Christopher Luxon's hour-long meeting with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has opened a potentially decisive new avenue for forming New Zealand's next government. With special votes still outstanding, Opportunity's seven seats could provide the National-led bloc with a substantial parliamentary safety margin. But the party's emergence raises another question: was Opportunity's success simply an unexpected electoral breakthrough, or did political…

For decades, successive New Zealand governments have made decisions that have shifted economic power away from Kiwi wage earners towards corporate and financial interests, many controlled offshore. Our only oil refinery is gone, foreign-owned banks generate billions in profits, and dependence on imported energy continues while taxpayers service government debt. Is this the unavoidable cost of globalisation, or the deliberate surrender of New…

Thousands of Auckland residents are losing internet connectivity as thieves hunting for scrap copper damage vital fibre-optic infrastructure. Police warn the consequences extend far beyond interrupted broadband, with one school reporting a 20-minute delay accessing a student's medical information during an emergency. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ, with additional eLocal analysis of infrastructure security and community resilience. · …

New Zealand has emerged from its 2026 general election without a definitive answer about who will govern. Labour has narrowly overtaken National in the preliminary party vote, the governing coalition is clinging to a one-seat majority, and the unexpected parliamentary breakthrough of the Opportunity Party has transformed the political landscape. With hundreds of thousands of special votes awaiting scrutiny, the country faces three weeks of…

When eLocal recently asked whether Britain's cake shed craze could take off in New Zealand, we never imagined the answer would arrive in our own inbox. But that's exactly what happened when Queenstown baker Rosie Cunnington got in touch. Her story is one of creativity, courage, community trust and the extraordinary things ordinary New Zealanders can achieve when they're given the opportunity. There are some stories that simply make you smile.…

Does New Zealand's Prime Minister really understand how MMP works? In this hard-hitting opinion, Andy Loader challenges National's opposition to strategic vote-splitting and questions the mainstream media's criticism of campaigns encouraging voters to use their two votes strategically. With electoral overhangs permitted under MMP since 1996, Loader asks why politicians and commentators condemn voters for using the very rules Parliament…

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.…

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…

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…

Summer is arriving at Lewis' Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, and with new stock arriving daily, there's never been a better time to refresh your wardrobe. From smart casual clothing and summer shirts to quality footwear and accessories, discover fresh styles from leading menswear brands. Get in store and explore what's new while stocks last! Summer Starts at Lewis' · There's something about the arrival of summer that makes you want to freshen up…

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…

Beautifully renovated and set on a generous 1045sqm (more or less) section, this impressive four-bedroom family home offers space, comfort and exceptional entertaining. Featuring contemporary open-plan living, a modern kitchen, expansive outdoor decking and a separate rumpus room, there's room for everyone. The upstairs master suite boasts an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and private balcony. Complete with double internal-access garaging and…

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 the best of country living at 292 Ararimu Road, where privacy, breathtaking rural views and modern convenience come together. This charming three-bedroom home features spacious sun-filled living, a beautifully remodelled kitchen, versatile loft, and expansive north-facing decking perfect for entertaining. Enjoy established native bush, abundant birdlife, solar power with battery storage, bore water and double garaging. Just 2km from…

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…

Discover architectural elegance in this beautifully maintained Ken Crossan-designed home, perfectly positioned in a sought-after Pukekohe neighbourhood. Set on a 501sqm freehold section, this impressive 203sqm residence offers three generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious open-plan living with a feature fireplace, expansive entertaining decks and double internal-access garaging. Beautifully landscaped and conveniently located near schools,…

Barbara flips the Daily Beast's Goebbels smear of Stephen Miller: who financed Hitler, how Nazi propaganda worked, and why the Ark Trump is building—and Miller's mindset—will decide whether the Republic lives or dies. Barbara Boyd · Right after Stephen Miller was named White House Chief of Staff, the Daily Beast called him "Deputy President Joseph Goebbels." Barbara Boyd, who spent years studying how Hitler came to power, turns the charge…

France is facing mounting economic and political turmoil as shrinking output, rising inflation and a growing debt burden place President Emmanuel Macron's government under increasing pressure. With protesters taking to the streets over austerity measures, public spending priorities and declining living standards, the country's finance minister has warned that France is heading towards a financial reckoning. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT,…

The first day of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine has prompted Russian foreign policy analysts to suggest that Washington may be reconsidering its approach to ending the conflict. Rather than pursuing a temporary ceasefire, discussions are increasingly being framed around the broader question of European security. But with Moscow, Kiev and European governments holding sharply different positions, the…

Russian, US and Ukrainian delegations conclude their first day of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, seeking a negotiated end to the Ukraine conflict. Washington signals its willingness to mediate and urges Moscow to engage with European representatives. Meanwhile, Germany's chancellor reportedly threatens to block the EU's next budget unless all member states agree to continued financial support for Kiev, intensifying tensions over Europe's…

An equipment failure in Japan temporarily disrupted banking services across 128 regional financial institutions, preventing customers from withdrawing cash, making transfers and accessing other essential services. Although operations were restored within hours, the incident has exposed the vulnerability of banking networks that depend on shared digital infrastructure. INR Report: Based on reporting by Frank Bergman for Slay News HERE, with…

America's largest oil companies have reportedly enjoyed an extraordinary surge in profits during the US-Israeli war against Iran, earning approximately US$130 billion in just six months. While energy producers and refiners benefit from disrupted global supplies and rising prices, American motorists and businesses are paying billions more for fuel. The financial windfall raises questions about who benefits economically from prolonged conflict…

New Zealand's property market is entering a period of unusually high housing stock, with 37,433 homes available for sale during October — the largest October selection since 2014. While buyers enjoy greater choice, falling asking prices, fewer new listings and a seven-year low in auction activity suggest vendors are facing a more challenging selling environment. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Susan Edmunds for RNZ, incorporating October…

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…

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…

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…

Did Democrats turn Trump's own America First playbook against the Republicans? Former Trump adviser George Papadopoulos joins Rick to examine the GOP's midterm election setbacks, arguing that broken promises, the Iran war, tariffs and immigration policies alienated MAGA voters. With traditionally Republican states turning blue, he says Democrats successfully tapped into voter concerns over living costs, the economy and foreign wars. What does…

New Zealand faces a defining choice following an election that has left the formation of its next government uncertain. While political parties negotiate for power, the country confronts a more fundamental challenge: how to rebuild productivity, reduce dependence on borrowing and create lasting national wealth. Renewed oil production in Taranaki and fresh interest in offshore gas exploration raise a compelling question. Could New Zealand's own…