The Government is proceeding with plans to restrict council rates increases to a target range of 2 to 4 percent, arguing it will force greater spending discipline and give households certainty over future bills. But the cap will not take full effect until July 2029, water services are excluded, council fees can still rise, and Local Government New Zealand warns something will have to give if councils are expected to maintain infrastructure…

An Auckland man who fatally strangled his partner in her Avondale home has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison. The High Court heard Hao Feng had two previous reports of strangling Xiaoyan Wang on his police file, including one incident in which she was reportedly rendered unconscious. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Amy Williams, Senior Reporter for RNZ, HERE. · Hao Feng, 37, appeared in the High Court at Auckland on…

New Zealand's only aircraft manufacturer is looking overseas again. NZAero has already begun building five new CT-4 Airtrainers as growing demand for pilots across Southeast Asia creates a potentially significant opportunity for New Zealand's advanced manufacturing sector. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by John Weekes, Senior Business Reporter for the NZ Herald, published 21 August 2026. Read the original report HERE · !The NZAero CT-4…

Dolly Parton, 1946–2026 · The voice was unmistakable. The hair was impossible to miss. But it was the heart beneath both that made Dolly Parton an American treasure. By Moon Geezer Talk · Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, in the mountains of East Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children raised in a one-room cabin. Her family had little money, but they possessed the stories, faith and mountain music that would shape nearly everything…

Housing Minister Chris Bishop has acknowledged New Zealand faces an “enormous challenge” over housing and homelessness after officials confirmed there is no guarantee that a person needing shelter can be accommodated on any given night. The Government says it is increasing social housing and homelessness services, while maintaining that making shelter a legal guarantee would not necessarily solve the problem. eLocal Report: Based on reporting…

The Fairphone 6+ has launched in the United States with an unusually simple proposition: when something wears out or breaks, replace the part rather than the entire phone. With a removable battery, replaceable components, expandable storage and long-term software support, Fairphone is betting some consumers would rather own their smartphone for longer than continually replace it. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Monica J. White for New…

Bread looks simple: flour, water, yeast and salt. Yet many supermarket loaves contain considerably more — including oils, sugars, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, enzymes and flour-treatment agents. A Kiwi Food Truth video argues that this makes much of New Zealand's bread aisle an industrial product rather than “real bread”, while recommending three simpler alternatives. The ingredient question is legitimate; some of the video's wider health…

Political advertising on Facebook and Instagram is becoming harder for voters to see and understand as a whole. Parties can begin with broad audiences, but Meta's automated advertising systems can optimise delivery towards the people most likely to respond — potentially producing very different election campaigns for different voters. eLocal Report: Based on reporting published by The Conversation, Algorithms are choosing who sees what…

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…

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…

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…

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…

An unusual US Air Force C-17 flight into Moscow initially triggered speculation over whether Washington was moving diplomatic cargo, supporting a senior delegation or conducting a prisoner transfer. Hours later, CBS News reporting cited sources saying CIA Director John Ratcliffe had travelled aboard the aircraft for meetings in Moscow — an extraordinary visit amid continuing tensions between Washington and Moscow. INR Report: Based on reporting…

Darline Graham’s admission that national security is “not my area of expertise” has triggered questions about whether she is ready for a full Senate term. Yet the controversy also exposes a deeper divide inside the Republican base: whether voters want another foreign-policy hawk in the mould of her late brother Lindsey Graham — or a senator focused far more heavily on domestic concerns. INR Report: Based on an opinion article by Robert Bridge…

Two people including a teenager are killed and two more wounded in a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions overnight. Ukrainian citizens march through the streets protesting Kiev's forced mobilisation. As many of Kiev's Territorial recruitment Officers reveal, they themselves have never been to the frontlines. The Kremlin confirms the CIA chief’s unannounced visit to Moscow meeting with Russian intelligence agencies. Iran and Oman agree to…

Humanity may have quietly crossed one of the most consequential demographic thresholds in its history. New research suggests global fertility has fallen below replacement level for the first time potentially bringing the peak and eventual decline of the world's population decades closer than current United Nations projections suggest. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, World faces historic population decline – study, published 25 August…

Russia has used the UN Security Council to level sweeping accusations against Vladimir Zelensky’s government, claiming political and religious repression inside Ukraine while alleging an intensifying campaign against Russian civilians. The claims come as Moscow rejects proposals for a temporary ceasefire, arguing any pause would simply allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Russia Takes Its Case to the…

The United States Treasury may be able to influence bond markets in the short term, but economist Steve Hanke argues it cannot override the underlying forces driving borrowing costs higher. With U.S. federal debt now above $40 trillion, Hanke says the real problem is no longer simply the size of America's debt — it is the mounting cost of servicing it INR Report: Based on an interview with economist Dr Steve Hanke by Lena Petrova for World…

The rapidly escalating US-Canada trade dispute is moving beyond tariffs. With Ontario threatening restrictions on electricity exports and Ottawa preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliation, the confrontation highlights how deeply integrated the two economies have become — and how quickly trade dependence can become geopolitical leverage. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to restrict electricity…

After Mark Carney pulled Canada out of U.S. trade talks and called it a war, Susan Kokinda shows it isn’t about tariffs — it’s a midterm operation and a clash of systems. Scott Bessent is fighting the parallel battle: defusing the yen carry trade with tools like FIMA so Treasury rates don’t blow. After Prime Minister Mark Carney abruptly pulled Canada out of U.S. trade talks and framed the dispute as a “war,” this episode argues the rupture…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…