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Over the past three years ratepayer-funded Tūpuna Maunga Authority has been on a mission to rid Auckland’s volcanic cones (maunga) of exotic trees – some 2500 in all. · In defending its actions, the Authority claims it will replace them with thousands more natives, giving the impression it will “cloak” the maunga in trees. · Yet it has become clear there is no intention to return the volcanic cones to their lush pre-human state. Instead, it has…

The Port Waikato electorate spans the alert level boundary between Auckland and Waikato. This has been the battleground of the lockdown and as the elected MP I have seen at first-hand the incredible stress and anxiety the changing alert levels have placed on people. · Since the country was plunged into Alert Level 4 on 18 August, MPs across Auckland and the Waikato, and their staff in their electorate offices, have helped hundreds of people a…

I suspect that most New Zealanders don’t give a lot of thought to the size of the government debt. But every now and then the media reports that the Government is spending vastly more than it takes in in revenue, with the result that the amount the Government has to borrow goes up by billions more. Surely this is mortgaging our future, and the future of our children and grandchildren? · Actually, thanks to a piece of legislation passed at…

Quite a few years ago the phone rang in my office, but I refused to answer it. I had “hit the wall.” In the space of one year, I lost my mentor, my assistant left, my father died, we began home schooling, and we lost a child before it was born. Eventually, I didn’t want to answer the phone - I could not face another problem or loss! Whether it was emotional burnout or depression, it all felt the same to me. · Recently I was asked to talk to a…

It may have been a while but walk into Magazine Designer Clothing and you will be greeted with an array of colours, beautiful predominantly New Zealand made clothing, exquisite accessories, and most importantly fabulous friendly staff. The Pukekohe girls Sarah, Lorraine, and Rochelle and Bronwyn and her Hamilton team thrive on helping their customers find the perfect style, no matter your size, age, or occasion you’re shopping for! · When they…

Preview of a delayed Hot Rods & Horsepower Show & Swapmeet 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 11th-12th December. Fingers crossed and prayers made as this is written that…

Christmas means many different things to different people but at the heart of every Kiwi Christmas is quality time spent with family and friends. This year things could look a little different, but the Papakura Business Association is determined that it will still be a Christmas to remember for all who visit the wonderful town. Tracy Shackleton, the Town centre Manager and her fantastic team have not stopped dreaming up all manner of Christmas…

The prolific American writer Agnes Mae Pharo (1904-1986) was perhaps most famous for her quote about Christmas. A quote that for me, this year seems to have more meaning than every before. She wrote. · “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” · This year certainly…

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 there will be a slower rate of growth in the future- a downturn…

Are you looking for something just a little bit special for this Christmas? Either for your own home or for that of a special friend? Whether you need delightfully different Christmas bling for your festive table or a unique gift that has the wow factor you need to check out the range hand picked 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 foray into…