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# News Briefing: 7 February 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-7-february-2025/
- Published: 2025-02-06T19:26:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-06T22:04:12.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**WAITANGI, MĀORI-CROWN RELATIONS**  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Act’s David Seymour, NZ First’s Shane Jones and the battles of Waitangi](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/acts-david-seymour-nz-firsts-shane-jones-and-the-battles-of-waitangi/2C5C3U5GGBEZJO5NOZSS2I7D4U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Inside the debate and drama of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360570382/inside-debate-and-drama-waitangi-treaty-grounds?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Honouring the Treaty would have helped avoid today’s debate](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/honouring-the-treaty-would-have-helped-avoid-todays-debate/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Harman (Politik): [The quiet Waitangi that said a lot](https://www.politik.co.nz/the-quiet-waitangi-that-said-a-lot/?ref=goodoil.news) (it doepaywalled)  
Greg Dixon (Listener): [Was Luxon a Waitangi “drop nuts” or a drop kick?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/greg-dixons-another-kind-of-politics-was-luxon-a-waitangi-drop-nuts-or-a-drop-kick/NJPTMWE425EWTJWOP3MXY3P2BA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John Campbell (1News): [Waitangi in the age of the Treaty Principles Bill](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/07/john-campbell-waitangi-in-the-age-of-the-treaty-principles-bill/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Waitangi political pōwhiri could return to Te Tii Marae](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/06/waitangi-political-powhiri-could-return-to-te-tii-marae/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Hipkins ‘ray of sunshine’ among discontent at Waitangi, says host](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/05/hipkins-ray-of-sunshine-among-discontent-at-waitangi-says-host/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Labour would not support Te Tiriti commissioner with veto right - Hipkins](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540965/labour-would-not-support-te-tiriti-commissioner-with-veto-right-hipkins?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Te Pati Māori’s push for a Te Tiriti commissioner is ‘unconstitutional’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360571359/te-pati-maoris-push-te-tiriti-commissioner-unconstitutional?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Moir (RNZ): [Waitangi analysis: Thousands predicted to descend on political talks never arrived](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541021/waitangi-analysis-thousands-predicted-to-descend-on-political-talks-never-arrived?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [David Seymour and the half-heard speech](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/06-02-2025/david-seymour-and-the-half-heard-speech?ref=goodoil.news)  
Metiria Stanton Turei (ODT): [Political gaslighting rejected by mums and grandmothers](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/political-gaslighting-rejected-mums-and-grandmothers?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ella Stewart (RNZ): [The quiet but powerful protest staged by the wāhine at Waitangi](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541046/the-quiet-but-powerful-protest-staged-by-the-wahine-at-waitangi?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [Māori protesters turn their backs on government ministers at Waitangi Day event](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/05/maori-protesters-turn-backs-waitangi-day-event-act-party-david-seymour-ntwnfb?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tumamao Harawira (Te Ao Māori News): [David Seymour challenged by Ngāpuhi during pōwhiri](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/05/david-seymour-challenged-by-ngapuhi-during-powhiri/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Shane Jones' threat to cut future funding for Waitangi Trust over pōwhiri disruption](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541012/shane-jones-threat-to-cut-future-funding-for-waitangi-trust-over-powhiri-disruption?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse, Julia Gabel, David Fisher (Herald): [Minister Shane Jones threatens to stop funding for Waitangi National Trust after pōwhiri ‘circus’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/minister-shane-jones-threatens-to-stop-funding-for-waitangi-national-trust-after-powhiri-circus/YHVPCSX63ZC6BAPSLPNEMKI4F4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana and Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Waitangi 2025: A day of kōrero, kaupapa and kotahitanga](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/07-02-2025/waitangi-2025-a-day-of-korero-kaupapa-and-kotahitanga?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana and Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Gone By Lunchtime: The Waitangi special](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/07-02-2025/gone-by-lunchtime-the-waitangi-special?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte, Glenn McConnell, Jenna Lynch (Post): [Protest follows politicians on Waitangi Day](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360572245/hundreds-hit-wellington-streets-protesters-disrupt-pms-waitangi-speech?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Laine Priestley (ODT): [Fun, friendship at Waitangi appreciated](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-otago/fun-friendship-waitangi-appreciated?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eva Corlett (Guardian): [‘It’s about togetherness’: Waitangi Day captures a new audience](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/06/new-zealand-waitangi-treaty-day-nz-government-maori-policies?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Waitangi Day 2025 in pictures](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541081/waitangi-day-2025-in-pictures?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [Ngāpuhi settlement stalemate: Why is the Crown funding an entity with no mandate?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/06-02-2025/ngapuhi-settlement-stalemate-why-is-the-crown-funding-an-entity-with-no-mandate?ref=goodoil.news)  
Denise Piper (Northern Advocate): [Toitū te Tiriti champion Eru Kapa-Kingi happy to speak up for Māori rights](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/toitu-te-tiriti-champion-eru-kapa-kingi-happy-to-speak-up-for-maori-rights/ENK4JVNBBREYTDOP5XD44GVI5Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susana Suisuiki (RNZ): [Māori academic says Te Tiriti o Waitangi relevant for Pasifika people](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541103/maori-academic-says-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-relevant-for-pasifika-people?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jack McDonald (Post): [A nationhood that we can all be proud of](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571600/nationhood-we-can-all-be-proud?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Roger Partridge (Herald): [New Zealand’s sovereign reality and our path to nationhood](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-zealands-sovereign-reality-and-our-path-to-nationhood-roger-partridge/O7L4TB7QFJFHVIIDCZUWSZP7MQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tureiti Moxon (Listener): [‘What this government has done is destroy years of hard work’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/tureiti-lady-moxon-what-this-government-has-done-is-destroy-years-of-hard-work/OKPV4AFM2ZA63P2RSZPYWA7URI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [‘Stand up for te Tiriti’, mayor tells crowd at Wellington Waitangi Day event](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571466/stand-te-tiriti-mayor-tells-crowd-wellington-waitangi-day-event?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
—————  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Christopher Luxon's hope of avoiding controversy at Waitangi Day backfires](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/541154/christopher-luxon-s-hope-of-avoiding-controversy-at-waitangi-day-backfires?ref=goodoil.news)  
Verity Johnson (Stuff): [Luxon is running away to Akaroa so he doesn’t have to go to Waitangi](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360571013/verity-johnson-luxon-running-away-akaroa-so-he-doesnt-have-go-waitangi?ref=goodoil.news)  
Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Protest meets Luxon in Akaroa, while Waitangi enjoys tranquillity](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360572311/protest-meets-luxon-akaroa-while-waitangi-enjoys-tranquillity?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Luxon urged to deal with division over Māori rights](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/07/luxon-urged-to-deal-with-division-over-maori-rights/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Christopher Luxon (Herald): [Why I’m not at Waitangi and why Seymour’s bill won’t become law](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/waitangi-day-2025-why-im-not-at-waitangi-and-why-seymours-bill-wont-become-law-christopher-luxon/XNQHVB43MJD3JLQVKGH542YO3A/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Virginia Fallon (Post): [Waitangi Day: a tale of two commemorations](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360572284/waitangi-day-tale-two-commemorations?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Maxine Jacobs and Mariné Lourens (Press/Post): [Pro-Palestine supporters interrupt Luxon’s Waitangi Day speech](https://www.thepost.co.nz/te-ao-maori/360568219/luxon-join-hundreds-onuku-marae-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-commemorations-begin?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Christopher Luxon honours Ngāi Tahu's resilience in Akaroa](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541095/waitangi-day-christopher-luxon-honours-ngai-tahu-s-resilience-in-akaroa?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Prime Minister delivers Waitangi Day speech at Ōnuku Marae](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360572270/prime-minister-delivers-waitangi-day-speech-onuku-marae?ref=goodoil.news)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Major focus on Ōnuku marae in Akaroa as PM, Governor-General arrive for Waitangi Day](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541078/major-focus-on-onuku-marae-in-akaroa-as-pm-governor-general-arrive-for-waitangi-day?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ECONOMY, CORPORATE TAX CUTS, ASSET SALES**  
Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On The Government’s Epic Fails In Jobs And Housing](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2502/S00004/on-the-governments-epic-fails-in-jobs-and-housing.htm?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bernard Hickey (The Kākā): [Govt grasping at economic growth straws](https://thekaka.substack.com/p/govt-grasping-at-economic-growth?utm%5Fsource=podcast-email,substack&publication%5Fid=102473&post%5Fid=156505209&utm%5Fcampaign=email-play-on-substack&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcontent=play%5Fcard&r=2peuab&triedRedirect=true)  
Mike Joy (Newsroom): [Leaders pushing GDP growth mantra risking charge of ‘ecocide’](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/07/leaders-pushing-gdp-growth-mantra-risking-charge-of-ecocide/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Hooton (Herald: [Prime Minister’s global investment summit crucial to Luxon’s year of growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/prime-ministers-global-investment-summit-crucial-to-luxons-year-of-growth-matthew-hooton/VTDZ2U5NFJHUPHRAOW4M3OCJMM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
—————  
Craig Renney: [Don't Follow The Yellow Brick Road](https://craigrenney.substack.com/p/dont-follow-the-yellow-brick-road)  
Peter Dunne: [Corporate tax reduction overdue](https://honpfd.blogspot.com/2025/02/from-prime-ministers-state-of-nation.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Pros and cons of a corporate tax rate cut](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/pros-and-cons-of-a-corporate-tax-rate-cut?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Chelsea Daniels (Front Page): [The privatisation debate: What is there left for the Government to sell?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-privatisation-debate-what-is-there-left-for-the-government-to-sell-the-front-page/OYWQTOKNLJGLXAX45MOYDKHCGQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Act would 'support selling' Crown stake in Christchurch Airport](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/act-would-support-selling-crown-stake-in-christchurch-airport?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [You won't believe it - the union is right](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-you-wont-believe-it-the-union-is-right/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Paddy Gower (Stuff): [Randy Reddig, the Silicon Valley mogul who wants to be a Kiwi, and the tax stopping others from doing the same](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360570261/randy-reddig-silicon-valley-mogul-who-wants-be-kiwi-and-tax-stopping-others-doing-same-paddy-gower?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Most households expect a financially tough 2025 - survey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540964/most-households-expect-a-financially-tough-2025-survey?ref=goodoil.news)  
—————  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Unemployment reaches four year high, but is the worst yet to come?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360571054/unemployment-reaches-four-year-high-worst-yet-come?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [New Zealand's unemployment rate rises to 5.1% as 32,000 workers drop out of the labour force](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131790/new-zealands-unemployment-rate-has-risen-51-32000-workers-drop-out-labour-force?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Unemployment rises to 5.1 percent, highest level since 2020](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/540963/unemployment-rises-to-5-point-1-percent-highest-level-since-2020?ref=goodoil.news)  
Zane Small (Stuff): [Unemployment rises to 5.1%](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360570899/unemployment-rises-51?ref=goodoil.news)  
Liam Dann (Herald): [Young people bear the brunt – youth unemployment hits 23%](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/young-people-bear-the-brunt-youth-unemployment-hits-23/6ZFAIGPWXRFAHG3S7REUMX45AY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [Government needs to ensure young people don’t fall through cracks](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/editorial-government-needs-to-ensure-young-people-dont-fall-through-cracks/TFO6P54OD5FZHMJBQTXIIPM2CM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Mitchell (NBR): [Economy in deep funk with no plan for employment growth: CTU](https://www.nbr.co.nz/economics/economy-in-a-deep-funk-with-no-plan-for-employment-growth-ctu/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Louise Ternouth (RNZ): [Woman says she's applied for 400 jobs as unemployment reaches 4-year high](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541033/woman-says-she-s-applied-for-400-jobs-as-unemployment-reaches-4-year-high?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Jones (Newsroom): [The economy in 10 pics](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/08/16/the-economy-in-10-pics-2/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (BuinessDesk): [Expectations for big rate cut firm after unemployment rises to 5.1%](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360571459/expectations-big-rate-cut-firm-after-unemployment-rises-51?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (BuinessDesk): [Unemployment hits 5.1%, with largest drop in employment since GFC](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360567923/markets-braced-rise-unemployment-least-5?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Jobs data keep RBNZ on track to cut by 50bps in Feb](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/jobs-data-keep-rbnz-on-track-to-cut-by-50bps-in-feb?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Bill Rosenberg (Herald): [Regulatory Standards Bill is extreme and unjustified](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/regulatory-standards-bill-is-extreme-and-unjustified-bill-rosenberg/4HXC7WPYPNFG7CSB64LEXB45EE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Rob Campbell (Post): [The Regulatory Standards Bill we really need](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571339/regulatory-standards-bill-we-really-need?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Andrew Gunn: [New Ferries To Have Bunk-Beds So Kāinga Ora Can Use Them At Night](https://andrewgunn.substack.com/p/new-ferries-to-have-bunk-beds-so) (paywalled)  
Martin Van Beynen (Post): [Trump's playbook serves as a primer for Luxon](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360572106/trumps-playbook-serves-primer-luxon?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ian Powell: [More UK lessons for Labour Party in New Zealand](https://politicalbytes.blog/2025/02/06/more-uk-lessons-for-labour-party-in-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [This Parliament is the naughtiest in recent history – what’s to blame?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/this-parliament-is-the-naughtiest-in-recent-history-whats-to-blame/TBYI2YT4XZBAHCCL5QXZBDNN4U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World socialist website): [New Zealand ACT Party leader calls for privatisations, rails against Marxism](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/01/30/dtqr-j30.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Crash between police and Christopher Luxon's Crown car 'a genuine mistake’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/541091/crash-between-police-and-christopher-luxon-s-crown-car-a-genuine-mistake?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ethan Manera (Herald): [Driver ‘misjudgment’ to blame after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s limo ‘rammed’ by police car](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/driver-misjudgment-to-blame-after-prime-minister-christopher-luxons-limo-rammed-by-police-car/LBFT54GZIVDMFPZFIMSBQYOJMA/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Caron Copek (Stuff): [David Seymour and Alexandra Vincent Martelli engaged](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360572377/david-seymour-and-alexandra-vincent-martelli-engaged?ref=goodoil.news)  
Katie Todd (RNZ): [New Zealand public services reveal details about their AI use](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541029/new-zealand-public-services-reveal-details-about-their-ai-use?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE**  
Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Is it 'time-up' for world's most powerful spying group under Trump?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541139/is-it-time-up-for-world-s-most-powerful-spying-group-under-trump?ref=goodoil.news)  
Guy Fiti Sinclair (Newsroom): [NZ should help stop Pacific countries becoming political footballs](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/07/nz-should-help-stop-pacific-countries-becoming-political-footballs/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Protest rising over Cook Islands push for passport, pact with China](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/06/protest-rising-over-cook-islands-push-for-passport-pact-with-china/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Cook Islands' deal with China takes NZ Government by surprise](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/05/cook-islands-deal-with-china-takes-nz-government-by-surprise/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Caleb Fotheringham (RNZ): ['Do not see eye to eye': NZ and Cook Islands at odds over diplomatic issues](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541087/do-not-see-eye-to-eye-nz-and-cook-islands-at-odds-over-diplomatic-issues?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai (RNZ): [Samoa communities affected by Manawanui sinking seek support from China](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541109/samoa-communities-affected-by-manawanui-sinking-seek-support-from-china?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giff Johnson (RNZ): [Trump deportations roil Pacific waters](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541092/trump-deportations-roil-pacific-waters?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mick Hall: [Palestine activists standing by IDF hotline as New Zealand faces Israel visa scrutiny](https://mickhall.substack.com/p/palestine-activists-standing-by-idf)  
Paula Penfold (Stuff): [What CCTV footage of assault by Vietnamese officials shows](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360571961/what-cctv-footage-assault-vietnamese-officials-shows?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Senior Indian diplomat wants Auckland consulate to be fully functional by May](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/541016/senior-indian-diplomat-wants-auckland-consulate-to-be-fully-functional-by-may?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [NZ Defence Force artillery stocks were allegedly run down to 50 rounds of ammo](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/politics/nz-defence-force-artillery-stocks-were-allegedly-run-down-to-50-rounds-of-ammo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT**  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Flood-threatened ratepayers pay insurance triple-whammy](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/04/flood-threatened-ratepayers-pay-insurance-triple-whammy/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Wellingtonians deserve a say over waterfront fencing: Councillor](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571634/wellingtonians-deserve-say-over-waterfront-fencing-councillor?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Wellington convention centre, Tākina, runner-up in World Architects Building of the Year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540987/wellington-convention-centre-takina-runner-up-in-world-architects-building-of-the-year?ref=goodoil.news)  
Post: [Tākina recognised in international architecture awards](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360572043/takina-recognised-international-architecture-awards?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joseph Los’e (Herald): [Auckland councillor Kerrin Leoni wants to be the first Māori mayor of Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/auckland-councillor-kerrin-leoni-wants-to-be-the-first-maori-mayor-of-auckland-promises-fresh-leadership/Q4IWL6F3GNBCFAD54PPET6MI5A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Aucklanders rate quality of life high, but down on previous years](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541000/aucklanders-rate-quality-of-life-high-but-down-on-previous-years?ref=goodoil.news)  
Craig Ashworth (Local Democracy Reporting): [Taranaki councillors receive stinging response after they shut-down Treaty debate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541036/taranaki-councillors-receive-stinging-response-after-they-shut-down-treaty-debate?ref=goodoil.news)  
Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting): [Tauranga’s Māori Ward byelection: Who’s running?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/taurangas-maori-ward-byelection-whos-running/OOVZ2BE2TFGW7IYMDVVWGZOF5Y/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lois Williams (RNZ): [Coast council defends growth in staff numbers in heated meeting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541032/coast-council-defends-growth-in-staff-numbers-in-heated-meeting?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Dunedin's cheeky marketing campaign takes aim at big cities](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540995/dunedin-s-cheeky-marketing-campaign-takes-aim-at-big-cities?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE**  
Shanti Mathias (Spinoff): [Are public transport fare increases in Auckland the start of a nationwide trend?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/07-02-2025/are-public-transport-fare-increases-in-auckland-the-start-of-a-nationwide-trend?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Wairarapa mayors set sights on 'stupid' roading decisions](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/05/wairarapa-mayors-set-sights-on-stupid-roading-decisions/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Christchurch's Brougham Street announced as 'Road of Regional Significance'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/540973/christchurch-s-brougham-street-announced-as-road-of-regional-significance?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Christchurch’s SH76 Brougham St to become Road of Regional Significance, Chris Bishop announces](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/christchurchs-sh76-brougham-street-to-become-road-of-regional-significance-chris-bishop-announces/ENMJZ7K2RRCFTOSCTNULGOTS6Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Government funds Brougham St upgrade after saying no new Crown funds](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/government-funds-brougham-st-upgrade-after-saying-no-new-crown-funds?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hillary Calvert (ODT): [An eye on a dollar, an eye on the road](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/eye-dollar-eye-road?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Malcolm McCracken: [Maximising the value from our investment in the City Rail link](https://betterthingsarepossible.substack.com/p/maximising-the-value-from-our-investment)  
  
**HOUSING**  
ODT Editorial: [A home of one’s own](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/home-one%E2%80%99s-own?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Herald Editorial: [Kāinga Ora shake-up winds clock back to 1905 and NZ’s state housing revolution](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kainga-ora-shake-up-winds-clock-back-to-1905-and-nzs-state-housing-revolution-editorial/TXADYJVIERFQFP6MQPJRLU45VI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Alexis Harris (Post): [Treating public housing as an investment, not a cost](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360562409/treating-public-housing-investment-not-cost?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Why we should be nervous about state housing changes](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-why-we-should-be-nervous-about-state-housing-changes/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Derelict Kāinga Ora property known as ‘local health hazard’ finally being demolished](https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360569979/derelict-kainga-ora-property-known-local-health-hazard-finally-being-demolished?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): [The Great Reset: Over $200b of mortgages up for refixing in first half of 2025](https://www.interest.co.nz/personal-finance/131762/decision-many-homeowners-position-themselves-expected-interest-rate-cuts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Should first-home buyers rush to get in the market?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541003/should-first-home-buyers-rush-to-get-in-the-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: House values, rents to drop: Could 2025 be the year to buy?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/house-values-rents-to-drop-could-2025-be-the-year-to-buy/V6NT5IDHOVHUNH2J7EZVXVJQZ4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [First home buyers at record high: will it last?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360570891/first-home-buyers-record-high-will-it-last?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Wellington property values probably even lower now than what QV says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540949/wellington-property-values-probably-even-lower-now-than-what-qv-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Westpac cuts home loan rates below 5%](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541022/westpac-cuts-home-loan-rates-below-5-percent?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Wesptac lowers three-year home loan term below 5%](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360571683/wesptac-lowers-three-year-home-loan-term-below-5?ref=goodoil.news)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): [Waiheke housing: New rules for digital nomads could push us out - residents](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541146/waiheke-housing-new-rules-for-digital-nomads-could-push-us-out-residents?ref=goodoil.news)  
Olivia Judd (ODT): [Resort’s housing needs acknowledged](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/resort%E2%80%99s-housing-needs-acknowledged?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Consents granted for 264 homes in rent-to-own project in Morningside](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541143/consents-granted-for-264-homes-in-rent-to-own-project-in-morningside?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**EDUCATION**  
RNZ: [State schools applying to become charter schools](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/540974/state-schools-applying-to-become-charter-schools?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Should schools have the day after Waitangi Day off?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541126/should-schools-have-the-day-after-waitangi-day-off?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Moore (Stuff): [Why are some schools having teacher only days on Friday?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360570983/why-are-some-schools-having-teacher-only-days-friday?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hanna McCallum (Post): [Another school left with no lunch under new Government programme](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571145/another-school-left-no-lunch-under-new-government-programme?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [The school where students still love their free lunches](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540954/the-school-where-students-still-love-their-free-lunches?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Peters (World Socialists): [New Zealand school lunches compared to “dog food” after government cutbacks](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/02/05/hglh-f05.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Government's tertiary education shake-up greeted with scepticism](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/540950/government-s-tertiary-education-shake-up-greeted-with-scepticism?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Kōhanga Reo look to build on the platform left by the late Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541056/kohanga-reo-look-to-build-on-the-platform-left-by-the-late-dame-iritana-tawhiwhirangi?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Obituary: a classical scholar of politics](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/obituary-classical-scholar-politics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BUSINESS, WORKPLACE RELATIONS**  
Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Van Velden turns down union meetings in ‘unprecedented’ lack of engagement](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/04/van-velden-turns-down-union-meetings-in-unprecedented-lack-of-engagement/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Martin (Waikato Times): [Unions pitch plans to save Kinleith Mill](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571572/unions-pitch-plans-save-kinleith-mill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nicholas Pointon (NBR: [Bayly on crypto: ‘We should embrace it’](https://www.nbr.co.nz/tech/bayly-on-crypto-we-should-embrace-it/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**BANKS**  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Major NZ banks cut $133m in fossil fuel lending amid climate push](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/revealed-how-much-nz-banks-have-reduced-lending-to-fossil-fuel-companies/PJINJX5AJRBDLP64CIQLGP75KA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Expert rejects Shane Jones' criticism of banks 'woke' attitude to mining](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/540958/expert-rejects-shane-jones-criticism-of-banks-woke-attitude-to-mining?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENERGY**  
Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Commerce Commission cold on billion-dollar electricity merger](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/541132/commerce-commission-cold-on-billion-dollar-electricity-merger?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [ComCom cold on Contact's takeover of Manawa](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/comcom-cold-on-contacts-takeover-of-manawa?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Hamish McNicol (NBR): [ComCom raises issues with Contact-Manawa deal](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/comcom-raises-issues-with-contact-manawa-deal/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Dita De Boni (Post): [ComCom says ‘hold up’ on Contact bid to acquire Manawa Energy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360572330/comcom-says-hold-contact-bid-acquire-manawa-energy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gary Holden (BusinesDesk): [2025: The big turning point for our electricity market](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/2025-the-big-turning-point-for-our-electricity-market?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Canterbury residents oppose solar farm near homes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541073/canterbury-residents-oppose-solar-farm-near-homes?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Rachel Thomas (Post): [Be bold and keep yourself honest - a hype dispatch for Health NZ’s next chief executive](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360568212/be-bold-and-keep-yourself-honest-hype-dispatch-health-nzs-next-chief-executive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick Agar (Waikato Times/Post): [Create a third medical school for the sake of Aotearoa’s future](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571884/create-third-medical-school-sake-aotearoas-future?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Felix Walton (RNZ): [More Māori nurses urgently needed - NSO kaiwhakahaere](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/541140/more-maori-nurses-urgently-needed-nso-kaiwhakahaere?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mary Williams (ODT): [Hospital work to start by mid-year, Minister says](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/hospital-work-start-mid-year-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Oscar Bartle (International Socialists):  
[The Privatisation Agenda Behind the Dunedin Hospital Betrayal](https://iso.org.nz/2025/01/30/the-privatisation-agenda-behind-the-dunedin-hospital-betrayal/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Inside Government: [Auditor-General to examine ‘planned care’ equity](https://insidegovernment.co.nz/auditor-general-to-examine-planned-care-equity/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): [Fluoride in Rotorua water: Councillor seeks ministerial intervention and inquiry into mandate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/fluoride-in-rotorua-water-councillor-seeks-ministerial-intervention-and-inquiry-into-mandate/3N4TRXJQDBHXRCBWFGO5E3ZLWU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Kelly Garton (Newsroom): [Dear local councils, please ditch the junk food ads on public transport](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/06/dear-local-councils-please-ditch-the-junk-food-advertising-on-public-transport/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Laura Smith (Local Democracy Reporting): ['Rich Māori culture': Rotorua to host major indigenous health conference](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/541025/rich-maori-culture-rotorua-to-host-major-indigenous-health-conference?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Warning issued: Professional body for eye specialists attempts to stop surgical procedures by optometrists](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541028/warning-issued-professional-body-for-eye-specialists-attempts-to-stop-surgical-procedures-by-optometrists?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natalie Akoorie (RNZ): [Surgery delays as lab workers strike for pay parity](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540985/surgery-delays-as-lab-workers-strike-for-pay-parity?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jo Lines-MacKenzie (Waikato Times/Post): [Pathlab worker strike highlights public-private pay gap](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360571036/pathlab-worker-strike-highlights-public-private-pay-gap?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**LAW SOCIETY, JUSTICE**  
Will Mace (NBR): [Getting Slapp-happy: how defamation actions can stifle debate](https://www.nbr.co.nz/shoeshine/getting-slapp-happy-how-defamation-actions-can-stifle-debate/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Michael Andrews (Law News): [How pro bono work is improving access to justice](https://lawnews.nz/general/how-pro-bono-work-is-improving-access-to-justice/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZ Law Society president Frazer Barton back after abuse record destruction investigation](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541027/nz-law-society-president-frazer-barton-back-after-abuse-record-destruction-investigation?ref=goodoil.news)  
Law Fuel: [NZ Law – Frazer Barton Returns to Lead NZ Law Society](https://www.lawfuel.com/nz-law-frazer-barton-returns-to-lead-nz-law-society/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE**  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Global heating targets challenged by increased methane, wetlands responsible - study](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/541152/global-heating-targets-challenged-by-increased-methane-wetlands-responsible-study?ref=goodoil.news)  
Richard Walker (Waikato Times/Post): [QEII covenants set to dry up without funding boost](https://www.thepost.co.nz/environment/360569755/qeii-covenants-set-dry-without-funding-boost?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**IMMIGRATION**  
Mildred Armah (Stuff): [Families of New Zealand refugees in limbo as system ‘stalls’ - report](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360568113/families-new-zealand-refugees-limbo-system-stalls-report?ref=goodoil.news)  
Eda Tang (Spinoff): [What would migration look like if te Tiriti o Waitangi was honoured?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/05-02-2025/what-would-migration-look-like-if-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-was-honoured?ref=goodoil.news)  
Francisco Hernandez (ODT): [We have the power to demand better](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/we-have-power-demand-better?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**RETIREMENT, KIWISAVER**  
Matt Macpherson (Post): [Most Kiwis happy to forgo some pay for a better retirement: Survey](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360570771/most-kiwis-happy-forgo-some-pay-better-retirement-survey?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Biggest KiwiSaver provider ANZ among the worst performing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540960/biggest-kiwisaver-provider-anz-among-the-worst-performing?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**RUGBY AND POLITICS**  
Gregor Paul (Herald): [TJ Perenara’s haka statement highlights All Blacks’ need for clear policies](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/tj-perenaras-haka-statement-highlights-all-blacks-need-for-clear-policies-gregor-paul/CMPEXKVFONHGFJAPPOPE67B7BM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Phil Gifford (Herald): [The All Black who opposed apartheid: Ken Gray’s enduring impact](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/the-all-black-who-refused-apartheid-ken-grays-enduring-impact-phil-gifford/PDETRKN22VG67PNRKV66V5HLNU/?lid=n7wqhmmt69fg&utm%5Fsource=digi%5Facquisition&utm%5Fmedium=nzh%5Femail&utm%5Fcampaign=NZH%5FNewsletter%5FTop%5FStories%5FNewsletter%5FE&uuid=d3bae148d07a4dd18ed80d817255953c)  
  
**OTHER**  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: David Seymour and Guy Williams clash at press conference; Bank execs at Shane Jones’ private party; Shortland St revival - is the screen production rebate also safe?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-david-seymour-and-guy-williams-clash-at-press-conference-bank-execs-at-shane-jones-private-party-shortland-st-revival-is-the-screen-production-rebate-also-safe/YHNMOXPGABH73FC4JENTEL7JXU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Ryan Ward: [NZ Initiative represents at least $12.7 trillion in business interests](https://weareunderused.substack.com/p/nz-initiative-represents-at-least)  
Allan Brent: [A belated happy new year](https://brentystwocents.substack.com/p/a-belated-happy-new-year)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [The Dickson case does not mean the High Court agreed real estate agents should be required to take a Māori course: here’s why](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360570890/dickson-case-does-not-mean-high-court-agreed-real-estate-agents-should-be-required-take-maori-course?ref=goodoil.news)  
Virginia Fallon (Post): [Rotorua police are off their trolleys](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360567178/rotorua-police-are-their-trolleys?ref=goodoil.news)  
Willie Jackson (Herald): [Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi: Celebrating a Māori leader’s legacy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/dame-iritana-tawhiwhirangi-celebrating-a-maori-leaders-legacy-willie-jackson/B74TSQCL5FHDJFEN5I54OVNYEI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [Meet NZ’s top ‘fish cop’ Steve Ham](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/meet-nzs-top-fish-cop-steve-ham?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gerald Piddock (Farmers Weekly): [GE Bill needs a farmer’s voice: DairyNZ](https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/politics/ge-bill-needs-a-farmers-voice-dairynz/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruairi O'Shea (NZ Consumer): [New Zealand’s scam crisis: Are we falling behind?](https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/new-zealand-s-scam-crisis-are-we-falling-behind?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jerry Coyne: [New Zealand volcano deemed to have the status of personhood](https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2025/01/31/nz-volcano-deemed-to-have-the-rights-of-a-person/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luis Prada (Vice): [New Zealand’s Mount Taranaki Is Now Legally a Person](https://www.vice.com/en/article/new-zealands-mount-taranaki-is-now-legally-a-person/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jerry Coyne: [Trying to reconcile indigenous ways of knowing with “white” ways of being in New Zealand](https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2025/01/28/trying-to-reconcile-indigenous-ways-of-knowing-with-white-ways-of-being-in-new-zealand/?ref=goodoil.news)

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# Cartoons

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F426aeffe-3403-4f94-b24f-142b26aa308e_2487x1617.png)

Emmerson - NZ Herald 7 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F19a36028-13a2-4e0f-a311-6bac69969384_2231x1431.png)

Hubbard - The Post 6 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc9576f43-cd64-4eda-989c-a05faa6065ce_2102x1649.png)

Yeo - ODT 6 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5781a22c-2491-4bc7-9149-8831c54a3c67_2545x1678.png)

Emmerson - NZ Herald 6 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F047f329c-c479-4c02-ad81-6cc1a80ffd22_2084x1643.png)

Yeo - ODT 7 February 2025

![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd9039536-90ab-439d-b79c-4801722dde4c_2513x1457.png)

Cook - The Post 7 February 2025

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