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How does the TH1 and TH2 Immune system work? Do vaccines affect the immune system balance?

Everybody loves a story. Telling stories is an age-old art form, and a good story well told stays long in the memories of its listeners or readers. This May, Franklin Writers Group is offering the chance to compose your own short story and finally let the ideas buzzing around in your head, the opportunity to get out. The Franklin Writers' Group's biennial short story competition…

With stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps on its doorstep sits another of New Zealand’s most photographed churches. The small Anglican church in the south island named The Church of The Good Shepherd. With intent to create a place of worship and as a memorial to the pioneers of Mackenzie Country, a successful appeal for funds was granted in October 1934 and was…

For over a decade Franklin’s local historical societies have campaigned to save the station building but finally they have admitted defeat. The building will be lost to the district it has served for more than one hundred years. It was the oldest publicly accessible building in the town. It became impossible to progress the plan for restoration and repurposing of the building…

Local woman Leslea Eilenberg has always been one to challenge herself. Avid elocal readers will remember her last achievements competing in world triathlons including Kona Ironman and Hawaii. Now, she has gone even further! Breaking all records for her age and weight at the International Oceania Powerlifting Championships and a Silver Medal in the Worlds Masters Games Triathlon. I…

Many New Zealanders are traditionally keen on outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing and with gun ownership rising so is the interest in gun related sports. New Zealanders have a proud level of achievement in sports such as shooting and elocal has discovered one such local hero in the form of David Butler. Dave, as he likes to be called, can be found during working hours…

Tommy could be described as a quiet over achiever. Imported by Nicola d’Almeida from Scotland in 2013, as a three year old, he was originally destined to be bred from. A pure-bred, Black Tabiano Gypsy Cob stallion, he stands at a sturdy 150cm. Kind-hearted, with a beautiful head and with very correct movement, it was evident to Nicola and fellow equestrian enthusiast Chanelle…

Hang on Puke! We’re teetering at the top of a roll coaster ride called ‘progress’. On the downhill slope we’ll see our town irrevocably changed and our lifestyle changing too. In some areas, back yards and tree lined streets become a thing of the past with increasing density of housing permitted. Pukekohe has been packaged and sold as an attractive little country town, complete…

A couple of issues back, I wrote about the way in which the Government had passed legislation under urgency to prevent ratepayers having any right to demand a referendum before local authorities establish Maori wards, as a previous Labour Government had explicitly legislated for. I want to discuss this issue a bit further because I’ve had some people say to me that the Treaty…

A poem commemorating Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021). Do not look at me with sorrow, Simply because I sit alone. It is a choice I chose to make To compose the shivers from my bone. Do not look at this with pity, As it was what I chose to do. It was Philips place to be, I wanted to show that to all of you. My world of love…

Auckland Council obviously doesn’t bother to look back on past mistakes by previous versions of the original Auckland City Council. They should take the time to read Graham WA Bush’s “Advance In Order” written in 1991, with a council committee overview under Cath Tizard, the then Mayor of Auckland City. This book covered the events and history time line from 1971 to 1989. Further…

The month of May is action-packed with the Government’s Budget (May 20) and the RBNZ’s Monetary Policy Statement (May 26). And this week, we get the RBNZ’s semi-annual Financial Stability Report (FSR). Unfortunately, even before its release, the FSR has lost some of its allure. We learnt last week in the media the RBNZ will not include a response to the Minister of Finance on DTI…

There she goes, New Zealand’s Wonder Woman, striking a model’s pose on the cover of yet another women’s magazine, Thrive, dedicated to the wellness mantras Ardern herself spouts. Its subtitle – ‘Care’ – tells us ‘How Jacinda looks after herself (and us)’, the article gushing about the cup of tea Clarke Gayford, the father of her daughter, brings her every morning; how he makes…

Karikari Peninsula is renowned for its amazing white sandy beaches and bays such as popular Maitai Bay.

March 2021 was a month of firsts! But quite a mixed bag and the effects of some have yet to be seen in the market: Median days to sell the lowest for a March since records began. Inventory levels continue to fall, placing pressure on the housing market, decreasing 6.1% in March 2021 from March 2020 levels – in total that is 1265 fewer properties available to the market and 8791…

Death, Taxes and… “Sarcopenia”. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m on about, but before you ask auntie Google, let me quickly explain. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass. And yep, if you do nothing to reverse that process it is a certainty in life. In fact, following a 2014 study by UCLA and published in the American Journal of Medicine and subsequent…

Happy Mother's Day! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers on Sunday 9th of May 2021. We wish you all a truly happy and wonderful day. Papakura Streetfest 2021 Make sure you diary this date – Saturday 8th of May in Papakura. Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs,…

Smith and Son’s Pukekohe franchise holders Melissa and Lane Vandenbrink are the masters of home transformation. They can expertly renovate your well-loved and liked home that has served you well in the past into something you will love to stay living in for the foreseeable future. With prices skyrocketing and uncertainty about the economy and borders reopening many New Zealanders…

You are invited to our third StreetFEST Event on Saturday May 8th from 10am -2pm on Great South Road. This year it is being extended into Broadway in Papakura. “We’re so excited to be holding our third StreetFEST, 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…

Imagine being stuck in a ‘foxhole’ in the ground as a raging battle in the air took place and bombs were exploding all around you. This is what my father Eugene Warwood endured during his Second World War service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in Vanuatu’s Green Islands. Eugene was a Staff Sergeant, a cook with the RNZAF Radar Group supporting the New Zealand 3rd Division…