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It has been 13 years since we have seen sales hit over 10,000 in a month but that’s what happened last month – against a backdrop of low level of listings. There are a good number coming to the market but the high turnover rate means that there are not enough for the demand that exists. · A persistent lack of stock is contributing to the rising house values – this is particularly true of the first time home buyers and investors markets assisted…

Ensom Funeral Services recognises that each family's needs are different and, with that in mind, they take the time to prepare a unique and fitting tribute and farewell. It is the emphasis on providing personal advice and assistance to grieving families that sets Ensom Funeral Services apart. · The friendly and professional team at Ensom Funeral Services has been part of the Auckland community for many years. John Ensom started in the…

Most New Zealand's will know Andrew Bayly as a community man and a local MP, only a few will know the other side of his life, the Andrew Bayly who is an adventurer. He has climbed mountains, both here and internationally. Trekked to both the North and South Poles, a feat that gains him a place in an exceedingly small club, as he is one of only 140 explorers who can make this claim. · As a father, he loves to share his passion for adventure, and…

South Auckland Woodturners Guild will have more than 2000 hand-crafted items of woodturning exhibited at 245 Great South Road, Papakura, from 30 November to 24 December 2020. This shop is opposite the Countdown car park and just three doors south of Averill Street. Normal shopping hours apply. · The range of goods from 20 club members is expected to be high everything from bowls, vases, boxes, spinning tops, platters, chopping boards,…

We would like to say a massive thank you to all of our Clients for trusting us over the past year – what a ride it has been and we are grateful to have been part of your journeys. · Whilst we certainly haven't stopped yet, we're looking forward to time with family over the holidays, and will be back raring to go for 2021, ready to meet more great people! New Listings · 152e Aka Aka Road, Puni 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 car garaging (view…

Published by Viking. Hardback, 768 pages. “Looking back, I sometimes ponder the age-old question of how much difference the particular characteristics of individual leaders make in the sweep of history—whether those of us who rise to power are mere conduits for the deep, relentless currents of the times or whether we’re at least partly the authors of what’s to come… · “The truth is, I’ve never been a big believer in destiny. I worry that it…

Published by Penguin Books (NZ). Paperback, 304 pages. When journalist Martin van Beynen started writing Black Hands, a book about the fatal Bain family shootings in 1994, he wondered if he could finally nail who did it. · The veteran reporter, who covered David Bain’s second trial in 2009 and started his journalism career in Dunedin in 1989, said starting on the book was delayed by the Christchurch earthquakes and a bout with cancer. · “I…

What a year, it’s certainly been a ride! I am sure everyone is looking forward to seeing the back of 2020. What started with a hiss and a roar and usual promise of positivity and things ‘better than’, has actually become for many more than usual, a year fraught with illness, financial pressure and uncertainly. In April, for the first time since elocal started, we were unable to physically distribute a magazine. · Whatever side of the belief…

I have been giving a great deal of thought and consideration to our present “Super City” Auckland Council, based on my own experience as a City Councillor of the former Auckland City Council and as a Member of the old Auckland Regional Authority. Just where is Auckland at present, what financial constraints and guidelines have been responsibly implemented, particularly as November 1st this year was the 10th anniversary of the establishment of…

The North Island in the centuries prior to pastoral farming and introduced pests were cloaked in a fringe of red from coast to coast as the New Zealand Pohutukawa tree was in full bloom during the months of November to January, from the latitude of 38º south (New Plymouth/Gisbourne) upwards towards Cape Reinga in the north. The species formal botanical name isMetrosideros excelsa, the Metrosideros is from the ancient Greek word ‘metra’ meaning…