Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

What if World War I was not primarily about alliances, nationalism or the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand? Report by eLocal · According to independent researcher and journalist Ali McFarlane of alimcforever.com, the true forces behind the First World War were industrial chemistry, strategic resources, economic survival and the control of critical supply chains. · In a detailed presentation titled "The Real History of War – The Truth…

The Free Speech Union rejects comments made by Brian Tamaki calling for New Zealand to be "purged" of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, and suggesting retaliatory attacks on mosques and temples. "These remarks are divisive and inflammatory and run contrary to the principles of a free and pluralistic society," says Free Speech Union CEO Jillaine Heather. · "One of the core principles of a liberal democracy is that people are judged by their own…

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…

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…

The India FTA entrenches policies that would not survive the floor of Parliament on their own - uncappable immigration, CBDC, UNDRIP, transfer of our cultivars to a competitor, a US$20B obligation enforceable by India. FTAs used to be about trade. By Joshua Riley · The India Free Trade Agreement has been presented to New Zealanders as a breakthrough deal - one that opens a vast market of 1.4 billion people and promises new opportunities for…

The Green Party's latest tax proposal is being marketed as a solution to inequality. I see it differently. I see it as envy dressed up as economic policy. A wealth tax. An inheritance tax. Higher corporate taxes. More levies on productive enterprise. More government intervention into the lives and assets of people who have spent decades building businesses, creating jobs, taking risks and generating prosperity. The question New Zealanders…

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has strongly criticised New Zealand First's proposal to abolish Auckland's Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB), describing the move as "dumb, racist stuff" and questioning why the Government was choosing to focus on the issue during a period of economic pressure for many New Zealanders. Report by elocal · The comments come after New Zealand First introduced a Member's Bill seeking to disestablish the Independent…