Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

New Zealand has virtually everything we associate with a functioning democracy: free elections, universal suffrage, MMP, parliamentary debate, select committees, public submissions and even the ability of citizens to force a referendum. Yet a landmark peer-reviewed study of American policymaking raises an uncomfortable question for New Zealand. Having all the machinery of democracy does not necessarily mean ordinary citizens determine what that…

Instead of Japan and the ROK taking the lead in containing China, the US would retain this role while recognizing the DPRK as a nuclear power and approving a Russian-Japanese peace deal, thus simplifying regional security by reducing the number of fault lines that could lead to World War III. Trump confirmed that he’s back in contact with North Korea’s (DPRK) Kim Jong Un one day after scaling back the US’ participation in annual large-scale…

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says there is no single solution to New Zealand's high electricity bills, with the Government now examining whether changes to the regulation of power distribution companies could put downward pressure on prices. Network charges for poles, wires and substations make up around a quarter of household power bills and have accounted for two-thirds of recent increases. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ's Morning…

New Zealand housing affordability has returned to its long-term average following the extraordinary rise in property prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. New Cotality figures show lower house prices, rising household incomes and easing mortgage rates have substantially improved the position for buyers — although owning a home remains far from cheap. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ Digital Reporters HERE · House Prices Back to 6.7…

A North Shore man facing two murder charges and one charge of attempted murder can now be named after his interim name suppression lapsed. Marc Govinden is accused of murdering his parents, Raman and Rooksana Govinden, before attempting to murder his brother Andrew. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Felix Walton for RNZ. · Accused Appears in High Court · Marc Govinden appeared in person at the Auckland High Court, where Justice Mathew Downs…

There are finally some brighter signals emerging from the New Zealand economy. Kiwibank's latest First View says inflation expectations are moving back towards the Reserve Bank's target, manufacturing remains in expansion, net migration is positive and annual tourist arrivals have reached their highest level since 2019 although households and younger workers continue to face significant pressure. eLocal Report: Based on Kiwibank Economics'…

HAMILTON — Experienced legal advocate, community leader, and political campaigner Donna Pokere-Phillips has officially announced her parliamentary candidacy for the Hamilton West electorate with the Freedom Party (NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party), bringing a lifelong commitment to whānau, whenua, justice, and accountable government directly to the local community. · Born in Taranaki with deep whakapapa connections to Tainui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and…

The 33-year-old man fatally shot by police outside Auckland's Sylvia Park Shopping Centre was on community detention and supervision at the time of the incident. RNZ reports Hapai Otene had four previous firearms convictions, had served prison time for aggravated robbery and was facing another charge when Thursday's confrontation unfolded. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Sam Sherwood and Edward Gay for RNZ HERE · On Community Detention ·…

New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 17,625 people in the year to June 2026, up 71 percent on the previous year. But behind that increase is a striking divide: the country lost a net 37,718 New Zealand citizens while gaining 55,341 foreign citizens. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Greg Ninness for Interest.co.nz HERE · Migration Turns Up Again · New Zealand's net migration numbers are beginning to rise again after falling sharply…

New Zealand First has fallen three points to 8 percent in the latest 1News-Verian poll after reaching 11.5 percent in RNZ's mid-July Reid Research poll. RNZ political editor Jo Moir argues the result leaves Winston Peters confronting a familiar strategic choice as the election approaches. eLocal Report: Based on analysis by Jo Moir for RNZ HERE · NZ First Drops Back to 8 Percent · With less than three months until New Zealand votes, Winston…