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Jeffery Archer is a bestselling English author who it can be claimed has enjoyed a somewhat colourful life, including an Oxford Education, training to join the police and army, becoming a physical education teacher before serving as a member of the British Parliament in the 1960’s and a stint as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party in the 1980’s. Now published in 97 countries and more than 33 languages, Jeffrey Archer is a well-known…

Being impartial means not being prejudiced towards or against any particular side, and to be fair and balanced. In the world of media, this used to be a standard that many just accepted to be what happened. These days though, with the advance of digital technologies, the thrust for reporting to in response to things as they happen, and the ease with which it is possible to have things published as gospel, this is an increasingly tough one. All…

It seems no time at all since we were celebrating (or lamenting) the election of the Labour–New Zealand First–Green Government in 2017. And now, in little more than six months’ time, we’re going to the polls again. As I write in the middle of February, the outcome of the election is still very uncertain. If the latest poll results were replicated in the election, we would have another Labour-led Government, with the Greens in support (and…

Jason Tabrum has experienced some extremes in his career, most recently from working in and around the city of Perth. Traditionally known for its mining industry, it can be a hard environment. Tabrum though, excelled in his chosen career of real estate, working for a boutique agency in Wembley, selling high end properties and has learnt from the best in his industry. Returning to Pukekohe, he is ready to ensure that when you list with him or…

The season is approaching fast and we have achieved a huge amount as a club over the last few months. The Franklin United Youth Academy is merging its 13 and 14 grade teams (boys and girls) together with the South Auckland Elite Academy to build quality in preparation for competing in the new premier competitions at youth level – the NRFL Y divisions. · As mentioned previously in my Franklin Speaking Frankly articles, this is a competition that…

NEW BUSINESSES IN TOWN · Welcome to: · Sammie Nicole Nails – who has come back to Papakura Little Flock of Horrors – fabulous Merino who have moved in the Great South Road Transparent Accounting who have joined as an Associate Member Eight Limb Yoga in Broadway Scott Plumbing have an office in town in the Great South Road Southern Traders in East Street Campbell Tyson have moved into the Great South Road People Passion have moved into…

As the obesity epidemic in New Zealand surges ahead, more people are looking for real solutions. But interestingly, obesity figures are rising despite the fact that overall, the population’s energy intake has dropped. The explanation for this seemingly bizarre coincidence is actually quite obvious. New Zealanders are simply less active. Most experts agree that people will lose weight if their energy output exceeds the energy they consume. This…

Menopause is a normal part of life; you are said to have reached menopause after 12 months in a row of no further periods. The usual age is between 45 to 55 years old. The average in NZ is 52 years old. · About 70% of women have significant symptoms with menopause and 40% will see a doctor because of their symptoms. Symptoms vary hugely in severity with some women having very little discomfort, while others are affected to the extent of being…

The name “Autobahn” is synonymous in Europe with long, fast open stretches of motorway and cafes that specialise in serving healthy, sustainable, and delicious food to everyone. Thanks to Erich and Margaret Dornauer, a local couple with a European background, this same recipe for success can also be found right here in two locations close to Pukekohe / Papakura townships. The couple started the first Autobahn Cafe in August 1994. Located within…

Today, Moriori are trying to restore their place in the public consciousness as the tchakat henu (tangata whenua) of the Chatham Islands, but they’re up against some competition. Recent vandalism of Moriori cultural artefacts recalls an ancient feud which dates back to Moriori being both persecuted and ignored by two peoples. In their heyday, the Moriori numbered 2000 people, but their idyll was to be violently shattered, all within a decade… Li…