Auckland households are facing another significant increase in living costs, with Watercare announcing a 7.2 percent increase in water and wastewater charges from 1 July, just days after Auckland Council approved an average rates increase of 7.9 percent. By elocal News Desk · The combined increases will add further pressure to household budgets already stretched by higher mortgage costs, insurance premiums, food prices and general inflation. · …

New Zealand's fuel and energy security challenges continue to generate strong debate, and recent discussions within the NZ Fuel Watch community highlight growing public concern about the country's long-term resilience. The conversation began with a seemingly simple question from Karl regarding the tanker Hafnia Falcon. Observing the vessel repeatedly moving between ports, Karl wondered whether the ship was delivering fuel or collecting…

As we move through the first week of June, the overall picture for New Zealand's fuel supply remains stable, with regular coastal distribution continuing and several significant international fuel tankers arriving at key ports. While there are some positive signs emerging, there are also a few areas that deserve ongoing monitoring. · The Good News · The biggest positive this week was activity at Marsden Point. · Two international product…

The Free Speech Union has backed the Crown's bid to lift the permanent name suppression of a member of a wealthy New Zealand family convicted of possessing and importing more than 11,000 files of child sexual abuse material. He was sentenced in August 2025 to two years and five months' imprisonment, with his name, his family's name, and the family company all permanently suppressed. The High Court heard the Crown's application on 2 June and…

For years New Zealand First has been politically underestimated. Written off. Declared finished. · Told its support base was ageing out. · Yet somehow, election after election, Winston Peters keeps proving political commentators wrong. Now, as New Zealand heads toward the 2026 General Election, a growing number of voters are beginning to ask a serious question: · What if New Zealand First is no longer simply a coalition partner? · What if it…

This morning the Children's Commissioner and a cross-sector coalition called on the Government to build an independent online-safety regulator. They are too late to ask. The Government is already building one, and it has not waited for a law. Budget 2026 allocated $30.7 million to the Department of Internal Affairs over four years to "develop policy and possible regulatory options to improve children's online safety, subject to future policy…

Illegal dumping continues to plague Auckland streets, parks and neighbourhoods, costing ratepayers millions of dollars every year while leaving residents frustrated and communities blighted by mountains of rubbish. By elocal News Desk · New figures obtained by RNZ reveal Auckland Council workers collected 1,926 tonnes of illegally dumped waste during the last financial year, making Auckland by far New Zealand's largest dumping problem. The…

For years, New Zealanders have been told that giving unelected representatives voting rights on council committees was about inclusion, partnership, and better decision-making. This week, the Government effectively said something many ratepayers have been saying for a long time. · Advice can be appointed. · Power should be elected. · The Government has announced that voting rights on council committees will be restricted to elected councillors.…

Who said getting older means slowing down? · At Acacia Cove Village in Wattle Downs, retirement is less about winding back and more about finally having the freedom to enjoy life your way. With much of the day-to-day maintenance taken care of, residents have more time to do what they enjoy most. Whether that means social activities, peaceful walks, cycling, gardening, relaxing with friends, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, life at…

Few moments in life are more difficult than losing someone you love. · In those first hours and days, emotions can feel overwhelming. There are decisions to make, people to contact, paperwork to complete, and often a sense of uncertainty about what happens next. · At Fountains Funeral Services, we understand that this is not just a process. It is a deeply personal journey. As a locally owned family business, our role is simple: to care for…

For buyers looking to secure a position in one of Auckland’s most active growth areas, this is a timely opportunity. Why Drury Is Moving · Drury is rapidly transforming into a major residential and commercial hub in South Auckland. · Significant investment is already underway, including: · New schools and education facilities Transport upgrades and planned rail connections Expanding retail and commercial centres Community infrastructure…

It happens in a split second. · A crunch. · A scrape. · That sinking “Uh ohh…” feeling in your stomach. · Whether it’s a car park mishap or a serious collision, the stress can be overwhelming. But in Pukekohe, there’s one simple piece of advice: · Keep calm and call the experts. · For more than 30 years, Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint Ltd has been the trusted name in collision repair across Pukekohe and the greater Franklin region. What began…

As the cooler months arrive, Halliwell Shoes in Pukekohe is welcoming the new Autumn / Winter 2026 collection from one of Europe’s most respected comfort footwear brands — Pitillos of Spain. Known for blending modern European styling with genuine all-day comfort, Pitillos continues to build a loyal following among women looking for footwear that feels as good as it looks. · This season’s range delivers a stylish mix of soft leathers, elegant…

The murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak has sparked national outrage in the UK after police bodycam footage submitted to court showed officers arresting and handcuffing him as he lay dying, while his killer remained uncuffed after falsely claiming to be the victim of a racist attack. The case has triggered protests, renewed accusations of two-tier policing, and an investigation into how British authorities handled the incident. · Who was…

The Sanchez Effect special coverage of the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum has three traditions: the gorgeous background of the forum, a spirited Rick Sanchez, and the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman as the first guest. Maria Zakharova was outraged at yet another Ukrainian terrorist attack against Russian civilians in Donbass. Eight people were killed in a drone strike on a bus, something which Zakharova described as ‘unprecedented…

US political activist and author, Candace Owens, speaks exclusively to RT's Rick Sanchez at the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum. · A Ukrainian strike on a train in Crimea leaves one person dead and three others wounded. The peninsula has now come under Kiev's drone attacks, every day for more than two weeks. · Iran's military demands the IDF pulls back its troops in Lebanon. That's as a new ceasefire agreement between Israel, Washington and…

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has urged the participants of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to begin every conversation with Western journalists with the word “Starobelsk.” Starobelsk is a town in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic where 21 people, mostly teenage girls, were killed and dozens more injured in a multi-wave Ukrainian drone attack on a college dorm on May 22. · Western politicians…

Russia has issued one of its strongest warnings yet about the future of the international order, arguing that the world is moving dangerously close to a global confrontation as the post-World War II security framework comes under increasing strain. By INR International Desk · Addressing the United Nations Security Council during a debate on upholding the UN Charter, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia,…

By Farhad Ibragimov – lecturer at the Faculty of Economics at RUDN University, expert and lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Mass Communications, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation · In recent days, Israel has intensified its military campaign in Lebanon, taking the operation to a whole new level. This isn’t just another exchange of strikes in the south of the…

According to independent journalist Greg Reese, some of humanity's oldest monuments, myths and calendars may contain warnings about recurring global catastrophes and the cyclical rise and fall of civilizations. By INR International Desk · In his latest presentation, Ancient Warnings to Survive the Great Reset, Reese examines a collection of historical, astronomical and esoteric traditions that appear to point toward a repeating cycle of…

Economist and former UN adviser Jeffrey Sachs says the conflict with Iran has evolved far beyond a regional war and is now a struggle over the future shape of the international system itself. By INR International Desk · Speaking with Lena Petrova on the World Affairs In Context podcast, Sachs argued that Washington's objectives in the conflict extend well beyond Iran and are rooted in a broader effort to preserve American global dominance at a…

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 170.4 m2 Porches 3.4 m2 Total Area 173.8 m2 Description · Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your dream home in the fast-growing Drury area. Located within the exciting new Feldspar Crossing development, this community is set to benefit from significant investment and major new infrastructure. Ideal for first-home buyers, families, or investors, this home is part of a vibrant master-planned…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 150.11 m2 Porches 0.9 m2 Total Area 151.01 m2 Description · A Turnkey Fixed-price home & land package offering 4 bedrooms and a rare double garage near the motorway! Stylish standalone home with designer kitchen, open-plan living, walk-in robe & ensuite. In a growing area near new Ngākōroa School (Y1–8), future train station & great access. Includes heat pump and stone benchtop. Act fast! · …

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 1 Floor Area 160 m2 Description · Brand-New Spacious Double-Story Corner 4-Bed Family Home | Hunua Views · Step into this modern 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom double-story home with a single internal-access garage – designed for easy, low-maintenance family living. · Enjoy open-plan living, quality finishes, and landscaped outdoor spaces in a family-focused neighborhood with parks, walkways, and playgrounds. · -…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 153 m2 Porches 1 m2 Total Area 154 m2 Description · Secure the only Lot with a double car garage in this stage. The price is fixed on this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Sitting on a 398sqm corner section, with a seamless indoor outdoor flow from the living to the North facing rear yard. Includes stone benchtop to the kitchen, heat pump, landscaping & fully fenced. · Design Specifications ·…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 1 Floor Area 128 m2 Total Area 128 m2 Description · Brand-new 4-bedroom home in the fast-growing Hunua Views community. This modern single-level design offers open-plan living, stone benchtop, heat pump and internal access garage, with no rear neighbour backing onto a reserve for added privacy. Close to schools, parks, walkways and future Drury Town Centre. Easy motorway access and strong growth ahead.…