May 2022

It all started with a mad passion for an old Ducati. To be honest it was almost in a box of bits. Unloved, forgotten and abused. Tossed in a corner with nothing even shiny to catch the eye of a wandering magpie. “What the heck is that you’ve found?” I asked Derek (Derek Price – Performance Transmissions, Pukekohe), who by notoriety is an extreme perfectionist when it comes to saving mechanical beings. He replied “It’s some oldish Ducati air…

The housing market is a market that is ever changing, but it’s business as usual for Nathan Hall and Ryan Keegan, proprietors of the Navigation Homes Counties franchise, and their team. Their mission is to realise the dream of house ownership for the many local Kiwis who choose Navigation Homes to build their dream home just as they imagine it to look. Award winning Navigation Homes was founded in the Franklin region in 2007 by Aaron and…

For many of us, there’s no greater support than what we receive from our Mother, the person who gave birth to us, or who has treated us as if she did. From the time spent with us in fun childhood games and endless snack preparation to sticking by us as moody teenagers and being the occasional shoulder to cry on – they’ve always had our backs. This month, Mother’s Day gives us the chance to say thank you for everything they have done for us. ·…

The Incorporated Societies Bill had its third reading in Parliament on 31 March and received royal assent on 5 April, thus passing into law. The new act replaces the old law which has stood since 1908, and sets out a new modern framework for incorporated societies and those who run them. However, some of the new changes could have very negative effects. · There are around 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand, covering an enormous swathe…

The evenings are well and truly drawing in and there is most definitely a cooler nip in the air. It’s time to get in your firewood before the rush is on or you have to stack your wood away in the rain. The horse has bolted now on getting wet wood to dry yourself as buying wet wood will not dry in time and will not burn effectively. Delivery delays can stretch out to 3 - 4 weeks in the coming months so best to get your order in early. · Carlos…

MOTHER’S DAY – SUNDAY 8 MAY Don’t forget Mum on her special day! Papakura can help you out with all your gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Whether it’s taking her out for a special meal, grabbing a lovely gift voucher for a treatment or pamper package, some lovely item of clothing she has always wanted – look no further than Papakura. Check out www.papakura.co.nz for shops and businesses that can help you get something special for Mum. WELCOME…

Are you looking for something just a little bit special for Mum or that special person in your life? If it is a distinct gift or something that you know they won’t have considered buying for themselves, you need to check out the range handpicked by Toni Charteris at The Bespoke Living Room. Located at 128 Stan Wright Rd, Karaka, a visit to The Bespoke Living Room is an indulgent foray into stylish living and home furnishings all designed to…

Many people seem to think that New Zealand doesn’t have a constitution. And certainly we are one of a very small number of countries which does not have a written constitution, a single document laying out how the governance of the country should be conducted. · But we certainly have a constitution, albeit not one written down in a single document. Rather, our constitution consists of a number of laws and a number of conventions, many of them…

Auckland had a median house price of $1,200,000 in March 2022 — a 6.7% increase year-on-year although there is evidence that this is starting to slow. Buyers continue to struggle with accessing finance and are awaiting further changes to the CCCFA to be implemented due the 1st of June. Banks will hopefully be able to get on the same page about the implementation of the rules. If you are buying use a mortgage broker as there are still banks out…

Ingredients 1.5C rigatoni pasta or similar uncooked 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 12 fresh sage leaves 1/4C. pine nuts, toasted and roughly chopped 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, pressed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1C. pure pumpkin 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving 1/4C. cream 1/8 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg · Directions 1. Cook pasta per…

Hosted by Pukekohe Hot Rod Club and Napa Auto Parts Dragway Like most things which haven’t been cancelled totally by Covid restrictions imposed by our government, the Hot Rods & Horsepower Show hosted by Pukekohe Hot Rod Club & Napa Auto Parts Dragway has been delayed. The new date will be the weekend of the 14th-15th May. After dealing with Covid restrictions for the past couple of years, it is great for the show to finally go ahead. · “Much…

Once upon a time, the southern Pacific was deemed the province of Australia and New Zealand with regard to cultural and educational exchanges and, of course, aid. Yet aid to Fiji from China (i.e., the PRC) can be traced to 19752 Then there is a general anxiety displayed by the press and the electorate in regard to the PRC, from 5G communications equipment to influence on NZ universities and general meddling. It is to be anticipated that all…

May 5, 1893 - US Stock Market Tumble Triggers Panic By the end of the year, 600 banks closed and several big railroads were in receivership. Another 15,000 businesses went bankrupt amid 20 percent unemployment. It was the worst economic crisis in U.S. history up to that time. Like most major financial downturns, the depression of the 1890s was preceded by a series of shocks that undermined public confidence and weakened the economy. The Panic…

Microscopy evidence given to the New Zealand Police pursuant to a complaint against Medsafe for causing escalating harm and death from the Covid19 vaccine Comirnaty Allegations of “the worst disease in 100 years” and slogans such as “safe and effective vaccine” were reason enough for many trusting Kiwis to take the Pfizer Biontech Covid19 “vaccine” called Comirnaty. More cautious Kiwis would likely have waited until mid-2023 when full…