> ## 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: 23 December 2024 - URL: https://goodoil.news/nz-politics-daily-23-december-2024/ - Published: 2024-12-22T19:21:06.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-22T20:08:28.000Z - Author: Guest Post - Tags: NZ Politics, Politics *Republished with Permission* Author: **Bryce Edwards** **GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT** Matt Nippert (Herald): [Regulator to deregister Waipareira over political donations](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/regulator-to-deregister-waipareira-over-political-donations/J4QUMQ2PMFEVVMCBF7QQ325Z4A/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Luke Malpass (Post): [A grim end to a very tough year](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360529974/grim-end-very-tough-year?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Danyl McLauchlan (Listener): [The year in politics](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/danyl-mclauchlan-the-year-in-politics/DLFSP2L4IFFTLNXKI4ZXDF73UY/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Brent Edwards (NBR): [Act Party’s ’triumphant’ year in government](https://www.nbr.co.nz/politics/the-act-partys-triumphant-year-in-government/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Claire Trevett (Herald): [Battles of the year: Seymour v Luxon on Treaty Principles Bill, Winston Peters v Te Pāti Māori, gang patches and potholes](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/battles-of-the-year-seymour-v-luxon-on-treaty-principles-bill-winston-peters-v-te-pati-maori-gang-patches-and-potholes/3I36AAXEUBDDFN6NQGTYNV6P64/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Steve Braunias (Newsroom): [The Secret Diary of .. Luxon at Xmas](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/21/the-secret-diary-of-luxon-at-xmas/?ref=goodoil.news) Adam Pearse (Herald): [What democratic ‘crisis’ worries Labour leader Chris Hipkins as he recalls 2024 in politics?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/what-democratic-crisis-worries-labour-leader-chris-hipkins-as-he-recalls-2024-in-politics/VFRB6QD6EJCW7ASHFT6UPYPNHE/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Manch (Post): [Labour hires former Green Party comms director Danny Stevens](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360528826/labour-hires-former-green-party-comms-director-danny-stevens?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): [Māori ‘under siege’ in 2024, must fight back in 2025 – Ngarewa-Packer](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/23/maori-under-siege-in-2024-must-fight-back-in-2025-ngarewa-packer/?ref=goodoil.news) Te Aniwa Hurihanganui (1News): [Analysis: How a thread of unity wove its way through Māoridom in 2024](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/23/analysis-how-a-thread-of-unity-wove-its-way-through-maoridom-in-2024/?ref=goodoil.news) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Newstalk ZB): [Luxon has made the right call re Waitangi](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-luxon-has-made-the-right-call-re-waitangi/?ref=goodoil.news) Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Parliament's final sitting day an insight into party factions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537280/parliament-s-final-sitting-day-an-insight-into-party-factions?ref=goodoil.news) Louis Collins (RNZ): [The House: Parliament fits an extra morning into final sitting day](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537270/parliament-fits-an-extra-morning-into-final-sitting-day?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Smith (RNZ): [The House: Labour moves Speaker from the 'nice' to 'naughty' list](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537273/labour-moves-speaker-from-the-nice-to-naughty-list?ref=goodoil.news) Herald: [On the Tiles recaps the year in politics: Which politicians performed the best - and who needs work?](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/on-the-tiles-recaps-the-year-in-politics-which-politicians-performed-the-best-and-who-needs-work/37G3BFKZ4NGKBMK4OW3DUESUT4/?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [2024 OIA stats](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2024/12/2024-oia-stats.html?ref=goodoil.news) Andrew Gunn (Press/Post): [Santa's Christmas grotto: Where NZ politicians unwrap their wildest wishes](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360484433/santas-political-wish-list-whos-been-naughty-whos-been-nice?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Victor Billot (Newsroom): [A final Ode to .. King Luxon](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/22/an-ode-to-king-luxon-5/?ref=goodoil.news) Georgina Stylianou (Post): [As politicians talk us down, we should remember to keep looking up](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360530723/politicians-talk-us-down-we-should-remember-keep-looking?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Kelly Dennett (Post): [Summer off politics: Nicola Willis is finally going to read Crime and Punishment](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360531099/summer-politics-nicola-willis-finally-going-read-crime-and-punishment?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Anna Whyte (Post): [Summer off politics: Chlöe Swarbrick](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360513432/summer-politics-chloe-swarbrick?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) NBR: [Out of Office Reply: Damien O’Connor](https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/out-of-office-damien-oconnor/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Harriette Boucher (Post): [The Art of Parliament: Forest in the Sun](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360526791/art-parliament-forest-sun?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lillian Hanly (RNZ): [The year in politics: Stories that dominated the headlines in 2024](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537204/the-year-in-politics-stories-that-dominated-the-headlines-in-2024?ref=goodoil.news) **ECONOMY, COST OF LIVING, SPENDING CUTS** Vernon Small (Post): [Grinch the primary setting as Government grinds to Christmas](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360530304/grinch-primary-setting-government-grinds-christmas?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Janet Wilson (Post): [The bad and the worse of a faltering economy](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360529843/bad-and-worse-faltering-economy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) 1News: 2024: [Interest rates, the lingering Covid effect and Trump part two](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/21/2024-interest-rates-the-lingering-covid-effect-and-trump-part-two/?ref=goodoil.news) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): [Barbara Edmonds edits Facebook post incorrectly claiming Labour rapidly reduced debt — the opposite is true](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/barbara-edmonds-deletes-facebook-post-incorrectly-claiming-labour-rapidly-reduced-debt-the-opposite-is-true/AEB4OU3ILFBPTNGT7N4O5T5WPA/?ref=goodoil.news) Liam Dann (Herald): [The only way is up for the economy in 2025 (surely)](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/liam-dann-the-only-way-is-up-in-2025-surely/HKWWF75M2NB3TFFKDJGDVXQI6E/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Dan Brunskill (Interest): [Of Interest Podcast: Nicola Willis on growing the economy without spending](https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/131358/finance-minister-nicola-willis-says-deregulation-and-greater-competition-rules?ref=goodoil.news) Heather du Plessis-Allan (Herald): [The mother of all budget requests: This Government needs to slash spending even more](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-mother-of-all-budget-requests-this-government-needs-to-slash-spending-even-more-heather-du-plessis-allan/HLLY674NBNBIPHZE3IIBPHVU7I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald Editorial: [The most alarming aspect of Treasury’s gloomy forecast](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-most-alarming-number-in-treasurys-gloomy-forecast-editorial/5NIBZN2LJRHWRIIYBQXNGHCCUA/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Bruce Cotterill (Herald): [NZ faces tough economic year: Lessons from 2024’s challenges](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/nz-faces-tough-economic-year-lessons-from-2024s-challenges-bruce-cotterill/HISL7JMZ4JETTMF5T4XKRP4NNM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Oliver Hartwich: [A year of hard truths](https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/a-year-of-hard-truths/?ref=goodoil.news) Lauren Crimp (RNZ): [Public service cuts: 'Rough' months ahead for those out of work](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537430/public-service-cuts-rough-months-ahead-for-those-out-of-work?ref=goodoil.news) Azaria Howell (Herald): [Public sector cuts: Defence force to reduce spending on flu vaccines, gym memberships and Air Force band](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/public-sector-cuts-defence-force-to-reduce-spending-on-flu-vaccines-gym-memberships-and-air-force-band/X3ELRDIJ2JCQPJBHZX6SN6K3VI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Lucy Xia (RNZ): [Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537310/funding-cuts-to-charity-particularly-felt-over-christmas-period?ref=goodoil.news) Maddy Road (Press): [Food rescues face huge funding cuts despite surge in need](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360525771/food-rescues-face-huge-funding-cuts-despite-surge-need?ref=goodoil.news) Duncan Garner (Listener): [Frontline services now the target of this cost-cutting regime](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/opinion/duncan-garner-frontline-services-now-the-target-of-this-cost-cutting-regime/VB6Z4CZ43FFXFNRO3A3LD5OW4I/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Pretoria Gordon (RNZ): [Funding cut leaves women's self-defence course Kia Haumaru fighting for future](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537363/funding-cut-leaves-women-s-self-defence-course-kia-haumaru-fighting-for-future?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Consumer confidence up, despite recession](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537237/consumer-confidence-up-despite-recession?ref=goodoil.news) Giles Dexter (RNZ): [Hard-hit industries hopeful despite unsurprising GDP figures](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537226/hard-hit-industries-hopeful-despite-unsurprising-gdp-figures?ref=goodoil.news) **ENVIRONMENT, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES** Charlie Mitchell (Press/Post): [‘A lot of action quite quickly’: How the Government won over the farm lobby](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360520708/lot-action-quite-quickly-how-government-won-over-farm-lobby?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Benedict Collins (1News): [Hauraki marine protection tweaked to allow some commercial fishing](https://www.1news.co.nz/reporter/benedict-collins/?ref=goodoil.news) No Right Turn: [Climate Change: A perverse incentive](https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2024/12/climate-change-perverse-incentive.html?ref=goodoil.news) Annemarie Quill (Stuff): [In the NZ town being eaten up by the sea, locals are unbothered: ‘It’s just weather’](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360523657/nz-town-being-eaten-sea-locals-are-unbothered-its-just-weather?ref=goodoil.news) Russell Palmer (RNZ): [Government quietly scraps waste minimisation policies](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537337/government-quietly-scraps-waste-minimisation-policies?ref=goodoil.news) Jessica Rosen (1News): [More than 1700 old NZ landfills could be impacted by climate change](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/20/more-than-1700-old-nz-landfills-could-be-impacted-by-climate-change/?ref=goodoil.news) Hamish MacLean (ODT): [Fear landfill may be leaching into estuary](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/fear-landfill-may-be-leaching-estuary?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Frustration at council view on 'benign' coastal landfill](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537357/frustration-at-council-view-on-benign-coastal-landfill?ref=goodoil.news) Kim Griggs (Post): [Helen Hughes: A ‘bloody sheila’ from Wellington who cared about the land](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360502317/helen-hughes-bloody-sheila-wellington-who-cared-about-land?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **EDUCATION** John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished - minister](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537286/polytech-sales-possible-but-unlikely-when-te-pukenga-disestablished-minister?ref=goodoil.news) John Gerritsen (RNZ): [Government confirms plan to dismantle Te Pūkenga, re-establish polytechs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537251/government-confirms-plan-to-dismantle-te-pukenga-re-establish-polytechs?ref=goodoil.news) Hanna McCallum (Post): [Some polytechs could face closure as Te Pūkenga dismantle confirmed](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360530638/some-polytechs-could-face-closure-te-pukenga-dismantle-confirmed?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Hanna McCallum (Post): [A year in limbo since disestablishment of Te Pūkenga announced](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360526886/year-limbo-disestablishment-te-pukenga-announced?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Littlewood (ODT): [Polytech’s future remains undecided](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/polytech%E2%80%99s-future-remains-undecided?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Michael Johnston (Newsroom): [Why universities must be neutral](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/18/why-universities-must-be-neutral/?ref=goodoil.news) John Macdonald (Newstalk ZB): [Free speech rules shouldn't stop at universities](https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/opinion/john-macdonald-free-speech-rules-shouldnt-stop-at-universities/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Universities call for increase in equity funding for students in bottom quintile of NCEA](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537421/universities-call-for-increase-in-equity-funding-for-students-in-bottom-quintile-of-ncea?ref=goodoil.news) Lisa Darragh, Raewyn Eden and David Pomeroy (Newsroom): [The real story behind the Government’s maths narrative](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/23/the-real-story-behind-the-governments-maths-narrative/?ref=goodoil.news) Sophie Lapsley (Press/Post): [Parents hope for fresh start at Christchurch charter school](https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360519054/parents-hope-fresh-start-christchurch-charter-school?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **HEALTH** Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Overloaded maternity system facing job and service cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537382/overloaded-maternity-system-facing-job-and-service-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Ruby Shaw (ODT): [‘Just build the damn hospital’ - Dunedin nurse says run-down facility needs replacing](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/experienced-nurse-slams-retrofit-proposal?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Williams (ODT): [Hospital computer system fails - again](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/hospital-computer-system-fails-again?ref=goodoil.news) Joel Maxwell (Stuff): [I asked people who had cancer about the Government’s tobacco policies - here’s what they said](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360530295/i-asked-people-who-had-cancer-about-governments-tobacco-policies-heres-what-they-said?ref=goodoil.news) Ruth Hill (RNZ): [Fears delays in check-up colonoscopies will result in more bowel cancers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537301/fears-delays-in-check-up-colonoscopies-will-result-in-more-bowel-cancers?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Afemata (Local Democracy Reporting): [Govt ends pilot programme for Māori and Pacific, sparking outrage](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537272/govt-ends-pilot-programme-for-maori-and-pacific-sparking-outrage?ref=goodoil.news) Lee Scanlon (Westport News): ['There will be deaths because of this' - Warning over Health NZ IT cuts](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537294/there-will-be-deaths-because-of-this-warning-over-health-nz-it-cuts?ref=goodoil.news) Diane McCarthy (Local Democracy Reporting): [Obstetrics cuts ‘devastating’, mayors say](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537234/obstetrics-cuts-devastating-mayors-say?ref=goodoil.news) Rachel Graham (RNZ): [Nelson Hospital conditions 'unbearable' - staff](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537308/nelson-hospital-conditions-unbearable-staff?ref=goodoil.news) Liva Polack (RNZ): [The hidden costs of periods could be more than $4 billion a year](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537313/the-hidden-costs-of-periods-could-be-more-than-4-billion-a-year?ref=goodoil.news) Damien Grant (Stuff): [ACC is the uniquely Kiwi success story we need to ask questions about](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360530697/acc-uniquely-kiwi-success-story-we-need-ask-questions-about?ref=goodoil.news) Corazon Miller (1News): [More exam spots for overseas-trained doctors wanting to work in NZ](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/22/more-exam-spots-for-overseas-trained-doctors-wanting-to-work-in-nz/?ref=goodoil.news) Alice Peacock (Newsroom): [Warning over cosmetic cowboys as industry pins hopes on new regulation](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/17/warning-over-cosmetic-injectables-as-industry-awaits-new-regulation/?ref=goodoil.news) **FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE** Anne-Marie Brady (Stuff): [Opinion: On developing political competency with China](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360530522/opinion-developing-political-competency-china?ref=goodoil.news) Barbara Dreaver (1News): [Cook Islands govt puts NZ citizenship at risk](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/22/cook-islands-govt-puts-nz-citizenship-at-risk/?ref=goodoil.news) Sam Smith (Stuff): [Cook Islands plan break with New Zealand](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360532238/cook-islands-plan-break-new-zealand?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): [How diplomats have broken the law in NZ - and what happened next](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537297/how-diplomats-have-broken-the-law-in-nz-and-what-happened-next?ref=goodoil.news) Olivia Wannan (Stuff): [Police failed to test Wellington assault victims for spiked drinks](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360525954/police-failed-test-wellington-assault-victims-spiked-drinks?ref=goodoil.news) Phil Pennington (RNZ): [NZ tight-lipped over membership of space network](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537222/nz-tight-lipped-over-membership-of-space-network?ref=goodoil.news) Caroline Williams (Stuff): [Government issues tender to replace the NZDF’s ailing jets](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360531094/government-issues-tender-replace-nzdfs-ailing-jets?ref=goodoil.news) **TRANSPORT** Glenn McConnell (Stuff): [Unions' economist predicts new Cook Strait ferries will cost at least $1.7 billion](https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360530998/unions-economist-predicts-new-cook-strait-ferries-will-cost-least-17-billion?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: Transmission [Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastructure Minister says](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537318/transmission-gully-partnership-breakdown-will-not-hurt-future-public-private-partnerships-infrastructure-minister-says?ref=goodoil.news) Wayne Brown (Herald): [Auckland Transport ‘surgically changed’: Now Aucklanders are back in charge of decisions](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-transport-surgically-changed-now-aucklanders-are-back-in-charge-of-decisions-wayne-brown/DZBOEZPGUFEEPGYYLKYHIBMO5Y/?ref=goodoil.news) Simon Kingham and Matt Morris (The Conversation): [Getting people out of their cars is possible with the right plans and policies – case study](https://theconversation.com/getting-people-out-of-their-cars-is-possible-with-the-right-plans-and-policies-case-study-246023?ref=goodoil.news) Bronwyn Howell (Asymmetric Information): [KiwiRail myths and realities](https://nzae.substack.com/p/kiwirail-myths-and-realities-howell) Susan Edmunds (RNZ): [End of Clean Car discount, road user charges see EV sales decline](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537245/end-of-clean-car-discount-road-user-charges-see-ev-sales-decline?ref=goodoil.news) Nick James (RNZ): [Wellington Railway Station still earthquake prone despite years of strengthening work](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537282/wellington-railway-station-still-earthquake-prone-despite-years-of-strengthening-work?ref=goodoil.news) **JUDGE’S ALTERCATION WITH WINSTON PETERS** Andrea Vance (Post): [Judge not, lest ye be judged? Unless you’re an actual judge](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360530192/judge-not-lest-ye-be-judged-unless-youre-actual-judge?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Presland (The Standard): [Much ado about nothing](https://thestandard.org.nz/much-ado-about-nothing-6/?ref=goodoil.news) David Farrar: [Greg makes it worse for the judge](https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2024/12/greg%5Fmakes%5Fit%5Fworse%5Ffor%5Fthe%5Fjudge.html?ref=goodoil.news) **LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WATER** Andrea Vance (Post): [The Wellington Power List ‒ 2024](https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360519402/wellington-power-list-2024?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) K Gurunathan (Post): [Finding a vision for Wellington we can all share](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360526733/finding-vision-wellington-we-can-all-share?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Julie Jacobson (Stuff): [Early Christmas present for Wellington bridge supporters](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360529971/early-christmas-present-wellington-bridge-supporters?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Wellington council pauses demolition of City to Sea bridge](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537257/wellington-council-pauses-demolition-of-city-to-sea-bridge?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [James Cameron to launch new 'vision' to save struggling Wellington](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537229/james-cameron-to-launch-new-vision-to-save-struggling-wellington?ref=goodoil.news) Soumya Bhamidipati (RNZ): [Wellington community hub Te Wāhi Āwhina closes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537259/wellington-community-hub-te-wahi-awhina-closes?ref=goodoil.news) Bernard Orsman (Herald): [Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown set to seek a second term with polls showing he’s become a hit with voters](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-set-to-seek-a-second-term-with-polls-showing-hes-become-a-hit-with-voters/ISGS6F5VE5D53G5ZUD3EMIIRM4/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Simon Wilson (Herald): [Swim time! Wayne Brown goes swimming while the Government fishes for council savings](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/swim-time-wayne-brown-goes-swimming-while-the-government-fishes-for-council-savings-simon-wilson/GV35DOWAPRGULFV5NSOV6D6UNM/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald: [Karanga Plaza Pool: Downtown Auckland pool a hit after Mayor Wayne Brown commissions it](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/karanga-plaza-pool-downtown-auckland-pool-a-hit-after-mayor-wayne-brown-commissions-it/NKCWLTZN7RHZBEOXUB7CP4VG24/?ref=goodoil.news) Maia Hart (Local Democracy Reporting): [Council approves equestrian park's $250k irrigation system despite criticism](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537265/council-approves-equestrian-park-s-250k-irrigation-system-despite-criticism?ref=goodoil.news) Matthew Rosenberg (Local Democracy Reporting): [Invercargill's Christmas lights fall victim to cost-cutting](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/537291/invercargill-s-christmas-lights-fall-victim-to-cost-cutting?ref=goodoil.news) Kate Green (RNZ): ['Unfair system': Who will pay to fix Waimate's water problem?](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537235/unfair-system-who-will-pay-to-fix-waimate-s-water-problem?ref=goodoil.news) Reynold Macpherson (Rotorua Daily Post/Herald): [Local Government Act reforms needed for transparency and accountability](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/local-government-act-reforms-needed-for-transparency-and-accountability-reynold-macpherson/UDMUXR5K25FWHLZB6P7KP4YYYE/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Matthew Martin (Waikato Times): [Region’s leaders take first step in Government deal](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360531973/regions-leaders-take-first-step-government-deal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Benn Bathgate (Waikato Times): [Trash talk: Waipā mayor, council hit out at Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant proposal](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360528862/trash-talk-waipa-mayor-council-hit-out-te-awamutu-waste-energy-plant-proposal?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Emily Ireland (Local Democracy Reporting): [Demolition plans put to public](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360530711/demolition-plans-put-public?ref=goodoil.news) Jonathan Killick (Sunday Star Times): [Debate revs up over turning Rosebank Speedway into a dog park](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360524399/debate-revs-over-turning-rosebank-speedway-dog-park?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) RNZ: [New Plymouth mayor takes tumble, breaks wrist at skatepark opening](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537422/new-plymouth-mayor-takes-tumble-breaks-wrist-at-skatepark-opening?ref=goodoil.news) **MEDIA** Hayden Donnell (RNZ): [Mediawatch ranks media's best-of 2024 lists](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537387/mediawatch-ranks-media-s-best-of-2024-lists?ref=goodoil.news) Jarrod Gilbert (Herald): [This Herald column is no more](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/this-herald-column-is-no-more-jarrod-gilbert/EG3XIRLSENFCJK4RDVOOW23KNI/?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Herald: [NZ Media Council upholds complaint about NZ Film Commission pōwhiri being called ‘parties’](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-media-council-upholds-complaint-about-nz-film-commission-powhiri-being-called-parties/PNT5A3YZTBFLLFYJYQAR5POVIQ/?ref=goodoil.news) **HOUSING, PROPERTY INDUSTRY, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION** Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): [Govt walks away from infrastructure alliance](https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/23/govt-walks-away-from-infrastructure-alliance/?ref=goodoil.news) Mary Williams (ODT): [‘Now I have been given my life back’](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98now-i-have-been-given-my-life-back%E2%80%99?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Greg Ninness (Interest): [Home ownership the most affordable it has been for 1st home buyers since October 2021](https://www.interest.co.nz/property/131323/falling-house-prices-bottom-market-and-lower-mortgage-rates-improve-affordability?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Homeless evictions in Whanganui: about 7 remain from 50](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537362/homeless-evictions-in-whanganui-about-7-remain-from-50?ref=goodoil.news) Max Frethey (Local Democracy Reporting): [Surprise delay to Nelson housing plan after hazard maps challenged again](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/20/surprise-delay-to-nelson-housing-plan-after-hazard-maps-challenged-again/?ref=goodoil.news) Esther Taunton (Stuff): [These are the suburbs with the sharpest rent rises this year](https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360522269/these-are-suburbs-sharpest-rent-rises-year?ref=goodoil.news) Victoria Young (BusinessDesk): [Material Matters: what we’ve learned](https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/material-matters-what-weve-learned?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **ENERGY** Herald: [2024: A wake-call for NZ energy security - Genesis CEO](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/2024-a-wake-call-for-nz-energy-security-genesis-ceo/TXHZALB37BAH5I6VQ2STEHXYGE/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Contact's proposed $2 billion takeover of Manawa Energy delayed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537242/contact-s-proposed-2-billion-takeover-of-manawa-energy-delayed?ref=goodoil.news) Jemima Huston (RNZ): [Meridian Energy, Nova Energy combine to build solar farm](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/537250/meridian-energy-nova-energy-combine-to-build-solar-farm?ref=goodoil.news) Stephen Ward (Waikato Times/Post):[$660m solar farm on cards for just east of Taupō](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360530254/660m-solar-farm-cards-just-east-taupo?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) **CRIME, POLICING** Rachel Helyer Donaldson (RNZ): [Victim advocates warn women fearing for safety this Christmas may not call police](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537373/victim-advocates-warn-women-fearing-for-safety-this-christmas-may-not-call-police?ref=goodoil.news) Anneke Smith (RNZ): [Former political figure who abused teens confirms appeal](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/537248/former-political-figure-who-abused-teens-confirms-appeal?ref=goodoil.news) 1News: [King Cobra members charged after social media post](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/20/king-cobra-members-charged-after-social-media-post/?ref=goodoil.news) RNZ: [Gang members charged after social media post](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/537281/gang-members-charged-after-social-media-post?ref=goodoil.news) **SAFETY** Martin Van Beynen (Press/Post): [Quad bikes: A farmer’s best friend or worst enemy?](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360501684/quad-bikes-farmers-best-friend-or-worst-enemy?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Sarah Morcom (Waikato Times): [Puke Coal’s decade of interactions with WorkSafe](https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360513378/puke-coals-decade-interactions-worksafe?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) Wayne Brown (Sunday Start Time): [The spectre of safety: ‘We all die eventually’](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360529863/wayne-brown-and-spectre-safety-we-all-die-eventually?ref=goodoil.news) (paywalled) # 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%2F4023f68b-9b86-45fe-a83a-5cc4861e3801_2322x1581.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 21 December 2024 II ![](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%2F13a8dd07-f643-40db-a7d3-81197b339428_2602x1617.png) Bell - The Post 21 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%2F2f196694-2364-4779-9b19-ca69f8495ead_2642x1794.png) Body - NZ Herald 23 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%2Fcbb22ba8-3455-4812-8a0a-9587ba9e56a6_1230x1190.png) Emmerson - NZ Herald 21 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%2F4b6ff9ae-8b79-4d93-b17f-ea43d82b88a9_2527x1952.png) Yeo - ODT 21 December 2024 [Leave a comment](https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/nz-politics-daily-23-december-2024/comments)