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The Incorporated Societies Bill had its third reading in Parliament on 31 March and received royal assent on 5 April, thus passing into law. The new act replaces the old law which has stood since 1908, and sets out a new modern framework for incorporated societies and those who run them. However, some of the new changes could have very negative effects. There are around 24,000…

The evenings are well and truly drawing in and there is most definitely a cooler nip in the air. It’s time to get in your firewood before the rush is on or you have to stack your wood away in the rain. The horse has bolted now on getting wet wood to dry yourself as buying wet wood will not dry in time and will not burn effectively. Delivery delays can stretch out to 3 - 4 weeks…

Are you looking for something just a little bit special for Mum or that special person in your life? If it is a distinct gift or something that you know they won’t have considered buying for themselves, you need to check out the range handpicked by Toni Charteris at The Bespoke Living Room. Located at 128 Stan Wright Rd, Karaka, a visit to The Bespoke Living Room is an indulgent…

Many people seem to think that New Zealand doesn’t have a constitution. And certainly we are one of a very small number of countries which does not have a written constitution, a single document laying out how the governance of the country should be conducted. But we certainly have a constitution, albeit not one written down in a single document. Rather, our constitution…

Ingredients 1.5C rigatoni pasta or similar uncooked 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 12 fresh sage leaves 1/4C. pine nuts, toasted and roughly chopped 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, pressed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1C. pure pumpkin 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving 1/4C. cream 1/8 tsp.…

Hosted by Pukekohe Hot Rod Club and Napa Auto Parts Dragway Like most things which haven’t been cancelled totally by Covid restrictions imposed by our government, the Hot Rods & Horsepower Show hosted by Pukekohe Hot Rod Club & Napa Auto Parts Dragway has been delayed. The new date will be the weekend of the 14th-15th May. After dealing with Covid restrictions for the past couple…

Once upon a time, the southern Pacific was deemed the province of Australia and New Zealand with regard to cultural and educational exchanges and, of course, aid. Yet aid to Fiji from China (i.e., the PRC) can be traced to 19752 Then there is a general anxiety displayed by the press and the electorate in regard to the PRC, from 5G communications equipment to influence on NZ…

May 5, 1893 - US Stock Market Tumble Triggers Panic By the end of the year, 600 banks closed and several big railroads were in receivership. Another 15,000 businesses went bankrupt amid 20 percent unemployment. It was the worst economic crisis in U.S. history up to that time. Like most major financial downturns, the depression of the 1890s was preceded by a series of shocks that…

MOTHER’S DAY – SUNDAY 8 MAY Don’t forget Mum on her special day! Papakura can help you out with all your gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Whether it’s taking her out for a special meal, grabbing a lovely gift voucher for a treatment or pamper package, some lovely item of clothing she has always wanted – look no further than Papakura. Check out www.papakura.co.nz for shops and…

Auckland had a median house price of $1,200,000 in March 2022 — a 6.7% increase year-on-year although there is evidence that this is starting to slow. Buyers continue to struggle with accessing finance and are awaiting further changes to the CCCFA to be implemented due the 1st of June. Banks will hopefully be able to get on the same page about the implementation of the rules. If…

This year marks the 100th year of Poppy day, and we tell you all about how it came about in our series This month in history this month and while the reason for the poppy day drifts further back into history each year, one thing is for certain. War impacts immensely on thousands of lives, displaces whole communities, and leaves scars deep in nations for many years. New…

This year the RSA marks 100 years of the Poppy Appeal. First held on the day before Anzac Day in 1922, the familiar red poppy continues to serve as a symbol of remembrance, while the appeal raises critical funds used to support the welfare of New Zealand’s veterans. This year’s Poppy Campaign runs throughout the month of April with the street appeal, known as Poppy Day, being…

Wayne and Sharon Snellgrove are a busy family orientated couple with a wealth of customer care and construction industry expertise, who have recently embarked on an exciting new venture. As proud new owners of the South Auckland A1 Homes franchise, they have made it their goal to ensure that every one of their clients has the most enjoyable experience possible when it comes to…

Amendments made late last year to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) have had a significant impact on the average Kiwi who wants to apply for a credit card, obtain finance or get a mortgage – and the announcement of minor tweaks made in March by the Commerce Minister won’t lead to any real change. In 2019, Parliament voted to amend the CCCFA with the goal of…

For only the second time since Rotary has been associated with Hospice Golf, the annual Golf game had to be postponed from the scheduled date, and this time it was due to the weather. Sunday the 13th of February was a shocking day; high winds which made the Pukekohe Golf Course too dangerous to play. And so finally the event was held on Friday March 4th. Originally set down for…

Honour the Maunga says it is “over the moon” at yesterday’s judicial decision, which has put a halt to Tūpuna Maunga Authority’s plans to rid Auckland’s volcanic cones (maunga) of exotic trees without first consulting the public. In all, the ratepayer funded co-governance body plans to rid the city’s maunga of around 2500 non-native trees, so this decision has implications for…

Walking into Magazine Designer Clothing you’re greeted with a gorgeous array of colours, beautiful predominantly New Zealand made clothing, exquisite accessories, and most importantly fabulous friendly staff. The store thrives on helping their customers find the perfect style, no matter their size, age, or occasion their shopping for. When they say they have something for every…

Kerry Brocas is a familiar face around Pukekohe especially in both the motoring and business space. As the winner of the 2018 New Zealand Sprint Car title, Brocas has enjoyed a long and successful speedway career and has combined his love of the sport with his motoring experience to be the director of Pukekohe Honda from 2006 through to 2019. Honda then set out to move into…

What a summer it was huh? Get jabbed for summer was the catch cry and by February we were flicked into a RED light setting as per the government Covid mandates. This setting based around the Omicron variant has played havoc with event promoters and clubs for all forms of sports and activities. The world of hot rodding has been no different with a summer full of constant…

Not many months after the 2020 election freed the Labour Party from the constraints which New Zealand First had placed on them between 2017 and 2020, the Government admitted to commissioning the most radical plan for over-turning New Zealand’s constitution since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. It was called He Puapua, and I have written about its quite extraordinary…