Andy Loader continues his examination of MMP by turning to what happens after election day. He argues coalition negotiations can hand smaller parties significant influence over who forms the government and what policies emerge. His proposed solution is greater transparency before voters cast their ballots: require parties to declare in advance which other parties they would be prepared to negotiate with Part 1 click here · Obviously after the…

When a property is sold, everyone seems to know what they are owed: the bank, council, lawyers, agents and IRD. But who checks what may be owed back to the owner? Tracy Lynch follows the ledgers behind mortgages, interest, GST, rates and property sales, arguing that every liability, deduction, credit and adjustment should be reconciled against the underlying records. The principle is simple: if an amount is due, prove it. If a lawful…

Andy Loader challenges the idea of “white privilege” in New Zealand, arguing that ethnicity does not determine wealth, hardship or opportunity. He questions race-based funding, co-governance and the expanding influence of Treaty policy, while arguing that assistance should be based on individual need rather than ancestry. Loader contends that New Zealand’s future depends on equality before the law, open debate and democratic government in which…

What if the greatest transfer of wealth in New Zealand's history required neither invasion nor the outright sale of the country's assets? What if its citizens retained ownership on paper while gradually losing the authority to determine how their land, water, minerals, forests and infrastructure were used? Imagine, for a moment, that you were writing a political thriller. Your fictional objective is the acquisition of a prosperous island…

NZ First released a campaign video setting out Winston Peters’ argument for greater political influence under MMP and ending with an explicit appeal for the party vote. Stuff’s subsequent coverage shifted much of the emphasis from that political message to questions about the woman interviewing Peters, speculation about artificial intelligence and an assertion that the video had “confused some”. The question is not whether Stuff was entitled to…

The COVID Files examines what New Zealand decision-makers knew as vaccination requirements expanded into employment and participation. Drawing on official advice, OIA records and Royal Commission findings, the investigation traces changing evidence on transmission, concerns over mandates for younger people, the impact of Omicron and the consequences for workers who declined vaccination. It asks a central question: as the evidence changed, were…

The Netherlands has recorded its first approved termination of life involving a child under 12 since introducing a special framework for severely ill children in 2024. The case has no direct equivalent under New Zealand law, where assisted dying remains restricted to competent adults aged 18 or over with a terminal illness likely to end their life within six months INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge · A Dutch…

The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party says the cancellation of a Runanga Meet the Candidates forum highlights a wider problem of political gatekeeping ahead of the 2026 General Election. The party alleges Councillor Kate Kennedy falsely blamed venue restrictions for excluding candidate Sue Grey before cancelling the event. It has lodged a formal Code of Conduct complaint and is calling for transparent, equal rules governing candidate access to…

Discover retirement with more time for what matters at Acacia Cove Village. For resident Jill, village life has brought new friendships, activities close at hand, freedom from home maintenance and the reassurance of a safe and secure community. With independently owned Acacia Cove able to make decisions locally, residents can spend less time worrying about everyday responsibilities and more time enjoying the people, activities and experiences…

Discover European comfort made for real life with Josef Seibel at Halliwell Shoes. With German shoemaking heritage dating back to 1886, the collection combines quality craftsmanship, modern styling and everyday comfort. Explore versatile men’s and ladies’ styles, including extra-wide fittings and larger sizes, with features such as quality leather, removable footbeds and lightweight, flexible soles. Visit Halliwell Shoes in Pukekohe and let the…

Susan contrasts Trump’s Iowa mega mill and first U.S. iron ore mine in 50 years—tariffs, EXIM credit, mine-to-mill—with Carney’s summit: airport concessions, raw exports, and only 8 non-military factories Susan Kokinda · This midweek update contrasts two investment stories. On Monday, President Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill in Iowa, supplied by the first new iron ore mine in the United States in 50 years, and…

Marine Le Pen's National Rally has achieved a significant institutional breakthrough in France, winning enough Senate representation to establish a parliamentary group in the upper house for the first time. The result does not give RN control of the Senate, but it strengthens a party already deeply embedded in the National Assembly and European Parliament as France approaches its 2027 presidential election INR Report: Based on reporting by RT ·…

An extra edition of RT’s Sanchez Effect sees Rick joined by The Young Turks co-host Ana Kasparian to discuss US domestic and foreign policy. Kasparian argues Democrats and Republicans offer little real alternative on foreign policy, particularly toward Russia, while many Americans would rather prioritise prosperity at home. She also warns of possible escalation with Tehran, arguing Trump being a “sore loser” makes the prospect of ending the…

Explosions have been reported in Ethiopia’s capital following an alleged drone attack by an armed opposition alliance as unrest intensifies. Meanwhile, NATO and some EU officials are blaming Russia for separate developments despite questions over the evidence presented. Moscow also says it is being wrongly blamed for a humanitarian crisis in Alyoshki, Kherson, claiming Ukrainian forces are preventing vital aid from reaching civilians.

A seven-year investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General has found evidence that 275 Catholic clerics sexually abused 944 children across three dioceses, while church leaders repeatedly failed to adequately respond to allegations. The findings have particular resonance in New Zealand, where the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care identified strikingly similar institutional failures within faith-based care INR Report: Based on reporting…

The United States Senate has unanimously advanced legislation targeting forced organ harvesting in China, including sanctions against people found responsible and a formal investigation into China's transplant system. The allegations behind the legislation are extraordinary, but they are not new, and an independent tribunal concluded in 2019 that forced organ harvesting had occurred in China for years on a significant scale INR Report: Based on…

A Flydubai passenger jet bound for Tel Aviv was forced into an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after its captain was stabbed during a violent cockpit confrontation and the aircraft entered a dramatic descent. Israeli authorities say the co-pilot apparently attempted to crash the aircraft, but his motive and whether the incident constituted a terrorist attack remain under official investigation INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden…

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the possibility of Britain eventually returning to the European Union, saying the Government should examine the full range of options for its future relationship with Brussels. The debate reaches beyond Britain because New Zealand's trade agreement with the UK, CPTPP relationship and broader Commonwealth ties were all developed in a strategic environment partly shaped by Britain's post-Brexit…

Set on 6,887sqm (more or less) just minutes from Pukekohe, 83 Settlement Road offers an exceptional head start for your lifestyle dream. Beautifully landscaped grounds, panoramic rural views and a prepared building platform are complemented by water tanks, wastewater infrastructure, geotechnical reports and architectural drawings. An impressive barn-style building, paddock, farm shed, gardens, fruit trees and extensive site improvements…

Spacious and versatile, this four-bedroom Waiuku home offers relaxed family living across two levels. Featuring two generous living areas, an open-plan kitchen and dining space, elevated balcony views, established gardens and expansive lawns, there is room for everyone to enjoy. A large internal-access double garage adds everyday practicality, while schools, shops, cafes, parks and Waiuku's outdoor attractions are all within easy reach. !Image…

Positioned in the heart of Waiuku, this well-presented three-bedroom home combines comfort, convenience and easy-care living. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows onto an expansive sun-soaked deck, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. With a family bathroom, separate toilet, dedicated laundry and double garage with extra storage, it’s a great option for first-home buyers, investors or downsizers. !Image Text · Bedrooms…

Discover refined family living on Grace James Road, Pukekohe, one of the area’s most prestigious addresses. Set on 940 sqm, this impressive five-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers two generous living areas, a beautifully appointed open-plan kitchen and flexible accommodation ideal for families, guests or working from home. Covered patios provide year-round outdoor living, while double internal-access garaging, extensive parking and a peaceful…

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…