February 2019

The public might assume that justice equals the truth, with regards to any Court Case brought before the New Zealand court, however in our adversarial system they may not be the same thing at all. New Zealand’s justice system is part of our system of government. New Zealand’s government is modelled on the British system (the Westminster model) and is based on a concept called…

It’s hard to believe that as you folks read this month’s edition of elocal it will be February, Kids will be back at school, the humidity will be full on, and we will have endured another year of who went, who didn’t and who did and didn’t do what at Waitangi. We have had lots of letters in over the holidays and requests from people wanting to hear more about certain topics, so…

Polocrosse, the fast paced, 6 player team game played with a ball and net, all while on horseback is coming to Counties Polocrosse Club 588 Glenbrook Rd, Karaka on the 16th and 17th March, 2019. If you have never seen Polocrosse before this is your chance! This event is not to be missed with the feature game each day at 1pm being a test match between the New Zealand and the…

We are spoilt for choice, in New Zealand, when it comes to finding beautiful islands just a hop, skip and a jump (or swim) from our back door. In this edition, we travel down to the bottom of the North Island, beginning with the stunningly beautiful Kapiti Island, and on to the South Island, which has its own unique set of rugged and majestic island getaways. Kapiti Island …

As someone who has been forced to deal with a couple of serious medical conditions in the past, I am accustomed to “worst scenario” theories offered by professionals. And also, quite thankful for them. I would much rather hear the worst and hope for the best. I wonder if scientists and other professionals commenting on climate change are doing the same; warning us of the…

Heat pumps have become the go-to solution for solving heating woes in New Zealand homes over the last few years. In July 2019 it becomes compulsory for all rental housing in New Zealand to have insulation and adequate clean heating, many landlords are looking to heat pumps to provide security that they are adhering to the new regulations and providing a warm environment for their…

Dear Sirs. In the latest edition of eLocal Ms. Lucy Mullinger writes an article about the in her opinion quite deplorable state of the education and well-being of children in New Zealand. She uses the phrase "in comparison to other Western countries, however based on statistics" and later on refers in that context to the OECD. In her article she then first compares the NZ…

If you are looking for your individual needs to be met, at affordable and realistic prices, come and visit our new show home to see all the latest materials that A1 Homes has to offer. Tony Smith offers MANY years of experience with over 300 homes under his ownership of A1 Homes South Auckland. Tony has the knowledge, flexibility and experience to offer you a fixed price for your…

When you see that flash of tartan go by and no bagpipes or you see big jock hold the post hole borer and still no bagpipes, then you know it’s one of the Wee Job vehicles on its way to another job! The Wee job company’s team of three has been working in the South Auckland region and wider areas for the past 15 years. Well known for their hard-working attitude and high level of…

For thousands of years, history, genealogies, stories and mythology had to be memorised by rote and gruelling repetition, then handed down in perfect oral delivery to each ensuing generation. For this mammoth task, children exhibiting the brightest and best minds within a tribe were chosen and set aside to be the bearers of the knowledge. This oral transmission prevailed in many…

Managing director Andrew Butts spends all his spare time chasing big game fish, but the catch he's most proud of is the stash of awards the company netted from the Master Builders' House of the Year awards. Already successful in 2015 and 2017, last year they scooped the pool by not only winning gold and gold reserve in their category but also taking out the national title for new…

Last month, I wrote about some common misconceptions about the profitability of the banks operating in New Zealand, and noted that the Big Four Aussie banks, while quite profitable compared with banks elsewhere in the world, are not wildly profitable in comparison to many other listed companies in New Zealand. I noted that other banks in New Zealand are not nearly as profitable,…

The automotive hobby is an interesting one with it being a big melting pot of people and so many interesting vehicles. We have featured Bob Neville’s “Lucky 17” Ford Model A boat tail speedster before but it’s worth talking about again. The neat little car has a wide appeal across a range of people, it bridges the gap between vintage or classic and hot rod or custom. Ladies say…

The team at Flooring Xtra in Papakura are extra busy keeping the district's floors looking good. We've never been busier,” says Richard Wickett, co-owner of the store with his wife Trish. Having local support means a lot to the Wicketts. Long established in the district and well known through their sporting contacts, they're committed to Papakura and delighted to be part of the…

Ebbett Pukekohe is part of a trusted motor vehicle company that’s been going from strength to strength for 90 years. An early photo shows a line-up of trucks outside the Hamilton premises of Ebbett Motors, the names of Vauxhall and Chevrolet proudly emblazoned on the building behind. Along with other General Motors marques including Oldsmobile and the now defunct Oakland, these…

Tena koutou ki a koutou a Ngapuhi E hari ana taku ngakau ki te mihi atu ki a koutou He iwi kotahi tatou No reira tena koutou. Can I begin my comments today by saying how much I appreciate your invitation? I have no doubt that some of you see me as a racist of the worst kind. It is a great tribute to you that you are nevertheless willing to have me here today, at this place of…

Since 2011, Papakura Youth Council has been a valuable asset to its Youth in the Papakura community by allowing them to be seen and heard. Working alongside the Papakura Local Board and community groups, the Youth Council are advocates for young people and organise initiatives and events that creates awareness and engagement for youth in today’s society. Current Papakura Youth…

There’s never been a better time to be old in New Zealand. Baby boomers, the generation born after WWII, are enjoying longer and better twilight years than ever before. And they are enjoying those years thanks to better health, better living conditions and greater wealth than their predecessors. Courtesy of government-provided, universally available superannuation, today’s…

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula perched atop a rising ridge stands the imposing and lasting monument to one man’s insistent desire to announce to the world that he had arrived, that he was someone and that he had ‘done good’. William Larnach had grown up on the rural estate of Rosemount, in the Patrick Plains of the Hunter Valley near Singleton in New South Wales,…

Buyers and sellers can only feel a degree of comfort at the continuing low mortgage interest charges. The Reserve Bank in its November 2018 Monetary Policy Statement indicated a clear intention to hold the Official Cash Rate at 1.75% throughout 2019 and 2020. Buyers and sellers can only feel a degree of comfort at the continuing low mortgage interest charges. The Reserve Bank in…

It took six years to install the new skate park at Ray Small Park, much of that time used to stabilise the land, once part of the old Papakura dump. But Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says since it opened last year the doubters have been proved wrong, with the facility well-used and incident free. It took six years to install the new skate park at Ray Small Park,…

Shop locally and support the businesses in Papakura! Did you know that in Papakura we have… • Sushi places • Cafes • Bakeries • Barber Shops • Gym/Rec Centre • Health places including Physio, Doctors, foot clinic, Massage places, Lab tests, Family Planning, Medicine clinics, Chiropractic clinic and more. • Dental Clinics • Accountancy Firms • Banks • Finance Companies • Valuers •…