NEWS

Zelenskyy is ready for peace talks as US military aid freezes. New Zealand’s navy faces critical shortages, with calls for closer ties to Australia and a $4 billion frigate replacement. Wellington Water’s mismanagement costs top $300,000, while Hyundai gets $300 million payout following scrapped ferry deal. Meanwhile, Trudeau accuses Trump of economic sabotage and UK-France tensions rise over frozen Russian assets.

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ANALYSIS

Michael Reddell questions the proposed Special Economic Zone at Marsden Point, set for Cabinet review, which Shane Jones says could boost trade with business-friendly rules. Meanwhile, David Harvey warns that InternetNZ is shifting from domain management to activism.

THE SIGNPOST

Launching today, Part 1 of Rural Report’s ‘Power Talks’ kicks off with energy consultant Larry Blair detailing New Zealand’s fuel challenges. Maree Buscke and Nicholas Sheppard break down the Oscars and Hollywood’s shifting landscape, while on Legal Hub, Paul Brennan and David Harvey tackle censorship and co-governance. Paul also speaks with Michael Reddell about the risks of Special Economic Zones, and the regular Rural Report examines farmland conversions to pine forests.

Missed yesterday’s highlights? Catch Paul Brennan’s interview with Ramesh Thakur on Chinese naval activity, Tim Wilms on the Australian election, and Rodney Hide’s chat with Andrew Bydder on fixing council bureaucracy.

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