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…

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,…

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…

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…

An Indian court petition is challenging public-health authorities to demonstrate the scientific foundations of germ theory, prompting a dispute over evidence and the limits of judicial intervention. New Zealand researchers have reportedly joined the proceedings, bringing the case into a wider international debate about scientific accountability Report by eLocal · An unusual legal challenge in India has attracted international attention after a…

Dr Guy Hatchard warns that New Zealand's worsening health crisis cannot be resolved through increased funding and policy changes alone. Citing overcrowded hospitals, rising illness and growing healthcare pressures, he questions the impact of modern pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, processed foods and mRNA vaccines. While welcoming proposed health reforms, Hatchard argues that prevention, improved nutrition, exercise, meditation and personal…

Andy Loader argues that the pause on Waikato Plan Change 1 is not a retreat from improving river health, but an opportunity to address what he sees as fundamental flaws in the plan. He says PC1 failed to properly balance environmental objectives with the economic and social wellbeing of farming communities, despite those considerations being central to the original Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. The paper on Thursday 24th…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

An investigation by RT's America Now points to a new frontier in information warfare: deliberately flooding the digital information environment with content intended not only to influence people, but potentially to shape what artificial intelligence systems tell them. The underlying mechanism is not entirely new. Coordinated messaging, manufactured consensus and targeted influence have long been used to shape political narratives, but…

Lebanon's prime minister demands a complete IDF withdrawal from the Arab country's territory, while stressing that the state must assume full control within its borders. Rival Yemeni factions engage in a war of words, during heavy fighting on the Red Sea coast. The internationally recognised government appeals for support at the UN in New York, while the Sanaa-based Houthis accuse their enemies of being Saudi puppets. An intelligence data…

Donald Trump reportedly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to travel to Moscow for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the UN General Assembly. Zelensky rejected Moscow as a venue, while the Kremlin says it would guarantee his security. The disagreement exposes a central problem in renewed peace efforts: the parties remain divided not only over the terms of a settlement, but over where and how…

Britain’s calls for greater national war readiness have prompted a dispute over the difference between credible defence planning and public alarm. As European intelligence officials debate the immediacy of Russian threats, the controversy raises questions about how New Zealand assesses international risks and determines its own defence commitments INR Report: Based on commentary by Tarik Cyril Amar for RT HERE, published 24 September 2026.…

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could enable catastrophic loss of life if exploited by malicious actors. For New Zealand, his warning raises questions about the security of imported technology, regulatory accountability and the country's ability to protect its critical systems INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026, with additional verification from NBC News. · A Warning About the Misuse…

Italy has approved restrictions on face-covering garments in schools and new limits intended to prevent concentrations of pupils needing Italian-language support. The measures raise questions about religious freedom, educational opportunity and how governments balance integration with individual rights INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026, with verification from Italian news agency ANSA and additional New Zealand context. · …

Vladimir Putin says Russia has no intention of initiating hostilities against European countries, accusing European leaders of exaggerating the threat to sustain support for Ukraine. His statement comes amid competing assessments of Russian intentions, European security risks and the prospects for renewed negotiations INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026. · Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists at the United…

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…

Discover space, privacy and versatility on an impressive 3,372 sqm section in Paerata. Recently refurbished, this three-bedroom home offers comfortable family living, while substantial shedding and workshop space provides exceptional room for vehicles, storage, trades or hobbies. Surrounded by established greenery, yet around three minutes from Paerata Train Station with easy access to Pukekohe and the Drury motorway, it combines lifestyle…

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…

Set on 1.12ha (more or less) of established, park-like grounds, this beautifully maintained Franklin lifestyle property offers privacy, space and picturesque rural views. The generous 353sqm (more or less) single-level home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, ideal for family life and entertaining. With six-car garaging, substantial shedding and easy access to Pukekohe, schools and motorway connections, this…

Immaculately presented in a sought-after Pukekohe location, this low-maintenance brick home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two generous living areas across 152sqm. The light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining and living space flows to a covered outdoor entertaining area, while the private master includes an ensuite. With double internal-access garaging, an easy-care section and schools, parks, shops, cafés and Pukekohe town centre within…

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…