Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

Senior National MPs are openly acknowledging concern over National's continued weak polling, with Chris Bishop saying it is "highly unlikely" he would retain his Hutt South electorate if the latest RNZ Reid Research poll reflected election day. Despite the slump, ministers insist the Government remains focused on improving its message ahead of the November election. Report by eLocal · National Party ministers are publicly acknowledging the…

The former owner of Dunedin's Captain Cook Hotel has lodged an appeal against the prison sentence imposed after admitting paying a 15-year-old girl for sex and supplying her with drugs. The High Court has confirmed the appeal has been filed Report by eLocal · A former Dunedin hotel owner convicted of paying a 15-year-old girl for sex has appealed the prison sentence imposed earlier this month, with the High Court confirming an appeal has now…

The Green Party has unveiled an ambitious $980 million energy package aimed at lowering electricity bills, expanding household solar power and creating a new publicly owned renewable energy investment agency known as KiwiPower. While the proposal focuses on affordability and accelerating New Zealand's transition to renewable energy, it also raises broader questions about equal citizenship, energy security and the country's long-term economic…

New inflation figures due this week are expected to show consumer prices rising well above the Reserve Bank's target range. However, Kiwibank economists argue the latest inflation spike reflects temporary fuel price pressures rather than a rapidly overheating economy, even as businesses increasingly signal further price rises. Report by eLocal · Kiwibank Economics has substantially revised its inflation outlook, forecasting annual inflation…

Russia strikes five Ukrainian military industrial enterprises in the country’s capital along with a seaport used for the delivery and storage of military cargo. · The US and Iran continue trading blows for the eighth consecutive night, with two American soldiers reportedly killed in this weekend's air raids on Jordan. · RT reports from the Baikonur cosmodrome, as Russia's Soyuz spacecraft docks to the International Space Station with two…

For decades, New Zealand politics has largely operated within three-year election cycles. This weekend, Winston Peters attempted something different: presenting a long-term vision for New Zealand extending beyond the next election and into the next generation. Report by elocal · At New Zealand First’s 2026 campaign launch, Winston Peters delivered a speech that ranged across foreign policy, infrastructure, energy, banking, trade, immigration,…

An opinion article published by RT argues that NATO's commitment to provide €70 billion in military assistance to Ukraine during 2026 represents more than continued support for Kyiv—it reflects a strategic decision to institutionalise long-term confrontation with Russia. The author contends that Western governments are embedding the conflict into permanent defence planning rather than pursuing a negotiated settlement. INR Report: Based on…

The Primary Land Users Group (P.L.U.G.) has issued an open letter to the Chair and Councillors of the Waikato Regional Council calling for the proposed Lake Waikare–Whangamarino Action Plan to be rejected. The organisation argues the proposal could impose significant costs on ratepayers, farmers and the regional economy while questioning whether sufficient economic analysis has been undertaken to justify the plan. Report by elocal · The Primary…

One of the Waikato Comancheros' senior leaders has been sentenced to prison after admitting his role in a large-scale methamphetamine operation uncovered through the FBI's global Operation Trojan Shield investigation. The case marks another significant outcome from one of the world's most sophisticated organised crime investigations and follows years of legal challenges over the admissibility of encrypted communications evidence. Report by…

The New Zealand Government has described the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as one of the country's most significant trade achievements in decades. It promises expanded export opportunities, reduced tariffs and stronger economic ties with one of the world's fastest-growing economies. · Trade agreements shape economies long after the political announcements surrounding them have faded. eLocal has examined the treaty itself together…