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An elderly neighbour dropped in to see me today seeking an explanation to an emailed marketing blurb she received from Countdown. The front page of the usual specials advertising was “Celebrate Matariki Maori New Year”. I explained to her the current Government had legislated a new public holiday” as a celebration of Matariki, the Maori New Year”. She wasn’t impressed, raising the question, would the businesses in New Zealand be impressed with…

While there’s a clear case for change in our Three Waters sector, the Government’s plan isn’t compelling, and the model of four regional entities comes with several serious problems. · We recognise and understand the need for change. But the proposed solution will end up with more problems than solutions. The benefits of scale are not convincing. Water services are not like the power grid – they are individual assets that are distanced and…

On the 3rd of March, I published my journey to date with the Three Waters Reforms being proposed by Government. You can see this summary on YouTube. Now, with the 2021 Local Government Conference behind us – the conference where we listened to the Prime Minister and Minister Mahuta and had discussions with a number of Mayors and Chief Executives – it’s time for a further update. · At the Conference, a 2.5-billion-dollar “incentive” was offered…

Last month we previewed the Hot Rods & Horsepower Show hosted by Pukekohe Hot Rod Club & Napa Auto Parts Dragway. This month we preview one of the cars which will be displayed at this fantastic show in August. Allow us to introduce the B&M/Brizio Project Car 1932 Ford Tudor direct from the USA and now owned by Ian & Iqbal Taylor of the Pukekohe Hot Rod Club. This car was built back in 1995 by Roy Brizio Street Rods in South San Francisco,…

Is all water created equal? Dr Sam explores the benefits and harms of water and what you should do to optimise your health. ·

What is the link between Covid-19 shots, Cancer and HIV? Watch the video to find out more...

Most of us will have gone to a beach, found a treasured shell chosen for its vivid colours, amazing markings or uniformity of natural design and kept it in a special hiding place, but not many of us will have gone on to collect in excess of 17,000 of them, from around the world. Local man Doug Snook has done just that, and his house is now a veritable museum of all things belonging to the world of conchology. All intrinsically and…

One of the most amazing aspects of politics in New Zealand in recent decades is the enduring popularity of a Prime Minister who leads a Government which has failed in almost every major policy area. It is indeed a sad reflection on democracy itself that voters seem more impressed by a pretty smile than by the Government’s ability to deliver on its important policy objectives. Too harsh? What about the brilliant way the Government has dealt…

If you have ever exclaimed dismay at your amount of monthly power bill and wondered how it could possibly be so high, and what you can do to reduce it, you are not alone. Over the next two months, elocal will examine the different components that go into your power bill, what that means for you the end user and ways to best ensure you are getting the most out of your energy provider. With the mid-winter chills come higher power bills and the…

Groundswell NZ is a volunteer group of farmers and rural professionals advocating for our Grass Roots farmers and rural communities. They recently took to the streets in the biggest protest since Bastion Point and converged on all the main centers nationwide in a convey of tractors – pushed to the limit with the number of regulations and perceived unworkable legislation that they feel is out of touch with what is happening within the actual…