The Lake Waikare–Whangamarino Action Plan is intended to improve water quality across one of the Waikato’s most important catchments. But from the perspective of the primary land users who will be expected to implement and help pay for it, the plan risks imposing enormous economic and social costs while failing to address the problems landowners believe are driving the deterioration of the waterways. This “Action Plan” is, in my opinion,…

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is proposing that from 2029, eligibility for NZ Superannuation should require New Zealand citizenship, not simply permanent residency. Duncan Garner argues the proposal deserves serious debate as the cost of Super rises and an ageing population places increasing pressure on future taxpayers. Winston Peters Wants NZ Super Restricted to Citizens · NZ First proposal puts residency, citizenship and Super…

WELLINGTON — The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party ("Freedom") is proud to announce that prominent whistleblower and transparency advocate Barry Young will stand as a candidate for the party in the 2026 General Election. · Barry Young was the database administrator who developed the "pay-per-dose" system for Health NZ. He is better known for whistleblowing when the data showed unexpectedly high post-vax deaths. He was subsequently raided by armed…

Artificial intelligence is rapidly improving the brains of robots, but building their bodies remains surprisingly old-fashioned. Hungarian robotics startup Allonic believes the answer could be to stop assembling increasingly complicated machines and start manufacturing them more like biological bodies. eLocal Report: Based on information published by Allonic and additional robotics and manufacturing reporting. · For decades, advances in…

ACT is campaigning to end the Waitangi Tribunal’s contemporary jurisdiction, arguing the institution has become increasingly ideological and expansive. Critics say the proposal misunderstands the Tribunal’s original purpose and would remove an important mechanism for scrutinising how government decisions affect Māori rights. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Giles Dexter for RNZ HERE. · ACT has placed the future of the Waitangi Tribunal…

Across Europe, immigration is no longer merely an argument about border numbers. Large sections of the electorate are demanding lower migration, while polling shows significant support in several countries for requiring some recent migrants to leave. New Zealand First is now putting a fundamentally different proposition before New Zealand voters: immigration should serve the country's capacity, infrastructure and citizens, rather than…

OceanaGold wants to extend the life of its Macraes gold mine for another decade, targeting around one million additional ounces of gold. The proposal promises hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity, but it also raises a bigger question: when a finite New Zealand resource is extracted, how much of that wealth should be preserved for future generations? eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Tess Brunton for RNZ HERE. ·…

Beneficiaries were left with an average $251 a week after housing costs, according to a Ministry of Social Development report. Budgeting advisers say some households are increasingly turning to KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals, food support and buy-now-pay-later services simply to cover everyday essentials. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Lauren Crimp for RNZ HERE · New Zealand beneficiaries were left with an average of just $251 a week…

With Gabor shoes, we can bring you the latest styles and colours from Europe, with the fit and comfort that Kiwi feet need — including styles with a little extra width. Have you ever looked at an elegant pointed-toe shoe and thought, “There’s no way that’s going to fit my feet”? · Think again. · Gabor has been designing shoes since 1949 and has perfected the balance between style, fit and comfort. So you don't have to give up the elegant…

There was a time when shopping for menswear meant being able to see the range, feel the quality, try things on and get genuine advice from someone who knew their products. At Lewis’ Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, you still can. For more than 40 years, Lewis’ Mens Fashion has been helping generations of men from Franklin, Southern Auckland and further afield find quality clothing and footwear that looks good, fits properly and lasts. · Established in…

Behind the day-to-day flow of insurance repairs at Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint is a workshop still driven by genuine automotive passion. From modern collision work to rare restorations like a 1950s Lancia B24S, the Pukekohe team combines technical expertise, craftsmanship and more than 30 years of local reputation. Walk into Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint in Pukekohe on any given day and you'll find the workshop focused on what has become…

Retirement can be the beginning of something new. At Acacia Cove Village in Wattle Downs, residents enjoy the freedom to spend more time doing the things they love, surrounded by friends, activities, facilities and a genuine sense of community “We Thought This One Was By Far the Best” · For resident Phil, choosing Acacia Cove came after carefully looking at the retirement living options available across South Auckland. · “The reason that we…

Few moments in life are more difficult than losing someone you love. · In those first hours and days, emotions can feel overwhelming. There are decisions to make, people to contact, paperwork to complete, and often a sense of uncertainty about what happens next. · At Fountains Funeral Services, we understand that this is not just a process. It is a deeply personal journey. As a locally owned family business, our role is simple: to care for…

In this opinion, former police officer Mike McDaniel argues that Sweden’s tougher approach to organised crime, including deporting foreign offenders, increased policing and measures aimed at gang recruitment, has contributed to a dramatic fall in shootings. With Sweden facing another election, he questions whether voters will continue supporting the policies he credits with reversing years of escalating gang violence. Opinion by Mike McDaniel |…

Russian President Vladimir Putin says international interest in BRICS continues to grow as the expanded grouping develops deeper trade links and financial infrastructure outside traditional Western-led systems. Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Putin pointed to growing membership, $1.2 trillion in intra-BRICS trade and proposals for new cross-border payment mechanisms. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · BRICS Looks Beyond Its…

Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel has called for Ukrainian migrants to return home, singling out military-age men and arguing that Germany can no longer sustain welfare payments for more than one million Ukrainians. Her comments come as the AfD gains electoral strength and Germany's approach to Ukrainian refugees becomes an increasingly prominent political issue. Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel has called for…

The Ukraine war is usually presented as beginning on 24 February 2022: Russia invaded, Ukraine resisted and the West rallied to its defence. But political scientist Ivan Katchanovski argues the real story begins years earlier, with Maidan, the overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych, Crimea, Donbas and Western intervention. His research raises a far harder question: how many Ukrainians can be sacrificed before defending the country becomes…

The economic engines of the world unite at the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Vladimir Putin says the bloc accounts for nearly half of global GDP growth while a joint declaration unanimously slams the old world order. In his first visit to India in almost seven years, China's Xi Jingping meets with Narendra Modi, with the two leaders committing to resolve their border issues and find common ground.

US President Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure for America's soaring diesel prices, saying he has personally told Vladimir Zelensky to stop targeting Russian diesel production. RT reports US diesel has climbed above $6 a gallon, although market analysts cited in the report primarily attribute the surge to Middle East conflict and rising crude prices. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · Trump Points…

Political scientist Ivan Katchanovski argues that Ukraine's military, economic and manpower position is becoming increasingly unsustainable as Russian forces continue advancing. In a wide-ranging interview with Lena Petrova, he challenges Western narratives about the battlefield, forced mobilisation and the prospects for victory, arguing that continued Western support is prolonging a war Ukraine cannot win. INR Report: Based on an interview…

Donald Trump’s comments on the Falkland Islands and Irish reunification have raised questions about the future of the US-UK “special relationship”. Andrew Korybko argues the remarks may reflect deeper tensions over Britain’s refusal to join the US in the Third Gulf War, censorship, immigration and shifting NATO priorities. He explores whether Washington could increasingly pressure London over its territorial disputes, or whether Trump’s…

Built by respected Navigation Homes and backed by a Master Build Guarantee, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers generous modern family living. Two separate living areas provide flexibility, while the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone flows seamlessly outdoors. With a walk-in pantry, master suite, sheltered patio and double internal-access garage, it combines quality, comfort and easy-care living in…

Positioned in an established Pukekohe street, this substantial four-bedroom, two-bathroom multi-level home offers exceptional space for family living and entertaining. Multiple living zones, an office and a large games room with bar provide outstanding flexibility, while the kitchen and dining area flows to covered outdoor entertaining overlooking the swimming pool. A private, versatile home close to Pukekohe’s shops, cafés, schools and…

Set on an exceptional 3,035sqm (more or less) in the heart of Waiuku, this spacious five-bedroom family home combines privacy, versatility and convenience. Featuring generous living, extensive storage, double garaging, workshop and cellar space, the property offers outstanding flexibility for families, hobbyists or tradespeople. Expansive grounds provide room to enjoy, develop and make your own, all just minutes from Waiuku township. !Image…

Beautifully upgraded and ready to enjoy, this solid brick four-bedroom home combines quality, space and exceptional outdoor living. A premium Carlielle kitchen anchors the heart of the home, complemented by two generous living areas and stylishly renovated bathrooms. Outside, a private swimming pool with glass balustrades and low-maintenance landscaping creates the perfect setting for entertaining and relaxing. Set in the popular Valley…

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…