> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # News Briefing: 8 May 2025 - URL: https://goodoil.news/news-briefing-8-may-2025/ - Published: 2025-05-07T20:23:18.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-07T23:21:17.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT** Janet Wilson (Post): [National blows up its support from women with pay equity debacle](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360681459/national-blows-its-support-women-pay-equity-debacle?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Under urgency, without basic paperwork, the Govt moves to change workers’ rights](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/under-urgency-without-basic-paperwork-the-govt-moves-to-change-workers-rights-thomas-coughlan/KLUPV3O5VBE5RDPEXGNUNYJ54Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [National grins and bears it as Act notches wins in Parliament](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/national-grins-and-bears-it-as-act-notches-wins-in-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [Saving the Budget](https://www.politik.co.nz/thanks-ladies-youve-balanced-the-budget/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [The equal pay law change has passed. This is who it impacts](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360681058/equal-pay-law-change-has-passed-who-it-impacts?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Labour slams ACT for championing better lawmaking as law changes rushed through](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560235/labour-slams-act-for-championing-better-lawmaking-as-law-changes-rushed-through?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [What is a pay equity claim, and how will it change?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360679614/what-pay-equity-claim-and-how-will-it-change?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Dennett (Post): [National Party ministers grilled on pay equity changes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360680973/national-party-ministers-grilled-pay-equity-changes?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Alice Neville (Spinoff): [What have the women of the coalition said about pay equity?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/07-05-2025/what-have-the-women-of-the-coalition-said-about-pay-equity?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Pay Equity Amendment Bill passes under urgency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560257/pay-equity-amendment-bill-passes-under-urgency?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [Pay Equity Amendment Bill passes under urgency](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/08/pay-equity-amendment-bill-passes-under-urgency/?ref=goodoil.news) Simon O’Connor: [The sniff test](https://onpointnz.substack.com/p/the-sniff-test) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Don't crow about giving women the vote and then do this](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-dont-crow-about-giving-women-the-vote-and-then-do-this/?ref=goodoil.news) Kerre Woodham (Newstalk ZB): [This Government has a problem with optics](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/kerre-woodham-this-government-has-a-problem-with-optics/?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Hosking (Newstalk ZB): [Reform for the Pay Equity Act is good](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-reform-for-the-pay-equity-act-is-good/?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Presland (The Standard): [Lies damned lies and Pay Equity Repeal excuses](https://thestandard.org.nz/lies-damned-lies-and-pay-equity-repeal-excuses/?ref=goodoil.news) ————— Max Rashbrooke (Spinoff): [Once again, workers pay the price in the fight against inflation](https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/08-05-2025/once-again-workers-pay-the-price-in-the-fight-against-inflation?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [When will 33,000 people who've lost their jobs get them back?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560282/when-will-33-000-people-who-ve-lost-their-jobs-get-them-back?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [Still 34,000 unemployed under National](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/still-34000-unemployed-under-national.html?ref=goodoil.news) Catherine McGregor (Spinoff): [Steady jobless rate masks deeper cracks in NZ economy](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/08-05-2025/steady-jobless-rate-masks-deeper-cracks-in-nz-economy?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [Unemployment: Rise of part-time workers flatters better-than-expected unemployment rate](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/rise-of-part-time-workers-flatters-better-than-expected-unemployment-rate/NTETIP7565HBDEJVBXV7YHPJ5A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Only small rise in unemployment, but more settling for part-time work](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360679591/only-small-rise-unemployment-more-settling-part-time-work?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Unemployment rate unchanged at 5.1 percent](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560190/unemployment-rate-unchanged-at-5-point-1-percent?ref=goodoil.news) David Hargreaves (Interest): [The peak? Unemployment beats expectations by staying at 5.1%](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133152/unemployment-remained-same-and-wage-pressures-were-muted-march-quarter?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [ACC backtracks on ‘race-based’ tender after coalition clash](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/acc-backtracks-on-race-based-tender-after-coalition-clash/?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Pillow (Post): [We’re on the cusp of a shift in how we talk about pay in the workplace](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360680888/were-cusp-shift-how-we-talk-about-pay-workplace?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Doug Sail (Stuff): [Timaru lumber yard’s $547k fine over workplace death may be substantially reduced](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360676913/timaru-lumber-yards-547k-fine-over-workplace-death-may-be-substantially-reduced?ref=goodoil.news) Neil Sands (Law News): [Human Rights Review Tribunal fails to explain years-long delay in resolving discrimination complaint](https://lawnews.nz/employment/human-rights-review-tribunal-fails-to-explain-years-long-delay-in-resolving-discrimination-complaint/?ref=goodoil.news) **DAVID PARKER VALEDICTORY** Mike Houlahan (ODT): [Parker leaves House knowing he ‘tried to move the dial’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/parker-leaves-house-knowing-he-%E2%80%98tried-move-dial%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Senior Labour MP’s parting message on tax, coal, and polarisation](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360681445/senior-labour-mps-parting-message-tax-coal-and-polarisation?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [David Parker’s valedictory speech: Long-serving Labour MP bows out of Parliament](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/watch-after-23-years-david-parker-bows-out-of-parliament/5DGJF6CBPBAQPKXONPEJQUGND4/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Long-serving Labour MP David Parker’s valedictory address](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560241/long-serving-labour-mp-david-parker-s-valedictory-address?ref=goodoil.news) Anna Whyte (Post): [David Parker signs off: ‘Some people call me a wonk, it could be worse’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360680676/david-parker-signs-some-people-call-me-wonk-it-could-be-worse?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TE PĀTI MĀORI PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE HEARING** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Decision on fate of Te Pāti Māori MPs closer after late-night Privileges Committee meeting](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/decision-on-fate-of-te-pati-maori-mps-closer-after-late-night-privileges-committee-meeting/VUQQAGE2M5AZFBSHIRJMQ7H6BE/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Parliament's Privileges Committee closer to decision on Te Pāti Māori haka](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560264/parliament-s-privileges-committee-closer-to-decision-on-te-pati-maori-haka?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Why contempt needs to be met with contempt](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2025/05/why%5Fcontempt%5Fneeds%5Fto%5Fbe%5Fmet%5Fwith%5Fcontempt.html?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald); [Treaty Principles Bill haka: Te Pāti Māori admits social media post ‘mistake’, tells Judith Collins ‘you’ve got us’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-haka-te-pati-maori-admits-social-media-post-mistake-tells-judith-collins-youve-got-us/VIHZT7N7TRG3VIAYBIZ3SZ6IAI/?ref=goodoil.news) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Te Pāti Māori apologises for breaching privilege rule](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560236/te-pati-maori-apologises-for-breaching-privilege-rule?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Te Pāti Māori expecting a harsh punishment for Parliament haka](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360681228/te-pati-maori-expecting-harsh-punishment-parliament-haka?ref=goodoil.news) Tumamao Harawira (Te Ao Māori News): [Te Pāti Māori left in limbo for another week](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/05/07/te-pati-maori-left-in-limbo-for-another-week/?ref=goodoil.news) **PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR** ODT Editorial: [Risks in being ‘super relaxed’](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/risks-being-%E2%80%98super-relaxed%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Submitters oppose David Seymour’s regulation law. Why he’s charging forward anyway](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymours-regulation-legislation-proposal-gets-tiny-03-support-but-hes-charging-forward-anyway/OA7LUGCVVZGLJFSVSH6OZZVSAY/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [David Seymour dismisses officials’ concern with Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360680209/david-seymour-dismisses-officials-concern-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [Cabinet signs off on proposal for Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560197/cabinet-signs-off-on-proposal-for-regulatory-standards-bill?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [Government of the 0.3%](http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2025/05/government-of-03.html?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [Officials to minister: Give all prisoners the vote](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/officials-to-minister-give-all-prisoners-the-vote/?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Wilson (Herald): [Pope Francis, Trump and the Aussie election: The lessons for Christopher Luxon](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/pope-francis-trump-and-the-aussie-election-the-lessons-for-christopher-luxon-simon-wilson/DUVK3DLRSJA45AD7TP2Q2FO6KI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Paddy Gower (Stuff): [We have got too many ministers - and our politicians need to treat each other like they treat us](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360679372/paddy-gower-we-have-got-too-many-ministers-and-our-politicians-need-treat-each-other-they-treat-us?ref=goodoil.news) Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (Spinoff): [Echo Chamber: Pay equity, private emails and petty politicians](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/07-05-2025/echo-chamber-pay-equity-private-emails-and-petty-politicians?ref=goodoil.news) Spinoff: [Gone By Lunchtime: Really, really, really urgent](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/07-05-2025/gone-by-lunchtime-really-really-really-urgent?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: MPs give pope a tardy but honest obituary](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560243/mps-give-pope-a-tardy-but-honest-obituary?ref=goodoil.news) Science Media Centre: [New Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor and Council revealed – Expert Reaction](https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/05/07/new-prime-ministers-chief-science-advisor-and-council-revealed-expert-reaction/?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [Agriculture the winner in senior science advisory roles](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/primary-sector/agriculture-the-winner-in-senior-science-advisory-roles?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **BUDGET, INVESTMENT SUMMIT** Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Government spent $20k flying former Donald Trump aide, expat New Zealander Chris Liddell to Auckland investment summit](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-spent-20k-flying-former-donald-trump-aide-expat-new-zealander-chris-liddell-to-auckland-investment-summit/3EZIMCVRBVFJLPI5FXRLSJYF2I/?ref=goodoil.news) Laura Walters (Newsroom): [What could the Govt cut this Budget?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/06/what-could-the-govt-cut-this-budget/?ref=goodoil.news) Bryce Wilkinson (Herald): [Budget 2025: The next step in a long, dogged, uphill fiscal trudge](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/budget-2025-the-next-step-in-a-long-dogged-uphill-fiscal-trudge-bryce-wilkinson/INNVMTZVCFDB3BDU3BRVMVY2DQ/?ref=goodoil.news) **SOCIAL MEDIA BAN** Nick James (RNZ): [Seymour calls for inquiry into National's proposal to ban social media for under 16s](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560184/seymour-calls-for-inquiry-into-national-s-proposal-to-ban-social-media-for-under-16s?ref=goodoil.news) Alex Beattie (The Conversation): [10 reasons why banning social media for New Zealanders under 16 is a bad idea – and will affect adults too](https://theconversation.com/10-reasons-why-banning-social-media-for-new-zealanders-under-16-is-a-bad-idea-and-will-affect-adults-too-256065?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Social media ban: Parents need to step up, not the government - retired judge](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560172/social-media-ban-parents-need-to-step-up-not-the-government-retired-judge?ref=goodoil.news) Sarah Catherall (Listener): [B416: The high-profile group backing a social media ban for under-16s](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/new-zealand/b416-the-high-profile-group-backing-a-social-media-ban-for-under-16s/PBUT4N6LQNHQDKB2YMIDOL7GAQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lloyd Burr (Stuff): [‘Doomed to fail’ and ‘laughable’ - tech commentators on U-16 social media ban](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360681091/doomed-fail-and-laughable-tech-commentators-u-16-social-media-ban?ref=goodoil.news) Ani O’Brien: [Breaking down the Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill](https://aniobrien.substack.com/p/breaking-down-the-social-media-age) **ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION** Emma Ricketts (Stuff): [Explained: Is the Government saying it’s OK to kill kiwi to build roads?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360680554/explained-government-saying-its-ok-kill-kiwi-build-roads?ref=goodoil.news) Stacy Vallis, Andrew Burgess, Ann Morrison, Imelda Piri and Priscila Bean (The Conversation): [Moving towns: 4 stories of communities facing relocation show the complex realities of managed retreat](https://theconversation.com/moving-towns-4-stories-of-communities-facing-relocation-show-the-complex-realities-of-managed-retreat-254693?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Argue (RNZ): [Police disappointed Restore Passenger Rail prosecution abandoned, say safety was at risk](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560276/police-disappointed-restore-passenger-rail-prosecution-abandoned-say-safety-was-at-risk?ref=goodoil.news) Ryan Bridge (Newstalk ZB): [The Restore Passenger Rail protestors will be back](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/opinion/ryan-bridge-the-restore-passenger-rail-protestors-will-be-back/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Predator Free Wellington faces $1.75m annual shortfall](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560274/predator-free-wellington-faces-1-point-75m-annual-shortfall?ref=goodoil.news) Kevin Norquay (Post): [Funding shortfall for Predator Free Wellington](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360681053/funding-shortfall-predator-free-wellington?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kevin Norquay (Post): [Licence to Kill: Predator Free Wellington’s Secret Service](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360680866/licence-kill-predator-free-wellingtons-secret-service?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE, DEFENCE** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Minister Judith Collins says no allies have put pressure on government to up defence spending](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560234/minister-judith-collins-says-no-allies-have-put-pressure-on-government-to-up-defence-spending?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Clear battle lines drawn over New Zealand politicians' interpretations of Australian election](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560275/clear-battle-lines-drawn-over-new-zealand-politicians-interpretations-of-australian-election?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): [What parties here can learn from the Australian election](https://www.nbr.co.nz/edwards-on-politics/what-can-parties-here-learn-from-the-australian-election/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Christina Persico and Lydia Lewis (RNZ): ['Will take time': Manawanui's fate still to be decided](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/560207/will-take-time-manawanui-s-fate-still-to-be-decided?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [New group to hold Govt to account on trade deals](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/new-group-to-hold-govt-to-account-on-trade-deals/?ref=goodoil.news) Anan Zaki (RNZ): [Reserve Bank warns of increased risk on back of US tariffs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560195/reserve-bank-warns-of-increased-risk-on-back-of-us-tariffs?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Trade war threatens financial stability, RBNZ says](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133174/tit-tat-tariffs-between-china-and-us-could-cause-slowdown-new-zealand-economy-and?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [How trade war could reduce your mortgage payments – or your deposit returns](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/how-trade-war-could-reduce-your-mortgage-payments-or-your-deposit-returns/?ref=goodoil.news) Kaya Selby (RNZ): [Pacific economies set to slow amid trade global tensions - IMF](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/560167/pacific-economies-set-to-slow-amid-trade-global-tensions-imf?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Nick James (RNZ): [Money still being sunk into ferry project canned by government in 2023](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560273/money-still-being-sunk-into-ferry-project-canned-by-government-in-2023?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Six shipbuilders shortlisted to deliver new Cook Strait ferries](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/560191/six-shipbuilders-shortlisted-to-deliver-new-cook-strait-ferries?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): ['Blue Highway' reboot: Government set to release details of new $30m coastal shipping fund](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/blue-highway-reboot-government-set-to-release-details-of-new-30m-coastal-shipping-fund?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) John Weekes (Herald): [Airfares: Commerce Commission explains why it doesn’t want a competition study, but tells airlines to watch out](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/airfares-commerce-commission-explains-why-it-doesnt-want-a-competition-study-but-tells-airlines-to-watch-out/X5CRYA5DZZEQLAM4M6MKVR2RGA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Willis ‘open to’ market study over Air NZ prices, Luxon says airline ‘doing a good job’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360677529/pm-air-nz-i-think-they-are-doing-good-job?ref=goodoil.news) Kelly Dennett (Post): [Nicola Willis set to meet with Air NZ, ‘open to’ market study](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360678570/nicola-willis-set-meet-air-nz-open-market-study?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Tim Murphy (Newsroom): [Auckland: is it NZ’s super power or too ambitious by half?](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/07/auckland-is-it-nzs-super-power-or-too-ambitious-by-half/?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Wilson (Herald): [Sir John Key: ‘I had to sideline Bill English and Steven Joyce to get the CRL built’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sir-john-key-i-had-to-sideline-bill-english-and-steven-joyce-to-get-the-crl-built/XP2Q4SA7U5A2XK72JLQ74YPHLY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dileepa Fonseka (BusinessDesk): [Survey of Aucklanders that slammed Super City is not a real survey, pollster says](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/politics/survey-of-aucklanders-that-slammed-super-city-is-not-a-real-survey-pollster-says?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled)( RNZ: [Auckland not performing for a city it's size, Deloitte NZ survey shows](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560208/auckland-not-performing-for-a-city-it-s-size-deloitte-nz-survey-shows?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [John Key, Helen Clark, Wayne Brown all support a 'bed tax' for Auckland](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/john-key-helen-clark-wayne-brown-all-support-a-bed-tax-for-auckland?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jessica Hopkins (RNZ): [Anzac Day organisers faced $7000 bill for 15-minute road closure](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560163/anzac-day-organisers-faced-7000-bill-for-15-minute-road-closure?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Invercargill City Council rejects wish of rūnanga to obtain land](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560161/invercargill-city-council-rejects-wish-of-runanga-to-obtain-land?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Urban ratepayers to cop double-digit rates rise](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360679560/urban-ratepayers-cop-double-digit-rates-rise?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Ultimatum on student needs delivered](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/ultimatum-student-needs-delivered?ref=goodoil.news) Hilary Calvert (ODT): [Council water race a merry-go-round](https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/council-water-race-merry-go-round?ref=goodoil.news) **BUSINESS, CONSUMER AFFAIRS** Gary Hamilton-Irvine (Hawkes Bay Today/Herald): [Wairoa has one supermarket – a new study examines if its prices are fair](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/wairoa-has-one-supermarket-a-new-study-examines-if-its-prices-are-fair/HCG4LWZSSFGWXHTIZRUNNTVI2I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [Contact Energy cleared to buy 100% of Manawa Energy shares](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560175/contact-energy-cleared-to-buy-100-percent-of-manawa-energy-shares?ref=goodoil.news) Post: [Contact’s acquisition of Manawa gets ComCom green light](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360680024/contact-acquisition-manawa-gets-comcom-green-light?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tess Brunton (RNZ): [TRENZ conference: Prime Minister wants to see tourism industry grow](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560259/trenz-conference-prime-minister-wants-to-see-tourism-industry-grow?ref=goodoil.news) Sharon Brettkelly (RNZ): [The Detail: Tourism operators optimistic in the face of capacity restraints](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560270/tourism-operators-optimistic-in-the-face-of-capacity-restraints?ref=goodoil.news) Mike Lee (Newsroom): [Been there, done that, bought the shirt – the rebirth of anti-consumerism](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/08/been-there-done-that-bought-the-t-shirt-the-rebirth-of-anti-consumerism/?ref=goodoil.news) **BANKS, FINANCIAL SERVICES, INSURANCE** Victoria Stace (The Conversation): [Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder](https://theconversation.com/locked-up-then-locked-out-how-nzs-bank-rules-make-life-for-ex-prisoners-even-harder-255110?ref=goodoil.news) Martien Lubberink: [Burning Capital: Why Kiwibank’s $500 Million Pitch Deserves a Closer Look](https://capitalissues.co/2025/04/29/burning-capital-why-kiwibanks-500-million-pitch-deserves-a-closer-look/?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [RBNZ wants ‘short, sharp’ capital review](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/133187/rbnz-governor-christian-hawkesby-wants-review-capital-requirements-be-completed?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Reserve Bank: Financial risks rise but bank buffers sufficient](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360679594/reserve-bank-financial-risks-rise-bank-buffers-sufficient?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Reserve Bank warns Government it will be lumped with a bigger bill than insurers in the event of a disaster](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/reserve-bank-warns-government-it-will-be-lumped-with-a-bigger-bill-than-insurers-in-the-event-of-a-disaster/T4CLR2XVQNDVLK57KZ6JXCSC2U/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Interest: [RBNZ says stress test shows insurance policyholder claims would be met in 1-in-1,200-year loss event](https://www.interest.co.nz/insurance/133154/rbnz-stress-test-general-insurers-assesses-potential-response-major-earthquake-and?ref=goodoil.news) Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Reserve Bank: Financial risks rise but bank buffers sufficient](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360679594/reserve-bank-financial-risks-rise-bank-buffers-sufficient?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Capital requirements review doesn't mean they are too high – RBNZ](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/capital-requirements-review-doesnt-mean-they-are-too-high-rbnz?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Nona Pelletier (RNZ): [Bank of New Zealand sees rise in net profit for first half](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/560189/bank-of-new-zealand-sees-rise-in-net-profit-for-first-half?ref=goodoil.news) Gareth Vaughan (Interest): [Buoyant BNZ declares confidence in NZ economy despite global uncertainty](https://www.interest.co.nz/banking/133161/bnz-posts-4-rise-interim-profit-it-writes-back-loan-impairments?ref=goodoil.news) Rob Stock (Post): [BNZ posts 4.3% half-year profit rise, claims crown as most popular consumer bank](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360679081/bnz-posts-43-half-year-profit-rise-claims-crown-most-popular-consumer-bank?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HOUSING** Robin Martin (RNZ): [Car park suggested as temporary daytime space for New Plymouth's homeless population](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560168/car-park-suggested-as-temporary-daytime-space-for-new-plymouth-s-homeless-population?ref=goodoil.news) Eloise Gibson (RNZ): [Ventilation rules to be revamped to ease plight of Auckland townhouse occupants](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560296/ventilation-rules-to-be-revamped-to-ease-plight-of-auckland-townhouse-occupants?ref=goodoil.news) Ben Leahy & Chris Knox (Herald): [Kāinga Ora sell-off: The location of 840 of Auckland’s most valuable state homes mapped out](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kainga-ora-sell-off-the-location-of-840-of-aucklands-most-valuable-state-homes-mapped-out/CU4HYNQL7FAUBGQNETXLHZH4QU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Dame Gaylene Preston throws weight behind opposition to Mt Vic development](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360680632/dame-gaylene-preston-throws-weight-behind-opposition-mt-vic-development?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Maria Slade (BusinessDesk): [Property flipping 'pushing up prices': Valuer](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/property/property-flipping-pushing-up-prices-valuer?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rob Stock (Post): [Cost of better-insulated homes low compared to power bill savings: report](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360678436/cost-better-insulated-homes-low-compared-power-bill-savings-report?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Methamphetamine use still a headache for landlords, regulatory decisions due this year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560224/methamphetamine-use-still-a-headache-for-landlords-regulatory-decisions-due-this-year?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Ninness (Interest): [Asking prices dropping on Trade Me Property with thousands more homes for sale compared to a year ago](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/133171/trade-me-property-warns-anyone-selling-home-will-need-have-realistic-price?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Education Ministry puts multi-million school boards contract up for grabs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560271/education-ministry-puts-multi-million-school-boards-contract-up-for-grabs?ref=goodoil.news) Ella Stewart (RNZ): [The small regulatory shift that could have big impacts on mokopuna Māori](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/560288/the-small-regulatory-shift-that-could-have-big-impacts-on-mokopuna-maori?ref=goodoil.news) **HEALTH, ABUSE IN CARE** RNZ: [More specialists shifting to private hospitals - report](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560209/more-specialists-shifting-to-private-hospitals-report?ref=goodoil.news) Henry McMullan (1News): [Palmerston North council votes against removing sugary drinks](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/07/palmerston-north-council-votes-against-removing-sugary-drinks/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Porirua City Council looks to find family of 1800 people in unmarked graves](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560287/porirua-city-council-looks-to-find-family-of-1800-people-in-unmarked-graves?ref=goodoil.news) Justin Wong (Post): [Porirua Hospital former patients' families sought for headstone project](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360681117/porirua-hospital-former-patients-families-sought-headstone-project?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **JUSTICE, POLICE, CRIME** Luka Forman (RNZ): [Some domestic violence calls to police going unanswered - agency](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560260/some-domestic-violence-calls-to-police-going-unanswered-agency?ref=goodoil.news) Brent Edwards (NBR): T[ackling the scourge of organised crime](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/tackling-the-scourge-of-organised-crime/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Leask (Herald): [Two by Twos: NZ police confirm fresh reports of alleged abuse](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/two-by-twos-nz-police-confirm-fresh-reports-of-alleged-abuse/BNWMNOXQHFCQHAY33VN745KIQI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** Kate MacNamara (Herald): [Jim Grenon: The businessman aiming to reshape NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/jim-grenon-the-businessman-aiming-to-reshape-nzme/WN2XHM4SEJFVLA3XPDSC7QBMOU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [NZME's Chapman 'misleading' says Caniwi's Bowker](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/markets/nzmes-chapman-misleading-says-caniwis-bowker?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [James Grenon did not breach NZME Takeover Code, NZX Takeovers Panel finds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560202/james-grenon-did-not-breach-nzme-takeover-code-nzx-takeovers-panel-finds?ref=goodoil.news) Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: NZME board battle – Takeovers Panel clears Jim Grenon of any code breach](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-board-battle-takeovers-panel-clears-jim-grenon-of-any-code-breach/XJ6TQ6HP6JHNHNNJ7HZKPENIQE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dita De Boni (Post): [Jim Grenon found to have not breached Takeovers Code as he seeks to remove NZME board](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360680186/jim-grenon-found-have-not-breached-takeovers-code-he-seeks-remove-nzme-board?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ANIMAL WELFARE, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [The ‘back door’ for meat and egg imports looks unlikely to be closed](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360680566/back-door-meat-and-egg-imports-looks-unlikely-be-closed?ref=goodoil.news) Stephanie Ockhuysen (RNZ): [Greens launch bill to stop animal cruelty through imported products](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/560108/greens-launch-bill-to-stop-animal-cruelty-through-imported-products?ref=goodoil.news) Tobias Macintosh (Stuff): [How many sheep does New Zealand have per person now?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/rural/360679189/how-many-sheep-does-new-zealand-have-person-now?ref=goodoil.news) Gianina Schwanecke (RNZ): [Gap between people and sheep rapidly closing](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/560252/gap-between-people-and-sheep-rapidly-closing?ref=goodoil.news) **AI** Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [The business opportunity of the century – and NZ lags the world](https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/06/the-business-opportunity-of-the-century-and-nz-lags-the-world/?ref=goodoil.news) Peter Griffin (BusinessDesk): [Our AI problem: You won’t trust it if you don’t understand it](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/our-ai-problem-you-wont-trust-it-if-you-dont-understand-it?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **OTHER** Tom Pullar-Strecker (Post): [Transpower proposes spending $1.4b replacing and improving Cook Strait power connection](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360680598/transpower-proposes-spending-14b-replacing-and-improving-cook-strait-power-connection?ref=goodoil.news) Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [‘We’ve got a family living in a tent’ - 9033 kids and counting who don’t even have PJs](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360680547/weve-got-family-living-tent-9033-kids-and-counting-who-dont-even-have-pjs?ref=goodoil.news) Robin Martin (RNZ): [Earthquake standards risk turning Stratford into a 'ghost town’](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560048/earthquake-standards-risk-turning-stratford-into-a-ghost-town?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [Do we all really need the pension at 65?](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-do-we-all-really-need-the-pension-at-65/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Christchurch council to review decision not to open Wairewa Lake Forsyth sooner during heavy rain](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560126/christchurch-council-to-review-decision-not-to-open-wairewa-lake-forsyth-sooner-during-heavy-rain?ref=goodoil.news) # Cartoons [Subscribe now](https://democracyproject.substack.com/subscribe?) [Read more](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-8-may-2025)