Andy Loader questions the proposed action plan for Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino Wetland, asking where the cost-benefit analysis, scientific evidence and measurable outcomes are for a project estimated at $1 billion. He argues that government decisions have contributed to the environmental problems, particularly water flows and koi carp, and challenges whether local ratepayers should bear the cost of remediation. Over the last few weeks…

New figures reveal a growing burden of respiratory disease on New Zealand families, hospitals and the economy, with children and older people particularly affected. The scale of the increase demands more than additional funding: it demands a transparent examination of what is driving the illness, which interventions are working and whether important explanations have been overlooked. Report by eLocal · New Zealand recorded 97,151 respiratory…

Former Auckland police officer Matthew Rogers has pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications but is asking the court to discharge him without conviction. His application places the consequences for his future employment against the seriousness of the offending and the higher standards the public expects from those entrusted to enforce the law Report by eLocal · A former Auckland police officer with nearly four decades of service is…

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has placed New Zealand among a small group of countries unwilling to endorse a United Nations pandemic declaration, despite most of his Cabinet colleagues favouring support. The decision raises questions extending beyond public health: who controls New Zealand's international commitments, how far coalition agreements reach, and whether the country's foreign policy is moving closer to the sovereignty-focused…

Chris Hipkins says voters appreciate a politician who answers questions. But as Labour seeks another term in government, the more important question is whether those answers withstand scrutiny. From household costs and healthcare funding to political accountability and the legacy of Labour's previous administration, eLocal examines what was said, what remains unproven, and what New Zealanders should demand before casting their votes. Report by…

New Zealand's election debate is increasingly focused on how wealth should be taxed and redistributed. But behind the competing proposals lies a more fundamental question: can a country maintain its economic sovereignty if it fails to build productive businesses, retain investment and improve the purchasing power of its people? · An examination of Labour's capital gains tax, the Greens' wealth tax and Opportunity's land tax reveals different…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Discover spacious, easy family living in this substantial single-level home, thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection and entertaining. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two generous living areas and double internal-access garaging, there’s room for everyone. At its heart, open-plan living flows effortlessly to a large outdoor deck and expansive lawn, creating the perfect setting for family life, summer gatherings and relaxed weekends. !Im…

Discover space, privacy and versatility on an impressive 3,372 sqm section in Paerata. Recently refurbished, this three-bedroom home offers comfortable family living, while substantial shedding and workshop space provides exceptional room for vehicles, storage, trades or hobbies. Surrounded by established greenery, yet around three minutes from Paerata Train Station with easy access to Pukekohe and the Drury motorway, it combines lifestyle…

Immaculately presented in a sought-after Pukekohe location, this low-maintenance brick home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two generous living areas across 152sqm. The light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining and living space flows to a covered outdoor entertaining area, while the private master includes an ensuite. With double internal-access garaging, an easy-care section and schools, parks, shops, cafés and Pukekohe town centre within…

Set within sought-after Anselmi Ridge, this impressive split-level family home combines space, flexibility and modern comfort. Offering four bedrooms, two bathrooms and generous open-plan living across approximately 222sqm, it features a well-appointed kitchen, seamless outdoor flow and a versatile lower-level room ideal for an office, media room or gym. With a double garage, easy-care grounds and a convenient location close to Valley School…

Be the first to enjoy this beautifully crafted three-bedroom, two-bathroom home by respected local builder Bosanac Builders. Designed for modern living, the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows seamlessly to a generous outdoor deck, while the primary suite features a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. With a double internal-access garage and quality finishes throughout, this brand-new home offers easy-care living in the thriving…

Elon Musk has publicly backed Donald Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, declaring that he has "gone too far" following attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. But after more than four years of devastating warfare, the timing of that condemnation raises an uncomfortable question: why has the disruption of diesel supplies become such a decisive point of confrontation? INR Report: Based on reporting by RT World News HERE ·…

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to livestream the execution of former US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, convicted of murdering 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. The proposal has drawn condemnation from lawmakers, religious leaders and human rights advocates, reopening a debate over whether public executions have any place in a modern justice system. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · The United States is facing a growing controversy…

An American woman sentenced to death for murder has been returned to prison after surviving an execution attempt that left her hospitalised and reportedly unconscious for several days. The case has prompted the resignation of Tennessee's corrections chief, an independent investigation and renewed scrutiny of the use of lethal injection in the United States INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · A Tennessee death row prisoner who survived…

Susan Kokinda opens with the European Union's largest expansion of its Russia sanctions list since the war began, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling Europe's objections to the U.S.–Russia diesel deal "completely hypocritical", since Europe is still Moscow's biggest gas customer. Susan Kokinda · The episode follows the reactions to President Trump's diesel deal, from Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Boris Johnson to the EU's…

Russia strikes facilities it says support Ukraine’s military as Ukrainian forces report major restrictions on access to the US-controlled Starlink network. Meanwhile, Vladimir Zelensky claims Western intelligence sharing is falling short, apparently contradicting statements from his own ministers. In Europe, officials face embarrassment after circulating an allegedly AI-generated graph purporting to show a decline in Russian bot activity…

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an immediate ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure, following his latest discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement comes alongside a temporary easing of sanctions on Russian diesel and renewed pressure on Kiev over its military strategy and presidential elections INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · US President Donald Trump has…

When Grok was instructed to remove the “fake gods” from an image containing religious and mythological figures, it reportedly removed everyone except Jesus Christ. Its subsequent explanation went considerably further, invoking historical evidence for Jesus while distinguishing that evidence from mythology. Report by eLocal · What Happened · According to a report by Frank Bergman for Slay News, an X user posted an image containing approximately…

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…

Is the war in Ukraine approaching a strategic turning point that Western governments are unwilling to acknowledge? In a new interview with Lena Petrova, Professor John Mearsheimer argues that Russia holds the military advantage, Ukraine faces a deepening national crisis, and NATO's strategy has produced consequences that may reshape European security for decades American political scientist Professor John Mearsheimer has delivered a stark…

Former US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has warned that democratic freedoms can be surrendered gradually when governments promise greater safety in exchange for greater authority. Her speech at the Texas Youth Summit raises a question with direct implications for New Zealand, where international intelligence sharing, digital surveillance and newly enacted Police powers are testing the boundaries of democratic accountability. Report by eLocal…

Was the War on Terror shaped by political and strategic interests that extended far beyond the attacks of September 11, 2001? In a new Neutrality Studies interview, Dutch political economist Professor Kees van der Pijl outlines his interpretation of the relationship between Zionism, Western ruling elites and decades of military intervention In an interview published on 8 October 2026, Pascal Lottaz, host of the YouTube channel Neutrality…

What if the greatest transfer of wealth in New Zealand's history required neither invasion nor the outright sale of the country's assets? What if its citizens retained ownership on paper while gradually losing the authority to determine how their land, water, minerals, forests and infrastructure were used? Imagine, for a moment, that you were writing a political thriller. Your fictional objective is the acquisition of a prosperous island…