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# News Briefing: 8 April 2025
- URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-8-april-2025/
- Published: 2025-04-07T20:07:57.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-08T02:18:55.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: NZ Politics, Politics

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

**DEFENCE**  
Anneke Smith (RNZ): [New Zealand has joined the arms race - law professor](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557457/new-zealand-has-joined-the-arms-race-law-professor?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Govt’s defence spend comes with darker edge](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/08/govts-defence-spend-comes-with-darker-edge/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Sam Smith (RNZ): [Government hikes defence spending amid ‘tectonic shifts’ in geopolitics](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360644298/government-hikes-defence-spending-amid-tectonic-shifts-geopolitics?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [What the $12b defence spend buys, and what New Zealanders will pay to afford it](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/what-the-12b-defence-spend-buys-and-what-new-zealanders-will-pay-to-afford-it/55JYGNAEXNHBDADXN5IOOGCVLI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [‘Hallelujah’ says Ron Mark, as Govt reveals $12 billion defence plan](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360644292/hallelujah-hard-power-govt-reveals-12-billion-defence-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Luke Malpass (Post): [Defence Capability Plan a solid start - and with real money](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360643877/defence-capability-plan-solid-start-and-real-money?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Presland (The Standard): [All they are saying is give War a chance](https://thestandard.org.nz/all-they-are-saying-is-give-war-a-chance/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Coughlan & Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Government’s $12b defence spend: New 757s, helicopter fleet, enhanced strike capability](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-to-front-post-cabinet-press-conference/N6ESRG43FNBHVARST3TZYJWCMQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Government unveils $12 billion Defence Capability Plan](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Day (1News): [Govt announces huge boost to defence spending](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/07/govt-announces-huge-boost-to-defence-spending/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stuff: [Government unveils $12 billion defence spending plan](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360644175/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-spending-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Thomas Manch (Post): [Government’s $9b Defence Capability Plan finally revealed](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360643911/live-governments-defence-capability-plan-finally-revealed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Govt plans to lift defence spending to 2% of GDP over eight years](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/132760/new-zealand%E2%80%99s-government-plans-spend-9-billion-upgrading-its-military-it?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Coalition lays out big boost in defence spending](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/coalition-announces-big-boost-in-spending-on-defence/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [AG concerned at $3.2 increase in Crown’s veteran support](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-auditor-generals-overview-of-government-appropriations/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
David Fisher (Herald): [Call from veterans’ group: Boycott Anzac Day until politicians listen](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/extreme-call-from-veterans-group-boycott-anzac-day-until-politicians-listen/3A4X7GI36VAC5E53NXD74B3RMQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**INTEGRITY ISSUES**  
RNZ: ['Unchecked' industry lobbying needs regulating, say ex-politicians](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557401/unchecked-industry-lobbying-needs-regulating-say-ex-politicians?ref=goodoil.news)  
Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): [Launching the NZ Lobbying & Influence Register](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-launching-the)  
Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Call for PM to step in over minister’s carbon trading conflict of interest](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/07/call-for-pm-to-step-in-over-ministers-carbon-trading-conflict-of-interest/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Fast-track minutes good enough, chief archivist decides](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360643357/fast-track-minutes-good-enough-chief-archivist-decides?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**PARLIAMENT, DEMOCRACY, PUBLIC SERVICE**  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [Copyright breach claim forces change to billboards attacking Green co-leader, MP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/billboards-attacking-green-mps-chloe-swarbrick-and-tamatha-paul-appear-in-auckland-wellington/R5TXGHP56RGX3LFS25PAIL3Z2Q/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Billboards attacking Green MPs appear in Wellington and Auckland](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557433/billboards-attacking-green-mps-appear-in-wellington-and-auckland?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Post): [Sensible Sentencing attack billboards comply with electoral law](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360644288/sensible-sentencing-attack-billboards-comply-electoral-law?ref=goodoil.news)  
The Standard: [Misleading Billboards Are a Threat to Electoral Integrity](https://thestandard.org.nz/misleading-billboards-are-a-threat-to-electoral-integrity/?ref=goodoil.news)  
No Right Turn: [The return of dirty politics](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-return-of-dirty-politics.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
Amanda Gillies (RNZ): [The Detail: Social cohesion: 'On every dimension, NZ is falling behind’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/557455/social-cohesion-on-every-dimension-nz-is-falling-behind?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Duncan: [Four-Year Term of Parliament Bill: why I oppose it](https://grantduncanphd.substack.com/p/four-year-term-of-parliament-bill)  
Tom Day (1News): [Poll: National and NZ First up, coalition would get second term](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/07/poll-national-and-nz-first-up-coalition-would-get-second-term/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Adam Pearse (Herald): [New political poll shows coalition Government trumping Opposition amid high NZ First support](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/new-poll-shows-coalition-govt-trumping-opposition-amid-high-nz-first-support/BU2IB2IICZEANA6IETKXOC3TGU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [New poll shows coalition would retain power, Hipkins closes gap on Luxon](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557449/coalition-retains-power-in-latest-tvnz-poll?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Stuff): [Poll suggests rise in support for coalition](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360644300/poll-suggests-rise-support-coalition?ref=goodoil.news)  
Neil Sands (Law News): [Sir Geoffrey calls for privilege overhaul amid haka row](https://lawnews.nz/treaty-maori/sir-geoffrey-calls-for-privilege-overhaul-amid-haka-row/?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [A plea for civility](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/plea-civility?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Richard Walkers (Waikato Times): [Tama Potaka: Minister in the fast lane](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360638034/tama-potaka-minister-fast-lane?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [Tough talk, the ferries, tariff wars, privileges and cone hotline](https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/tough-talk-the-ferries-tariff-wars-privileges-and-cone-hotline/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says alleged attack on Shane Jones’ wife ‘not acceptable’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prime-minister-chris-luxon-says-alleged-attack-on-shane-jones-wife-not-acceptable/7RMGUBCQCFCS7P5Y6LYOQN27DM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Matheson (The Conversation): [Yes, data can produce better policy – but it’s no substitute for real-world experience](https://theconversation.com/yes-data-can-produce-better-policy-but-its-no-substitute-for-real-world-experience-253527?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joshua Koko (E-Tangata): [Fairness for whom?](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/fairness-for-whom/?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Oranga Tamariki CEO Chappie Te Kani steps down](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/04/oranga-tamariki-ceo-chappie-te-kani-steps-down/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anna Whyte (Stuff): [Oranga Tamariki boss Chappie Te Kani resigns](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360641364/oranga-tamariki-boss-chappie-te-kani-resigns?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRUMP'S TARIFFS, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ECONOMY**  
Rod McNaughton (The Conversation): [Looking inward: Why Trump's tariffs highlight the need for NZ to build local capacity](https://theconversation.com/looking-inward-why-trumps-tariffs-highlight-the-need-for-nz-to-build-local-capacity-253826?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [Explained: What happened to the NZ economy since Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360643217/explained-what-happened-nz-economy-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [Seven graphs that explain the pain of Trump’s tariffs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360644265/seven-graphs-explain-pain-trumps-tariffs?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: How Trump’s tariffs are affecting the global economy](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/president-vs-penguins-how-trumps-tariffs-are-affecting-the-global-economy-the-front-page/Z57YWAHN4JFHFPWKS3O4JGKVZU/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [NZ shares fall sharply as US tariff chaos hits](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/557368/nz-shares-fall-sharply-as-us-tariff-chaos-hits?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Big fall in NZ stocks after Trump's tariffs hit global markets](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/07/big-fall-in-nz-stocks-after-trumps-tariffs-hit-global-markets/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Graham Skellern (Herald): [NZ sharemarket registers biggest fall since Covid amid US tariff impact](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets/shares/nz-sharemarket-registers-biggest-fall-since-covid-amid-us-tariff-impact/DBUXPNPDKNCEREXFOOIGNVURBA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Markets sink as uncertainty rules](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360644012/markets-sink-uncertainty-rules?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jamie Gray (Herald): [Trump’s Liberation Day move depresses NZ wholesale interest rates, Kiwi dollar](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/trumps-liberation-day-move-depresses-nz-wholesale-interest-rates-kiwi-dollar/HYLHQSM6VZBSHHZFALGMKZKPWQ/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Nicholas Pointon and Lachlan Colquhoun (NBR): [Local market records largest single-day fall since March 2020](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/local-market-records-largest-single-day-fall-since-march-2020/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Greg Smith (Post): [Where to for rates after Trump’s tariff turmoil?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360643774/where-rates-after-trumps-tariff-turmoil?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [What will happen to the OCR and your mortgage tomorrow?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360637800/what-will-happen-ocr-and-your-mortgage-tomorrow?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hargreaves (Interest): ['The best thing the RBNZ can do is keep a very steady hand on the tiller'](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/132753/bnz-economists-reiterate-their-longstanding-prediction-rbnz-will-ultimately-take?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [First-home buyers struggle with KiwiSaver falls](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557458/first-home-buyers-struggle-with-kiwisaver-falls?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [How buying planes from America makes all the difference on tariffs](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/07/how-buying-planes-from-america-makes-all-the-difference-on-tariffs/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Don McKinnon (Post): [Why Phil Goff’s criticism of Trump was wrong and dangerous](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360644192/why-phil-goffs-criticism-trump-was-wrong-and-dangerous?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rob Campbell (Newsroom): [Mega-rich have taken big hits as markets crash – but they don’t care](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/07/the-good-and-positive-things-are-real-but-they-are-vulnerable/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Hamish Price (Newsroom): [The world still needs America](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/07/the-world-still-needs-america/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Keall (Herald): [The NZ tech stars in the gun with Trump’s tariffs – and those who could escape relatively unscathed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/the-nz-tech-stars-in-the-gun-with-trumps-tariffs-and-those-who-could-escape-relatively-unscathed-tech-insider/XKLSIYHZKZFN5DTSHCHW6B5YLY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Tokelau government official says no tariff warning from US despite weekly contact](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/557390/tokelau-government-official-says-no-tariff-warning-from-us-despite-weekly-contact?ref=goodoil.news)  
Losirene Lacanivalu (Cook Islands News): [Cook Islands fears indirect tariff impacts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/557384/cook-islands-fears-indirect-tariff-impacts?ref=goodoil.news)  
Stephen Dziedzic and Johnson Raela (ABC) [Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557094/cook-islands-prime-minister-wants-to-rework-ties-to-nz-to-be-more-independent?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Farrar: [Let’s do full independence!](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/04/lets%5Fdo%5Ffull%5Findependence.html?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HEALTH**  
Anusha Bradley (RNZ): [Government considers u-turn on baby formula rules after industry shift](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/557379/government-considers-u-turn-on-baby-formula-rules-after-industry-shift?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Colonoscopy wait times increase as Health NZ funds fewer procedures](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557459/colonoscopy-wait-times-increase-as-health-nz-funds-fewer-procedures?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lucy Xia (RNZ): [Hundreds more health workers being assaulted at work](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557462/hundreds-more-health-workers-being-assaulted-at-work?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Mental Health Foundation wants police withdrawl from callouts halted](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557413/mental-health-foundation-wants-police-withdrawl-from-callouts-halted?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Vaping research finds e-cigarette vapour kills lung cells](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557447/vaping-research-finds-e-cigarette-vapour-kills-lung-cells?ref=goodoil.news)  
Chris Mirams (Post): [The merry-go-round of funding cancer treatment still spins](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360643549/merry-go-round-funding-cancer-treatment-still-spins?ref=goodoil.news)  
Barbara Fountain (NZ Doctor): [New director-general arrives on the fast track from transport](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/news/new-director-general-arrives-fast-track-transport?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**SUPERMARKETS, BUSINESS, TAX**  
Murat Ungor (ODT): [Them, those guys and who else?](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/them-those-guys-and-who-else?ref=goodoil.news)  
Peter Dunne (Newsroom): [Willis now needs a short-term win on supermarket prices](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/03/willis-now-needs-a-short-term-win-on-supermarket-prices/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Supermarket woes: fighting back — Ready to challenge duopoly](https://www.odt.co.nz/business/supermarket-woes-fighting-back-%E2%80%94-ready-challenge-duopoly?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Gregor Thompson (BusinessDesk): [Nicola Willis playing chicken with supermarkets, competition lawyer says](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/nicola-willis-playing-chicken-with-supermarkets-competition-lawyer-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Delano Gallagher (NBR): [Supermarkets dodge Government’s hospital pass](https://www.nbr.co.nz/margin-call/supermarkets-dodge-governments-hospital-pass/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Business owners told to use properties to find finance to pay tax debt](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/557404/business-owners-told-to-use-properties-to-find-finance-to-pay-tax-debt?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [IR uncovers half a billion in undeclared tax in compliance crackdown](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/07/ir-uncovers-half-a-billion-in-undeclared-tax-in-compliance-crackdown/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**JUSTICE, POLICE**  
Andrea Vance (Post): [Solicitor-General responds to news of fracas with ‘uh-oh’ emoji](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360644279/justice-boss-responds-news-fracas-uh-oh-emoji?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jordan Dunn (Newstalk ZB): [Almost half of court-ordered reparations going unpaid, calls for Government to step in](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/almost-half-of-court-ordered-reparations-going-unpaid-calls-for-government-to-step-in/Z4ELOMSXERBUZNQ7TDE2PKHBJE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Valerie Morse (Feijoa Dispatch): [Eroding rule of law: The ruling right and the judiciary](https://www.feijoadispatch.nz/p/eroding-rule-of-law-the-ruling-right?ref=goodoil.news)  
1News: [Policing in NZ can be done 'a lot better' – Marae panel](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/07/policing-in-nz-can-be-done-a-lot-better-marae-panel/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Joseph Los’e (Herald): [Police say not enough evidence to prosecute Brian Tamaki over Te Atatū Community Centre incident](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/police-say-not-enough-evidence-to-prosecute-brian-tamaki-over-te-atatu-community-centre-incident/SE24TCSWRBCZ7MXPADK2O4CU6U/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**AUCKLAND**  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown apologises to deputy Desley Simpson for ‘Lamborghini’ comment](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-apologises-to-deputy-desley-simpson-for-lamborghini-comment/IEV4YE5ZQ5CINPUOE2J3MBMUQ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Todd Niall (Newsroom): [Auckland’s place in global cities group at risk](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/07/aucklands-place-in-global-cities-group-at-risk/?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Long (Stuff): ['End the gravy train': Auckland councillor says it's time to get tough on building contractors](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360632884/end-gravy-train-auckland-councillor-says-its-time-get-tough-building-contractors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Michael Burgess (Herald): [Eden Park redevelopment poses big question for Auckland teams](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/eden-park-redevelopment-poses-big-question-for-auckland-teams-michael-burgess/FRRA4BF3KJAP3OM4M55OEARKGY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Wharves over troubled water: $70m stoush brewing between Auckland Council and port](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360639146/wharves-over-troubled-water-70m-stoush-brewing-between-auckland-council-and-port?ref=goodoil.news)  
Simon Wilson (Herald): [A happy outcome for Takapuna golf?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/a-happy-outcome-for-takapuna-golf/CD6GUQQWLJHFLCVPC2QG4Y4MQ4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Lachlan Rennie (Newstalk ZB): [Rubbish truck fires are costing Auckland Council hundreds of thousands of dollars](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rubbish-truck-fires-are-costing-auckland-council-hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars/F5UNXQZT7VGN5F4S4437WRUDV4/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**WELLINGTON**  
Ethan Manera (Herald): [Wellington local election: Green Party endorses Tory Whanau for Mayoralty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-local-election-green-party-endorses-tory-whanau-for-mayoralty/YRDLLIKNDZF5NCIV4B4AJ5U7BM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Frances Chin (Post): [Labour names final Wellington City Council ward candidates](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360642801/labour-names-final-wellington-city-council-ward-candidates?ref=goodoil.news)  
Natalia Albert: [Running for Wellington Mayor is a Hospital Pass — And That’s a Problem](https://nataliaalbert.substack.com/p/why-im-not-running-for-wellington)  
Joel MacManus (Spinoff): [Windbag: Could this book be the new Green manifesto for Wellington?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/08-04-2025/windbag-could-this-book-be-the-new-green-manifesto-for-wellington?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City Council sells community hall for $900k under RV](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360643655/wellington-city-council-sells-community-hall-900k-under-rv?ref=goodoil.news)  
Dave Armstrong (Post): [Karori Event Centre dilemma continues community’s tough run](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360643461/karori-event-centre-dilemma-continues-communitys-tough-run?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Botanic Garden cycleway data questioned by Wellington City councillors](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360643573/botanic-garden-cycleway-data-questioned-wellington-city-councillors?ref=goodoil.news)  
Harriet Laughton (Post): [Abandoned building rates crackdown leaves out famous few](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360641844/abandoned-building-rates-crackdown-leaves-out-famous-few?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Wellington Library trials new shelving system based on Māori deities](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/557332/wellington-library-trials-new-shelving-system-based-on-maori-deities?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER**  
Stuart Crosby (Sunday Star Times): [Councils must unite as local democracy attacked by political ideology](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360636810/councils-must-unite-local-democracy-attacked-political-ideology?ref=goodoil.news)  
Pokere Paewai (RNZ): [Māori ward councillors prepare for election and referendum](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/557380/maori-ward-councillors-prepare-for-election-and-referendum?ref=goodoil.news)  
Susan Botting (RNZ): [Local elections: Two Northland mayors face in-house challenges](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/557282/local-elections-two-northland-mayors-face-in-house-challenges?ref=goodoil.news)  
Guy Williams (ODT): [Letter arrived after decision made](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/letter-arrived-after-decision-made?ref=goodoil.news)  
Tina Law (Press): [Last orders: Christchurch pushes ahead with plans to limit alcohol sales](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360640976/christchurch-council-pushes-head-plans-limit-when-and-where-alcohol-can-be-sold?ref=goodoil.news)  
SunLive: [Tauranga City Council borrowing cap raised to support growth](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tauranga-city-council-borrowing-cap-raised-to-support-growth/DU62TC5EKBBQ3KX43RR6IQYA3I/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mike Yardley (Press): [Time to crack down on freedom camping free-for-all](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360643698/time-crack-down-freedom-camping-free-all?ref=goodoil.news)  
Wei Shan (Press): [Calls for tree canopy plan as nearly century old oaks felled on Christchurch street](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360643060/calls-tree-canopy-plan-nearly-century-old-oaks-felled-christchurch-street?ref=goodoil.news)  
Doug Sail (Timaru Herald): [Ratepayer criticises council restructure as ‘lazy’ and ‘weak’](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360643778/ratepayer-criticises-council-restructure-lazy-and-weak?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Public to get first glimpse of revamped Stadium Taranaki](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557281/public-to-get-first-glimpse-of-revamped-stadium-taranaki?ref=goodoil.news)  
Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Cash shortfall threatens Nelson's 125-year-old Suter art gallery](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/557340/cash-shortfall-threatens-nelson-s-125-year-old-suter-art-gallery?ref=goodoil.news)  
David Hill (Local Democracy Reporting): [Former Environment Canterbury chairperson blasts councillors for ‘acting like emus’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360640063/former-environment-canterbury-chairperson-blasts-councillors-acting-emus?ref=goodoil.news)  
Grant Miller (ODT): [Graham to stay for another year as DCC chief executive](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/graham-stay-another-year-dcc-chief-executive?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT: [Consultation rejected for Southland District Council annual plan](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/consultation-rejected-annual-plan?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
ODT: [Feedback opens on SDC water delivery plan](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/feedback-opens-sdc-water-delivery-plan?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Dozens of staff affected by Southland council shakeup](https://www.odt.co.nz/southland/dozens-staff-affected-southland-council-shakeup?ref=goodoil.news)  
Steve Hepburn (ODT): [Clutha ends nuclear-free weapons policy, but ICBMs still unwelcome](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-otago/clutha-ends-nuclear-free-weapons-policy-icbms-still-unwelcome?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT: [Waitaki: Preferred water services option agreed on](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/preferred-water-services-option-agreed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Ruby Shaw (ODT): [AI-generated ad monstered by critics](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/ai-generated-ad-monstered-critics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**EDUCATION, TRAINING**  
Cécile Meier (BusinessDesk): [School lunch provider Compass' multimillion-dollar Government contracts explained](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/business-of-food/school-lunch-provider-compass-multimillion-dollar-government-contracts-explained?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Complaint over teaching tikanga Māori in law schools rejected](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557199/complaint-over-teaching-tikanga-maori-in-law-schools-rejected?ref=goodoil.news)  
Gary Judd: [Regulation Review Committee's tikanga decision](https://garyjuddkc.substack.com/p/regulation-review-committees-tikanga)  
Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Clearly anti-Māori’: Local leaders slam member’s bill on race-based services](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/04/08/clearly-anti-maori-local-leaders-slam-members-bill-on-race-based-services/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Mariné Lourens (Press): [University of Otago's $270m new Christchurch building on track for 2026 completion](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360627691/university-otagos-270m-new-christchurch-building-track-2026-completion?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: [Pupil off to the dentist after biting into hard plastic in school lunch](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557182/pupil-off-to-the-dentist-after-biting-into-hard-plastic-in-school-lunch?ref=goodoil.news)  
ODT Editorial: [The morale of the story](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/morale-story?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Nick Agar (Post): [New Zealand will innovate again when education doesn’t begin with a No](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360608826/new-zealand-will-innovate-again-when-education-doesnt-begin-no?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tania Roxborogh (E-Tangata): [What gets excluded when we centre Shakespeare?](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/what-gets-excluded-when-we-centre-shakespeare/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Renovation budget blows out by $100m](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/renovation-budget-blows-out-100m?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Tim Scott (ODT): [‘Really pleased’ with behaviour, management](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/campus/%E2%80%98really-pleased%E2%80%99-behaviour-management?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**ENVIRONMENT, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, RMA**  
Brent Edwards (NBR): [The rush to get RMA legislation introduced this year](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-rush-to-get-rma-legislation-introduced-this-year/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Europe heading towards emissions tax on dairy imports, expert says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556767/europe-heading-towards-emissions-tax-on-dairy-imports-expert-says?ref=goodoil.news)  
Jesse Kearse (The Conversation): [New satellite data shows NZ's major cities are sinking - meaning rising seas will affect them sooner](https://theconversation.com/new-satellite-data-shows-nzs-major-cities-are-sinking-meaning-rising-seas-will-affect-them-sooner-252881?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald Editorial: [NZ’s lack of e-waste policy needs urgent attention](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nzs-lack-of-e-waste-policy-needs-urgent-attention-editorial/HNP4BN7CEFARBMXTFK57TPSYOY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**GAMBLING**  
Gregor Thompson (BusinessDesk): [Entain allowed a New Zealander to deposit and withdraw almost $10m without proper checks, watchdog alleges](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/law-regulation/entain-allowed-a-new-zealander-to-deposit-and-withdraw-almost-10m-without-proper-checks-watchdog-alleges?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Joseph Los’e (Herald): [Government orders four influencers to stop promoting online gambling - or face $10k fine](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/government-orders-maori-influencers-to-stop-promoting-online-gambling-or-face-10k-fine/BE66NAFH5JEM7JN7QXQMYRLOSI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): '[Gambling by stealth' - Iwi leaders call for halt on gambling law reform](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557339/gambling-by-stealth-iwi-leaders-call-for-halt-on-gambling-law-reform?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**HOUSING, PROPERTY MARKET**  
Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [59-lot subdivision approved inside tsunami risk zone, but no cats allowed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360643013/59-lot-subdivision-approved-inside-tsunami-risk-zone-no-cats-allowed?ref=goodoil.news)  
Anne Gibson (Herald): [Fletcher’s $15m ‘mistake’, debate on granny flat change, coloured glass galore, ex-Beca HQ for sale, fifth Auckland Woolworths being sold](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/property-insider-fletchers-15m-mistake-debate-on-granny-flat-law-relaxation-coloured-glass-galore-ex-beca-hq-for-sale/XJVN5MRTCNHARNJKQESAFRLOKI/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Greg Ninness (Interest): [QV says housing values are at a virtual standstill](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/132755/qv-says-housing-values-becalmed-buyers-remain-cautious-face-oversupply-homes-sale?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [Home buyers playing it safe in ongoing soft market](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/557456/home-buyers-playing-it-safe-in-ongoing-soft-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
Cameron Smith (RNZ): [House prices flat to start 2025 – which regions fared better than others?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/house-prices-flat-to-start-2025-which-regions-fared-better-than-others/Z64Z6DUKIJB7RDRZDKGO6D6RMY/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Miriam Bell (Post): [House prices flatline as sellers flood the market](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360643209/house-prices-flatline-sellers-flood-market?ref=goodoil.news)  
Brent Melville (NBR): [The ‘extreme challenges’ of building in the Auckland CBD](https://www.nbr.co.nz/property/the-extreme-challenges-of-building-in-the-auckland-cbd/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
  
**IMMIGRATION, MIGRANT EXPLOITATION**  
Michael Morrah (Herald): [Six-year-old with Down syndrome faces deportation - parents claim discrimination](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/six-year-old-with-down-syndrome-faces-deportation-parents-claim-discrimination/NHT54XRRJZAZNHYKRTBPTVHERM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
RNZ: ['Callous exploitation': Person jailed after luring workers from Samoa illegally](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557440/callous-exploitation-person-jailed-after-luring-workers-from-samoa-illegally?ref=goodoil.news)  
Herald: [Corruption sentencing: Business owner bribed INZ staff in Samoa, exploited workers in Auckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/corruption-sentencing-business-owner-bribed-inz-staff-in-samoa-exploited-workers-in-auckland/QNL2ACQYKBHTHOJA5664YE3ABM/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**TRANSPORT**  
Jimmy Ellingham (RNZ): [Medicinal cannabis users worried about new drug-driving rules](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557443/medicinal-cannabis-users-worried-about-new-drug-driving-rules?ref=goodoil.news)  
Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Ōwhiro Bay residents fight for better buses](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360643417/owhiro-bay-residents-fight-better-buses?ref=goodoil.news)  
Will Mace (NBR): [Navigating the domestic air travel doldrums](https://www.nbr.co.nz/shoeshine/shoeshine-tbc/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
Mike Tweed (Whanganui Chronicle): [On The Up: Air Chathams survived Covid and a recession - now it’s planning its future in the regions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/on-the-up-air-chathams-survived-covid-and-a-recession-now-its-planning-its-future-in-the-regions/X5P4BPPODVHP7LNAGEWG3FXAVE/?ref=goodoil.news)  
  
**MEDIA**  
Gavin Ellis: [Time to treat social media like a cancer-causing industrial chemical](https://knightlyviews.com/time-to-treat-social-media-like-a-cancer-causing-industrial-chemical/?ref=goodoil.news)  
Shayne Currie (Herald): [MediaWorks’ majority shareholder QMS acquires Oaktree Capital’s 45% stake – what it means for the radio and outdoor advertising media industry](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-mediaworks-majority-shareholder-qms-acquires-oaktree-capitals-45-stake-what-it-means-for-the-radio-and-outdoor-advertising-media-industry/244TXJCXZRGFZHFC26ODYILQKM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)  
RNZ: [QMS takes full ownership of MediaWorks](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/557420/qms-takes-full-ownership-of-mediaworks?ref=goodoil.news)  
Lachlan Colquhoun (NBR): [MediaWorks now 100% Aussie owned as Oaktree sells out](https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/mediaworks-now-100-aussie-owned-as-oaktree-sells-out/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)

# Cartoons

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