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# News Briefing: 5 May 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-5-may-2025/
- Published: 2025-05-04T20:12:20.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-05T04:48:12.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**BUDGET, ECONOMY, RESERVE BANK**  
Matthew Hooton (Herald): [Labour’s credibility demands big new tax promises](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/labours-credibility-demands-big-new-tax-promises-matthew-hooton/HV6BOGIXAZHRLGU7WLZAZE5YOU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Vernon Small (Post): [Is all this belt-tightening really the best option right now?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360674460/all-belt-tightening-really-best-option-right-now?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Are Kiwis about to be hit with an ‘austerity Budget’?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/are-kiwis-about-to-be-hit-with-an-austerity-budget-liam-dann/Q2NLILLZVBDVBNV47HYCFUUOWQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Why there has to be a Budget reckoning](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360674604/why-there-has-be-budget-reckoning?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Duncan Garner (Listener): [Is Nicola Willis risking pushing NZ back into recession?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-is-nicola-willis-risking-pushing-nz-back-into-recession/PRQZVNA56ZFKZL6YHKMYJQI6ZI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [Unemployment may hit an eight-year high](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133040/labour-market-figures-be-released-coming-week-are-likely-show-continuation-recent?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Unemployment set to rise to highest level in nearly a decade](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-data-due-unemployment-set-to-rise-to-highest-level-in-nearly-a-decade/AQ53BCP7NFHKHGVZISOTT4XC7I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Unemployment expected to edge up to 5.2% or 5.3%](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360674879/unemployment-expected-edge-52-or-53?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [What went wrong for FamilyBoost?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360670884/what-went-wrong-familyboost?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Adrian Orr surfaces for farewell party with Reserve Bank staff, as questions remain over his resignation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/adrian-orr-surfaces-for-farewell-party-with-reserve-bank-staff-as-questions-remain-over-his-resignation/AECYQOIWLJA4VIBYTJUBUCIX4A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Fran O’Sullivan (Herald): [Finance Minister Nicola Willis needs to address NZ Superannuation age now](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/finance-minister-nicola-willis-needs-to-address-nz-superannuation-age-now-fran-osullivan/D4HW7PULYZDX5MJY2OLGL5UQ3U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**DEFENCE SPENDING, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE**  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Navy helicopter upgrade needed after Seasprites 'worked to the bone' - experts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559902/navy-helicopter-upgrade-needed-after-seasprites-worked-to-the-bone-experts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Defence Force choppers to be replaced at cost of more than $2b – Judith Collins](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-government-set-to-make-defence-announcement-ahead-of-budget-2025/IBWYVQMWVVFZTMGW64Y7QTYRDY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Defence Force maritime helicopters to be replaced at cost of over $2 billion](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559866/defence-force-maritime-helicopters-to-be-replaced-at-cost-of-over-2-billion?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [‘Critical’ $2b Defence Force maritime helicopter replacements announced](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360676250/government-make-defence-pre-budget-announcement?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Helen Clark and Marco de Jong (Herald) [Subservience puts New Zealand’s sovereignty and security at risk](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/opinion-helen-clark-and-marco-de-jong-subservience-puts-new-zealands-sovereignty-and-security-at-risk/IHEVY3RVFZG3PEONGRX6AOD6AQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Steve Maharey (Herald): [In the shadow of Trump, New Zealand needs a new direction](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/in-the-shadow-of-trump-new-zealand-needs-a-new-direction-steve-maharey/A5AJEBMXXZEYHCDWGS4VN6LRHI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ryan Ward: [NZ Initiative's free trade fairytale](https://weareunderused.substack.com/p/nz-initiatives-free-trade-fairytale)  
Eric Crampton (Post): [How not to navigate the imminent impact of America’s tariff shocks](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360674301/how-not-navigate-americas-tariff-shocks?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jane Mellsop (NBR): [New Zealand needs to push back on protectionism](https://www.nbr.co.nz/guest-analysis/new-zealand-needs-to-push-back-on-protectionism/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jennifer Curtin (Post): [Unpicking the forces behind Labor’s historic Australian election win](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360676367/unpicking-forces-behind-labors-historic-australian-election-win?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [Learning from Oz](https://www.politik.co.nz/learning-from-oz/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Peter Dutton’s massive Australian election loss has lessons for New Zealand](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360676200/peter-duttons-massive-australian-election-loss-has-lessons-new-zealand?cx%5FtestId=10&cx%5FtestVariant=cx%5F1&cx%5FartPos=2&utm%5Fsource=the%5Fpost%5Fstuff%5Fhome&utm%5Fmedium=referral#cxrecs%5Fs) (paywalled)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Australia, Canada elections spark talk of ‘Trump effect’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/05/australia-canada-elections-spark-talk-of-trump-effect/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [Political quakes show how quickly things change](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/01/political-earthquakes-a-reminder-of-how-quickly-things-can-change/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On The Aussie Election Finale](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2505/S00003/on-the-aussie-election-finale.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Winston Peters concludes 'constructive visit' to New Caledonia](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/559726/winston-peters-concludes-constructive-visit-to-new-caledonia?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jasper Auld (ISO): [Reject ANZAC Day – Speech at the 2025 Peace Picnic](https://iso.org.nz/2025/05/02/reject-anzac-day-speech-at-the-2025-peace-picnic/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Asia Pacific Report: [New Zealand condemned for failing to make ICJ humanitarian case over Gaza genocide](https://eveningreport.nz/2025/05/02/new-zealand-condemned-for-failing-to-make-icj-humanitarian-case-over-gaza-genocide/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Video shows scuffle at University of Canterbury pro-Palestine protest](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360674351/video-shows-scuffle-university-canterbury-pro-palestine-protest?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR, WEEK IN POLITICS**  
Peyton Bond (Newsroom): [Voting rights don’t stop at the prison gate](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/04/voting-rights-dont-stop-at-the-prison-gate/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amnesty International: [Chilling Government proposal to remove voting rights](https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=127106&ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Inside the battle for Labour’s wealth tax and how it was lost – this time](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/inside-the-battle-for-labours-wealth-tax-and-how-it-was-lost-this-time/PRVEO7IBJRFDFD7RFX2GMUHRWU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Stewart Sowman-Lund (Sunday Star Times): [The battle for the political narrative](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360671891/battle-narrative?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Craig McCulloch (RNZ): [Prime Minister rejects claims that there are too many ministers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559729/prime-minister-rejects-claims-that-there-are-too-many-ministers?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [David Seymour says there are too many ministers, does he have a point?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360674632/david-seymour-says-there-are-too-many-ministers-does-he-have-point?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [It is time to remove the weeds from our ministerial portfolios](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/it-is-time-to-remove-the-weeds-from-our-ministerial-portfolios-editorial/HAPLLGVPBBDXPOKANNKMTVBPEM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Less ministers and govt. departments? Yes please!](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-less-ministers-and-govt-departments-yes-please/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [What's the point of a minister without a budget?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-whats-the-point-of-a-minister-without-a-budget/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Benjamin Doyle: ‘No matter how hard people try and disappear us, we exist’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/02/benjamin-doyle-no-matter-how-hard-people-try-and-disappear-us-we-exist/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Budget cuts, student attendance, Tory and Labour, MPs are back](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/budget-cuts-student-attendance-tory-and-labour-mps-are-back/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [The end is nigh/everything is great (delete as appropriate)](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/end-nigheverything-great-delete-appropriate?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Three good ideas from the Govt this week](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-three-good-ideas-from-the-govt-this-week/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The secret diary of .. Riders on the storm](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/03/the-secret-diary-of-riders-on-the-storm/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sophie Neville (Woman’s Day): [Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson opens up about her cancer journey](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/green-party-co-leader-marama-davidson-opens-up-about-her-cancer-journey/UZPRCTG6BRB2BPS76RHCKG2M5U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [National MP Tom Rutherford praised for helping distressed man on busy Tauranga highway](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-mp-tom-rutherford-praised-for-helping-distressed-man-on-busy-tauranga-highway/HXOT3QPRGZA5BMYZIONUBFQ6UQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Q+A: Public service boss: Sector 'not as politicised' as some say](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/04/public-service-boss-sector-not-as-politicised-as-some-say/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Public Service cuts: what if anything has ‘broken’ so far?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360672698/public-service-cuts-what-if-anything-has-broken-so-far?cx%5FtestId=10&cx%5FtestVariant=cx%5F1&cx%5FartPos=3&utm%5Fsource=the%5Fpost%5Fstuff%5Fhome&utm%5Fmedium=referral#cxrecs%5Fs) (paywalled)  
Anna Whyte and Ffion Heale (Post): [How many Kiwi public servants work overseas?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360673098/how-many-kiwi-public-servants-work-overseas?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ABUSE IN CARE**  
Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Lake Alice survivor legally challenges Crown redress](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559910/lake-alice-survivor-legally-challenges-crown-redress?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Lake Alice survivor takes Govt to court over redress scheme](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/05/lake-alice-survivor-takes-govt-to-court-over-redress-scheme/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Julia Gabel (Herald): [Abuse in care: Lake Alice survivor asks court to review Govt’s redress scheme](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/abuse-in-care-lake-alice-survivor-asks-court-to-review-govts-redress-scheme/RUKQTPD5OFCXFEXTQMKTBEQDAY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Lake Alice survivor delays cancer treatment to take Government to court](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360674931/lake-alice-survivor-delays-cancer-treatment-take-government-court?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH, DISABILITY**  
Mariné Lourens (Press): ‘[Cream skimming’ - how private hospitals will choose who they treat, and leave the toughest cases to the public system](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360671223/growing-privatisation-health-sector-will-only-benefit-wealthy-and-powerful-doctors-warn?cx%5FtestId=8&cx%5FtestVariant=cx%5F1&cx%5FartPos=3&utm%5Fsource=the%5Fpress%5Fstuff%5Fhome&utm%5Fmedium=referral#cxrecs%5Fs) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [‘They’re worried': Dunedin locals fear hidden cuts to new hospital services, Labour says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559881/they-re-worried-dunedin-locals-fear-hidden-cuts-to-new-hospital-services-labour-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [Clarity needed on beds](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/clarity-needed-beds?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [PM brushes off hospital concerns](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/pm-brushes-hospital-concerns?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Willis defends govt’s build record](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/willis-defends-govt%E2%80%99s-build-record?ref=goodoil.news)  
Monique Steele (RNZ): [New Zealand to host global rural health event; leaders spurred to act](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/559747/new-zealand-to-host-global-rural-health-event-leaders-spurred-to-act?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Powell: [Widening gap between health system leadership and health workforce](https://otaihangasecondopinion.wordpress.com/2025/05/03/widening-gap-between-health-system-leadership-and-health-workforce/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Senior doctors not ruling out more strike action over ongoing pay disagreement](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559703/senior-doctors-not-ruling-out-more-strike-action-over-ongoing-pay-disagreement?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victor Waters (RNZ): [Public Service Association calls for investigation into cuts to Te Whatu Ora anti-fraud roles](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559917/public-service-association-calls-for-investigation-into-cuts-to-te-whatu-ora-anti-fraud-roles?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brittany Keogh (Post): [Thousands of kids eligible for free meningococal B vaccine could miss out](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360671800/thousands-kids-eligible-free-meningococal-b-vaccine-could-miss-out?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Will the Covid inquiry submitters get the answers we want?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-will-the-covid-inquiry-submitters-get-the-answers-we-want/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victor Waters (RNZ): ['Milestone' multiple sclerosis treatment set to ease strain on NZ hospitals](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559859/milestone-multiple-sclerosis-treatment-set-to-ease-strain-on-nz-hospitals?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ava Whitworth (Stuff): [‘I don’t know where I’d be without them’: Women’s Centre battling to stay open after funding cuts](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360671779/i-dont-know-where-id-be-without-them-womens-centre-battling-stay-open-after-funding-cuts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [East meets Aotearoa: NZ and Japan join forces on health innovation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559830/east-meets-aotearoa-nz-and-japan-join-forces-on-health-innovation?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION, TRAINING**  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Doubt cast on plans for third med school](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/doubt-cast-plans-third-med-school?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tansy Oliver (Spinoff): [The new English curriculum is not the real enemy](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-05-2025/the-new-english-curriculum-is-not-the-real-enemy?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Sir Brian Roche take reins for bargaining with principals, teachers](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360675459/sir-brian-roche-take-reins-bargaining-principals-teachers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Glenn Marshall (Stuff): [School boards largely operate as judge, jury, and executioner](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360674455/glenn-marshall-school-boards-largely-operate-judge-jury-and-executioner?ref=goodoil.news)  
Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [Seymour’s truancy appeal contradicts government's own directive, Whanganui mayor says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/559793/seymour-s-truancy-appeal-contradicts-government-s-own-directive-whanganui-mayor-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Virginia Fallon (Sunday Star Times): [Teachers on truancy: ‘What the hell is a mayor meant to do?’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360671979/teachers-truancy-what-hell-mayor-meant-do?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Leask (Local Democracy Reporting): [Mayors ‘have enough on their plates' without adding truancy support](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/559677/mayors-have-enough-on-their-plates-without-adding-truancy-support?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ellen O’Dwyer (RNZ): [School lunch programme: More than a dozen food safety issues investigated](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559860/school-lunch-programme-more-than-a-dozen-food-safety-issues-investigated?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Education Minister launches new Parent Portal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559867/education-minister-launches-new-parent-portal?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Stuff): [‘Parent’s portal’ for English and maths curriculums launched](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360676258/parents-portal-english-and-maths-curriculum-launched?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Govt launches new resource to help parents support classroom learning](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/04/govt-launches-new-resource-to-help-parents-support-classroom-learning/?ref=goodoil.news)  
John Gerritsen (RNZ): [More high-achieving teens heading overseas after finishing school](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559899/more-high-achieving-teens-heading-overseas-after-finishing-school?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Calls for limits to school-specific uniform items](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/05/calls-for-limits-to-school-specific-uniform-items/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham (Post): [Student too scared to go to school after receiving dozens of threats each day](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360676264/student-too-scared-go-school-after-receiving-dozens-threats-each-day?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Edward Gay (Stuff): [No police vet or safety check before rapist allowed in classroom](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360675214/no-police-vet-or-safety-check-rapist-allowed-classroom?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [The ‘disgusting’ comment that sparked a school principal’s apology](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360674318/disgusting-comment-sparked-school-principals-apology?ref=goodoil.news)  
Claire Robinson (Post): [Creative industries critical to the future - but left out of govt’s Industry Skills Board proposal](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360674146/creative-industries-critical-future-left-out-govts-industry-skills-board-proposal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**FAST-TRACK, INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [Trustee resigns over ‘unproven cronyism’ in fast-tracked dam](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/02/claimed-unproven-cronyism-in-fast-tracked-dam-prompts-trustee-resignation/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Fox Meyer (Newsroom): [New RMA’s ‘chilling effect’ on councils threatened with court action](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/30/new-rmas-chilling-effect-on-councils-threatened-with-court-action/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roger Partridge (Herald): [Political flip-flopping is threatening New Zealand’s ability to build long-term infrastructure](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/political-flip-flopping-is-threatening-nzs-ability-to-build-long-term-infrastructure-roger-partridge/BCUGIKTCTBAWTOHY6R2ZMQUFAU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Roeland van den Bergh (Post): [Steel & Tube boss frustrated over cancelled infrastructure projects](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360674116/steel-tube-boss-frustrated-over-cancelled-infrastructure-projects?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**JUSTICE, POLICE, CRIME**  
Derek Cheng (Herald): [Short jail sentences don’t work: Why Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell wants them longer, even if it means ‘huge’ prisoner numbers](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/short-jail-sentences-dont-work-why-corrections-minister-mark-mitchell-wants-them-longer-even-if-it-means-huge-prisoner-numbers/MUQD3MBCJREZ5EIJUCA2KN2S7E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alexander Plum and Kabir Dasgupta (The Conversation): [This NZ law aims to give people with criminal convictions a ‘clean slate’. It’s not working](https://theconversation.com/this-nz-law-aims-to-give-people-with-criminal-convictions-a-clean-slate-its-not-working-254687?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ben Leahy (Herald): [Police say 349 recruits didn’t take swim assessment designed to help with water emergencies](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-say-349-recruits-didnt-take-swim-assessment-designed-to-help-with-water-emergencies/CFER27SER5GFNJ4CNKANN7X3UQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sherwood (RNZ): [More than 300 new cops not assessed on swimming, review finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559787/more-than-300-new-cops-not-assessed-on-swimming-review-finds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham (Post): [Top cop’s latest hire heralds new era of police-media relations](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360669906/top-cops-latest-hire-heralds-new-era-police-media-relations?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Explained: Why are gun laws being reformed, again?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360675433/explained-why-are-gun-laws-being-reformed-again?ref=goodoil.news)  
Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [Social chaos and the high cost of politicising the drug problem](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-social-chaos-and-the-high-cost-of-politicising-the-drug-problem/2YLW3NUP2RGVNIFIYR24RQAUZ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joseph Los’e (Herlad): [Ngāpuhi asks police for Ōpōtiki-style crackdown on methamphetamine in Northland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/ngapuhi-asks-police-for-opotiki-style-crackdown-on-methamphetamine-in-northland/TO5IWHXUEBDMXJKHN2WRCLMCVY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Community needs to buy-in to meth crackdown](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/community-needs-to-buy-in-to-meth-crackdown-editorial/JGN7CELKDZB6HCIVY2T2YXOKDA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Peter de Graaf (RNZ): [Northland's meth crisis: 'There's no magic wand for any of this'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559898/northland-s-meth-crisis-there-s-no-magic-wand-for-any-of-this?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Retail theft and the rise of public shaming: Legal expert warns against vigilante tactics](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559873/retail-theft-and-the-rise-of-public-shaming-legal-expert-warns-against-vigilante-tactics?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Ham (Post): ‘[Wake-up call’: Retail crime significantly under-reported, new report finds](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360676471/wake-call-retail-crime-significantly-under-reported-new-report-finds?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): [Why death has become an officially-sanctioned secret](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360671461/why-death-has-become-officially-sanctioned-secret?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jake Kenny (Press): [Tension between agencies over recently released prisoner who went on to kill](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360674354/tension-between-agencies-over-recently-released-prisoner-who-went-kill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Neil Reid (Herald): [Organised crime syndicates making millions from smuggling tobacco into New Zealand](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/organised-crime-syndicates-making-millions-from-smuggling-tobacco-into-new-zealand/U4VGCAZB4FDMXBFINDDRQ5CWKM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Tracy Watkins (Sunday Star Times): [Why Tory Whanau couldn’t overcome the capital’s one-term curse](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360674642/why-tory-whanau-couldnt-overcome-capitals-one-term-curse?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Whanau makes it a trifecta, so what’s up with Wellington’s string of single-term mayors?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360671084/whanau-makes-it-trifecta-so-whats-wellingtons-string-single-term-mayors?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Tory Whanau believes politics has become a lot more 'toxic' especially for wāhine Māori](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559790/tory-whanau-believes-politics-has-become-a-lot-more-toxic-especially-for-wahine-maori?ref=goodoil.news)  
Victor Billot (Newsroom): [An Ode to .. Tory Whanau](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/04/an-ode-to-tory-whanau-2/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Councillors behaving badly? WCC class of 2025 take the crown](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360671697/councillors-behaving-badly-wcc-class-2025-take-crown?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Construction on Wellington's Golden Mile to begin](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559843/construction-on-wellington-s-golden-mile-to-begin?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City Council considering lease deal to get Johnsonville mall action](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360676177/wellington-city-council-considering-lease-deal-get-johnsonville-mall-action?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ziming Li (RNZ): [What you need to know about Auckland’s local elections](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/559724/what-you-need-to-know-about-auckland-s-local-elections?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): [The race is on: Kerrin Leoni launches campaign to be Auckland’s next mayor](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360675701/race-kerrin-leoni-launches-campaign-be-aucklands-next-mayor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Labour scrambling as South Auckland candidate withdraws](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360675150/labour-scrambling-south-auckland-candidate-withdraws?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Macindoe (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Tim Macindoe on balancing Hamilton’s books](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360671784/candidates-corner-tim-macindoe-balancing-hamiltons-books?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sarah Thomson (Sunday Star Times): [Candidates Corner: Sarah Thomson on tackling Hamilton’s big challenges](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360671848/candidates-corner-sarah-thomson-tackling-hamiltons-big-challenges?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga businesses fear impact of expanded paid parking](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559688/tauranga-businesses-fear-impact-of-expanded-paid-parking?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Vote set for sugary drinks ban at Palmerston North council venues](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/559896/vote-set-for-sugary-drinks-ban-at-palmerston-north-council-venues?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Lynch: [Templeton mayoral bid struggles to gain council endorsement](https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/templeton-gains-support-from-labour-mp-as-others-withhold-endorsement-duplicate/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: In Central Otago, historic buildings on the council chopping block](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/559901/in-central-otago-historic-buildings-on-the-council-chopping-block?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [‘Literally explode their rates money’ - The city where fireworks fizzed out](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360672584/back-future-fizzer-light-show-could-be-dumped-favour-fireworks?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING**  
David Long (Stuff): [Wayne Brown doing a deal with Chris Bishop to stem three-terrace new builds in Auckland](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360675153/wayne-brown-doing-deal-chris-bishop-stem-three-terrace-new-builds-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [Long way to go before building regulatory gaps are plugged](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/long-way-to-go-before-building-regulatory-gaps-are-plugged?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Amy Williams (RNZ): [Kāinga Ora can't subdivide $4m Ponsonby state house property without council permission](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559888/kainga-ora-can-t-subdivide-4m-ponsonby-state-house-property-without-council-permission?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Kilgallon (Stuff): [The ‘eccentric’ Auckland woman fighting eviction, with Mayor Wayne Brown’s support](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360674713/eccentric-auckland-woman-fighting-eviction-mayor-wayne-browns-support?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Former mayor’s callout ‘extraordinary](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/former-mayor%E2%80%99s-callout-%E2%80%98extraordinary%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Residential auction activity on the wane as autumn takes a grip](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133121/fewer-properties-offer-fewer-selling-under-hammer?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [Downturn in residential construction may have hit the bottom and be starting to turnaround](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133114/new-dwelling-consents-picked-march-perhaps-signalling-start-upturn-residential?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**BOB JONES**  
Post: [Nicholas Boyack: Sir Bob Jones, the man who dominated the skyline](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360670887/sir-bob-jones-man-who-dominated-skyline?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Sir Bob Jones' death 'huge loss for New Zealand', Prime Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559735/sir-bob-jones-death-huge-loss-for-new-zealand-prime-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [RIP Bob Jones](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/rip%5Fbob%5Fjones.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amy Ridout and Sam Smith (Stuff): ['Pugnacious’ Bob Jones remembered as a complex, colourful character](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360675109/pugnacious-bob-jones-remembered-complex-colourful-character?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jane Phare (Herald): [Sir Bob Jones dies in Wellington - the colourful and controversial life of a property magnate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/sir-bob-jones-dies-in-wellington-the-colourful-and-controversial-life-of-a-property-magnate/M45EPDTWTVCJLFEXBWGPAAA5PY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Businessman and politician Sir Bob Jones dead at 85](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/559715/businessman-and-politician-sir-bob-jones-dead-at-85?ref=goodoil.news)  
Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [New Zealand is duller without Sir Bob Jones](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-new-zealand-is-duller-without-sir-bob-jones/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brett Kerr-Laurie (Press/Post): [Sir Bob Jones’ controversial vision for post-quake Christchurch: Turn CBD into a lake](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360672079/sir-bob-jones-controversial-vision-post-quake-christchurch-turn-cbd-lake?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

# Cartoons

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