Articles from ‘elocal magazine’ in ‘Opinion’

Dr Guy Hatchard examines new emergency department data showing a sharp rise in patient numbers and serious presentations across New Zealand. He argues the deterioration accelerated after 2021 and challenges claims that increased funding and staffing alone can resolve the crisis. Linking the trend to Covid vaccination and wider biotechnology, Hatchard calls for a fundamental reassessment of health policy and greater emphasis on diet, exercise…

With New Zealand voting under MMP on November 7, Andy Loader argues that centre-right voters should think strategically about their two votes. Challenging calls from Christopher Luxon and John Key to give both votes to National, Loader contends that voters should back National electorate candidates while giving their party vote to ACT or NZ First, arguing that securing a centre-right parliamentary majority must come before protecting individual…

Subtitle · Biotechnology is moving beyond GM crops and into everyday products · Summary Intro · Dr Guy Hatchard argues that the debate over gene technology now extends far beyond genetically modified crops. He points to the growing use of biosynthetic compounds in cosmetics, food production, medicine and consumer products, questioning whether regulation and safety testing have kept pace. From hyaluronic acid to chemicals that alter fruit…

Dr Oliver Hartwich argues Election 2026 is becoming an auction of other people’s wealth, with parties competing over nationalisation, new taxes, subsidies and taxpayer-backed schemes. He warns that weakening property rights and redistributing existing wealth risks discouraging the investment New Zealand desperately needs. With productivity already trailing Australia, Hartwich says the priority should be growing the economic pie, not fighting…

Balancing the books is only half the job. Dr Oliver Hartwich argues that while National and Labour are focused on deficits, spending and taxation, New Zealand’s deeper challenge is declining productivity and competitiveness. He says restoring credible institutions, simplifying government and making ministers clearly accountable should be just as important as returning the budget to surplus. Over the past couple of weeks, the two major parties…

While global energy markets are becoming increasingly unsettled, New Zealand continues to receive a steady flow of fuel shipments. For now, the tankers are still arriving—but with Brent crude climbing above US$100 and geopolitical tensions escalating around key shipping routes, the coming weeks will be worth watching very closely. NZ Fuel Watch – Update 31 July 2026 · Global Tensions Rise, But New Zealand's Fuel Supply Still Holding Steady ·…

New Zealand's fuel supply remains steady despite growing concerns over tightening diesel supplies in Europe and declining fuel inventories in the United States. Marsden Point continues to handle the bulk of fuel imports, Wellington has received fresh supply from Napier, and the overall flow of tankers remains healthy. With 11 international fuel cargoes and 24 fuel port movements recorded so far in July, New Zealand's fuel distribution network…

New Zealand Fuel Watch · Sea Odyssey Holds At Marsden As Coastal Fuel Shipments Continue South · By Dave Trotter – Marsden Point News Radio · Another week, another fascinating picture emerging from New Zealand's fuel supply chain. While there haven't been any dramatic spikes in tanker activity, we're seeing a steady flow of coastal movements as imported fuel works its way through the country. · The standout this week is Sea Odyssey, which…

Much loved Kiwi actor Sam Neill has died suddenly. · In March 2023 Neill announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (a rare form of blood cancer) the previous year. Neill underwent chemotherapy which failed to stem the cancer progression so he switched to bi-weekly infusions of a rare specialised anti-cancer drug which initially showed promise, until it too failed. · In 2025–2026 Neill enrolled in an…

Trade agreements are easy to announce but much harder to measure. If New Zealand has committed itself to a long-term partnership with India, shouldn't taxpayers also be told whether that partnership is actually delivering what was promised? The signing ceremony is over. · The speeches have been made. Hands have been shaken, photographs taken and another chapter added to New Zealand's long history of free trade agreements. · Now comes the…