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New Zealand's aged care system faces growing pressure as its population ages. Dr Oliver Hartwich examines why underfunding residential care may ultimately cost taxpayers more through hospital admissions, delayed treatment and shortages of rest home beds. Opinion by Dr Oliver Hartwich | Executive Director, The New Zealand Initiative · Last week, we co-hosted a dinner with the Selwyn Foundation. Its chair, former Labour health minister David…

New Zealand's decision to abandon domestic oil refining deserves scrutiny beyond the price of petrol. The loss of refining capacity also raises questions about industrial by-products, agricultural inputs and whether successive governments have adequately protected the country's productive economy. The Cost of Losing a Strategic Industry · In March 2022, New Zealand's only oil refinery at Marsden Point ceased operations, ending nearly six…

New Zealand's agricultural economy depends on an industrial raw material that rarely makes headlines: sulphur. With international supply routes under pressure, questions are emerging about whether the country has sufficient reserves, alternative suppliers and domestic production capacity to withstand a prolonged disruption Report by eLocal | 17 October 2026 · A Warning That Deserves Examination · New Zealand has spent years debating energy…

Andrew Korybko examines a reported four-part US peace proposal involving Ukraine's reconstruction, security guarantees, European energy integration and a ceasefire. He argues that Moscow might accept a negotiated settlement, particularly if an energy agreement offers economic incentives, while questioning whether Kyiv would agree. It represents a pragmatic balance of interests between all sides. · The Washington Post reported that Trump’s…

President Donald Trump has reportedly condemned Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries as a “disgrace”, amid concerns over rising global energy prices. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin warns of repercussions following Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian areas. · As funding from frozen Russian assets comes under pressure, EU leaders face difficult questions about continued financial support for Kyiv. Can Europe sustain its commitments,…

Elon Musk has unveiled a Tesla Roadster capable of driving upside down, leaping over other vehicles and performing controlled manoeuvres in midair. At a demonstration in Texas, the company also recorded a claimed 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 0.81 seconds, offering a glimpse of automotive engineering that until recently belonged largely to science fiction. Report by INR · A new chapter in automotive engineering unfolded at SpaceX's rocket…

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both defended their honesty during the latest leaders' debate, yet independent fact-checking exposed inaccurate and misleading claims from both sides. Beyond the political exchanges lies a larger question: after decades of promises, are New Zealanders being offered credible mechanisms for rebuilding national prosperity, or simply competing explanations for why the economy has failed to deliver? Report by…

Classically trained musician, former teacher and government adviser Emma Chatterton joins Mykeljon Winckel for a wide-ranging eLocal Conversation about the experiences shaping her approach to politics. As she seeks to succeed Judith Collins in Papakura, the discussion explores her personal journey, her ambitions for a rapidly growing electorate and the questions facing New Zealand's next generation Report by eLocal | eLocal Conversations | 16…

As Ukraine reports missing missile warnings and restrictions on Starlink military communications, a larger question emerges: how much influence does Washington really have over the war? An INR investigation examines America's control over critical military technology, its leverage over Kyiv and the human cost of a conflict that continues without a lasting peace agreement. INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge, together…

Russia strikes facilities it says support Ukraine’s military as Ukrainian forces report major restrictions on access to the US-controlled Starlink network. Meanwhile, Vladimir Zelensky claims Western intelligence sharing is falling short, apparently contradicting statements from his own ministers. In Europe, officials face embarrassment after circulating an allegedly AI-generated graph purporting to show a decline in Russian bot activity…