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Shop locally and support the businesses in Papakura! Did you know that in Papakura we have… • Sushi places • Cafes • Bakeries • Barber Shops • Gym/Rec Centre • Health places including Physio, Doctors, foot clinic, Massage places, Lab tests, Family Plann…

We are spoilt for choice, in New Zealand, when it comes to finding beautiful islands just a hop, skip and a jump (or swim) from our back door. In this edition, we travel down to the bottom of the North Island, beginning with the stunningly beautiful Kapi…

As someone who has been forced to deal with a couple of serious medical conditions in the past, I am accustomed to “worst scenario” theories offered by professionals. And also, quite thankful for them. I would much rather hear the worst and hope for the …

Dear Sirs. In the latest edition of eLocal Ms. Lucy Mullinger writes an article about the in her opinion quite deplorable state of the education and well-being of children in New Zealand. She uses the phrase "in comparison to other Western countries, ho…

If you are looking for your individual needs to be met, at affordable and realistic prices, come and visit our new show home to see all the latest materials that A1 Homes has to offer. Tony Smith offers MANY years of experience with over 300 homes under …

When you see that flash of tartan go by and no bagpipes or you see big jock hold the post hole borer and still no bagpipes, then you know it’s one of the Wee Job vehicles on its way to another job! The Wee job company’s team of three has been working in …

For thousands of years, history, genealogies, stories and mythology had to be memorised by rote and gruelling repetition, then handed down in perfect oral delivery to each ensuing generation. For this mammoth task, children exhibiting the brightest and b…

Managing director Andrew Butts spends all his spare time chasing big game fish, but the catch he's most proud of is the stash of awards the company netted from the Master Builders' House of the Year awards. Already successful in 2015 and 2017, last year …

Last month, I wrote about some common misconceptions about the profitability of the banks operating in New Zealand, and noted that the Big Four Aussie banks, while quite profitable compared with banks elsewhere in the world, are not wildly profitable in …

The automotive hobby is an interesting one with it being a big melting pot of people and so many interesting vehicles. We have featured Bob Neville’s “Lucky 17” Ford Model A boat tail speedster before but it’s worth talking about again. The neat little c…

The team at Flooring Xtra in Papakura are extra busy keeping the district's floors looking good. We've never been busier,” says Richard Wickett, co-owner of the store with his wife Trish. Having local support means a lot to the Wicketts. Long establi…

Ebbett Pukekohe is part of a trusted motor vehicle company that’s been going from strength to strength for 90 years. An early photo shows a line-up of trucks outside the Hamilton premises of Ebbett Motors, the names of Vauxhall and Chevrolet proudly embl…

Since 2011, Papakura Youth Council has been a valuable asset to its Youth in the Papakura community by allowing them to be seen and heard. Working alongside the Papakura Local Board and community groups, the Youth Council are advocates for young people a…

There’s never been a better time to be old in New Zealand. Baby boomers, the generation born after WWII, are enjoying longer and better twilight years than ever before. And they are enjoying those years thanks to better health, better living conditions a…

Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula perched atop a rising ridge stands the imposing and lasting monument to one man’s insistent desire to announce to the world that he had arrived, that he was someone and that he had ‘done good’. William Larnach…

It took six years to install the new skate park at Ray Small Park, much of that time used to stabilise the land, once part of the old Papakura dump. But Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says since it opened last year the doubters have been p…

Making those big financial decisions can be easier than you thought with Counties Home Loans and Insurance. Making those big financial decisions can be easier than you thought. Okay, hands up who loves supermarket shopping! Hmmm....thought not. So mu…

Planning on renovating your home, bach or office? Smith and Sons is the place to go for advice. We ask their renovation experts how to get the best result, first time. We chat with Smith and Sons Pukekohe franchise-holders Lane and Melissa and their expe…

elocal caught up with Minister of Parliament (MP), and Local Papakura MP Judith Collins to discuss the changes in policies from the perspective of the opposition party and how it is shaping New Zealand. For Judith Collins, it wasn’t a surprise to see NZ …

We love to have fun in the sun, but it’s often human nature to visit the same tried and true holiday destinations every year. At elocal, we decided to come up with some great island hopping adventures that will give the family and friends a break, at the…