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For thousands of years, history, genealogies, stories and mythology had to be memorised by rote and gruelling repetition, then handed down in perfect oral delivery to each ensuing generation. For this mammoth task, children exhibiting the brightest and best minds within a tribe were chosen and set aside to be the bearers of the knowledge. This oral transmission prevailed in many societies the world over, ranging right across the globe and many…

When you see that flash of tartan go by and no bagpipes or you see big jock hold the post hole borer and still no bagpipes, then you know it’s one of the Wee Job vehicles on its way to another job! The Wee job company’s team of three has been working in the South Auckland region and wider areas for the past 15 years. Well known for their hard-working attitude and high level of standards, the team are always busy, with the work coming in for all…

Dear Sirs. · In the latest edition of eLocal Ms. Lucy Mullinger writes an article about the in her opinion quite deplorable state of the education and well-being of children in New Zealand. She uses the phrase "in comparison to other Western countries, however based on statistics" and later on refers in that context to the OECD. In her article she then first compares the NZ household income with Sweden and states that Swedish families earn…

As someone who has been forced to deal with a couple of serious medical conditions in the past, I am accustomed to “worst scenario” theories offered by professionals. And also, quite thankful for them. I would much rather hear the worst and hope for the best. I wonder if scientists and other professionals commenting on climate change are doing the same; warning us of the catastrophes that could happen if we don’t act now. Taking a position that…

Polocrosse, the fast paced, 6 player team game played with a ball and net, all while on horseback is coming to Counties Polocrosse Club 588 Glenbrook Rd, Karaka on the 16th and 17th March, 2019. If you have never seen Polocrosse before this is your chance! · This event is not to be missed with the feature game each day at 1pm being a test match between the New Zealand and the Australian world cup sides, their last hit out before heading to…

It’s hard to believe that as you folks read this month’s edition of elocal it will be February, Kids will be back at school, the humidity will be full on, and we will have endured another year of who went, who didn’t and who did and didn’t do what at Waitangi. · We have had lots of letters in over the holidays and requests from people wanting to hear more about certain topics, so due to space constraints we have put our letters to the editor…

The public might assume that justice equals the truth, with regards to any Court Case brought before the New Zealand court, however in our adversarial system they may not be the same thing at all. New Zealand’s justice system is part of our system of government. New Zealand’s government is modelled on the British system (the Westminster model) and is based on a concept called separation of powers. This means the institutions of government are…

Tena koutou ki a koutou a Ngapuhi E hari ana taku ngakau ki te mihi atu ki a koutou He iwi kotahi tatou No reira tena koutou. Can I begin my comments today by saying how much I appreciate your invitation? I have no doubt that some of you see me as a racist of the worst kind. It is a great tribute to you that you are nevertheless willing to have me here today, at this place of great importance in our history, even though you may disagree with…

Heat pumps have become the go-to solution for solving heating woes in New Zealand homes over the last few years. In July 2019 it becomes compulsory for all rental housing in New Zealand to have insulation and adequate clean heating, many landlords are looking to heat pumps to provide security that they are adhering to the new regulations and providing a warm environment for their tenants in the winter, and a cool one in summer. Perfect Air are…

We are spoilt for choice, in New Zealand, when it comes to finding beautiful islands just a hop, skip and a jump (or swim) from our back door. In this edition, we travel down to the bottom of the North Island, beginning with the stunningly beautiful Kapiti Island, and on to the South Island, which has its own unique set of rugged and majestic island getaways. Kapiti Island · Beginning on the west coast across from Paraparaumu beach, Kapiti…