Labour has promised to leave residential landlords’ mortgage-interest deductions in place if it forms the next government, drawing a positive response from property investors. The decision removes one proposed source of uncertainty for landlords, but its effects on rents, house prices and first-home buyers remain open to examination Report by eLocal Labour leader Chris Hipkins has confirmed that his party will not reverse the current…

In his final speech of the 54th Parliament, Winston Peters set out what he says New Zealand First achieved in government and challenged his political opponents over their records. His address also raised questions about how public spending, health decisions and national infrastructure should be judged by their effects on New Zealanders Report by eLocal · In Parliament’s adjournment debate on 23 September, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters…

Te Pāti Māori proposes using public money to help establish Māori-owned supermarket chains. The announcement raises questions about access to business funding, who would bear the financial risk, and how the proposed investment compares with other demands on New Zealand’s public purse Report by eLocal · Te Pāti Māori has proposed $100 million in seed funding for Māori-owned supermarket chains and regenerative and organic farming training as part…

The fear was real. The lockdowns were real. COVID-19 was real. But what did New Zealand's decision-makers actually know about the danger, what evidence supported testing and vaccination policies, and did extraordinary restrictions remain justified as that evidence changed? Six years later, newly released government documents allow New Zealanders to examine the decisions that transformed their lives Report by eLocal - Part 1 of 3 · The Day…

Sue Grey West Coast–Tasman candidate lawyer and NZ Outdoors & Freedom party leader says her exclusion from the Taxpayers’ Union’s Greymouth election debate highlights the questions about political influence, gatekeeping and supposedly independent political organisations raised by investigative journalist Nicky Hager in his new book Dirty Work. Hager’s investigation focuses on the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union and political influence on…

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has turned his attention to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, alleging that the organisation sits within a wider network of politically aligned advocacy groups whose relationships are not always apparent to the public. But some of the book’s strongest allegations remain disputed, and Newsroom notes there is no conclusive evidence of coordination between the Taxpayers’ Union and the coalition Government Report…

Parliament has passed legislation to replace the Resource Management Act after 35 years, opening the way for a new planning system designed to reduce costs and make development more predictable. Economic modelling points to substantial potential gains for New Zealand, although the benefits will depend on how the new laws are implemented Report by eLocal · New Zealand has reached a major milestone in reforming the rules governing land use,…

As Parliament rises ahead of the general election, broadcaster Duncan Garner is asking what the coalition Government has delivered since taking office in 2023. His latest podcast raises questions about public spending, the cost of living, supermarket competition and the reforms still awaiting implementation. Report by eLocal · Three years after National entered government promising economic recovery, tighter public spending and changes to the…

Retirement can be the beginning of something new. At Acacia Cove Village in Wattle Downs, residents enjoy the freedom to spend more time doing the things they love, surrounded by friends, activities, facilities and a genuine sense of community “We Thought This One Was By Far the Best” · For resident Phil, choosing Acacia Cove came after carefully looking at the retirement living options available across South Auckland. · “The reason that we…

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…

With Gabor shoes, we can bring you the latest styles and colours from Europe, with the fit and comfort that Kiwi feet need — including styles with a little extra width. Have you ever looked at an elegant pointed-toe shoe and thought, “There’s no way that’s going to fit my feet”? · Think again. · Gabor has been designing shoes since 1949 and has perfected the balance between style, fit and comfort. So you don't have to give up the elegant…

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…

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…

As Western governments commit billions in financial and military support to Ukraine, the contributor questions whether they are giving sufficient attention to pressures at home. Drawing on political developments in Britain, Germany, France and the United States, this opinion examines public concerns about living costs, strained services and government spending, and asks how leaders should balance overseas commitments with domestic priorities. El…

Trump is too afraid that even the briefest US aid cut-off window to Ukraine as punishment for Zelensky’s attacks against Russian refineries would be exploited to break through the front and lead to eternal speculation that he secretly helped Putin win the most significant conflict since World War II Zelensky has made a fool out of Trump by continuing to bomb Russian refineries despite Trump earlier claiming to have brokered a deal whereby…

Barbara on Trump’s UN day: nation-state vision vs Lula’s globalism, Shield of America vs narco-terror, and peace moves on Ukraine and Iran while Europe talks war. Media obsesses over desk bans; he closes on AI as industrial renaissance, not apocalypse. Barbara Boyd · This Wednesday update argues President Trump used his UN General Assembly speech to indict globalization and mass migration, contrasting his “nation state” vision with Brazil’s…

The following is an opinion piece by attorney Aaron Siri. It is republished as commentary and reflects the author’s claims and interpretation of the cited whistleblower litigation and outbreak data. By Aaron Siri | 25 September 2026 · On the topic of splitting up the MMR vaccine into 3 separate vaccines, everyone should know that in 2012, two Merck virologists came forward and explained that when Merck sought to change the label on its MMR…

Russia’s foreign minister rejects a ceasefire without a negotiated settlement, while Ukraine and 51 other countries call for an immediate, unconditional truce. At the UN General Assembly, Iran’s president accuses Washington of war crimes after Donald Trump threatens further action unless Tehran accepts a deal on his terms. Meanwhile, rising fuel prices intensify debate over a proposed US diesel export ban, with Trump backing the measure despite…

President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend his administration’s economic and military record, outline its approach to Iran and reaffirm US national sovereignty. His speech also addressed Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland, international institutions and artificial intelligence, raising questions about the direction of American foreign policy and its implications for New Zealand. INR Report: Based on…

Ukraine says it has struck a major Russian oil facility near Moscow. The reported attack comes amid concerns about diesel availability and refining costs, but the extent of the refinery’s damage and any resulting disruption to fuel supply remain unclear. INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge , published 21 September 2026. · What Happened at the Moscow Refinery? · ZeroHedge reports, citing Bloomberg, that Ukrainian drones…

In this opinion, Dr Vernon Coleman recalls meeting young men who were prepared to die rather than lose the only home and community they knew. He draws on that experience to argue that military power alone cannot defeat people determined to defend their country and dignity. Applying the lesson to Iran, Coleman contends that Donald Trump misunderstands the resolve of those he seeks to overpower. Note: The following extract is taken from Vernon…

Built by respected Navigation Homes and backed by a Master Build Guarantee, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers generous modern family living. Two separate living areas provide flexibility, while the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone flows seamlessly outdoors. With a walk-in pantry, master suite, sheltered patio and double internal-access garage, it combines quality, comfort and easy-care living in…

Positioned in an established Pukekohe street, this substantial four-bedroom, two-bathroom multi-level home offers exceptional space for family living and entertaining. Multiple living zones, an office and a large games room with bar provide outstanding flexibility, while the kitchen and dining area flows to covered outdoor entertaining overlooking the swimming pool. A private, versatile home close to Pukekohe’s shops, cafés, schools and…

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…

Discover luxury family living on prestigious William Andrew Road, Pukekohe. This exceptional Landmark-built residence offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a dedicated office across 265 sqm. A designer kitchen with butler’s pantry anchors the open-plan living, flowing to covered alfresco entertaining and a striking outdoor fireplace. Set on 1,375 sqm of landscaped grounds with double garaging, this beautifully crafted home…

Be the first to enjoy this beautifully crafted three-bedroom, two-bathroom home by respected local builder Bosanac Builders. Designed for modern living, the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows seamlessly to a generous outdoor deck, while the primary suite features a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. With a double internal-access garage and quality finishes throughout, this brand-new home offers easy-care living in the thriving…