Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

Global markets remain on edge as conflict in the Middle East, elevated oil prices and shifting interest rate expectations continue to weigh on economic confidence. Yet beneath the headlines, there are signs that parts of the New Zealand economy are proving more resilient than many expected. By elocal Business Desk · According to Kiwibank's latest First View report, uncertainty remains the dominant theme of 2026, but there are also emerging…

A major shift is underway in the global financial system, according to a recent analysis by economist and commentator Lena Petrova. · Drawing on new data from the European Central Bank (ECB), Petrova reports that gold has officially surpassed U.S. Treasury securities as the world's largest central bank reserve asset, marking one of the most significant changes in international finance in decades. By elocal International Desk · The development…

A Canadian independent broadcaster is drawing renewed attention to the role of the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and a network of affiliated organisations, arguing that their influence extends far beyond the public mandates most citizens associate with them. By elocal · In a recent episode of Artemis News Media, the host examined the historical origins of the United Nations and questioned whether global…

New Zealand households and businesses may be facing a tougher road than many had hoped for in 2026, according to Kiwibank economists Jarrod Kerr and Alexandra Turcu. By elocal Business Desk · In the latest episode of Markets, Mystics & Mayhem, the pair painted a picture of an economy squeezed by rising global uncertainty, a Reserve Bank preparing to tighten monetary policy, a cautious government budget, and continuing pressure from elevated oil…

At the 2026 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), leaders from Russia, China, Uzbekistan and Tanzania repeatedly returned to one central theme: sovereignty. Not sovereignty as a slogan, but sovereignty as an economic strategy. Sovereignty of finance. Sovereignty of energy. Sovereignty of technology. Sovereignty of infrastructure. Sovereignty of supply chains. Sovereignty of industry. President Vladimir Putin described what he…

As we move through the first week of June, the overall picture for New Zealand's fuel supply remains stable, with regular coastal distribution continuing and several significant international fuel tankers arriving at key ports. While there are some positive signs emerging, there are also a few areas that deserve ongoing monitoring. · The Good News · The biggest positive this week was activity at Marsden Point. · Two international product…

For years, New Zealanders have been told that giving unelected representatives voting rights on council committees was about inclusion, partnership, and better decision-making. This week, the Government effectively said something many ratepayers have been saying for a long time. · Advice can be appointed. · Power should be elected. · The Government has announced that voting rights on council committees will be restricted to elected councillors.…

Illegal dumping continues to plague Auckland streets, parks and neighbourhoods, costing ratepayers millions of dollars every year while leaving residents frustrated and communities blighted by mountains of rubbish. By elocal News Desk · New figures obtained by RNZ reveal Auckland Council workers collected 1,926 tonnes of illegally dumped waste during the last financial year, making Auckland by far New Zealand's largest dumping problem. The…

Auckland households are facing another significant increase in living costs, with Watercare announcing a 7.2 percent increase in water and wastewater charges from 1 July, just days after Auckland Council approved an average rates increase of 7.9 percent. By elocal News Desk · The combined increases will add further pressure to household budgets already stretched by higher mortgage costs, insurance premiums, food prices and general inflation. · …

For years New Zealand First has been politically underestimated. Written off. Declared finished. · Told its support base was ageing out. · Yet somehow, election after election, Winston Peters keeps proving political commentators wrong. Now, as New Zealand heads toward the 2026 General Election, a growing number of voters are beginning to ask a serious question: · What if New Zealand First is no longer simply a coalition partner? · What if it…