February 2022

One could say that the events in the Ukraine and the reaction of Russia has removed the topic of Covid-19 from the front page or, in some instances, perhaps from page three as well. As with any matter of significance, the issue is considerably more complicated than a case of freedom and the big bad Ruskies. By way of comparison the situation is not altogether unlike that of China (the PRC) and Tibet and Taiwan. Hong Kong doesn’t feature because…

With land currently as scarce as hen’s teeth, Frame Homes has been working hard to secure land around the wider Franklin region to ensure they can continue to offer high quality house & land packages that they have become synonymous for. Frame Homes have plenty of exciting projects coming up this year in Paerata Rise, Pukekohe, Tuakau & Kingseat. All of these thriving residential developments offer a great lifestyle, being within a stone’s…

December was a solid close to a strong year for the New Zealand property market. House prices were considerably higher than December 2020, demand and sales activity remained firm, and there was a welcome increase in new listings through November and into December. Median prices for residential property across New Zealand increased annually by 21.5%, from $745,000 in December 2020 to $905,000 in December 2021. Though year-on-year growth…

The New Zealand Government still advises all kiwis with an ‘do not travel’ overseas advisory in the wake of the Covid Pandemic that has gripped the world since 2020. So just what are your options for the intrepid Kiwi traveller who has always had the hankering to broaden their horizons or complete that OE. The global situation remains complex and rapidly changing. While some countries and territories have reopened their borders to travellers,…

By John Fergusson ‘John, come and make up a four.’ My mother called from downstairs. In our Victorian vicarage in a sleepy English village, I was already cozy in bed. My parents had planned a game of bridge with friends, and one hadn’t showed. ‘I don’t know how.’ I loved card games, but bridge was for adults—I was only twelve. That didn’t wash. Mother stalked up the stairs and grabbed my arm. ‘You’ll pick it up. You can be dummy.’ ‘Gee,…

There’s never been a better time to get into your new home. Start your journey now with Navigation Homes, you won’t be disappointed. We have quality House & Land packages available now in Paerata Rise and Tuakau. Getting a jump on the housing market could help you buy sooner, smarter and keep some cash in your pocket. “The advantage of starting early is you can get all your ducks in a row,” Those “ducks” might include a lower mortgage rate.…

Pukekohe Performing Arts (PPA) is a non-profit organisation that caters to the wider community by providing quality productions such as Chicago, Grease, Moana Jr and Madagascar Jr. It’s a place for thespians to come together and do what they love while having some fun and learning a few new tricks. The Harrington Theatre, located at 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe has recently endured being closed since covid restrictions began in 2020 and have…

Since 2010 Ian Buchanan has been offering his clients the benefits of his vast business experience in dealing in both rural lifestyle and urban residential property sales. Ian is well known for his exuberance, passion, and the energy that he always brings to the table. With robust negotiating skills, strong ethical values, confidence and courage, Ian offers property sellers and buyers the utmost in commitment and professionalism. The desire…

Small businesses have really done it tough over the last 18 months, with numerous lockdowns and long periods of being unable to operate. When all the outgoings have been paid, only then can the business owner take what’s left for themselves. We are a nation of small businesses. They can be found in every sector of commerce and in every industry. They are often referred to as the ‘engine room’ of the economy, providing jobs for thousands of…

Hasn’t the summer been glorious and weather amazing! We do hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy this time with family and friends. NEW BUSINESSES TO PAPAKURA Wow we have had seven businesses open up in town and we welcome Ahua Beauty Loft on the corner of Broadway and O Shannessey Street Buy your own Car in Averill Street Remax Rural Urban on the Corner of Beach and Great South Roads Rentronics on the Great South Road Little…

Over the last year or so, I’ve read a lot of books (or more accurately, listened to a lot of books on Audible) on the US political situation – some by partisan authors like Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who chairs the House Intelligence Committee and who led those who argued for the impeachment of Donald Trump over his attempt to blackmail Ukraine into helping him win the 2020 election; some by authors who might be expected to support…

We have kissed goodbye to 2021 and are we ready to roll on to a better and brighter 2022, events are still being hampered by Covid 19. The latest one as this was written is the annual Repco Beach Hop at Whangamata. The Whangamata Beach Hop Rock’n’Roll Festival Committee early December to discuss how Repco Beach Hop 22, scheduled for 23rd - 27th March 2022, can operate under the Covid Protection Framework commonly known as the Traffic Light…

The Napier Earthquake – Feb 3, 1931 On the morning of 3 February 1931, the air in Napier ‘had grown still and oppressive’ and the sea was ‘so calm and still’ and a ‘most peculiar colour’, (Wright, 2001). At about 10:47am an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck central Napier and Hastings causing widespread damage and resulting in the deaths of 256. For two and a half minutes the earth shook with a violent force, with those…