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For years, governments insisted they were “following the science.” But science does not stand still, and it certainly does not bow to political pressure. Now, as new studies challenge the assumptions that drove the global COVID-19 response, the world is being forced to confront an uncomfortable truth: many of the policies that reshaped economies, societies, and democracies were based on data that is no longer standing up to scrutiny. What was…

Salad is an obvious thing to eat in the summer, and the humble beetroot is often an overlooked star as the main ingredient. Incorporate nuts and seeds and this is a filling, tasty alternative to the more often used green leafy summer salads. · The caraway here gives the dish a Germanic flavour. · Ingredients: · - 165g spelt (get the type of spelt that is unhulled, not the type marked ‘pearled’) - 2½ tbsp olive oil - juice of 1 lemon - 1½ tsp…

The discovery of multiple Asian yellow-legged hornet queens and nests across Glenfield has triggered warnings that New Zealand is running out of time to stop the pest from becoming permanent. Experts say MPI’s current containment zone is far too small for a species known overseas to spread tens of kilometres a year, and early signs suggest the Auckland incursion is already larger than first thought. · Hornets devastate honey bees, crops, and…

At long last, a government has acknowledged what households have been screaming for years: council rates are out of control, and ordinary New Zealanders are paying the price. The National Government’s announcement of a maximum 4% annual rates cap is more than a policy change — it is a badly needed circuit-breaker for a country that has become unaffordable, uncompetitive, and, for many families, simply unlivable. This move, paired with the…

Early on Halloween morning, Kash Patel made a big announcement. “The FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack,” he said. Except there was one problem: criminal charges had not yet been filed and local police were left in the dark. · Catching wind of their impending arrests, two alleged co-conspirators in the Islamic State-inspired plot to blow up a Michigan gay bar brought forward their getaway plans. · One suspect from New Jersey made it to…

The government has announced a plan to cap annual council rate hikes at four percent by 2029, arguing that households cannot keep absorbing steep increases from local authorities. · Labour has come out firmly against the cap, positioning itself on the opposite side of the issue to most ratepayers. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said ratepayers are being forced to tighten their belts while many councils continue to spend on “nice-to-haves…

I understand from your latest panui that you are currently assessing the evidence you have gathered in order to prepare your final report. Although the Hatchard Report submitted evidence to the Commission, our request for a meeting with yourselves was not granted. As I was in a unique position to offer invaluable information to the Commission, I believe an opportunity was missed. I would like to set the record straight in a last minute sincere…

The Labour Party faithful gathered in Auckland this past weekend for their annual conference, and for any progressives watching from outside the hall, there were two possible reactions. If you’re excited by the prospect of a change of government next year, then you’ll be buoyed by what you saw. If you’re excited by the prospect of progressive change actually occurring under that new government, you might well have your head in your hands. Becaus…

Over the years the sedate 'Tutaenui Stream' (Buckland Stream), once an average 5 feet wide along its entire length through Buckland (PSA) now increases in size after minimal rainfall (24-48hrs)into a raging torrent of horrendous volumes, 25 feet wide in places, speed and eroding the banks and taking everything in its path. Leaving behind debris and chokepoints which only adds to the erosion and blockages further along its course. We ask…

For years, residents living near the Tutaenui Stream have warned the Auckland Council of a growing and entirely preventable problem: a choked, neglected waterway that has become a repeat flooding hazard. The solution is neither complex nor controversial — the stream simply needs proper clearing and ongoing maintenance. Contractors themselves have confirmed it. A similar clearance in 2003 kept the area safe for eight years. Yet today, instead of…