New Zealand's agricultural economy depends on an industrial raw material that rarely makes headlines: sulphur. With international supply routes under pressure, questions are emerging about whether the country has sufficient reserves, alternative suppliers and domestic production capacity to withstand a prolonged disruption Report by eLocal | 17 October 2026 · A Warning That Deserves Examination · New Zealand has spent years debating energy…

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…

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…

Waikato's controversial Plan Change 1 has reached another legal milestone, but its economic consequences remain fiercely contested. Andy Loader argues that the drive to improve water quality risks imposing unsustainable costs on farmers and vegetable growers, threatening food security, rural communities and New Zealand's export economy. en years after it was first notified, Plan Change 1 has been confirmed by the Environment Court. · In June,…

New Zealand's aged care system faces growing pressure as its population ages. Dr Oliver Hartwich examines why underfunding residential care may ultimately cost taxpayers more through hospital admissions, delayed treatment and shortages of rest home beds. Opinion by Dr Oliver Hartwich | Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative · Last week, we co-hosted a dinner with the Selwyn Foundation. Its chair, former Labour health minister David…

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…

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…

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 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…

Tucked away in a quiet Pukekohe cul-de-sac, this beautifully presented four-bedroom home offers relaxed, low-maintenance living with plenty of space for the family. Open-plan kitchen, dining and living flow effortlessly to a sunny deck and private easy-care grounds, perfect for entertaining or unwinding. With a master ensuite, family bathroom, double internal-access garage and Tamaoho School zoning, everything is in place to simply move in and…

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…

Step into effortless modern living with this beautifully finished brand-new four-bedroom home at 32 Rongoa Maori Way. Offering 195sqm of thoughtfully designed space, it features light-filled open-plan living, a stylish contemporary kitchen, two modern bathrooms and double internal-access garaging. Quality finishes, underfloor bathroom heating, excellent storage and easy indoor-outdoor flow complete the package, with convenient motorway access…

Washington's reported threats to restrict intelligence, weapons support and satellite communications have exposed Ukraine's dependence on American technology and political decisions. As Trump pursues energy cooperation with Moscow, the confrontation raises questions about who controls Ukraine's military capabilities, who finances the war and how much independence Kyiv retains. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 16 October 2026, HERE. · The…

Protests erupt across France as soaring living costs and energy prices fuel unrest, with police and demonstrators clashing in Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg. Russia claims further advances in Ukraine, capturing two strategically important settlements and asserting that Kyiv now controls just 10% of Donetsk. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reportedly abandons the proposed Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, arguing it conflicts with US…

Ukraine has asked the European Union for another €70 billion in financial and military support, but European leaders left their Brussels summit without an agreement on the additional funding. Behind the diplomatic assurances lies a difficult question for governments already facing competing domestic priorities: how much longer can Europe finance Ukraine's war effort, and under what conditions? INR Report: Based on RT's live coverage of the EU…

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…

Washington has temporarily reopened the door to Russian diesel as high fuel prices threaten American consumers and industry. The decision has exposed tensions with European allies and Ukraine, raising a larger question about whether economic realities are beginning to override geopolitical commitments INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, with additional reporting from Reuters, Associated Press and the International Energy Agency. · President…

Andrew Korybko examines a reported four-part US peace proposal involving Ukraine's reconstruction, security guarantees, European energy integration and a ceasefire. He argues that Moscow might accept a negotiated settlement, particularly if an energy agreement offers economic incentives, while questioning whether Kyiv would agree. It represents a pragmatic balance of interests between all sides. · The Washington Post reported that Trump’s…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

As Ukraine reports missing missile warnings and restrictions on Starlink military communications, a larger question emerges: how much influence does Washington really have over the war? An INR investigation examines America's control over critical military technology, its leverage over Kyiv and the human cost of a conflict that continues without a lasting peace agreement. INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge, together…