Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

By around the age of 65, things start to shift. That’s often when people begin thinking about retirement, or at least stepping back a bit. You’re in your comfort zone at work – not pushing yourself as much, not learning new things – and that lack of challenge accelerates ageing. But far from being too late, your sixties might actually be the perfect time to consider your health. · 63-year-old GP and longevity expert Dr Sabine Donnai explains…

“A hundred immigrants just landed have been sent here. The Government found them lodgings and give them rations . . . till they can be sent forth to their own grants of land.”1 These were just some of the immigrants who had recently arrived as part of the Waikato Immigration Scheme.2 Between October 1864 and June 1865, thirteen ships arrived in Auckland with settlers from Scotland, Ireland, England and South Africa on board. With promises of…

Internet freedoms declined for the 15th consecutive year, according to a new Freedom House report that warns governments are rapidly eroding online privacy in the name of safety, regulation, and child protection. The report finds that 21 of 72 countries attempted to block VPNs or other privacy tools over the past five years, while many democracies are now adopting policies once associated with authoritarian states. Freedom House says this…

Despite the advice of two of the most successful pop anthems of the last two decades, when it comes to depression, no one can just “shake it off” or “let it go.” If we jump back to 1988, we’ll find the advice “don’t worry, be happy” to be just as worthless. People can’t simply “think their way” out of depression, and hectoring them to do so probably makes them feel worse, which can lead to terrible results. That’s because depression isn’t…

New Zealand is in the midst of a debate over a single word: “corruption.” The explosive police cover-up scandal involving former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming and then-Commissioner Andrew Coster has rattled public trust. But is it corruption? In a country that prides itself on being “least corrupt”, many leaders are tripping over themselves to avoid the term. This reluctance at the top is now part of the scandal’s fallout, raising deeper…

I’ve been making simple pancakes with oats and bananas for the longest time. One day, I saw a picture of some beautiful green pancakes and it inspired me to throw in a handful of spinach. It doesn’t affect the taste; it just adds nutrition. This is a great way to use up sweet, overripe bananas INGREDIENTS · For the sauce (this will make double the amount you need) · - 200g frozen mixed berries - 1 tbsp maple syrup · For the pancakes · - 1…

The question isn’t just whether Te Pāti Māori (TPM) is chaotic, but whether the media have failed to hold it to account. · Some reporters appear wary of criticising TPM, fearing accusations of racism. Conflicts around Toitū Te Tiriti, undeclared properties, and public outbursts drew little scrutiny. · Critics say restraint born of cultural sensitivity has become bias, leaving TPM largely unchecked. · Media indifference or protection? · Is the…

A 10,000-year-old archaeological site in central Turkey offers a glimpse into daily life at the dawn of the agricultural age, including what ancient people ate—and how they made yogurt. · By analyzing proteins left on pottery shards found at the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, researchers discovered that Neolithic people were making and eating yogurt—or something like it—at least 8,000 years ago. It wasn’t exactly the thick, tangy yogurt of…

A moist and richly flavoured sponge served with booze-spiked whipped cream. This intensely appley bake works just as well for pudding as it does afternoon tea. The cake is so intensely appley and so moist – because of the olive oil – that it needs to be offered in all its naked glory. It’s better, as both a pudding and an afternoon cake, served with a flavoured whipped cream (Marsala is good, or apple brandy) or nothing at all. · Ingredients …

For years, women have been called bigots for saying what everyone knows to be true. That males have an unfair physical advantage over females in sport. Now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has finally caught up with reality. The IOC is set to announce a full ban on males in female Olympic events early in the new year. Even if those males say they are women. Even if they have long hair. Even if they throw tantrums. The decision follows…