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Smith and Son’s Pukekohe franchise holders Melissa and Lane Vandenbrink are well known as the masters of home transformation having won numerous industry awards and they can now add the prestigious ‘Renovation of the Year Award.’ The annual award is presented to the renovation that ‘best meets and surpasses the brief whilst showcasing the best features in a renovation’ and the…

When 3 year old Cruz told his Mum in 2016 that he wanted to grow his hair until it touched the ground and then shave it all off and give it to the $2 shop, so they could make wigs for people with cancer, she could have been forgiven for thinking it was all just a pipe dream. Fast forward to June 2021 and the now 7 year old Cruz has done just that and fundraised over $2,000 in the…

Its most definitely winter, and there is nothing better than the warm, inviting hot glow of a wood burner or fire. Those lucky enough to have this as a form of heating however know that there is nothing worse than being lumped with badly dried, poor quality wood. Carlos Ter Huurne, owner of Ignition Firewood, a Drury-based firewood supplier hears the same story over and over…

A longstanding historic landmark built over 170 years ago with the hands of over 1000 men with a unique interior of both Maori and European design but also a sad history stands the Rangiatea Church in Otaki on the Kapiti Coast. Formally one of New Zealand’s oldest Maori Anglican churches, Rangiatea church was originally built in 1851 under the leadership of Chief Te Rauparaha and…

Small to medium-sized businesses make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy, but many face the challenge of how to achieve greater productivity – and this doesn’t mean working longer hours. Improving New Zealand’s productivity has proved elusive for decades and unfortunately we now rank amongst the bottom 25 per cent of OECD countries. But what is productivity, and…

Liana Smith is a local Glenbrook girl in the middle of a truly once in a life time type of adventure, aiming to complete an Ultra Marathon swimming challenge known as the Triple Crown, and joining an elite group of only seven others who have completed the challenge to date. The Triple Crown is made up of three of NZ’s most iconic and historically important Ultra Marathon swims -…

For those planning on buying an EV the big news for the month is the Government ‘feebate’ announcement. There will be a rebate of up to $8625 for a new imported electric vehicle and up to $3540 for used imports. Trade Me reported over a 400% lift in EV enquires in the first week, but before you click “buy now” or dash to your nearest dealer, make sure you read the fine print.[^1]

It was back in 2017 when the Pukekohe Hot Rod Club and Napa Auto Parts Dragway hosted their popular Hot Rod & Horsepower Show and they’re doing it again in 2021. Get along to the Indian Hall, Ward Street, Pukekohe over the weekend of the 21-22 August for a public indoor display of mostly Pukekohe Hot Rod Club and Napa Auto Parts Dragway members vehicles with a few invited…

I am constantly surprised to find yet another acquaintance, friend, senior citizen who uses their computer to purchase all manner of items from all over the world, online shopping. Some of the purchases are junk and usually the supplier wasn’t checked out thoroughly but the majority by far seem to be satisfied with their transactions. I have an account with Amazon, AliExpress,…

In January 2004, I addressed the Orewa Rotary Club by asking: What sort of nation do we want to build? > Is it to be a modern democratic society, embodying the essential notion of one rule for all in a single nation state? Or is it the racially divided nation, with two sets of laws, and two standards of citizenship, that the present Labour Government is moving us steadily…

Legend has it that a car’s insurance policy become instantly invalid for the time it circles the chaotic Arc De Triomphe. So far during our expedition Gunther has obtained 34 different insurance policies! Many countries along route require their local insurance by law to pass through. It’s been a huge unexpected cost and administrative challenge to the expedition for us. We’ve…

MATARIKI IN PAPAKURA Check out the beautiful Matariki Flags flying high down the Great South Road in Papakura. And if you go to www.papakura.co.nz you will see all the Matariki Events happening around the town that you can participate in under our Events Section. MORE MURALS FOR PAPAKURA Wow – we have 24 of these murals in our town now … and if you fancy an art map walk to…

The Auckland housing sales data for the month of May is showing no hint that the restrictions introduced in March are having any impact on the prices or sales volume. The median house price for Auckland for the period rose over the record achieved in April 2021 and the highest May on record for 4 years. The Auckland median price of $1,073,000 was up 2.2% from April which rose…

Many people do not have to file with the Inland Revenue Department if their income is already taxed, but it is still worth checking as there are many times when expenses can be claimed. Donations to approved charitable organisations mean you can claim a 33% refund. This is well worth having, even if only to donate it again. You can file your receipts as you receive them or save…

The current housing boom is over-represented in media stories on a daily basis, but Navigation Homes Pukekohe Franchise owners Nathan Hall and Ryan Keegan believe that the people in the greater Pukekohe area have one massive advantage when it comes to building their dream home and that is the availability of quality land to build on. “We have land available, lots of it, and…

We all know people who seem to be constantly striving to better themselves. It can by physically whether it be in a gym, running longer or running faster, lifting heavier or loosing weight. Some people give up a vice, such as alcohol or sugar for a month or longer and there are any number of charities that offer monthly fundraising challenges that you can align yourself too. Some…

It was Nelson Mandela that said, ‘Since the dawn of history, mankind has honoured and respected brave and honest people’. Certainly the announcement of the New Zealand Royal honours is highly anticipated. Announced twice a year – on the official Queen’s Birthday in early June and New Year’s Eve – the awards recognise New Zealanders who have served their country or who have made…

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to be in Auckland for the 28th New Zealand First Party Conference. It is our intention and mission to remain the most successful political party outside of National and Labour in the last three decades. So many scribes have tried, and continue to, write our obituary. But we are here today, as always steadfast and resolved to put New Zealand…

Dr Sam responds to the ‘egregious’ personal attack on Dr Simon Thornley, epidemiologist and senior lecturer at the University of Auckland, that was recently published by Stuff.

Doctors for Covid Ethics, April 30, 2021 — COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have been exempted from legal liability for vaccine-induced harm. It is therefore in the interests of all those authorising, enforcing and administering COVID-19 vaccinations to understand the evidence regarding the risks and benefits of these vaccines, since liability for harm will fall on them. In…