Christopher Luxon's hour-long meeting with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has opened a potentially decisive new avenue for forming New Zealand's next government. With special votes still outstanding, Opportunity's seven seats could provide the National-led bloc with a substantial parliamentary safety margin. But the party's emergence raises another question: was Opportunity's success simply an unexpected electoral breakthrough, or did political…

Does New Zealand's Prime Minister really understand how MMP works? In this hard-hitting opinion, Andy Loader challenges National's opposition to strategic vote-splitting and questions the mainstream media's criticism of campaigns encouraging voters to use their two votes strategically. With electoral overhangs permitted under MMP since 1996, Loader asks why politicians and commentators condemn voters for using the very rules Parliament…

For decades, successive New Zealand governments have made decisions that have shifted economic power away from Kiwi wage earners towards corporate and financial interests, many controlled offshore. Our only oil refinery is gone, foreign-owned banks generate billions in profits, and dependence on imported energy continues while taxpayers service government debt. Is this the unavoidable cost of globalisation, or the deliberate surrender of New…

New Zealand has emerged from its 2026 general election without a definitive answer about who will govern. Labour has narrowly overtaken National in the preliminary party vote, the governing coalition is clinging to a one-seat majority, and the unexpected parliamentary breakthrough of the Opportunity Party has transformed the political landscape. With hundreds of thousands of special votes awaiting scrutiny, the country faces three weeks of…

Thousands of Auckland residents are losing internet connectivity as thieves hunting for scrap copper damage vital fibre-optic infrastructure. Police warn the consequences extend far beyond interrupted broadband, with one school reporting a 20-minute delay accessing a student's medical information during an emergency. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ, with additional eLocal analysis of infrastructure security and community resilience. · …

When eLocal recently asked whether Britain's cake shed craze could take off in New Zealand, we never imagined the answer would arrive in our own inbox. But that's exactly what happened when Queenstown baker Rosie Cunnington got in touch. Her story is one of creativity, courage, community trust and the extraordinary things ordinary New Zealanders can achieve when they're given the opportunity. There are some stories that simply make you smile.…

Racing season is the perfect excuse to dress up, and the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a day at the races, a special lunch or an occasion that calls for something a little more elegant, the new Pitillos collection has just arrived at Halliwell’s of Pukekohe. Spanish Style Meets Everyday Comfort · Designed and made in Spain, Pitillos has built its reputation on bringing together contemporary European…

Summer is arriving at Lewis' Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, and with new stock arriving daily, there's never been a better time to refresh your wardrobe. From smart casual clothing and summer shirts to quality footwear and accessories, discover fresh styles from leading menswear brands. Get in store and explore what's new while stocks last! Summer Starts at Lewis' · There's something about the arrival of summer that makes you want to freshen up…

Why Dan the Man? Because when it comes to looking after your vehicle, Dan knows his stuff! As owner and head mechanic of PS Automotive in Pukekohe, Dan and his team take pride in delivering quality workmanship, honest advice and friendly, personal service. Whether your vehicle needs a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), routine servicing, preventative maintenance, brake repairs, tyres, wheel alignment or mechanical repairs, PS Automotive has you covered.…

When it comes to creating a beautiful home, the difference is in the detail. And at Craftsman Cabinets in Patumahoe, Jason Michie and his team understand just how important those details are. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what customers Kath and Jay had to say: · “Jason was incredible with the build of our kitchen. He is so knowledgeable and has an amazing eye for detail. His craftsmanship is exceptional and we just love our new…

Retirement should be about enjoying life, making new friends and having the freedom to do more of what you love. At Acacia Cove in Wattle Downs, residents are discovering that the next chapter can be one of the most rewarding. For John, choosing Acacia Cove wasn't a decision made overnight. Having lived locally and experienced retirement villages throughout Auckland, he had a good understanding of what was available. But there was something…

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…

Experience elevated family living in Pukekohe’s sought-after Valley precinct. Spanning three thoughtfully designed levels and offering 241sqm (more or less) of living space, this impressive residence features five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a light-filled open-plan living area flowing to a generous sun-soaked entertaining deck. With a private upper-level primary suite, internal-access double garaging, low-maintenance grounds and easy access…

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…

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 stylish, low-maintenance living in the heart of Paerata Rise. This beautifully presented 168sqm Platinum Home offers three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dedicated home office and contemporary open-plan living flowing effortlessly to a generous outdoor entertaining deck. A louvre-covered alfresco area, fully fenced 427sqm section, walk-in pantry and internal-access garaging add everyday convenience. Perfectly positioned near…

France is facing mounting economic and political turmoil as shrinking output, rising inflation and a growing debt burden place President Emmanuel Macron's government under increasing pressure. With protesters taking to the streets over austerity measures, public spending priorities and declining living standards, the country's finance minister has warned that France is heading towards a financial reckoning. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT,…

An equipment failure in Japan temporarily disrupted banking services across 128 regional financial institutions, preventing customers from withdrawing cash, making transfers and accessing other essential services. Although operations were restored within hours, the incident has exposed the vulnerability of banking networks that depend on shared digital infrastructure. INR Report: Based on reporting by Frank Bergman for Slay News HERE, with…

Barbara flips the Daily Beast's Goebbels smear of Stephen Miller: who financed Hitler, how Nazi propaganda worked, and why the Ark Trump is building—and Miller's mindset—will decide whether the Republic lives or dies. Barbara Boyd · Right after Stephen Miller was named White House Chief of Staff, the Daily Beast called him "Deputy President Joseph Goebbels." Barbara Boyd, who spent years studying how Hitler came to power, turns the charge…

Outrage grows over Ukraine's controversial mobilisation tactics as an MP calls for civilians evacuated from the embattled town of Alyoshki to be conscripted for frontline service. In Israel, the president asks the opposition leader to form a government amid deep political divisions, while an Arab-bloc MP discusses the historic election result. Meanwhile, as the Saudi-led war against Yemen's Houthis intensifies, Syria denies Western media…

America's largest oil companies have reportedly enjoyed an extraordinary surge in profits during the US-Israeli war against Iran, earning approximately US$130 billion in just six months. While energy producers and refiners benefit from disrupted global supplies and rising prices, American motorists and businesses are paying billions more for fuel. The financial windfall raises questions about who benefits economically from prolonged conflict…

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine's borders could change as part of a negotiated settlement with Russia, ahead of renewed trilateral discussions involving Washington, Moscow and Kiev in the United Arab Emirates. While Trump predicts an end to the conflict could be approaching, Ukraine continues to reject territorial concessions and Russia insists any lasting agreement must recognise what it describes as the new realities on…

Did Democrats turn Trump's own America First playbook against the Republicans? Former Trump adviser George Papadopoulos joins Rick to examine the GOP's midterm election setbacks, arguing that broken promises, the Iran war, tariffs and immigration policies alienated MAGA voters. With traditionally Republican states turning blue, he says Democrats successfully tapped into voter concerns over living costs, the economy and foreign wars. What does…

New Zealand's property market is entering a period of unusually high housing stock, with 37,433 homes available for sale during October — the largest October selection since 2014. While buyers enjoy greater choice, falling asking prices, fewer new listings and a seven-year low in auction activity suggest vendors are facing a more challenging selling environment. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Susan Edmunds for RNZ, incorporating October…

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…

New Zealand faces a defining choice following an election that has left the formation of its next government uncertain. While political parties negotiate for power, the country confronts a more fundamental challenge: how to rebuild productivity, reduce dependence on borrowing and create lasting national wealth. Renewed oil production in Taranaki and fresh interest in offshore gas exploration raise a compelling question. Could New Zealand's own…

New Zealand's unemployment rate has climbed to 5.7%, its highest level in nearly 11 years, with 174,000 people now officially unemployed. Businesses remain reluctant to hire, long-term unemployment is increasing, and wage growth is struggling to keep pace with inflation. While politicians point to signs of economic recovery, the latest figures raise a more fundamental question: if the economy is improving, why are so many New Zealanders still…

Western analysts frequently measure Russia's progress in Ukraine by territory gained or lost. But the author of this TrendCompass opinion argues that Moscow's longer-term objective may be to reshape Ukraine's political system rather than simply occupy more land. IN DEPTH: Originally published by TrendCompass, 6 November 2026. · With all the excitement going on all over the place, the war in Ukraine almost became background noise. Observers,…