blocked by NIMBY colleagues](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132621/chris-bishop%E2%80%99s-ambitious-housing-policies-have-run-inevitable-roadblocks-cabinet?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Building company says lower supply costs possible by saying 'no'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556480/building-company-says-lower-supply-costs-possible-by-saying-no?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [‘Out of control’ council planners face reform](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/28/clashing-carparks-and-balconies-out-of-control-council-planners-face-reform/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catherine Hutton (Open Justice Reporting): [Winton Capital Ltd ordered to pay Chris Meehan’s former assistant $100k in ERA personal grievance case](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556506/winton-capital-ltd-ordered-to-pay-chris-meehan-s-former-assistant-100k-in-era-personal-grievance-case?ref=goodoil.news)  
Marty Sharp (Stuff): [CEO falling out with executive assistant over ‘bad’ business class seat costs company $100,000](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360632166/ceo-falling-out-executive-assistant-over-bad-business-class-seat-costs-company-100000?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Hope for law change as quake-prone heritage building faces potential eviction](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360629308/hope-law-change-quake-prone-heritage-building-faces-potential-eviction?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [What to expect from today's Interislander announcement](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556651/what-to-expect-from-today-s-interislander-announcement?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Winston Peters’ Cook Strait ferry decision comes into port](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360626158/winston-peters-cook-strait-ferry-decision-comes-port?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Sam Stubbs (Sunday Star Times): [With Air NZ, who’s the pilot?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360625795/air-nz-whos-pilot?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jack Riddell (Hawkes Bay Today): [Napier couple worried neighbouring expressway extension lacks sufficient safety features](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/napier-couple-worried-neighbouring-expressway-extension-lacks-sufficient-safety-features/23BAJVIRW5AXNJSY5SCNRSDITY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
RNZ: [Wastewater to be discharged into the Shotover River from today](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556664/wastewater-to-be-discharged-into-the-shotover-river-from-today?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Councillor Niki Gladding may be stripped of responsibilities after information leak](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556508/councillor-niki-gladding-may-be-stripped-of-responsibilities-after-information-leak?ref=goodoil.news)  
Crux: Fish and Game: [Shotover River is protected by Conservation Order](https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/fish-and-game-shotover-river-is-protected-by-conservation-order/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [Letting some Three Waters assets fail part of strategy](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/letting-some-three-waters-assets-fail-part-strategy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [Another Council leaves LGNZ](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/another%5Fcouncil%5Fleaves%5Flgnz.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
K Gurunathan (Post): [Stirring the cauldron of local body election politics](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360627911/stirring-cauldron-local-body-election-politics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): ['Insult to ratepayers' - cost-saving measures ridiculed by Tasman residents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556551/insult-to-ratepayers-cost-saving-measures-ridiculed-by-tasman-residents?ref=goodoil.news)  
Robin Martin (RNZ): [Despite resistance New Plymouth District Council pushes on with dedicated cycle lanes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556622/despite-resistance-new-plymouth-district-council-pushes-on-with-dedicated-cycle-lanes?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Focus should be on 'big issues' not council coffee costs, Tauranga Mayor says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556524/focus-should-be-on-big-issues-not-council-coffee-costs-tauranga-mayor-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘We will make better decisions': Tauranga mayor on iwi council appointments](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556483/we-will-make-better-decisions-tauranga-mayor-on-iwi-council-appointments?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Ruapehu District Council cautioned against Māori ward bias](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360632420/ruapehu-district-council-cautioned-against-maori-ward-bias?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Local Water Done Well: Rotorua looks to consult on two delivery options](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556495/local-water-done-well-rotorua-looks-to-consult-on-two-delivery-options?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Remote village fights for survival](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556433/remote-village-fights-for-survival?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): ['We owe Raetihi an apology': Pushback on plan to can recycle station](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/27/we-owe-raetihi-an-apology-pushback-on-plan-to-can-recycle-station/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Tweed (Whanaganui Chronicle): [Whanganui District Council proposes 2.2% average rates rise for 2025/26](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/whanganui-district-council-proposes-22-average-rates-rise-for-202526/S6KV2FDOYVC53DTDAV4U73WCXY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**AUCKLAND**  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Security boosted at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s apartment following threatening personal messages on social media](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/security-boosted-at-auckland-mayor-wayne-browns-apartment-following-threatening-personal-messages-on-social-media/6P62UYD3VZEBPE5SPAYM5CPHNI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [City Vision announces 2025 candidates for Auckland Council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556571/city-vision-announces-2025-candidates-for-auckland-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Eden Park lives another day, to repay Aucklanders $48m](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/28/eden-park-lives-another-day-to-repay-aucklanders-48m/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Christopher Luxon says Govt has not received proposal on Eden Park stadium upgrade](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556465/christopher-luxon-says-govt-has-not-received-proposal-on-eden-park-stadium-upgrade?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Distil it down: A frank chat with Watercare chief on spending $3.8m a day](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360628379/distil-it-down-frank-chat-watercare-chief-spending-38m-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hayden Donnell (Spinoff): [Can Auckland Council finally do the impossible and get rid of one (1) golf course?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/31-03-2025/can-auckland-council-finally-do-the-impossible-and-get-rid-of-one-1-golf-course?ref=goodoil.news)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): ['Should be done once and done right' - Battle over bed tax for visitors](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556538/should-be-done-once-and-done-right-battle-over-bed-tax-for-visitors?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Watercare's giant tunnel boring machine completes 4-year journey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556443/watercare-s-giant-tunnel-boring-machine-completes-4-year-journey?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELLINGTON**  
Nick James (RNZ): [Council leaders back government's move to bring in Commerce Commission to watch Wellington Water](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556494/council-leaders-back-government-s-move-to-bring-in-commerce-commission-to-watch-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Govt brings in Commerce Commission to keep an eye on Wellington Water](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556455/govt-brings-in-commerce-commission-to-keep-an-eye-on-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Commerce Commission called on to keep an eye on Wellington Water](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/28/commerce-commission-called-on-to-keep-an-eye-on-wellington-water/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Commerce Commission called in to monitor Wellington Water](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632173/commerce-commission-called-monitor-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Wellington councils clash over cycle and bus lanes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556462/wellington-councils-clash-over-cycle-and-bus-lanes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington's controversial Golden Mile project: work planned to start next year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556549/wellington-s-controversial-golden-mile-project-work-planned-to-start-next-year?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Nick Mills for Wellington mayor?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360632755/nick-mills-wellington-mayor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Wellington City councillor Tim Brown officially out this election](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360632891/wellington-city-councillor-tim-brown-officially-out-election?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION, SCHOOL LUNCHES, SCIENCE**  
Herald Editorial: [Parmar’s bill challenges race-based university aid but highlights increasing educational wealth gap](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/parmars-bill-challenges-race-based-university-aid-but-highlights-increasing-educational-wealth-gap-editorial/3SVVJ3H2GJFUHFZAUHNMT7UJ3U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [ACT MP launches member's bill to stop universities offering services 'based on race'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556560/act-mp-launches-member-s-bill-to-stop-universities-offering-services-based-on-race?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Grimshaw (Plain Sight): [All stick and no carrot?](https://plainsight.nz/all-stick-and-no-carrot/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [NZ school lunches 'half the energy' kids need – new research](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/29/nz-school-lunches-half-the-energy-kids-need-new-research/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Public Health Communication Centre: [Aotearoa’s government-funded school lunches failing nutrition standards](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aotearoas-government-funded-school-lunches-failing-nutrition-standards?ref=goodoil.news)  
lip Grater (Press/Post): [As a food producer, school lunches debacle is hard to swallow](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360631507/food-producer-school-lunches-debacle-hard-swallow?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Struggling parents put back-to-school costs on Afterpay](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556514/struggling-parents-put-back-to-school-costs-on-afterpay?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jessie Moss (E-Tangata): [Ideology is pushing Māori knowledge out of the curriculum](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/ideology-is-pushing-maori-knowledge-out-of-the-curriculum/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Riria Dalton-Reedy (Te Ao Māori News): [‘Absolutely appalling’ - Green MP says ECE regulatory review puts profit over tamariki](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/28/absolutely-appalling-green-mp-says-ece-regulatory-review-puts-profit-over-tamariki/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paul Gorman (ODT): [Defunding the ](https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/defunding-future?ref=goodoil.news)future (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [Income by education](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/income%5Fby%5Feducation.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Bagrie (BusinessDesk): [School attendance continues to improve, good news on economic and social fronts](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/school-attendance-continues-to-improve-good-news-on-economic-and-social-fronts?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS, CONSUMER AFFAIRS**  
Sam Olley (1News): [Concern some RSE workers being taken advantage of, despite damning review](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/29/concern-some-rse-workers-being-taken-advantage-of-despite-damning-report/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Research sheds light on the cost of working while unwell](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/27/research-sheds-light-on-the-cost-of-working-while-unwell/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alka Prasad (Sunday Star Times): [Guiding young Māori towards a career path and job satisfaction](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360629414/guiding-young-maori-towards-career-path-and-job-satisfaction?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Sneaky surcharges adding to credit card bills, adviser warns](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556496/sneaky-surcharges-adding-to-credit-card-bills-adviser-warns?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Consumer confidence continues to fall](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556461/consumer-confidence-continues-to-fall?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Consumers tip toe around economic uncertainty](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/consumers-tip-toe-around-economic-uncertainty/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liu Chen (RNZ): [Reform eyed to tighten rules around debt avoidance](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese-english/556448/reform-eyed-to-tighten-rules-around-debt-avoidance?ref=goodoil.news)  
Frances Chin (Post): [The thorny issue of contactless payments](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360612118/thorny-issue-contactless-payments?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Neil Sands (Law News): [New Commerce Minister pledges law reform in current parliamentary term](https://lawnews.nz/company-commercial/new-commerce-minister-pledges-law-reform-in-current-parliamentary-term/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY**  
Liam Dann (Herald): [What Trump’s tariff turmoil means for New Zealand’s economic recovery](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/liam-dann-what-trumps-tariff-turmoil-means-for-new-zealands-economic-recovery/WSORBIGJSJH4RK7T6DQDJGA5MQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Why NZ’s economic recovery feels more Prius than Ferrari - ASB economist](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/why-nzs-economic-recovery-feels-more-prius-than-ferrari-asb-economist/UEQ225VHURH3RJ37YI25ZUAEYM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Downbeat data masking NZ economic improvement: ANZ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360632490/downbeat-data-masking-nz-economic-improvement-anz?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Cash-rate review could serve as test for Reserve Bank acting governor](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360632846/cash-rate-review-could-serve-test-reserve-bank-acting-governor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Two OCR cuts expected, Trump trade war could push cash rate lower](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/two-ocr-cuts-expected-trump-trade-war-could-push-cash-rate-lower?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mark Lister (Rotorua Daily Post/Herald): [Economic indicators clash: GDP growth vs cautious business sentiment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economic-indicators-clash-gdp-growth-vs-cautious-business-sentiment/VT74BU4QFRHVXPNOBYD7M3VS5A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Grant Scobie (Asymmetric Information): [Productivity isn’t everything, but …](https://nzae.substack.com/p/productivity-isnt-everything-scobie)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Charlie Mitchell (Press/Post): [Decoding the rightward lean of the ‘Centrist’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360622167/decoding-rightward-lean-centrist?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Bryan Bruce: [Journalism and Democracy](https://bryanbruce.substack.com/p/journalism-and-democracy)  
Colin Peacock (RNZ): [Mediawatch: Mixed media messages on green shoots and dire data](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556596/mixed-media-messages-on-green-shoots-and-dire-data?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva Gallot (Stuff): [Top NZME executive resigns ahead of potential company shake up](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360632838/top-nzme-executive-resigns-ahead-potential-company-shake?ref=goodoil.news)  
BusinessDesk: [NZME executive to join Contact](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/news-in-brief/nzme-executive-to-join-contact?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Harvey: [More Regulation?](https://djhdcj.substack.com/p/more-regulation)  
David Farrar: [BSA flays Stuff for hatchet job on ASH](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/bsa%5Fflays%5Fstuff%5Ffor%5Fhatchet%5Fjob%5Fon%5Fash.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Media Council upholds complaint about in-game loot box ban article](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556663/media-council-upholds-complaint-about-in-game-loot-box-ban-article?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

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