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…

Three years after Sidney Ross Bridson was killed at his isolated Waitaanga property, the two men convicted of his murder have been sentenced in the High Court at New Plymouth. The sentencing brought renewed focus to the impact of Bridson’s death on a family that described him as a generous, caring man whose life was taken before his time. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Tara Shaskey for RNZ / New Zealand Herald HERE · Sidney Ross Bridson,…

Thousands of New Zealand first-home buyers are confronting the painful aftermath of the housing boom, with properties purchased near the market peak now worth less than the mortgages secured against them. While economists say negative equity is generally manageable for borrowers who can continue making repayments, it can leave households effectively trapped — unable to sell, relocate or access the equity they expected their home to build. eLocal…

Canadian-owned Methanex is preparing to effectively close its New Zealand operations after concluding that declining natural gas availability makes continued methanol production unsustainable. The decision threatens jobs and economic activity across Taranaki, while simultaneously releasing significant gas supplies for electricity generation and other industrial users. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ HERE. · New Zealand’s largest…

The Reserve Bank has lifted the Official Cash Rate by another 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, its second consecutive increase. While the Bank believes inflation is moving back towards target and New Zealand’s economic recovery is regaining momentum, it has signalled that interest rates may need to rise further before monetary policy returns to a more neutral setting. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Gyles Beckford, Economics Correspondent…

Younger generations are ageing faster and experiencing rising rates of early-onset cancer, but what is driving the trend? Dr Guy Hatchard examines research into biological ageing and questions whether modern exposures — including industrially fermented ingredients increasingly found in cosmetics, foods and supplements — deserve greater scrutiny. He argues that rapidly changing manufacturing processes and biotechnology warrant far more…

New Zealand’s alcohol consumption has fallen to its lowest recorded level, with younger generations increasingly turning away from drinking and low- or no-alcohol alternatives gaining ground. The shift may be positive from a health perspective, but it comes as hospitality businesses face rising costs, widespread closures and profound changes in how younger New Zealanders socialise. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Adam Burns for RNZ HERE ·…

A New Zealand Police staffer is before the courts facing 39 charges, including allegations of rape, kidnapping, indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection. The case is one of 10 active prosecutions arising from investigations by the Police National Integrity Unit, according to information obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Sam Sherwood, National Crime Correspondent for RNZ HERE · RNZ…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Russia’s increasingly deliberate use of “Britain” rather than “Great Britain” may sound like diplomatic trolling, but Russian academic Alexander Bobrov argues it reflects something deeper: Moscow’s deteriorating view of London as relations between the two nuclear powers approach what he describes as a dangerous low. His RT opinion also extends the argument beyond Ukraine, portraying Britain as a country that retains considerable international…

Susan on Bessent naming IRGC accounts in the British Virgin Islands — the real target is the offshore money machine, not just Iran. Syria sanctions lifted, the Mecca Pact, Russia at the G20, and China on Iran. Susan Kokinda argues that Scott Bessent’s warning about IRGC accounts in the British Virgin Islands and his “cut the snake’s head off” image were aimed at London’s offshore money machine, not just Iran. She maps the BVI and Hong Kong as…

Donald Trump says the United States has secured majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil — a volume greater than America's existing proved crude reserves. The agreement could attract around US$100 billion in private investment, but Venezuela retains legal ownership of the resources and the precise structure of Washington's claimed control remains unclear. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · US President…

The murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy has become the focus of a wider debate over postpartum mental illness, criminal responsibility and whether race and class influence public perceptions of defendants. Former US congressional attorney and women’s rights advocate Reese Everson has told RT she believes an African-American woman accused of the same acts would have been viewed very differently. INR Report: Based on reporting and…

A Turkish airline has resumed flights to Russia after earlier cancellations, following Vladimir Zelensky’s warning that aircraft over Russian airspace could be at risk. Vladimir Putin says Moscow would respond if civilian aviation is threatened. Tehran has vowed retaliation after a US airstrike hit a wedding, killing at least four and wounding more than 60. Meanwhile, catastrophic flooding and landslides in Nepal have killed more than 1,000…

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is moving towards ending the war in Ukraine, responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's renewed call for a peaceful settlement. The statement signals a willingness to pursue diplomacy, but substantial differences remain over what any final settlement would require — and Ukraine continues to reject Russian demands over territory and its future security arrangements. INR Report: Based on…

Previously classified Soviet records have provided new details of a mass execution carried out by Japanese occupation authorities in Hailar, Manchuria, on August 9, 1945 — the same day the Soviet Union launched its offensive against Japan in the Far East. According to the documents released by Russia’s Federal Security Service, 43 prisoners were killed, many by beheading, before the Japanese occupation regime collapsed. INR Report: Based on…

BRICS has grown into one of the most significant non-Western groupings in international affairs, but expansion alone will not determine whether it succeeds. Russian foreign-policy analyst Timofey Bordachev argues its real challenge is more fundamental: developing a coherent idea of international order capable of binding very different countries together — and persuading others that there is a credible alternative to institutions historically…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…