Instead of Japan and the ROK taking the lead in containing China, the US would retain this role while recognizing the DPRK as a nuclear power and approving a Russian-Japanese peace deal, thus simplifying regional security by reducing the number of fault lines that could lead to World War III. Trump confirmed that he’s back in contact with North Korea’s (DPRK) Kim Jong Un one day after scaling back the US’ participation in annual large-scale…

New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 17,625 people in the year to June 2026, up 71 percent on the previous year. But behind that increase is a striking divide: the country lost a net 37,718 New Zealand citizens while gaining 55,341 foreign citizens. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Greg Ninness for Interest.co.nz HERE · Migration Turns Up Again · New Zealand's net migration numbers are beginning to rise again after falling sharply…

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says there is no single solution to New Zealand's high electricity bills, with the Government now examining whether changes to the regulation of power distribution companies could put downward pressure on prices. Network charges for poles, wires and substations make up around a quarter of household power bills and have accounted for two-thirds of recent increases. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ's Morning…

Guy Hatchard argues that New Zealand’s latest mortality figures should be treated as a warning sign, with deaths rising in the year to June 2026 while birth and fertility rates continue to fall. Pointing to excess mortality, cardiac and cancer concerns and unprecedented pressure from winter illness, he calls for Health NZ to investigate health outcomes by age, vaccination status and disease type, and make the findings public. The year ended…

New Zealand housing affordability has returned to its long-term average following the extraordinary rise in property prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. New Cotality figures show lower house prices, rising household incomes and easing mortgage rates have substantially improved the position for buyers — although owning a home remains far from cheap. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ Digital Reporters HERE · House Prices Back to 6.7…

Freedom (NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party) has announced Alistair Wait as its Northland electorate and list candidate. A researcher and teacher of constitutional history, common law, equity and tikanga Māori, Wait says his decision to enter electoral politics reflects an opportunity to campaign for direct democracy, meaningful constitutional change and greater political authority for New Zealanders. 21st August, 2026. · Freedom (NZ Outdoors &…

A North Shore man facing two murder charges and one charge of attempted murder can now be named after his interim name suppression lapsed. Marc Govinden is accused of murdering his parents, Raman and Rooksana Govinden, before attempting to murder his brother Andrew. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Felix Walton for RNZ. · Accused Appears in High Court · Marc Govinden appeared in person at the Auckland High Court, where Justice Mathew Downs…

New Zealand has virtually everything we associate with a functioning democracy: free elections, universal suffrage, MMP, parliamentary debate, select committees, public submissions and even the ability of citizens to force a referendum. Yet a landmark peer-reviewed study of American policymaking raises an uncomfortable question for New Zealand. Having all the machinery of democracy does not necessarily mean ordinary citizens determine what that…

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you're on holiday. At Acacia Cove Village, that's not just a dream—it's everyday life. With spacious grounds, resort-style facilities and a welcoming community, retirement becomes a new beginning rather than an ending When Shirley and her husband first considered moving to Acacia Cove Village, she wasn't convinced. · She admits she had reservations. · Being ten years younger than her husband, she…

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…

Behind the day-to-day flow of insurance repairs at Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint is a workshop still driven by genuine automotive passion. From modern collision work to rare restorations like a 1950s Lancia B24S, the Pukekohe team combines technical expertise, craftsmanship and more than 30 years of local reputation. Walk into Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint in Pukekohe on any given day and you'll find the workshop focused on what has become…

There was a time when shopping for menswear meant being able to see the range, feel the quality, try things on and get genuine advice from someone who knew their products. At Lewis’ Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, you still can. For more than 40 years, Lewis’ Mens Fashion has been helping generations of men from Franklin, Southern Auckland and further afield find quality clothing and footwear that looks good, fits properly and lasts. · Established in…

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…

Russian researchers have developed an experimental Alzheimer’s treatment that takes a markedly different approach to the disease — filtering potentially harmful inflammation-related material from patients’ blood. A small pilot study reportedly produced improvements in memory, attention and everyday functioning, although researchers stress that larger clinical trials are required before the treatment’s safety and effectiveness can be established.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky is facing what several major Western media organisations describe as his most serious domestic political challenge since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022. A new corruption investigation inside his presidential office, combined with a former defence minister publicly calling for elections, has intensified scrutiny of Zelensky's leadership and Ukraine's wartime governance. INR Report: Based on…

Russia says it will continue retaliating against Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova insisting Moscow does not seek escalation but will respond to threats against civilians and infrastructure. Her warning comes amid another major exchange of long-range drone and missile strikes between Russia and Ukraine. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Moscow Says "Escalation Is Not Our…

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency raids the deputy head of Zelensky’s office, while a major bank chief is also dismissed amid a money-laundering investigation. Iran accuses Washington of “economic warfare” after Donald Trump threatens consequences for countries trading with Tehran. Meanwhile, Israel’s military has reportedly acknowledged its soldiers opened fire in the 2024 incident that killed six-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, whose desperate…

A significant political split is developing inside the movement that twice carried Donald Trump to the White House. An analysis by historian Tarik Cyril Amar argues that Tucker Carlson is emerging as the most prominent voice of a MAGA faction that remains committed to “America First” principles but increasingly believes Trump himself has departed from them. INR Report: Based on analysis by Tarik Cyril Amar for RT HERE · MAGA Without Trump? ·…

Susan reads Canada's rap sheet — transshipment smuggling, forced-labor failures, snow-washing and contrasts Chris Wright's civilizational case for energy with Joly's "geo-industrialization," as a Green Party petition targets Ambassador Hoekstra. President Trump announced a three-day pause on planned 50% tariffs against Canada, citing a pending deal and suggesting Keystone XL could be revived. Susan Kokinda argues the dispute is larger than…

Questions surrounding the US pandemic response have intensified following two separate developments involving former NIAID director Dr Anthony Fauci. Senator Ron Johnson says Fauci has refused a private transcribed interview, while veteran journalist Terry Moran has alleged that an ABC News investigation into the Wuhan Institute of Virology was heavily rewritten after its script was sent to Fauci for review. INR Report: Based on reporting by…

Russia has issued a stark warning to Britain over its support for Ukrainian long-range drone operations, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying direct British involvement in strikes against Russian territory could be treated as participation in the conflict. The warning follows reports that British-made drones have been used to attack Russian oil refineries and other targets hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine. INR Report: Based on…

Step into effortless modern living with this beautifully finished brand-new four-bedroom home at 32 Rongoa Maori Way. Offering 195sqm of thoughtfully designed space, it features light-filled open-plan living, a stylish contemporary kitchen, two modern bathrooms and double internal-access garaging. Quality finishes, underfloor bathroom heating, excellent storage and easy indoor-outdoor flow complete the package, with convenient motorway access…

Set on an exceptional 3,035sqm (more or less) in the heart of Waiuku, this spacious five-bedroom family home combines privacy, versatility and convenience. Featuring generous living, extensive storage, double garaging, workshop and cellar space, the property offers outstanding flexibility for families, hobbyists or tradespeople. Expansive grounds provide room to enjoy, develop and make your own, all just minutes from Waiuku township. !Image…

Beautifully upgraded and ready to enjoy, this solid brick four-bedroom home combines quality, space and exceptional outdoor living. A premium Carlielle kitchen anchors the heart of the home, complemented by two generous living areas and stylishly renovated bathrooms. Outside, a private swimming pool with glass balustrades and low-maintenance landscaping creates the perfect setting for entertaining and relaxing. Set in the popular Valley…

Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder, looking to downsize, or searching for a smart investment, 33C Harris Street, Pukekohe offers outstanding value in a highly convenient location. This solid brick, two-bedroom home combines comfortable living with exciting potential to modernise and add value over time. Enquiries/Offers over NZ$460,000 · !Image Text · Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Lounge 1 Garaging 1 Floor Area 95 sqm (more or…

Enjoy the best of village living with this four-bedroom family home on a generous 800sqm section in sought-after Patumahoe. Light-filled open-plan living flows to a sunny patio, while the flat, fully usable grounds offer plenty of space for children, pets and gardens. A large standalone garage provides excellent storage or workshop potential. Right next to Patumahoe School and just a short stroll to the village, this is a superb combination of…