June 2023

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell Freedom of speech is one of the most precious and important human rights. A free society depends on the free exchange of ideas. Nearly all ideas are inherently capable of giving offence to someone. Many of the most important, profound ideas in human history, such as…

By Guy Hatchard PhD So what exactly will the regulator’s draconian powers replace? • Well of course free speech—the right to speak your mind—will be off the table. In other words, the ordinary process of discourse will be muted by the fear of arbitrary punishment. • This will supersede the NZ Bill of Rights, which was designed to guarantee our freedom of thought, conscience,…

Cutting Edge Plastic Surgery is run by Adam Greenbaum who is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon working in private practice in Pukekohe. At Cutting Edge Plastic Surgery, not only do they offer a wide selection of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, but also non-surgical cosmetic treatments. They also happen to be a one-stop-shop for skin…

Papakura Street Fest returned on Saturday, May 6 with around 5000 visitors making the most of more than 40 stalls. This year was the fourth Steet Fest, and Papakura Town Centre manager Tracy Shackleton says it built on the success of previous events, extending into Broadway. The whanau-friendly festival ran from 10am to 2pm and showcased the area’s great food, featured…

By Julie Halligan Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula perched atop a rising ridge stands the imposing and lasting monument to one man’s insistent desire to announce to the world that he had arrived, that he was someone and that he had ‘done good’. William Larnach had grown up on the rural estate of Rosemount, in the Patrick Plains of the Hunter Valley near Singleton in…

Ensom Funerals is an independently run family business with an established funeral home located at 15 East Street, Papakura (opposite the "Village Green" park). John and his team have extensive knowledge, understanding and commitment to your family and provide advice and assistance anytime to all districts when a loved one dies. With over 40 year’s experience in the industry…

Locally owned JB Flooring in Pukekohe by John and Catherine Bannister has a spacious Carpet and Flooring showroom located at 16d Wrightson Way, Pukekohe, in the Pukekohe Mega Centre. Open Monday through Friday 8.30am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm. It is spacious, bright and modern, with ample car parking available. Showcased in the showroom are leading brands such as Cavalier…

Team Town and Country is made up of Mother and Daughter team, Victoria Day and Joann Townsend. They have a family legacy in outstanding real estate performance and an advanced understanding of the myriad elements of the ever-changing housing market. One of latest listings includes 28a Helvetia Road Pukekohe. A charming brick 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home which is the perfect starter…

Mark Davie from Sepio Insurance Management provides a highly professional service to our clients. Not only do we have the experience and backing to secure appropriate cover in terms of price and security, but also offer comprehensive risk and claims management services. From Personal, Business, Rural or other Insurance we obtain insurance cover for you by assessing your specific…

Photos and words David Child-Dennis The late 1960s saw the best pre-Formula One racing this country has ever experienced. Racing took place over January, during the European winter, giving the Formula One teams a chance to test new chassis and suspension systems prior to the upcoming European season. The only difference was that the engine capacity was limited to 2.5 litres, as…

Acacia Cove Village living has taken a whole new meaning with a planned environment aimed at providing superior spacious accommodation with security and independence. Independently owned and operated. Best Ageing Programme at the 2017 Ageing Asia Eldercare Awards. Finalist in the Facility of the Year Independent Seniors Living Category.

By Maryanne Demasi PhD Reanalysis of regulatory data finds that attempted suicides were excluded from the final journal publication, and the journal has not corrected the record. A new analysis finds that Prozac (generic name fluoxetine) is unsafe and ineffective for treating depression in children and adolescents. Regulatory documents show that trial participants attempted…

The Number 8 Workers Union of New Zealand Incorporated is delighted to have Voice Media on our side and to issue our first press release though elocal magazine and their free speech platform. The N8WUNZ is a great success but you’ll never hear about it except if you’re in the zooms we do every Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. Even then we can’t tell you any details…

Dr. Emanuel Garcia There is an old joke that goes something like this: “Why do Baptists forbid fornication?” “Because it might lead to dancing.” It came to me after a conversation with an Australian colleague studying psychoanalytic psychotherapy at an institution in the United States. She was appalled and deeply saddened by her experiences within this institution during the…

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola While the fake meat industry is being touted as an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to feed the world, the true intent is to recreate the kind of global control that Monsanto and others achieved through patented GMO seed development. Researchers at UC Davis warn there are major environmental downsides to lab-grown meat. According to…

exclusively on Voice Media Robert Wilson, Born in Timaru, my farming parents moved to Mimihau near Wyndham in Eastern Southland when I was five years of age. Finishing my Schooling at Menzies College in Wyndham, I initially worked on farms before taking up shearing along with my own run for 10 years, working both here and in Western Australia. Due to back problems I was forced…

The team at PS Automotive stands out as one of the best in European vehicle servicing thanks to our innate attention and specialist knowledge of the complexity in engine detail and unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard in quality workmanship. We are equipped with the best up to date tools from European manufacturers. This means we can carry out cambelts,…

exclusively on Voice Media Kerry Brocas, Join Honda South Auckland Store Manager Kerry Brocas as he chats candidly to Mykeljon Winckel about the advantages of the latest Honda ZR-V Sport SUV as Kerry runs through the advantages of Honda’s e:HEV Electrified Drivetrain technology (petrol/electric) over the E.V. fully electric cars. Drop in and see him, or just give him a call to…

Free Speech Union Council member Dr. Melissa Derby The Second Academic Freedom Report released by the Free Speech Union is a chilling read for those of us who work in universities. It uses a phrase we hear often – that universities are the “critics and conscience of society”. In New Zealand, that (dare I say it) privilege is enshrined in section 161(2) of our Education Act. There…

National Prizes 1st Prize: $300 2nd Prize: $150 3rd Prize: $75 Local prizes for Franklin residents of book vouchers from PaperPlus Pukekohe Each story must be on the theme of “Written in the Stars” and be 300 words or less. You may enter up to 3 stories. Each must be original fiction and not previously published. Entry fee is $10 per story or $25 for three. Entries must…

It was early March when the sixth annual model a day was held in Oratia in West Auckland. Hosted by Chris Hornblow and Shane Adlington this great day is a casual afternoon to celebrate all things Model A. Just on 50 Model A cars were in attendance including one Model T powered by Model A. The furtherest travelled was Kev Topham from Masterton with his Model A coupe which he drove…

By elocal Staff Lawrence Anthony, a South African conservationist was a man who abandoned a career in insurance and real estate to play Noah to the world’s most endangered species.. Born and raised in South Africa, in the mid-1990s, he bought one of South Africa’s largest game sanctuaries, the 5,000-acre Thula Thula reserve. He added luxury accommodations and fine dining to…

FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT Friday June 23rd 2023 at 2pm St Georges Church Thames THAMES HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC STUDENTS Thames High School Music Students will present vocal and instrumental performances in a 45 minute free concert Enjoy Hot soup and a bun after the concert for $5, Koha accepted By no means a strictly classical singer, Will is renowned for his engaging…