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In recent weeks, more and more commentators are suggesting that house prices in New Zealand have started to fall, and are expected to fall further. For many homeowners, especially those who have bought within the last year or two, this news will be terrifying, and for them I have a great deal of sympathy. They were sold the lie that house prices would always and everywhere rise…

10 June - The Eruption of Mt Tarawera Just to the south-east of Rotorua, Mount Tarawera could be described as an unusual looking mountain, with several large domes and a broad, flat top. It was shaped by volcanic activity hundreds of years ago. The Māori inhabitants of the area, and the Europeans who arrived in the 19th century, did not know that Tarawera was an active volcano…

An article in the UK Daily Telegraph last week illustrated a dilemma we all face. Scientists have admitted that the AstraZeneca vaccine increases the risk of the serious neurological condition Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)—just one of the many post-vaccination adverse effects. Scientists identified the jab’s genetically engineered Trojan horse adenovirus delivery system as…

It is worth pointing out that the recent (2021) study of inequality in New Zealand undertaken by Max Rashbrooke relies, by Rashbrooke’s admission, upon Piketty’s “Capital” or Capital in the Twenty First century (2014) which examines economic global growth (what might be considered as GDP) and the (global) return on capital assets for a millennia or so. The difference, as Piketty…

The decline in the market that has been predicted following the rise in the rate of inflation and mortgage interest rates has finally shown up in sales figures. The median and average sales prices in April fell back when compared to those in March, and those for the previous three months, but remained well ahead of the prices of property 12 months ago with the monthly median…

WELCOME TO: Sonny’s Polynesian Takeaways in O’Shannessey Street Indian Spice Bazaar in East Street Sustainable Papakura who has re-opened in O’Shannessey Street The Bedroom Store in Great South Road FAIRY LIGHTS: Lovely fairy lights have been brightening up our town recently, especially at night. These are making Papakura look even brighter and more gorgeous than usual. …

For many of us, there’s no greater support than what we receive from our Mother, the person who gave birth to us, or who has treated us as if she did. From the time spent with us in fun childhood games and endless snack preparation to sticking by us as moody teenagers and being the occasional shoulder to cry on – they’ve always had our backs. This month, Mother’s Day gives us the…

Microscopy evidence given to the New Zealand Police pursuant to a complaint against Medsafe for causing escalating harm and death from the Covid19 vaccine Comirnaty Allegations of “the worst disease in 100 years” and slogans such as “safe and effective vaccine” were reason enough for many trusting Kiwis to take the Pfizer Biontech Covid19 “vaccine” called Comirnaty. More…

The RBNZ is set to lift the cash rate, again, by 50bps on Wednesday. The assertive move will see the cash rate hit a neutral setting of 2%. But there will be more rate hikes to come. The focus is on the RBNZ’s forecasts. We expect to see the OCR track pulled forward and shunted higher. We’re interested in the RBNZ’s thoughts around unemployment and inflation into 2023 and beyond.

It all started with a mad passion for an old Ducati. To be honest it was almost in a box of bits. Unloved, forgotten and abused. Tossed in a corner with nothing even shiny to catch the eye of a wandering magpie. “What the heck is that you’ve found?” I asked Derek (Derek Price – Performance Transmissions, Pukekohe), who by notoriety is an extreme perfectionist when it comes to…

The housing market is a market that is ever changing, but it’s business as usual for Nathan Hall and Ryan Keegan, proprietors of the Navigation Homes Counties franchise, and their team. Their mission is to realise the dream of house ownership for the many local Kiwis who choose Navigation Homes to build their dream home just as they imagine it to look. Award winning Navigation…

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…