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People move for all sorts of reason, whether they are upsizing or relocating due to work. Maybe it is personal reasons or has been the case in more recent years; looking to capitalize on existing property values in urban centres for the more relaxed pace that rural and lifestyle properties on city fringes have to offer. Whatever the reason, buyers and sellers need an expert to…

As a child, I recall a few occasions whereby I was labelled ‘defiant’ or ‘challenging authority.’ These occasions were never related to breaking the rules of the land merely questioning those who perhaps felt they were above being questioned. But I was encouraged by my parents to questions things I didn’t agree with and to form my own opinions. As an adult that has provided for…

The first international war crimes tribunal in history revealed the true extent of German atrocities and held some of the most prominent Nazis accountable for their crimes. On October 18, 1945, the opening session of the first international war crimes trial in history took place in Berlin, Germany. Unable to find a suitable venue in the destroyed Nazi capital, the court soon…

Further reductions to the speed limits on rural roads around Franklin will only serve to frustrate the vast majority of road users. But will Auckland Transport listen? In 2019, Auckland Transport (AT) introduced a new speed limit bylaw and called for public submissions on the proposed changes. When I posted this news on my Facebook page, more than 53,000 people viewed the post.…

A Government that ignores reasoned opposition from local government by imposing 50/50 iwi-council co-governance through its Three Waters Plan is yet another step closer to a dictatorship, Hobson’s Pledge spokesman Don Brash said today. A Government that ignores reasoned opposition from local government by imposing 50/50 iwi-council co-governance through its Three Waters Plan is…

Thank you very much to the committee for allowing me to present on behalf of NZDSOS. I represent New Zealand Doctors Speaking out with Science who see the covid-19 response as exaggerated and profoundly harmful. Instead of mandating experimental vaccines and ongoing lockdowns, our group advocates for returning to protection of the elderly, increased capacity in hospitals and…

Sue Grey speaking at the Health Select Committee to share her view on the COVID-19 Public Health Response Amendment Bill (No 2); 14 October 2021.

During a real pandemic people know it is real because most extended families and most small communities experience multiple deaths, although if it ever happens again most of the people who get sick will recover because most of us have a healthy adaptable immune system and because we now have much better medicine. It is unclear what killed people during the Spanish flu a hundred…

I dig into the history of an infamous pharmaceutical. It was said to be safe & effective. History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes...

One of the biggest comments we get when clients come to us is they wish they had come sooner. Being a design and Build renovation company, we can make sure that your wish list is going to fit the budget and we work with you through the entire process. When clients come to us with plans ready to go, they don’t often fit the budget and we have to help clients work through that…

This time last year Bakers Shoes in Waiuku had like many in New Zealand and around the globe dealt with the first 6 months dealing with a global pandemic. National and regional lockdowns were forcing businesses to close their doors to physical customer interactions and amp up their online presence in order to survive. “COVID-19 has slammed us with a whole new way of living to…

Mike Stroud from Stroud Homes in Pukekohe knows the answer to what makes a successful new build. He has been building homes for over 16 years, ensuring every customer was given the very best level of service and in that time has seen plenty of shoddy operators come and go. Even in the current Covid climate where some builders are experiencing extended delays, Mike is confident in…

Scott Bright has always been involved with farming. He grew up on a farm, worked on a farm and has always been involved in the farming industry and its people, one way or another. These days he only has small holding but is actively involved in raising the profile of groups that have sprung up recently to counteract what is being seen as fervent erosion of both common sense when…

I’m anxious waiting to board the ship. I feel my heart beating, trying to explode through my chest. Have I made the right decision? Should I turn back? As I’m waiting, Mum is taking sooooo many photos of me for all her Facebook friends, you know how that goes. Another girl was having photos taken by her dad, so I introduce myself to her. Her name was Georgia from Christchurch,…

By the time this column sees the light of day, the Labour Government – now freed of the constraint of New Zealand First – will have been in office almost exactly a year. And to look at the opinion polls, they are doing a fine job – or at least the Prime Minister is. But the reality is very different. The Government has made absolutely no progress in key areas like replacing…

Every two years, Franklin Hospice holds their famous garden ramble where the public can go visit gardens in the Franklin area. A few years ago, it was decided to try out having a market and festival at one garden location over a weekend on the in between year which proved extremely popular and successful. This year our venue is Winsford Gardens which is a stunning garden…

Communities and councils around the country are starting to make their voices heard around the effects the Government’s proposed Three Waters Reforms will have, with several mayors calling for the programme to be ‘paused’ on the grounds that there has been insufficient public consultation. The Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme was launched in July 2020 and aims to change…

Sex, politics, and religion. When I was growing up my families conversations were always economic, but there seemed to be an unspoken rule that these three topics, were a no-go zone. They may have been too awkward or perhaps they were just subjects to avoid when talking with neighbours. However, in the last fifty years I’ve found that sex, politics and religion contribute a quite…

The most recent twist in the covid-19 saga is forcing hard-working New Zealanders to believe in the story of the ‘deadly virus’ and ‘saviour’ vaccine. This will inevitably mean many will now be forced to choose between their jobs and their sense of autonomy over their own body and health. The death of the elimination strategy has meant that the accelerator has been applied to the…