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Kiwibank economists are warning that New Zealand's improving economic recovery faces a fresh challenge as conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supplies and increases uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Report by elocal · In its latest weekly commentary, Kiwibank says financial markets appear surprisingly calm despite a rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation, with oil prices remaining near US$80 a barrel even as…

Christopher Luxon's latest KiwiSaver announcement is being promoted as a plan to help New Zealanders build wealth and retire with greater financial security. On the surface, it sounds sensible. Who wouldn't want larger retirement savings? Who wouldn't want greater financial independence in later life? · But beneath the headlines sits a deeper question that politicians rarely ask: · At what point does encouragement become compulsion? · And…

A Hastings man who attended an 18th birthday celebration with family and friends was fatally stabbed after a neighbourhood dispute escalated into violence, according to court documents released following a guilty plea to murder. Report by elocal · Kereama Rewita, 30, admitted murdering Keith Pati, 33, in Hastings on 16 February 2025. Details of the fatal attack have now been made public following the release of a summary of facts from the High…

Former National Party minister Andrew Bayly has confirmed he will not seek re-election at this year's general election, bringing to a close a parliamentary career that began more than a decade ago. Report by elocal · Bayly told RNZ during National's annual conference in Wellington that he had informed the party some time ago that he would not be pursuing a list position, ending speculation that he might remain in Parliament despite previously…

In this episode of Moscow Mules, Chay Bowes and his crew watch as the US pretends to be a new Rome while failing to control the barbarian hordes of European warmongers. Also in the episode, our (hopefully) final laughs at two-faced Kier and Zelensky’s crocodile tears. Tune in.

As the push for peace between the US and Iran gets underway in Switzerland, Donald Trump still splashes his threats online, promising to hit Tehran hard, while his vice president says the issue with Lebanon is just messy. It comes after Israeli strikes on the country on Saturday, reportedly left 16 people dead. · But even as negotiations begin, JD Vance seems to think the best way to do diplomacy, is to take a swipe at Tehran. · Russia opens…

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had negotiated a much-touted rare earth minerals deal with Kiev, was reportedly worried that the “little fker”* Vladimir Zelensky would mess up the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, according to a new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The infamous confrontation last year took place as the Ukrainian leader sat down with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D.…

By Barbara Boyd · Through a sweetheart deal with the National Archives, the Obama Foundation controls which records get released — burying the files on the surveillance and coup against Trump. · Summary · Barbara Boyd argues that the newly opened $850 million Barack Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side is not a true presidential library but a "cover-up," alleging that Obama-era records — especially those tied to surveillance of…

National Party members are gathering in Lower Hutt this weekend for the party's Annual General Meeting, with the economy expected to dominate discussions and a new election policy announcement anticipated from party leader Christopher Luxon. Report by elocal · The AGM comes at a critical time for the governing party as it seeks to build momentum heading towards the November election while managing the political and economic fallout from New…

A Hamilton doctor who spent more than five decades in medical practice has been sentenced to prison after admitting a pattern of sexual offending against three girls spanning more than 30 years. William James Reeder, 79, was sentenced in the Hamilton District Court on 15 sexual assault charges, with the court hearing that his offending stretched from the late 1980s through until 2024. · Judge Arthur Tompkins sentenced Reeder to four-and-a-half…