Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

For much of the pandemic, the prevailing public narrative presented by many governments and major media organisations was that COVID-19 most likely originated through a natural spillover event associated with the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan. Over the past several years, however, congressional testimony, declassified intelligence material, internal scientific communications and official audits have prompted renewed scrutiny of that…

Ballance Agri-Nutrients has confirmed it is exploring plans to manufacture fertiliser at Marsden Point using by-products from a proposed biorefinery. While still in its early stages, the proposal has reopened a wider national conversation about rebuilding strategic manufacturing capacity in New Zealand—and who should ultimately own it. Report by eLocal · Ballance Agri-Nutrients has joined forces with the Seadra consortium to investigate…

Few periods in New Zealand’s modern history have transformed the country as profoundly as the reforms that followed the 1984 General Election. Supporters saw an economy liberated from unsustainable regulation. Critics saw the dismantling of a social and economic model that had protected local ownership, employment and community stability for generations. Based on research provided by Peter MacaDonald | eLocal Investigates · Editor’s Note: This…

The resignation of former Labour minister Stuart Nash as New Zealand First's Napier candidate has prompted a rare display of cross-party unity, with women MPs from across Parliament condemning remarks made about National MP Katie Nimon's parental leave. The controversy has also resulted in a new candidate entering the Napier race ahead of the general election. Report by eLocal · Former Labour Cabinet minister Stuart Nash has been replaced as…

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters has released a discussion examining New Zealand's changing demographics, immigration policies and national identity. The programme presents the hosts' opinions and interpretations of publicly available demographic data, recent political developments and the proposed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement. This report summarises the discussion and does not endorse its conclusions. Report by elocal · The latest…

Dead and dying South Island pied oystercatchers found on the Motueka Sandspit have prompted Freedom leader Sue Grey to call for urgent 1080 testing and the suspension of an imminent aerial 1080 operation in Golden Bay. With bird flu ruled out, she is urging DOC to investigate any link to the recent Kahurangi National Park 1080 drop and publicly release all test results. Dead and dying oystercatchers found on Motueka Sandspit: Sue Grey calls…

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…

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…