> ## 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. # NZ Politics Daily: 18 December 2024 - URL: https://goodoil.news/nz-politics-daily-18-december-2024/ - Published: 2024-12-17T20:21:46.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-17T20:21:45.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING** Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [More tax, fewer services - Treasury’s forecasts a grim warning to MPs and New Zealanders](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/more-tax-less-services-treasurys-forecasts-a-grim-warning-to-mps-and-new-zealanders/CZUELOHSHNDKLBBIUF5UR2HCEE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [A bigger recession for each Kiwi than the GFC](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360525247/bigger-recession-each-kiwi-gfc?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jo Moir (RNZ): [HYEFU revealed: Nicola Willis deploys convenient new measure amid bleak books](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536933/hyefu-revealed-nicola-willis-deploys-convenient-new-measure-amid-bleak-books?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): [The very long road to fiscal recovery](https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/18-12-2024/the-very-long-road-to-fiscal-recovery?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Barely alive in 2025: Treasury’s grim diagnosis](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/barely-alive-in-2025-treasurys-grim-diagnosis/4TGJERW36BB2HKDIGBZUECTHZM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [Fiscal update shows Kiwis paying price for government's austerity, critics say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536972/fiscal-update-shows-kiwis-paying-price-for-government-s-austerity-critics-say?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Opposition accuses Nicola Willis of 'creative accounting'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536990/opposition-accuses-nicola-willis-of-creative-accounting?ref=goodoil.news) Pattrick Smellie (BusinessDesk): [Budget 2025’s priority: don’t kill the recovery](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/budget-2025s-priority-dont-kill-the-recovery?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Craig Rennie (Post): [The only thing you can count on is more cuts](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360526050/only-thing-you-can-count-more-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Robert MacCulloch: [Behind all the Hot Air from the PM & Finance Minister, National is Running a Bigger Borrow-and-Spend Government](https://www.downtoearth.kiwi/post/its-official-behind-all-the-hot-air-from-the-pm-finance-minister-national-is-running-a-bigger-bo?ref=goodoil.news) Richard Harman (Politik): [It could have been worse](https://www.politik.co.nz/it-could-have-been-worse-2/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bryce Wilkinson (Post): [Government's budget plan is lacklustre and possibly illegal](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360526360/governments-budget-plan-lacklustre-and-possibly-illegal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Forecast surplus delayed two years, Willis vows earlier end to deficit](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/17/forecast-surplus-delayed-two-years-willis-vows-earlier-end-to-deficit/?ref=goodoil.news) Gyles Beckford (RNZ): [HYEFU: Government books to stay deep in deficit until 2029](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536928/hyefu-government-books-to-stay-deep-in-deficit-until-2029?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [Government to make further public sector cuts, no surplus until 2029](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360524695/government-make-further-public-sector-cuts-surplus-kicked-out-2029?ref=goodoil.news) Jenée Tibshraeny (Herald): [Government books deteriorate by more than expected: No surplus in sight, debt issuance up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/watch-live-govt-books-in-worse-shape-than-expected-ministers-face-question-time-grilling/FGHTVEZIXNF6JMDHWATZ2M3FGY/?ref=goodoil.news) Katie Bradford (1News): [Government books paint tough economic picture](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/17/government-books-paint-tough-economic-picture/?ref=goodoil.news) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Willis says no surplus in sight, unless ACC is excluded](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/131301/coalition-government-will-not-balance-its-budget-within-forecast-period?ref=goodoil.news) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Treasury's forecasts may get trumped by tariffs](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/treasurys-forecasts-may-get-trumped-by-tariffs?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Rebecca Howard (BusinessDesk): [Govt books to remain in red for longer](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/govt-books-to-remain-in-red-for-longer?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [Treasury optimism blamed for Crown financial position getting worse](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/treasury-optimism-blamed-for-crown-financial-position-getting-worse?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [Public service expected to find more savings, job cuts could be on the table](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360526310/public-service-expected-find-more-savings-job-cuts-could-be-table?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [Nicola Willis: ‘Difficult trade offs’ lie ahead](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360525266/nicola-willis-difficult-trade-offs-lie-ahead?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) BusinessDesk: [Government to cut NZ Super Fund money $2.1b over five years](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/economy/government-to-cut-nz-super-fund-money-21b-over-five-years?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) David Hargreaves (Interest): [Economists push up household spending forecasts but still see zero GDP growth](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131298/nziers-latest-quarterly-consensus-forecasts-see-higher-household-spending-back?ref=goodoil.news) Chelsea Daniels (Herald): [Front Page: Inflation, OCR, and closures: a look at New Zealand’s economy in 2024](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/inflation-ocr-and-closures-a-look-at-new-zealands-economy-in-2024-the-front-page/PBC27ZS2EFHYTGHQAZJRF675II/?ref=goodoil.news) **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT, YEAR IN REVIEW** Claire Trevett (Herald): [Inside the Coalition: Who’s causing friction, the real power brokers and relationships of PM Christopher Luxon, Act leader David Seymour and NZ First’s Winston Peters](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/inside-the-coalition-whos-causing-friction-the-real-power-brokers-and-relationships-of-pm-christopher-luxon-act-leader-david-seymour-and-nz-firsts-winston-peters/UPP43Z5H6ZDR7IMOOI7ICKPYDI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Toby Manhire and Ben McKay (Spinoff): [The 2024 Golden Jandals for conspicuous contributions to NZ politics](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-12-2024/the-2024-golden-jandals-for-conspicuous-contributions-to-nz-politics?ref=goodoil.news) Ryan Ward (Newsroom): [The long neoliberal con](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/18/the-long-neoliberal-con/?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Manurewa Marae inquiry: Te Pati Māori co-leaders say they’re in dark about latest developments](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/manurewa-marae-inquiry-te-pati-maori-co-leaders-say-theyre-in-dark-about-latest-developments/5ALQLSXIXVHVBHAXZWYQL47RJY/?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi says Luxon may be 'drop-nuts' if he doesn't attend Waitangi Day](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536954/te-pati-maori-s-rawiri-waititi-says-luxon-may-be-drop-nuts-if-he-doesn-t-attend-waitangi-day?ref=goodoil.news) Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira (RNZ): [Waitangi trust chair urges Christopher Luxon to show up Treaty grounds](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536979/waitangi-trust-chair-urges-christopher-luxon-to-show-up-treaty-grounds?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Christopher Luxon should ‘front up’ at Waitangi, says Treaty Grounds chief](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360525332/christopher-luxon-should-front-waitangi-says-treaty-grounds-chief?ref=goodoil.news) Jem Traylen (BusinessDesk): [Business of Government: Brickbats and bouquets edition](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/business-of-government-brickbats-and-bouquets-edition?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Audrey Young (Herald): [Gerry Brownlee – the wit and grumpiness of Parliament’s Speaker](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gerry-brownlee-the-wit-and-grumpiness-of-parliaments-speaker/Y2DDNX66FNAE7NG4DJEY3XO54E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Post): [Judge, celebrity doctor apologise for ‘verbally attacking’ Winston Peters at Christmas party](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360526064/judge-celebrity-doctor-apologise-verbally-attacking-winston-peters-christmas-party?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Stuff): [Judge, celebrity doctor apologise for ‘verbally attacking’ Winston Peters at Christmas party](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360526328/judge-celebrity-doctor-apologise-verbally-attacking-winston-peters-christmas-party?ref=goodoil.news) Gordon Campbell (Scoop): [On The Coalition’s Empty Gestures, And Abortion Refusal As The New Slavery](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2412/S00030/on-the-coalitions-empty-gestures-and-abortion-refusal-as-the-new-slavery.htm?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Presland (The Standard): [When publicity stunts go bad](https://thestandard.org.nz/when-publicity-stunts-go-bad/?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Eight speeding tickets for ministerial cars since Government formed](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/eight-speeding-tickets-for-ministerial-cars-since-government-formed/IA2GUIEFFNDJDGWMZ3PUJ3KRCY/?ref=goodoil.news) Stewart Sowman-Lund (Spinoff): [Our outlandish political predictions for 2024, revisited](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-12-2024/our-outlandish-political-predictions-for-2024-revisited?ref=goodoil.news) **FAST TRACK** Farah Hancock (RNZ): [How the Fast-track Bill Approvals became law](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/536978/how-the-fast-track-bill-approvals-became-law?ref=goodoil.news) Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Watch: National MPs grapple with fast track protest banners](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360526145/watch-national-mps-grapple-fast-track-protest-banners?ref=goodoil.news) Jamie Ensor (Herald): [Fast-track Approvals Bill passes final reading in Parliament](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/fast-track-approvals-bill-passes-final-reading-in-parliament/ROQWYD26IFA2RNGORGFLDDWFJA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Fast-track bill passes into law, amid protest](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536961/fast-track-bill-passes-into-law-amid-protest?ref=goodoil.news) Ian Llewellyn (BusinessDesk): [Fast-track passes and the pendulum swings](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/policy/fast-track-passes-and-the-pendulum-swings?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Te Aniwaniwa Paterson (Te Ao Māori News): [Activists disrupt third reading of fast-track bill in parliament](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/12/17/activists-disrupt-final-reading-of-fast-track-bill-in-parliament/?ref=goodoil.news) Daniel Perese (Te Ao Māori News): [Te Pāti Māori issues warning to future Fast-Track applicants](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/12/17/te-pati-maori-issues-warning-to-future-fast-track-applicants/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Protest as Government passes controversial fast-track regime into law](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360525936/protest-government-passes-controversial-fast-track-regime-law?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **OIL AND GAS** Nathan Cooper (The Conversation): [NZ’s government may ask the public to underwrite the risk of fossil fuel exploration – this could be unlawful](https://theconversation.com/nzs-government-may-ask-the-public-to-underwrite-the-risk-of-fossil-fuel-exploration-this-could-be-unlawful-245267?ref=goodoil.news) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Govt fails KPI after rushed lawmaking](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/17/govt-fails-kpi-because-of-rushed-lawmaking/?ref=goodoil.news) Dita De Boni (Post): [Report questions millions in industrial carbon credits to gas user Methanex](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360525229/report-questions-millions-industrial-carbon-credits-gas-user-methanex?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EMPLOYMENT, RETIREMENT** Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Winston Peters says an increase to the minimum wage could be on the table next year, as Cabinet approves second effective cut](https://www.interest.co.nz/economy/131307/nz-first-leader-winston-peters-says-increase-minimum-wage-could-be-table-next-year?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [Smallest minimum wage increase 'since the 1990s'](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536914/smallest-minimum-wage-increase-since-the-1990s?ref=goodoil.news) Herald Editorial: [When a wage increase is not really a wage increase](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/editorial-when-a-wage-increase-is-not-really-a-wage-increase/64DQ4XRO2FDHDP4726GFJ2WIUQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Karanama Ruru (Stuff): [Minimum wage to increase by 1.5% to $23.50 an hour from April](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360524953/minimum-wage-increase-15-2350-hour-april?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Minimum wage set to get modest bump to $23.50 in April](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536895/minimum-wage-set-to-get-modest-bump-to-23-point-50-in-april?ref=goodoil.news) Susan Hornsby-Gelu (Post): [Workplace minister doubling down on stripping away worker protections](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360525302/workplace-minister-doubling-down-stripping-away-worker-protections?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Felix Walton (RNZ): [Retirees cut back on shopping and medical appointments to cut costs - survey](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536983/retirees-cut-back-on-shopping-and-medical-appointments-to-cut-costs-survey?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Government makes it easier for businesses to hire migrants](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536929/government-makes-it-easier-for-businesses-to-hire-migrants?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Accredited Employer Work Visa changes welcomed by employers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/536992/accredited-employer-work-visa-changes-welcomed-by-employers?ref=goodoil.news) Brianna McIlraith (Stuff): [What retirement has really looked like this year](https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360525194/what-retirement-has-really-looked-year?ref=goodoil.news) Ella Somers (Interest): [Retirees relying on NZ Super are past 'tightening the belt'](https://www.interest.co.nz/investing/131309/new-research-out-retirement-commission-finds-growing-cost-living-pressures-are?ref=goodoil.news) Kevin Norquay (Post): [Retirees go without as financial woes bite](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360525596/retirees-go-without-financial-woes-bite?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Mariné Lourens (Press): [LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts still falling short in NZ workplaces, study shows](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360525509/lgbtq-inclusion-efforts-still-falling-short-nz-workplaces-study-shows?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** Phil Pennington (RNZ): [Getting answers about the new Dunedin hospital](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536927/getting-answers-about-the-new-dunedin-hospital?ref=goodoil.news) Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Dunedin Hospital project costs $121m in consulting fees, so far](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525791/dunedin-hospital-project-costs-121m-consulting-fees-so-far?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Williams (ODT): [Ward staff tell of ‘low-income nation’ conditions](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/ward-staff-tell-%E2%80%98low-income-nation%E2%80%99-conditions?ref=goodoil.news) Malcolm Mulholland (Post): [Another step in the journey to reform Pharmac](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360525169/another-step-journey-reform-pharmac?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Harriette Boucher (Post): [Email botch reveals which Health NZ staff were affected in restructure](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360525981/email-botch-reveals-which-health-nz-staff-were-affected-restructure?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Public Health Communication Centre: [Will the Government’s new Smokefree Plan achieve Aotearoa’s smokefree goal?](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/will-governments-new-smokefree-plan-achieve-aotearoas-smokefree-goal?ref=goodoil.news) Jess McAllen (Webworm): [The Making of a Mental Health Rockstar](https://www.webworm.co/p/rockstar?ref=goodoil.news) Bob McCoskrie: [Abortions have increased 23% since Jacinda’s ‘kind’ law was passed](https://mcblog.substack.com/p/abortions-have-increased-23-since) RNZ: [Covid-19 cases: 1402 new cases, 8 deaths](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536877/covid-19-cases-1402-new-cases-8-deaths?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT** RNZ: ['Taken the local out of local government': Councils react to crackdown](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536898/taken-the-local-out-of-local-government-councils-react-to-crackdown?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Martin (Waikato Times): [New local government rules could rain on parades](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360526055/new-local-government-rules-could-rain-parades?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [Mayors challenge claim not sticking to basics](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/mayors-challenge-claim-not-sticking-basics?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Grant Miller (ODT): [‘Things we love and cherish ... at risk’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/%E2%80%98things-we-love-and-cherish-risk%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [Councils forced the Govt to bring out the big stick](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-councils-forced-the-govt-to-bring-out-the-big-stick/?ref=goodoil.news) John MacDonald (Newstalk ZB): [It's time we had less local councils](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/john-macdonald-its-time-we-had-less-local-councils/?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Wellington City Council confirms long-term plan, mayor tells government to butt out](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536947/wellington-city-council-confirms-long-term-plan-mayor-tells-government-to-butt-out?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [Wellington Council moves ahead with submission against Treaty Principles Bill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536912/wellington-council-moves-ahead-with-submission-against-treaty-principles-bill?ref=goodoil.news) Julie Jacobson (Post): [City to Sea bridge campaign unleashes star power](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360519532/city-sea-bridge-campaign-unleashes-star-power?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City Council leaves 2024 with big calls made but others for the new year](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360524870/just-hours-left-wellington-city-councils-tumultuous-year?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Tom Hunt (Post): [Wellington City Council calls time on a wild 2024](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360525640/wellington-city-council-calls-time-wild-2024?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Tory Whanau’s business advisory group: Mark McGuinness and Justin McKenzie resign](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tory-whanaus-business-advisory-group-mark-mcguinness-and-justin-mckenzie-resign/5IM7D5YBRBDMDMW5LBBF5YIKJQ/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sinead Gill (Press): [Government ‘forces’ surprise $2m-a-year bill onto Chch](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360526013/government-forces-surprise-2m-year-bill-chch?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Invercargill City Council ignores mana whenua views over wastewater](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/536963/council-ignores-mana-whenua-views-over-wastewater?ref=goodoil.news) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Carterton council slams auditor’s performance](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360519232/carterton-council-slams-auditors-performance?ref=goodoil.news) Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Councillors receive abusive emails after Israel vote](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525657/councillors-receive-abusive-emails-after-israel-vote?ref=goodoil.news) David Long (Stuff): [Watch: Mayor Wayne Brown ‘reckons it’s cool’, takes plunge at Auckland’s newest attraction](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360515697/mayor-wayne-brown-reckons-its-cool-takes-plunge-aucklands-newest-attraction?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Williams (ODT): [Library, hub size cut by half](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/library-hub-size-cut-half?ref=goodoil.news) Waikato Times: [Waihī considers new industrial, residential areas](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360525587/waihi-considers-new-industrial-residential-areas?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **TRANSPORT** Georgina Campbell (Herald): [Interislander ferry replacements: How Winston Peters regained control](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/interislander-ferry-replacements-how-winston-peters-regained-control/U4ZDT2OY7RHY3FQO62LHRIDHJE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Richard Pebble (Herald): [Why the Cook Strait ferry strategy is sailing off course](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/freight-logistics/why-the-cook-strait-ferry-strategy-is-sailing-off-course-richard-prebble/ZJXH5U2D5NF4JGMIL23434Q3UU/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [National’s quiet U-turn on $247m EV charger pledge](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360517582/nationals-quiet-u-turn-247m-ev-charger-pledge?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [NZTA settles High Court battle with Transmission Gully builder](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536920/nzta-settles-high-court-battle-with-transmission-gully-builder?ref=goodoil.news) Oliver Lewis (BusinessDesk): [Transmission Gully works will take two years – NZTA](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/transmission-gully-works-will-take-two-years-nzta?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CRIME, JUSTICE** Catrin Owen (Stuff): [‘Cruel, inhuman and degrading’ conditions at prison unit for most dangerous criminals, Ombudsman says](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525937/cruel-inhuman-and-degrading-conditions-prison-unit-most-dangerous-criminals-ombudsman-says?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Treatment of inmates at Auckland Prison's extreme risk unit cruel, inhuman - Chief Ombudsman](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536957/treatment-of-inmates-at-auckland-prison-s-extreme-risk-unit-cruel-inhuman-chief-ombudsman?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [Corrections is torturing prisoners again](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2024/12/corrections-is-torturing-prisoners-again.html?ref=goodoil.news) Rayssa Almeida (RNZ): [Advocates plea for scrapping of boot camps in open letter to the prime minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536890/advocates-plea-for-scrapping-of-boot-camps-in-open-letter-to-the-prime-minister?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Serious youth offenders numbers drop by 7%](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536934/serious-youth-offenders-numbers-drop-by-7-percent?ref=goodoil.news) LawFuel: [Ron Mansfield KC – LawFuel’s Lawyer of the Year 2024](https://www.lawfuel.com/ron-mansfield-kc-lawfuels-lawyer-of-the-year-2024/?ref=goodoil.news) **EDUCATION** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Early childhood education regulations 'excessive and confusing' - Ministry](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536982/early-childhood-education-regulations-excessive-and-confusing-ministry?ref=goodoil.news) Bridie Witton (Stuff): [David Seymour promises early childhood education ‘shake up’ after review](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360525963/david-seymour-promises-early-childhood-education-shake-after-review?ref=goodoil.news) Hanna McCallum and Brittany Keogh (Post): [Almost three-quarters of early childhood regulations set to be changed or axed](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360525308/almost-three-quarters-early-childhood-regulations-set-be-changed-or-axed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Liam Rātana (Spinoff): [Empty classrooms, silent language: Kōhanga reo faces a crisis](https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/17-12-2024/empty-classrooms-silent-language-kohanga-reo-faces-a-crisis?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Student allowance recipient numbers drop 40% in a decade](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/16/student-allowance-recipient-numbers-drop-40-in-a-decade/?ref=goodoil.news) **TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL** Herald: [Treaty Principles Bill: What the academics say is wrong with David Seymour’s legislation](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/treaty-principles-bill-what-the-maori-academics-say-is-wrong-with-david-seymours-legislation/DW3ZOWFW35GELHXVZIQP3R4LOI/?ref=goodoil.news) Public Health Communication Centre: [Treaty Principles Bill threatens public health and equity: It needs your submission](https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/treaty-principles-bill-threatens-public-health-and-equity-it-needs-your-submission?ref=goodoil.news) Gary Judd: [Submission on Treaty Principles Bill](https://garyjuddkc.substack.com/p/submission-on-treaty-principles-bill) **ENVIRONMENT** Hamish McNeilly (Stuff): [Climate protesters denied discharge without conviction over train blockade](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525774/climate-protesters-denied-discharge-without-conviction-over-train-blockade?ref=goodoil.news) Laine Priestley and Rob Kidd (ODT): [Protesters’ arrests act of ‘martyrdom’: spokesman](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/protesters%E2%80%99-arrests-act-%E2%80%98martyrdom%E2%80%99-spokesman?ref=goodoil.news) Greg Hurrell (BusinessDesk): [NZ companies hold back on nature-based reporting](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/sustainable-finance/nz-companies-hold-back-on-nature-based-reporting?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HOUSING, BUILDING** Moana Ellis (Local Democracy Reporting): [‘Is this how we treat human beings?’: Anger over eviction of homeless from makeshift camp](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360526339/how-we-treat-human-beings-anger-over-eviction-homeless-makeshift-camp?ref=goodoil.news) Stephen Ward (Waikato Times): [Hamilton’s emergency housing numbers keep dropping](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360524955/hamiltons-emergency-housing-numbers-keep-dropping?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [More councils approving consents on time](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360525932/more-councils-approving-consents-time?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **MEDIA** Shayne Currie (Herald): [Media Insider: This small town’s newspaper was closing. And then the editor stepped up](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-this-small-towns-newspaper-was-closing-and-then-the-editor-stepped-up/DU6A7G2FHJBQNCENWYMXWFKZ6Y/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon O’Connor: [Fundamental(ist) mistakes](https://onpointnz.substack.com/p/fundamentalist-mistakes) **OTHER** Sasha Lockley (The Post): [As the financially distressed lose hope, more turn to gambling](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360515999/financially-distressed-lose-hope-more-turn-gambling?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [Prime Minister: Vietnamese ambassador should answer questions on indecent assault case](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525434/prime-minister-vietnamese-ambassador-should-answer-questions-assault-case?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): [Commerce Commission clampdown won’t stop ‘insane’ card surcharges](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/17/commerce-commission-clampdown-wont-stop-insane-card-surcharges/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Ngāti Toa purchases 80 hectares of school land in Hutt Valley](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536595/ngati-toa-purchases-80-hectares-of-school-land-in-hutt-valley?ref=goodoil.news) Andy Brew (Stuff): [Southland engineer wins first Prime Minister's Space Prize award](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360526070/southland-engineer-wins-first-prime-ministers-space-prize-award?ref=goodoil.news) Benn Bathgate (Stuff): [‘Sovereign Citizen’ facing mosque terror video charges bailed again despite past no-shows](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525593/sovereign-citizen-facing-mosque-terror-video-charges-bailed-again-despite-past-no-shows?ref=goodoil.news) Marty Sharpe (Stuff): [Compulsory microchipping and national register of cats proposed in bill](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360524839/compulsory-microchipping-and-national-register-cats-proposed-bill?ref=goodoil.news) Ryan Bridge (Herald): [When did Christmas greetings become offensive and should we really worry?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/when-did-christmas-greetings-become-offensive-and-should-we-really-worry-ryan-bridge/QIGMT65DFBGKLODF2DAJ5NMKQY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand and Graeme Austin (Herald): [Artificial intelligence and digital replicas: NZ performers need protection against new technology](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/artificial-intelligence-and-digital-replicas-nz-performers-need-protection-against-new-technology/WUHNPIZFSNHZZNW4LBRUUDQJNA/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Orana Wildlife Park to pause taking new animals after report on whisteblower allegations](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/536910/orana-wildlife-park-to-pause-taking-new-animals-after-report-on-whisteblower-allegations?ref=goodoil.news) Imogen Wells (Stuff): [‘As bad as it gets’: What’s going on with Wellington’s hospo scene?](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360520546/bad-it-gets-whats-going-wellingtons-hospo-scene?ref=goodoil.news) # 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%2Ff88c7d67-4860-4f8a-87b2-2837b9927ef7_2548x1660.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 18 December 2024 ![](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%2F29bdd0e5-c84f-4931-8af7-5b1837748c25_2540x1517.png) Murdoch - The Post 18 December 2024 ![](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%2F1039da32-2d48-45ca-936d-42068ba920a8_2265x1795.png) Yeo - ODT 16 December 2024 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/nz-politics-daily-18-december-2024/comments)