As election campaigning focuses on personalities, polling and promises, The Facts Machine is challenging voters to examine measurable results. Its ten leading voter issues provide a starting point for testing what successive governments have delivered and what the next government must improve. Report by eLocal · The central question is not simply which political party promises the most. It is which policies can demonstrably improve the lives of…

For generations, New Zealand has struggled with weak productivity growth, dependence on overseas capital and the challenge of funding the infrastructure and industries needed for lasting prosperity. New Zealand First's latest policy proposes a different economic pathway: discover the nation's resource potential, capture substantial public revenue from its development, and turn that income into enduring national wealth capable of helping build…

She was beautiful, apparently wealthy, and looking for a husband to share her country estate. For one lonely man, it seemed like a dream come true, until he travelled halfway across Brazil and discovered that the woman he hoped to marry had never existed. Beware, Kiwi men! That stunning blonde on your social media feed, the one who says she's single, wealthy, owns a beautiful country property and is desperately searching for a decent man, might…

With New Zealand's Māori economy valued at $126 billion, Andy Loader questions the continuing allocation of taxpayer funding, Treaty-related claims and the costs of iwi consultation in major infrastructure projects. Examining land ownership, resource consent agreements and co-governance, Loader argues for greater financial transparency, accountability and equal treatment under the law. His commentary challenges whether current arrangements…

New Zealand's most senior military officer has resigned after acknowledging past conduct that he says breached Defence Force values. His departure raises questions extending beyond a personal relationship, including disclosure obligations, command authority and whether the military's internal safeguards worked as intended. Report by eLocal | 24 October 2026 · A Sudden Departure at the Top of the Defence Force · The resignation of Air Marshal…

In an open letter to the University of Sydney, Voices for Freedom co-founder Alia Bland condemns Jacinda Ardern’s appointment as Professor of Practice. Challenging the former prime minister’s reputation for empathy and social cohesion, Bland recounts the personal, financial and social consequences she attributes to New Zealand’s COVID-19 policies. She questions whether the university has considered the experiences of those who lost livelihoods,…

Discover European comfort made for real life with Josef Seibel at Halliwell Shoes. With German shoemaking heritage dating back to 1886, the collection combines quality craftsmanship, modern styling and everyday comfort. Explore versatile men’s and ladies’ styles, including extra-wide fittings and larger sizes, with features such as quality leather, removable footbeds and lightweight, flexible soles. Visit Halliwell Shoes in Pukekohe and let the…

Discover retirement with more time for what matters at Acacia Cove Village. For resident Jill, village life has brought new friendships, activities close at hand, freedom from home maintenance and the reassurance of a safe and secure community. With independently owned Acacia Cove able to make decisions locally, residents can spend less time worrying about everyday responsibilities and more time enjoying the people, activities and experiences…

Finding quality menswear shouldn't mean travelling into the city. At Lewis’ Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, men from across Southern Auckland can find clothing, footwear and accessories for work, weekends, special occasions and everyday life, all under one roof For men who appreciate good clothing, the difference is often in the details. · The right shirt. A well-cut jacket. Boots that are made to last. Smart casual clothing that looks good without…

Whether you drive a family runabout, a European luxury vehicle or a high-performance car, keeping it properly maintained matters. This October, PS Automotive in Pukekohe is offering the first ten qualifying customers a choice of a $50 fuel voucher or $50 off their standard service Local Expertise for Almost Every Make and Model · When your vehicle needs attention, finding a workshop with the right equipment, experience and technical knowledge…

Positioned in the heart of Waiuku, this well-presented three-bedroom home combines comfort, convenience and easy-care living. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows onto an expansive sun-soaked deck, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. With a family bathroom, separate toilet, dedicated laundry and double garage with extra storage, it’s a great option for first-home buyers, investors or downsizers. !Image Text · Bedrooms…

Discover relaxed family living at 18 Glennron Lane, Waiuku. This well-presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home offers two separate living areas, a spacious master suite, open-plan kitchen and dining, and seamless flow to a sunny outdoor patio. Set on a fully fenced 683 sqm section with double internal-access garaging, it offers space, practicality and easy living close to Waiuku’s schools, shops and amenities. !Image Text · Bedrooms:…

Set on 1.12ha (more or less) of established, park-like grounds, this beautifully maintained Franklin lifestyle property offers privacy, space and picturesque rural views. The generous 353sqm (more or less) single-level home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, ideal for family life and entertaining. With six-car garaging, substantial shedding and easy access to Pukekohe, schools and motorway connections, this…

Privately positioned amid beautifully landscaped grounds, this substantial residence delivers relaxed luxury and exceptional space for family living. Three bedrooms, a dedicated office and three versatile living areas flow to expansive outdoor entertaining, manicured gardens and a stunning in-ground pool. With generous garaging, ample parking and a private resort-style setting, this is a home designed for entertaining, unwinding and enjoying…

Enjoy the best of village living with this four-bedroom family home on a generous 800sqm section in sought-after Patumahoe. Light-filled open-plan living flows to a sunny patio, while the flat, fully usable grounds offer plenty of space for children, pets and gardens. A large standalone garage provides excellent storage or workshop potential. Right next to Patumahoe School and just a short stroll to the village, this is a superb combination of…

forces continued committing genocide in Gaza after the October 2025 ceasefire, while carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied West Bank. Its findings, presented to the UN General Assembly, document extensive civilian deaths, the targeting of children, sexual violence and expanding Israeli territorial control. Israel rejects the allegations. The report raises urgent questions about international accountability, the…

Elon Musk's reported $1 billion investment in David Ellison's expanding media empire could represent a significant shift in the ownership landscape of American news. But whether the billionaire's involvement will challenge entrenched editorial narratives, strengthen independent journalism or simply concentrate media influence in different hands remains the defining question. INR Report: Based on reporting by Frank Bergman for Slay News and…

Two Nordic leaders have challenged Europe's reluctance to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reopening diplomatic contact ahead of planned peace negotiations. Although the initiative was coordinated with Ukraine, objections from neighbouring European governments have exposed disagreements over who should speak to Moscow, on whose authority, and whether maintaining a united political position should take precedence over…

Israel's first parliamentary election since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 has delivered a striking political uncertainty. Early exit polls suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing alliance has lost its parliamentary majority, but the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has also fallen short of the seats needed to govern. With Arab parties projected to make substantial gains, Israel faces difficult questions…

Slovakia has reopened formal economic discussions with Russia after a five-year interruption, challenging the assumption that European sanctions and diplomatic isolation can be sustained without significant domestic economic consequences. Prime Minister Robert Fico's government maintains that protecting energy supplies and industrial employment is a national priority, while critics warn that renewed engagement with Moscow risks undermining…

Vladimir Putin extends a message of friendship to African nations at Moscow's Gas Exporting Countries Summit, calling for an end to energy sanctions used as political weapons. Putin also holds talks with Finnish and Norwegian leaders over the Ukraine conflict, drawing criticism from other European powers. Meanwhile, Israel heads to its first parliamentary election since the October 7 attacks and Gaza war, with reported turnout reaching 55%.…

Who really controls American foreign policy? In a revealing interview with George Galloway, Tucker Carlson questions whether President Trump or powerful unelected interests determine Washington's decisions. He argues that the US is effectively at war with Russia and that Trump's promises to end foreign conflicts have been undermined. From Ukraine and Iran to intelligence agencies, political donors and presidential advisers, Carlson raises…

From flood-affected communities and rising rates to public asset ownership and economic independence, Sue Grey argues that New Zealand needs a fundamental change in how it is governed. Speaking with eLocal's publisher and Founder Mykeljon Winckel ahead of the 2026 general election, Grey outlines her party's approach to restoring local accountability, rebuilding productive capacity and giving ordinary New Zealanders a greater say in decisions…

New Zealand's decision to abandon domestic oil refining deserves scrutiny beyond the price of petrol. The loss of refining capacity also raises questions about industrial by-products, agricultural inputs and whether successive governments have adequately protected the country's productive economy. The Cost of Losing a Strategic Industry · In March 2022, New Zealand's only oil refinery at Marsden Point ceased operations, ending nearly six…

What would it take for New Zealand to move beyond managing economic decline and begin building lasting prosperity? In a revealing conversation with eLocal's Mykeljon Winckel, economist and NZ First MP David Wilson explains how his party wants to reshape the country's economic foundations, putting greater emphasis on productive businesses, national ownership, affordable energy and investment that benefits New Zealanders Report by eLocal | eLocal…

They fell in love in the Dutch East Indies before the Second World War tore their lives apart. For years, each believed the other had died, until an extraordinary encounter at an air force base in December 1947 brought them together again. Originally published in eLocal magazine. Expanded and republished with additional historical context. · Two Strangers on a Staircase · It was late in 1947, at an air force base near Batavia, now Jakarta, in…

Classically trained musician, former teacher and government adviser Emma Chatterton joins Mykeljon Winckel for a wide-ranging eLocal Conversation about the experiences shaping her approach to politics. As she seeks to succeed Judith Collins in Papakura, the discussion explores her personal journey, her ambitions for a rapidly growing electorate and the questions facing New Zealand's next generation Report by eLocal | eLocal Conversations | 16…