> ## 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: 5 March 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-5-march-2025/
- Published: 2025-03-04T19:15:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-04T21:23:45.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**FERRIES, TRANSPORT**  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [Government's iRex ferry cancellation costed at $300 million - for now](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543699/government-s-irex-ferry-cancellation-costed-at-300-million-for-now?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Breaking Cook Strait ferry contracts to cost Govt $300m](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601073/breaking-cook-strait-ferry-contract-cost-govt-300m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
No Right Turn: [A complete fiasco](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-complete-fiasco.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Nicola Willis told to renegotiate with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard three months after cancelling mega-ferries](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nicola-willis-told-to-renegotiate-with-hyundai-mipo-dockyard-three-months-after-cancelling-mega-ferries/V3Q7QZJ45JGRJHW3JKTKW2KXZU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Ministerial advisory group pushed for urgency on Cook Strait ferry decisions](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/ministerial-advisory-group-pushed-for-urgency-on-cook-strait-ferry-decisions?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [KiwiRail has ‘too many layers’ between ship crew and CEO, ministers told](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601634/kiwirail-has-too-many-layers-between-ship-crew-and-ceo-ministers-told?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Maia Ingoe (RNZ): [Traffic congestion could cost Auckland $2.6 billion a year, report commissioned by mayor finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543694/traffic-congestion-could-cost-auckland-2-point-6-billion-a-year-report-commissioned-by-mayor-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Congestion charging gets bipartisan support in Parliament](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601925/congestion-charging-gets-bipartisan-support-parliament?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Melville (NBR): [Auckland traffic congestion costed at $2.6b per year](https://www.nbr.co.nz/infrastructure/auckland-traffic-congestion-costed-at-2b-per-year/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Congestion charging inches closer as bill passes first reading](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/05-03-2025/congestion-charging-inches-closer-as-bill-passes-first-reading?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELLINGTON WATER**  
Tom Hunt (Post): [2074 days to Wellington Water meltdown](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360601292/2074-days-wellington-water-meltdown?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Commerce Commission investigating ‘potential unlawful conduct’ by Wellington Water contractors](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601306/commerce-commission-investigating-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick James (RNZ): [Councillors threaten legal action against Wellington Water](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543685/councillors-threaten-legal-action-against-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt and Thomas Manch (Post): [Calls for legal action against Wellington Water](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360600919/calls-legal-action-against-wellington-water?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop points finger at council for Wellington's water woes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543703/infrastructure-minister-chris-bishop-points-finger-at-council-for-wellington-s-water-woes?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Chris Bishop backs Wellington Water board chair](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360601153/chris-bishop-backs-wellington-water-board-chair?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, FOUR-YEAR PARLIAMENTARY TERM PROPOSAL**  
Richard Shaw (Conversation): [NZ governments enjoy an ‘executive paradise’ – a longer parliamentary term won’t change that](https://theconversation.com/nz-governments-enjoy-an-executive-paradise-a-longer-parliamentary-term-wont-change-that-251139?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On Why Having Elections Less Often Is A Bad Idea](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2503/S00007/on-why-having-elections-less-often-is-a-bad-idea.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Karanama Ruru and Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [Andrew Bayly’s official resignation didn’t go to governor-general for three days](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360601572/timeline-andrew-baylys-resignation-challenged-house?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Christopher Luxon says National MPs aren’t raising communication style concerns with him, faces Andrew Bayly questions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christopher-luxon-says-national-mps-arent-raising-communication-style-concerns-with-him-faces-andrew-bayly-questions/RCKWKHMCWVBKPGSL3CIOMXJPS4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Edward Miller: [Government doesn't exist to extract a return from its people](https://labourcartel.substack.com/p/government-doesnt-exist-to-extract)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Enter Seymour: Meet the Government’s fiscal Grinch](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601377/enter-seymour-meet-governments-fiscal-grinch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [Taking the politics out of government](https://www.politik.co.nz/taking-the-politics-out-of-government/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [Business of Government: is infrastructure funding really sorted, AI lessons from across the Tasman, and more](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/business-of-government-is-infrastructure-funding-really-sorted-ai-lessons-from-across-the-tasman-and-more?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joe Hendren: [PM Luxon breaches the cabinet manual](https://joehendren.substack.com/p/pm-luxon-breaches-the-cabinet-manual)  
Rodney Hide: [Chris Luxon is done](https://www.bassettbrashandhide.com/post/rodney-hide-chris-luxon-is-done?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Use of Aotearoa in House 'not a matter of order', Brownlee tells MPs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543719/use-of-aotearoa-in-house-not-a-matter-of-order-brownlee-tells-mps?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Gerry Brownlee shuts down concerns about use of ‘Aotearoa’, Winston Peters says he’s ‘wrong’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gerry-brownlee-shuts-down-concerns-about-use-of-aotearoa-winston-peters-says-hes-wrong/IANTBGXCWBF3RKKM3SNHMPOH3M/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**SCHOOL LUNCHES, EDUCATION**  
1News: [Education Minister waiting for answers on school lunches scheme](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/04/education-minister-waiting-for-answers-on-school-lunches-scheme/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [The prime minister sides with David Seymour, while Erica Stanford shows concern over school lunches](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360601709/prime-minister-sides-david-seymour-while-erica-stanford-shows-concern-over-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton, Glenn McConnell and Jenna Lynch (Stuff): [David Seymour misses school lunch please explain meeting](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360601185/erica-stanford-calls-david-seymour-school-lunches-explanation?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Education minister's school lunches meeting with David Seymour delayed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543702/education-minister-s-school-lunches-meeting-with-david-seymour-delayed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Claire Trevett (Herald): [School lunch saga: Marmite sandwiches and ‘girls doing the cooking’ as David Seymour, Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters debate school lunches](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/school-lunch-saga-marmite-sandwiches-and-girls-doing-the-cooking-as-david-seymour-christopher-luxon-winston-peters-debate-school-lunches/5233VFMMVVEYPDA45ZVU5LFI64/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [David Seymour hopes school lunch issues solved by next term, but won’t hand over responsibilities if they aren’t](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-leader-chris-hipkins-accuses-government-of-sabotaging-school-lunches-scheme/SUPNF5H23FDQDF42ZHLTTXICTI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [School lunches: David Seymour aims to fix issues by term 2, starting in 'tip top shape’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543733/school-lunches-david-seymour-aims-to-fix-issues-by-term-2-starting-in-tip-top-shape?ref=goodoil.news)  
Louise Ternouth and Samantha Gee (RNZ): [Luxon's Marmite sandwich suggestion leaves bad taste with school principals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543737/luxon-s-marmite-sandwich-suggestion-leaves-bad-taste-with-school-principals?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mark John (ODT): [PM cops flak over Marmite comment](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/pm-cops-flak-over-marmite-comment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [Luxon: 'If you don't like the lunches, just go make a Marmite sandwich'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/04/luxon-if-you-dont-like-the-lunches-just-go-make-a-marmite-sandwich/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Not happy with school lunches? Make a Marmite sandwich - PM](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360600922/luxon-school-lunches-make-marmite-sandwich?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Christopher Luxon on school lunches: 'Go make a Marmite sandwich'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543730/christopher-luxon-on-school-lunches-go-make-a-marmite-sandwich?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicky Park (RNZ): [Is a Marmite sandwich and an apple good enough for a child’s lunch?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543726/is-a-marmite-sandwich-and-an-apple-good-enough-for-a-child-s-lunch?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Dennett (Post): [The ‘positive’ emails David Seymour has received about school lunches](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601261/positive-emails-david-seymour-has-received-about-school-lunches?ref=goodoil.news)  
Elspeth McLean (ODT): [Choking on a scorching lunch, at $3 a portion](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/choking-scorching-lunch-3-portion?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anna Rawhiti-Connell (Spinoff): [Mite-y rift revealed within the highest ranks of government](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/04-03-2025/mite-y-rift-revealed-within-the-highest-ranks-of-government?ref=goodoil.news)  
—————  
Anna Whyte (Post): [How much it costs to build a classroom in NZ revealed](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360602053/how-much-it-costs-build-classroom-nz-revealed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Students left 'demotivated and dejected' by NCEA exam results](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543748/students-left-demotivated-and-dejected-by-ncea-exam-results?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [NCEA literacy and numeracy test results at NZ’s poorest schools pose challenge](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-ncea-literacy-and-numeracy-test-results-at-nzs-poorest-schools-pose-challenge/XM27ZABZ5RH2VO3BMNPVNO7T7M/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Stop dumbing down our education system](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-stop-dumbing-down-our-education-system/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Aaron Smale (Listener): [We can’t afford to fail Māori children](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/aaron-smale-we-cant-afford-to-fail-maori-children/4VNLWDIQQZHVHL3XUGKEQDJNXY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Farrar: [The Marsden Fund changes will boost university rankings](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/03/the%5Fmarsden%5Ffund%5Fchanges%5Fwill%5Fboost%5Funiversity%5Frankings.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT**  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Conflict means grocery regulation off limits for new Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/conflict-means-grocery-regulation-off-limits-for-new-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-minister-scott-simpson/IZJ5TJZ2FJBL7EPWCURDJ43Z7E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Paul McBeth: [Simpson, eh?](https://www.thebottomline.co.nz/commentary/paul-mcbeth-simpson-eh?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Bradford (1News): [Charges filed against two Pak'nSaves for 'misleading specials'](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/04/charges-filed-against-two-paknsaves-for-misleading-specials/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catrin Owen (Stuff): [Two Pak’nSave supermarkets facing charges of misleading customers](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360601970/two-paknsave-supermarkets-facing-charges-misleading-customers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Commerce Commission files charges against two North Island Pak’nSave supermarkets](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/commerce-commission-files-charges-against-two-north-island-paknsave-supermarkets/BA7O5ZD6BZGOJGS6Z6GTFYWKAM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gregor Thompson (BusinessDesk): [ComCom files criminal charges against two Pak’nSaves](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/comcom-files-criminal-charges-against-two-paknsaves?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Burton (Post): [Echo of US public service layoffs in planned employment law changes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360599511/echo-us-public-service-layoffs-planned-employment-law-changes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alexandra Muthu and Adrienne Edwards (Public Health Communications Centre): [Beautiful benchtops: How should we protect our workers?](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/beautiful-benchtops-how-should-we-protect-our-workers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Companies face greater public scrutiny of tax transparency](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/companies-face-greater-public-scrutiny-of-tax-transparency/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Garth Bray (BusinessDesk): [Taxing lunch: Corporate Taxpayers Group lobbies for rule changes on entertainment](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/taxing-lunch-corporate-taxpayers-group-lobbies-for-rule-changes-on-entertainment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [Peter Thiel now the richest New Zealander after double-whammy wealth surge](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/peter-thiel-now-the-richest-new-zealander-after-double-whammy-wealth-surge/V6M3D7DYC5AB3ID2HYJ6SXPFEA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [ANZ NZ quarterly profit after tax nudges $677 million](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/132202/hedging-trading-gain-helps-anz-nz-pretax-profit-top-10m-day-during-december-quarter?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Censured’: New concerns over Lester Levy’s razor gang](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/04/censured-new-concerns-over-lester-levys-razor-gang/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Nurse pay parity ‘not my job’, health minister says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360601564/nurse-pay-parity-not-my-job-health-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Lewis (ODT): [Med student lift hailed; could take more](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/med-student-lift-hailed-could-take-more?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Government boosts medical school intake numbers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543700/government-boosts-medical-school-intake-numbers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [More doctor training places and new plan to tackle GP shortages - minister](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360601284/more-doctor-training-places-and-new-plan-tackle-gp-shortages-minister?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Angus Chambers (Post): [GP changes heartening, but don’t expect too much from them](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360601565/gp-changes-heartening-dont-expect-too-much-them?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Martin Johnston (NZ Doctor): [Unwrapping package: New capitation review timeline from Te Whatu Ora](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/unwrapping-package-new-capitation-review-timeline-te-whatu-ora?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ke-Xin Li (RNZ): [Health insurance: Is it worth the cost?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543750/health-insurance-is-it-worth-the-cost?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kate Green (RNZ): [Wellington City Mission cafe gets funding boost](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543704/wellington-city-mission-cafe-gets-funding-boost?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [There are no new headlines in health](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-there-are-no-new-headlines-in-health/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE**  
Robert G Patman and Alexander Gillespie (Newsroom): [US-Putin ‘peace’ deal could be dire for NZ](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/05/peace-deal-that-rewards-putins-aggression-could-be-dire-for-nz/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan O’Brien: [Terence O'Brien on Five Eyes; Trumpian Convulsions, & Tit for Tat](https://diplosphere.substack.com/p/terence-obrien-on-five-eyes-trumpian)  
Tim Selwyn (Daily Blog): [Helen Clark’s global wisdom on NZ/Cook Islands/China/US is the voice we need right now](https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/03/05/helen-clarks-global-wisdom-on-nz-cook-islands-china-us-is-the-voice-we-need-right-now/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ellen O’Dwyer (RNZ): [NZ navy may need to work with Australia to grow capability - experts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543741/nz-navy-may-need-to-work-with-australia-to-grow-capability-experts?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Ukraine must be at the negotiating table, Christopher Luxon says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/543667/ukraine-must-be-at-the-negotiating-table-christopher-luxon-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: ['Tough watch': PM Luxon says of Trump-Zelensky argument](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/03/tough-watch-pm-luxon-says-of-trump-zelensky-argument/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gabi Lardies (Spinoff): [From karaoke machines to horses: New Zealand’s most delightful diplomatic gifts](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-03-2025/from-karaoke-machines-to-horses-new-zealands-most-delightful-diplomatic-gifts?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TREATY OF WAITANGI**  
Derek Cheng (Herald): [‘Turning the Treaty into a socialist manifesto’: Richard Prebble resigns from Waitangi Tribunal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/turning-the-treaty-into-a-socialist-manifesto-richard-prebble-resigns-from-waitangi-tribunal/24AHOX5RHBBFDFITFUB2KQ55H4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Prebble (Herald): [Why I’ve resigned from the Waitangi Tribunal](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/why-ive-resigned-from-the-waitangi-tribunal-richard-prebble/H5DFP7A23NHATCLOGQI7V3YXQI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [What happens now we’ve discussed the Treaty Principles?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/03/04/what-happens-now-weve-discussed-the-treaty-principles/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PRIMARY AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES, ENVIRONMENT**  
Alka Prasad (Post): [Climate adaptation legislation better late than never, says minister](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360602022/climate-adaptation-legislation-better-late-never-says-minister?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Argue (RNZ): [Restore Passenger Rail protest trial: Jury hears climate change defence](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543739/restore-passenger-rail-protest-trial-jury-hears-climate-change-defence?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [A natural hazard rating for each and every home: insurers face the climate reckoning](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360601980/natural-hazard-rating-each-and-every-home-insurers-face-climate-reckoning?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Fonterra among firms linked to illegal palm plantations, claims Greenpeace](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360601392/fonterra-among-firms-linked-illegal-palm-plantations-claims-greenpeace?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Bream Bay sand mining 14,000-strong protest petition to be given to Parliament](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543740/bream-bay-sand-mining-14-000-strong-protest-petition-to-be-given-to-parliament?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sally Rae (ODT): [Peta claims addressed by merino firm](https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rural-life-other/peta-claims-addressed-merino-firm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eric Frykberg (Interest): [Pāmu solidly in the black](https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/132214/state-owned-farmer-p%C4%81mu-hauls-itself-out-economic-mire-and-turns-62m-profit?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CRIME, JUSTICE**  
1News: ['Significant informal control': The unseen power of gangs inside prisons](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/05/significant-control-the-unseen-power-of-gangs-inside-prisons/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Catherine Hutton (Open Justice Reporting): [Gang patch ban challenged, lawyer cites Nazi Germany, Taliban comparisons](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543708/gang-patch-ban-challenged-lawyer-cites-nazi-germany-taliban-comparisons?ref=goodoil.news)  
Post: [Gang insignia ban an ‘absurd’ limit on freedom, lawyer says](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360601123/gang-insignia-ban-absurd-limit-freedom-lawyer-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
1News: [Q+A: 'You don't have to use it' - citizen's arrest rights advocate](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/02/you-dont-have-to-use-it-citizens-arrest-rights-advocate/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sunny Kaushal (Herald): [Citizen’s arrest powers: Our retail crime laws must protect the victims, not the offenders](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/citizens-arrest-powers-our-retail-crime-laws-must-protect-the-victims-not-the-offenders-opinion/7LCNYBUBUFG35ABKOEGJZRGTN4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Trump threats not deterring NZ from consultation on ‘Netflix’ change](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360601119/trump-threats-not-deterring-nz-consultation-netflix-change?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hūhana Lyndon (Herald): [Crisis as media ecosystem faces collapse](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/crisis-as-media-ecosystem-faces-collapse-huhana-lyndon/R26HH3EGIZH2JDH5TQMBAYU6F4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: Omnicom Group (OMG) and Interpublic (IPG) advertising agency merger to be subject to Commerce Commission approval - their official argument for a marriage](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-omnicom-group-omg-and-interpublic-ipg-advertising-agency-merger-to-be-subject-to-commerce-commission-approval-their-official-argument-for-a-marriage/SW7XIGTQRBH73NUOI74DFOA244/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: TVNZ musical chairs - Carol Hirschfeld’s new role; sport head Melodie Robinson’s new reporting line as rugby rights hit crunch point](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tvnz-musical-chairs-carol-hirschfelds-new-role-sport-head-melodie-robinsons-new-reporting-line-as-rugby-rights-hit-crunch-point/6C7UBTIEOZEBFK4LTT4NIM5ESY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY MARKET**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Number of pensioners needing rent help nears 50,000](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543756/number-of-pensioners-needing-rent-help-nears-50-000?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [New tools to fund infrastructure? Here’s what developers think](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360598125/new-tools-fund-infrastructure-heres-what-developers-think?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [Mortgage arrears reach an 8-year high, Centrix says](https://www.interest.co.nz/business/132200/credit-bureau-centrix-says-23700-home-loans-are-past-due-6-year-year-increase?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Real estate buyers' market continued in February with stock for sale at a 10-year high](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132181/house-buyers-spoiled-choice-february-stock-sale-136-and-average-asking-prices-down?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Inside Economics: Why is the housing recovery taking so long? And what’s shrinking NZ’s current account deficit?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/inside-economics-why-is-the-housing-recovery-taking-so-longand-whats-shrinking-nzs-current-account-deficit/LHJPA6VS5ZHJTBT57SOC4WNJMY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Miriam Bell (Sunday Star Times): [‘Crazy’ post-Covid housing market boom repeat unlikely, say experts](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360592179/crazy-post-covid-housing-market-boom-repeat-unlikely-say-experts?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ethan Manera (Herald): [Wealthy townhouse developer Kurt Gibbons linked to ‘premier’ Karori site in Wellington](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wealthy-townhouse-developer-kurt-gibbons-linked-to-premier-karori-site-in-wellington/D75PNDBJGFGCPAC7J7QYGIKFDQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Deborah Morris (Post): [Planned demolition for old Wellington teachers’ college campus](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360601661/planned-demolition-old-wellington-teachers-college-campus?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Ninness ((interest): [A total of 15,668 fewer new homes a year are being consented compared to two years ago](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132216/total-15668-fewer-new-homes-year-are-being-consented-compared-two-years-ago?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**KIWISAVER**  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [KiwiSaver employer contributions shown to vary across industries and employers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543417/kiwisaver-employer-contributions-shown-to-vary-across-industries-and-employers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [KiwiSaver's gender gap shrinks, but long way still to go](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543744/kiwisaver-s-gender-gap-shrinks-but-long-way-still-to-go?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ella Somers (Interest): [Early KiwiSaver withdrawals hit $143 million in January](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/132201/kiwisaver-members-withdrew-over-143-million-early-withdrawals-january?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [What is NZ's biggest KiwiSaver balance?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543658/what-is-nz-s-biggest-kiwisaver-balance?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Councils to pull trigger on water consultation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360601014/councils-pull-trigger-water-consultation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council document gets adverse audit opinion](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360601734/council-document-gets-adverse-audit-opinion?ref=goodoil.news)  
Zita Campbell (Local Democracy Reporting): [Gisborne local body election: Mayor to run again, three councillors confirm they won’t be seeking re-election](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gisborne-local-body-election-mayor-to-run-again-three-councillors-confirm-they-wont-be-seeking-re-election/YSCKEM3EVNB5XPE24SVYYVCPYU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Getting out of hand’: Personal info requests costing Nelson council](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/543679/getting-out-of-hand-personal-info-requests-costing-nelson-council?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**DESTINY CHURCH**  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Weasel words aren't the way to respond to Destiny's hate speech](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-weasel-words-arent-the-way-to-respond-to-destinys-hate-speech/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (Stuff): [Auckland Council ‘monitoring’ Destiny Church’s use of their venues](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360597575/auckland-council-monitoring-destiny-churchs-use-their-venues?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sinead Gill (Press): ['Homophobia is getting worse': Council asked to apologise after Destiny Church protest](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360599879/homophobia-getting-worse-council-asked-apologise-after-destiny-church-protest?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Brown (Listener): [Brian Tamaki’s date with Destiny](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/russell-brown-brian-tamakis-date-with-destiny/ZMCDI5VCR5HLHJOME6S24LWPF4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Anton Blank (E-Tangata): [Unintentionally complicit](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/unintentionally-complicit/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**CHCH MOSQUE ATTACKS**  
Victoria Meakin (Press/Post): [Documentary about honouring mosque attack victims set for release](https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360577122/documentary-about-honouring-mosque-attack-victims-set-release?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Delphine Herbert (RNZ): [Imam Gamal Fouda leaving Al Noor Mosque](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543594/imam-gamal-fouda-leaving-al-noor-mosque?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Leask (Herald): [Inspirational Muslim leader, mosque terror attack survivor announces move to Australia](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/inspirational-muslim-leader-mosque-terror-attack-survivor-announces-move-to-australia/DVIZTXH56RFQND2NRVQYSKHFAE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**OTHER**  
Tony Burton: [An experience of the limits of the state](https://accidentaltouristinbureaucracy.substack.com/p/an-experience-of-the-limits-of-the)  
Jesse Mulligan: [What does the word 'woke' mean?](https://jessemulligan.substack.com/p/what-does-the-word-woke-mean)  
Diane McCarthy (1News): [Gambling still rising in Kawerau despite sinking lid policy](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/04/gambling-still-rising-in-kawerau-despite-sinking-lid-policy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kyle Matthews (Spinoff): [InternetNZ shouldn’t be the battleground of a ‘free speech’-inspired culture war](https://thespinoff.co.nz/internet/04-03-2025/internetnz-shouldnt-be-the-battleground-of-a-free-speech-inspired-culture-war?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Argue (RNZ): [Quake strengthening: NZers work on modular bracing with Japanese scientists](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543648/quake-strengthening-nzers-work-on-modular-bracing-with-japanese-scientists?ref=goodoil.news)

# Cartoons

[Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?)

[Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-5-march-2025)