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Last year, there was a lively debate in New Zealand about what should, and on the other hand what should not, be banned. This was triggered initially by Phil Goff’s attempt to prevent two Canadian speakers from speaking in Auckland. It turned out that,…

Gretchen Albrecht CNZM is one of our most prominent painters. In a significant new book published by Massey University Press this month, art historian Luke Smythe surveys her career and assesses her work and practice, confirming her status as a pioneer o…

May is shaping up to be all about Frances Hodgkins, with a major show at the Auckland Art Gallery and two new books. Finding Frances Hodgkins, published this month by Massey University Press, is by well-known curator Mary Kisler. The book is part of The …

As I write this, we are staring down the deep barrel into winter, day light saving has passed and I’m reflecting on how good the summer car season has been. It seemed like it was never going to end and we had a very busy summer going to any events all ov…

In the Northern Hemisphere the traditional ‘May Day’ celebration is an ancient festival whose origins are shrouded in the mists of time. It is said that the earliest May Day observances began in pre-Christian times out of the Roman empire, a dedication t…

If you now consider that proof has been produced to make David the murderer, where does that leave the many specialist and expert witnesses who gave evidence for the defence? Where does that leave the claims by the defence council, Michael Reed QC, th…

Before we had modern luxuries such as television, warm baths and queen-sized beds, we were living in caves, hunted by dangerous animals and fighting the elements. We didn’t have mirrors, so we didn’t really care about what we looked like, we were much t…

The white man who figuratively held the gun for a chief to pull the trigger thus igniting the worst holocaust New Zealand in New Zealand’s history. In 1799 a ‘new dissent’ had been afoot for some several decades, the intense and radical revivalist child …

A new wave of transformation has hit a Papakura suburb thanks to a new scheme that is providing more cost effecting housing alternatives to those looking to get their foot in the housing market. As the first of its kind in the area, the project is a co-o…

#### PAPAKURA STREETFEST – SATURDAY 4TH OF MAY 10 AM TO 2 PM We hope to see you all at our upcoming StreetFEST on Saturday 4th of May 2018 Free Family Fun Day with lots of stalls, community groups and initiatives, local entertainment, fun for the …

New Zealand is still awash with grief in the aftermath of the killings in Christchurch that left 50 New Zealanders dead and many more injured. Our image overseas while tarnished as a safe haven, has been boosted by our Prime Minister who has presented th…

“We’re so excited to be holding our second Street Fest, where we will once again be showcasing all the things that make Papakura great” says Tracy Shackleton, Papakura Town Centre Manager. “It will be a whanau friendly event where we celebrate our town, …

When Joshua D’Acierno first came across Papakura Cadet Force, he was 12 years old lacking in confidence. “In all honesty, I wasn’t the best kid, I had problems with discipline and needed more confidence.” Six years down the track, he is now referred to a…

When their children were toddlers, John and Liz van Winden, decided it was time to ensure that they were already planning for their expanding family’s future. “It was important to us that we would be able to provide for their future including university …

To understand any religion against a modern landscape, you first need to understand the landscape itself. New Zealand is a country with large scale immigration throughout its comparatively brief history, the Maori people arrived by sea followed by the Eu…

As the cooler airs and darker evenings herald the arrival of Autumn and winter months, this season’s new styles at Baker’s shoes are sure to warm the cockles of your heart and your toes! Along with the usual winter shades of navy, wine and black, you wil…

If you’re looking for a fitness solution that is available at any time of the day or night, where everyone knows your name and you’re always welcome, check out Flex Fitness – the fitness facility on the block, that is incredibly popular with locals and n…

On June 20, 1994, five members of the Bain family were shot in the head using David Bain’s .22 rifle. The defence argued that the father, Robin Bain, had shot his wife, two daughters and his youngest son Stephen, then committed suicide with the same rifl…

The choice and quality at Kings Garden Restaurant in Pukekohe is creating quite a stir locally. Many a family has dined out either at Yum Cha, or utilising their takeaway menu to create an evening of tasty authentic, quality Chinese food that leaves them…

The past 12 months have been a blur for the all-girl team at Counties Customs & Cargo, for all the right reasons! And they have certainly achieved what they set out to, and that is proving their commitment to the local community. It is evident just by j…