Across Britain, home bakers are turning garden sheds and roadside stalls into thriving little businesses, relying on customers to help themselves and pay honestly. Could the same idea flourish in New Zealand, and what might it reveal about community trust, local enterprise and the freedom to earn a living? Report by eLocal | 24 October 2026 · A Little Wooden Shed and a Very Big Idea · Imagine driving along a quiet country road outside Pukekohe…

In 1954, two teenage girls murdered a mother in a Christchurch park, setting in motion one of the most disturbing criminal cases in New Zealand history. Now Pauline Parker has died aged 88, closing the final living chapter of a tragedy that became a worldwide fascination and left an enduring question about friendship, obsession, responsibility and the possibility of redemption Report by eLocal | 24 October 2026 · For more than seven decades,…

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…

Christopher Luxon has unveiled a 26-point programme for the first 100 days of a re-elected National-led government, promising action on household costs, public services, criminal justice and economic growth. But behind the headlines lies a critical distinction between passing laws, announcing investigations and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary New Zealanders. Report by eLocal | 25 October 2026 · A Plan for…

More than 28 years after Ben Smart and Olivia Hope disappeared in the Marlborough Sounds, Scott Watson's murder convictions are again before New Zealand's highest court. The Crown insists the case against him was overwhelming, but the Supreme Court must consider a narrower and fundamental question: whether admitting disputed identification evidence created a miscarriage of justice. Report by eLocal · Twenty-Eight Years Later, the Evidence…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Spacious and versatile, this four-bedroom Waiuku home offers relaxed family living across two levels. Featuring two generous living areas, an open-plan kitchen and dining space, elevated balcony views, established gardens and expansive lawns, there is room for everyone to enjoy. A large internal-access double garage adds everyday practicality, while schools, shops, cafes, parks and Waiuku's outdoor attractions are all within easy reach. !Image…

Discover refined family living on Grace James Road, Pukekohe, one of the area’s most prestigious addresses. Set on 940 sqm, this impressive five-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers two generous living areas, a beautifully appointed open-plan kitchen and flexible accommodation ideal for families, guests or working from home. Covered patios provide year-round outdoor living, while double internal-access garaging, extensive parking and a peaceful…

Discover the charm of Buckland living in this character-filled home, privately set on 1,742sqm of beautifully established grounds. Three bedrooms, two generous living areas and striking timber-lined vaulted ceilings create a warm, inviting retreat, while the expansive west-facing deck captures sunshine and spectacular rural sunsets. With mature native trees, abundant fruit trees and peaceful country views, this is a special place to call home. !…

The Kremlin says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged frontline town of Alyoshki, reportedly brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's landmark diesel agreement with Vladimir Putin faces potential scrutiny from Democrats should they gain control of Congress in the midterm elections. Across Europe, tensions are rising as cities including Paris prepare for renewed protests and…

Chatham House frets Trump will be “unshackled” after the midterms. Rubio says America is no longer defensive. Susan Kokinda on diesel, Yalta panic, and the executive tools that don’t need Congress Susan Kokinda opens with Chatham House's October 15 warning that President Trump could come out of the midterms "unshackled from electoral constraints," and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's answer in Mumbai: "we're no longer going to be defensive." ·…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Donald Trump of spreading false information about the impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. But independent energy assessments reveal a more complicated picture, with disruptions in both Russia and the Middle East contributing to a global diesel shortage that reaches far beyond the battlefield. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT International, 23 October 2026, with additional…

One of the most recognisable surviving buildings associated with Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime has been devastated by fire in southern Germany. Police have detained a suspect and are investigating possible arson, while Bavarian authorities have already signalled their intention to rebuild the historic mountain retreat. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT International, 24 October 2026, drawing on statements attributed to German police, Bild, DPA…

A Syrian man convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in Munich was released from pre-trial detention because the traumatised teenager could not be questioned quickly enough. Three months later, another woman reported being raped, and the same man is now standing trial alongside two other defendants. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT International, 24 October 2026, with additional reporting from Bild, Süddeutsche Zeitung, DPA and German legal…

He considers the death of 500 Ukrainians at Bucha to be genocide but won’t describe the WWII-era slaughter of over 100,000 Poles by Ukrainian ultra-nationalists, including the estimated 8,000 who were killed on “Bloody Sunday”, the same for fear of an ultra-nationalist revolt if he dares to do so. Zelensky recently posted “Bucha. It was a genocide, recognized by everyone. They buried hundreds of people. They tortured people. We found the grave.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…