Australia responded to the 2026 fuel crisis by temporarily reducing petrol and diesel excise, while New Zealand retained its existing fuel-tax structure. With fuel prices rising sharply, the comparison raises serious questions about government revenue, transport funding and who should bear the cost of international energy shocks. Report by eLocal · A Question Every New Zealand Motorist Should Be Asking · An Instagram video circulating online…

In this opinion, Dr Guy Hatchard examines the retraction of a prominent Covid vaccine research paper following findings of fabricated data and falsified images. He questions the integrity of biotechnology research, raises concerns about possible links between mRNA vaccination and autoimmune disease, and challenges New Zealand health authorities to release comprehensive health data for independent scrutiny. His central argument is that public…

New Zealand's Serious Fraud Office has charged four people over an alleged bribery arrangement involving public housing construction contracts in Auckland. The allegations raise a wider question about how millions of dollars in public expenditure were monitored, and whether existing safeguards were sufficient to detect suspicious payments. Report by eLocal · Millions in Public Housing Contracts Under Scrutiny · The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)…

Labour has entered the 2026 election campaign promising restrictions on social media access for children under 16, a new digital regulator and stronger controls over technology companies. The proposal raises legitimate questions about protecting young people, but also about whether blanket restrictions can work without imposing new identification requirements and privacy risks on everyone. Report by eLocal · A Promise Made During an Election…

As New Zealand approaches the 2026 general election, Andy Loader questions the growing cost of government, the expansion of the public service and whether taxpayers can continue funding an ever-increasing bureaucracy. He argues that voters must distinguish essential public services from political promises that ultimately add to the national debt. How much does New Zealand owe in debt? · As of late 2026, New Zealand's net core Crown debt stands…

Photographs of Green Party and Te Pāti Māori politicians meeting Mongrel Mob members have triggered a national political dispute just weeks before the general election. Beyond the photographs lies a more consequential question: how should elected representatives engage with organised criminal groups without compromising accountability to their victims? Report by eLocal · A Political Meeting That Demands Closer Examination · On 14 October 2026,…

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 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…

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 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 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…

Enjoy breathtaking elevated views and exceptional family living in this spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, peacefully positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac. Featuring 234 sqm of thoughtfully designed living, two lounges, a modern kitchen with walk-in pantry, double garaging and an expansive entertainer's deck, this home offers comfort, privacy and a protected outlook. Zoned for sought-after Valley School and within walking distance of…

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…

Treasury hit Bank of America with $1.2 billion in penalties for money laundering failures. Susan Kokinda traces the bank from Countrywide and the 1980s debt crisis to King Charles’ green finance club, and Bessent’s challenge to the IMF. Susan Kokinda opens with the more than $1.2 billion in penalties Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's Treasury imposed on Bank of America on October 13 for violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, among…

Russian intelligence claims the US has evidence that Mexican drug cartels are acquiring advanced drone warfare skills in Ukraine, potentially bringing those capabilities home. RT reports from the Kherson region, where residents have reportedly fled amid a Ukrainian blockade restricting food and medical supplies. Meanwhile, France struggles to recover from a weekend of violent riots, with further protests looming as mounting economic pressures…

What appears to be a commercial arrangement to ease diesel shortages may carry consequences far beyond American fuel prices or November's midterm elections. In a wide-ranging interview with Lena Petrova, historian Dr Vladimir Brovkin outlines a potentially historic shift in US foreign policy, one that could reshape the Ukraine conflict, challenge NATO's strategic assumptions and alter the balance of power between the United States, Russia and…

Ukraine's latest request for European financial assistance has reopened a fundamental question about the war with Russia: how much longer can European governments sustain Kyiv's military and budgetary needs, and who ultimately carries the financial risk? With an additional €70 billion reportedly sought for 2027, divisions are emerging over the scale, accountability and repayment of Europe's commitments. INR Report: Based on RT's October 17,…

In this episode of Moscow Mules, Chay Bowes and the crew grab the popcorn for Zelensky’s latest public meltdown over the Trump-Putin “Diesel Deal”- and trust us, the PR tears are flowing. While Kiev goes completely dark and recruiters drag naked guys straight out of the shower, the Pentagon is busy flexing its muscles by planning the livestreamed execution of a paraplegic. Sanity has officially left the building, but Vladimir Putin’s ghost is…

Elon Musk has unveiled a Tesla Roadster capable of driving upside down, leaping over other vehicles and performing controlled manoeuvres in midair. At a demonstration in Texas, the company also recorded a claimed 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 0.81 seconds, offering a glimpse of automotive engineering that until recently belonged largely to science fiction. Report by INR · A new chapter in automotive engineering unfolded at SpaceX's rocket…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…