Are elections really about serving the public, or are they contests for control? In this opinion piece, Andy Loader examines the growing influence of government and bureaucracy, the tension between socialism and individual freedom, and whether New Zealand's public service remains genuinely accountable to the people it is supposed to serve. This is what elections are all about no matter what some political parties and candidates may say. · They…

With New Zealand heading to the polls on 7 November 2026, Andy Loader examines the leaders of the country's political parties, assessing their political judgement, leadership styles, electoral success, policies and personal character. Political leadership is the process of guiding and influencing people, groups, or whole countries to make and carry out public decisions. · Good leadership requires a balance between ethical character and…

Rodney Fallowfield was released on parole in 2023 after serving part of a sentence for killing his wife, Shirley Reedy. Three years later, he has pleaded guilty to murdering two men in Christchurch. The case raises serious questions about how risk is assessed, how parole decisions are made and what the justice system can learn when a person previously convicted of a killing commits further fatal violence. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by…

In an open letter to the University of Sydney, Voices for Freedom co-founder Alia Bland condemns Jacinda Ardern’s appointment as Professor of Practice. Challenging the former prime minister’s reputation for empathy and social cohesion, Bland recounts the personal, financial and social consequences she attributes to New Zealand’s COVID-19 policies. She questions whether the university has considered the experiences of those who lost livelihoods,…

In an exclusive eLocal Conversations interview, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaks with eLocal founder Mykeljon Winckel about rebuilding the New Zealand economy, establishing a sovereign wealth fund, restoring control over banking and energy, reforming Treaty institutions and putting New Zealanders at the centre of national decision-making. Making NZ FIRST a REALITY · Winston Peters on Sovereignty, Prosperity and New Zealand's…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Architectural flair meets peaceful family living in this distinctive Jennian-built monopitch home, privately positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac with a tranquil bush backdrop. Offering four generous bedrooms plus a fifth bedroom or office, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a contemporary kitchen, the 237sqm residence delivers exceptional flexibility. Soaring ceilings, expansive decking and covered entertaining areas create seamless…

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…

A Democratic blue wave has swept across America, handing the party control of Congress and overturning historic Republican strongholds. Voters cite rising living costs and shrinking household budgets as reasons for change. In Texas, James Talarico claims a landmark Senate victory after campaigning against US funding for Israel, potentially setting up a clash with pro-Israel Democrats. Iran's parliament speaker says the result reflects American…

Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks transformed American national security policy, the surveillance powers introduced during that emergency remain the subject of intense debate. Now artificial intelligence is creating capabilities that lawmakers in 2001 could scarcely have imagined. The question is no longer simply what governments can collect, but what they can discover, predict and decide about their citizens. INR…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's attendance at a G20 gathering in Atlanta has exposed divisions between Washington and European governments over diplomatic engagement with Moscow. With European ministers reportedly refusing to participate in a traditional group photograph alongside Lavrov, the dispute raises a larger question: can international diplomacy succeed when governments refuse even symbolic engagement with their adversaries? INR…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused European governments of repeatedly failing to honour agreements intended to resolve the Ukraine conflict, arguing that their record has undermined their credibility as future peace negotiators. As Washington prepares to broker another round of talks, Moscow is questioning whether European participation would contribute anything meaningful to a settlement. Europe Under Scrutiny · Russian…

Armenia's parliament has descended into chaos, with lawmakers trading punches, throwing chairs and suffering injuries as tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the opposition reach boiling point. Behind the extraordinary scenes lies a deeper struggle over disputed elections, political freedoms, relations with Russia and the country's increasingly controversial alignment with the European Union. INR Report: Based on…

Canada is confronting one of the most difficult questions in modern medical ethics: should a person whose only underlying medical condition is a psychiatric illness be eligible for medically assisted death? A recent opinion column in The Globe and Mail has brought the controversy back into public view, exposing deep disagreements over patient autonomy, the limits of psychiatric medicine and the responsibility of governments to provide effective…

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…

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…

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…

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'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…

For generations, New Zealand has struggled with weak productivity growth, dependence on overseas capital and the challenge of funding the infrastructure and industries needed for lasting prosperity. New Zealand First's latest policy proposes a different economic pathway: discover the nation's resource potential, capture substantial public revenue from its development, and turn that income into enduring national wealth capable of helping build…