Enduring and powerful art stems from innovate ideas and the confidence to step outside of the square. American artist, Andy Warhol is one of the most well known pop artists of all time, however there was a period in his life when inspiration was hard to come by, even for him. By the beginning of the 1960s, like many talented artists, Warhol's creativity had lead him down the…
The impact of this Lockdown has been an increase in the rate of property value growth and as before this is in the main due to a reduced number of properties available for sale and our appetite for homes which has been putting extra upward pressure on their values. Demand has continued and confidence has remained firm in the market - although there are some expectations that…
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…
David Lange is one of the most tragic figures of our modern political history. Highly articulate and entertaining, he was ushered into power in a landslide in 1984 during an economic and financial crisis. Feted as the youngest Prime Minister of the 20th century, he dazzled the nation with his wit and intellect. By the time he resigned in 1989, however, he was seen as a weak and…
I am back in Auckland and have been out in a few different electorates catching up with small business owners and locals. In typical Kiwi fashion, the people I meet put on a brave face. However, often after a few minutes of talking about their current reality inevitably tears flow. In my twenty years in politics the only time I have experienced a similar feeling of absolute…
In the middle of October, something astonishing happened: the Government and the National Party held a joint news conference to announce that they had agreed on the way to make housing more affordable. According to many opinion polls, the ludicrous level to which house prices have risen in New Zealand is the issue which is of greatest concern to the New Zealand public. And…
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…
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…
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…
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,…