Report by elocal · A discussion between Dave Trotter of Marsden Point News Radio, known to many readers through his regular NZ Fuel Watch updates, and transport commentator Karl Barkley has renewed debate over the future of New Zealand's Cook Strait freight network. · !Image Text · During a recent broadcast, the pair argued that the proposed Clifford Bay ferry terminal deserves renewed consideration as a long-term solution for both freight…

The headlines over the past week have been dominated by the Middle East, ceasefires, the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices. While those events certainly deserve attention, here in New Zealand the ships continue to tell a reassuring story. Looking at our latest shipping data and comparing it with previous weeks, the fuel supply chain remains active, and importantly, fuel prices are now beginning to reflect that stability. · Christchurch appears to…

You have probably heard computer analogies used to explain how DNA works. Computers have properties that are fixed by precise programming and hardware. In these analogies, DNA is characterised as a set of complex instructions which are transcribed into proteins which in turn perform physiological functions that are specified by the genetic sequences stored in the DNA. Thus the public have come to think of DNA as a set of instructions or a…

After one of the most dramatic housing booms in New Zealand's history, the market has now spent more than three years largely moving sideways. While many homeowners continue to wait for prices to recover to their 2021 highs, economists argue there is another side to the story: housing affordability has improved significantly. Report by elocal · After one of the most dramatic housing booms in New Zealand's history, the market has now spent more…

The Question Nobody Is Asking · As New Zealand heads towards another General Election, Labour leader Chris Hipkins has challenged voters to ask a simple question: · "Are you better off than you were three years ago?" · It is a fair political question. · But perhaps it is not the most important one. · The question New Zealand should be asking is this: · If hundreds of billions of dollars of household wealth disappeared following the Covid…

Labour has sharpened its attack on the coalition Government ahead of the 2026 General Election, with leader Chris Hipkins reviving one of the most famous questions in modern political history. · Speaking at Labour's election conference, Hipkins repeatedly challenged New Zealanders to consider whether life has improved since the coalition took office three years ago, focusing on the cost of living, healthcare, household bills and economic…

There is an old saying in journalism: · "Never tell people what to think. Tell them enough so they can think for themselves." · For most of modern history that was exactly how the public consumed information. Editors decided what to publish, journalists gathered the facts, opinion writers argued their case, and readers reached their own conclusions. · The internet changed that. · Suddenly anyone could publish. Corporate media no longer…

The Rape Gang Inquiry has now concluded the first phase of its work. It was established to examine one of the most horrendous scandals in the long history of our country: the systematic targeting of vulnerable girls, overwhelmingly White British, by predominantly Muslim Pakistani gangs across towns and cities up and down the nation. · The evidence presented throughout the hearings confirmed what had long been known but repeatedly denied by many…

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…

After what has felt like a very quiet few weeks around New Zealand's fuel ports, we're finally starting to see a bit more movement in the system. G'day everyone. · The good news is that fuel is still flowing. · The other good news is that several vessels are now either alongside, arriving, or scheduled across the country over the coming fortnight. That's a noticeable improvement from the sparse activity we've been tracking recently. · At…

It happens in a split second. · A crunch. · A scrape. · That sinking “Uh ohh…” feeling in your stomach. · Whether it’s a car park mishap or a serious collision, the stress can be overwhelming. But in Pukekohe, there’s one simple piece of advice: · Keep calm and call the experts. · For more than 30 years, Classic Auto Body Panel & Paint Ltd has been the trusted name in collision repair across Pukekohe and the greater Franklin region. What began…

For buyers looking to secure a position in one of Auckland’s most active growth areas, this is a timely opportunity. Why Drury Is Moving · Drury is rapidly transforming into a major residential and commercial hub in South Auckland. · Significant investment is already underway, including: · New schools and education facilities Transport upgrades and planned rail connections Expanding retail and commercial centres Community infrastructure…

Southern Auckland's Destination Menswear Store · If you've been thinking about updating your winter wardrobe, now is the time. · Lewis' is holding one of its biggest Winter Sales in years, with discounts ranging from 20% to 70% off selected winter stock. · With the sale ending in mid-July, customers are being encouraged to shop early while sizes and styles remain available. · For more than 40 years (est. 1985), Lewis' has been helping…

A Clinton-appointed federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to release less-redacted Jeffrey Epstein records or explain by July 2 why the remaining information should stay hidden. · U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan issued the order after granting a preliminary injunction sought by independent journalist Katie Phang, who sued Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in April. By David Lindfield · Phang accused the Justice Department of…

The deadly US strike on a girls school in the Iranian coastal city of Minab happened due to gaps in the Pentagon’s system for analyzing potential targets, Bloomberg has reported, citing people familiar with the investigation. The bombing, in which more than 120 students aged between 6 and 13 were killed in addition to 26 teachers, happened on February 28, the opening day of the American-Israeli military campaign against Iran. · The…

Dominion Voting Systems has dropped all defamation claims against MyPillow founder Mike Lindell over his statements about the 2020 election. · The case ended after Dominion began operating under new ownership as Liberty Vote Holdings. By David Lindfield · The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning Dominion’s claims against Lindell and MyPillow cannot be brought again in a future lawsuit. · According to a court filing, both sides agreed to…

NASA scientists have confirmed the presence of “complex organic matter” in rock samples collected from the surface of Mars, marking one of the most significant findings yet in the search for evidence that life may once have existed on the Red Planet. By David Lindfield · The discovery comes from NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has spent more than five years exploring the Martian surface. · According to a new paper published in the journal…

Volkswagen, the company that became a symbol of Germany’s economic miracle, is now considering up to 100,000 job cuts and the closure of four factories. This could become one of the largest industrial restructurings in modern European history. Lena Petrova · What is happening to Germany’s economy? Rising energy costs, the loss of cheap Russian gas, growing competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, and the expensive transition to electric…

Russia can either decisively “escalate to de-escalate” in its own right to swiftly end the conflict on as many of its terms as possible, carry on as usual amidst this new “war of attrition” at tremendous risk to itself, or freeze the conflict. by Andrew Korybko · Lavrov sheepishly said during a roundtable event last week that “I do not even want to suspect that Alaska, like the actions of the Europeans, was designed to buy time to rearm the…

A California appeals court has ordered a new sentencing hearing for former US film producer Harvey Weinstein while upholding his convictions for raping and sexually assaulting Russian-born model-actress Evgeniya Chernyshova. The original 16-year term was based “solely on an aggravating factor that no longer exists,” the court stated in a ruling on Friday. The disgraced Hollywood movie mogul, who was accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of…

After Southern Iran is hit - Tehran announces a series of retaliatory strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, vowing that Washington's military sites will experience 'hell' in the coming days. It follows the US bombing Iran for a second straight night - in apparent response to cargo ships being targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. · The renewed violence is piling huge pressure on a foundational peace agreement signed by the two countries.…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 1 Floor Area 128 m2 Total Area 128 m2 Description · Brand-new 4-bedroom home in the fast-growing Hunua Views community. This modern single-level design offers open-plan living, stone benchtop, heat pump and internal access garage, with no rear neighbour backing onto a reserve for added privacy. Close to schools, parks, walkways and future Drury Town Centre. Easy motorway access and strong growth ahead.…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 1 Floor Area 160 m2 Description · Brand-New Spacious Double-Story Corner 4-Bed Family Home | Hunua Views · Step into this modern 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom double-story home with a single internal-access garage – designed for easy, low-maintenance family living. · Enjoy open-plan living, quality finishes, and landscaped outdoor spaces in a family-focused neighborhood with parks, walkways, and playgrounds. · -…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 153 m2 Porches 1 m2 Total Area 154 m2 Description · Secure the only Lot with a double car garage in this stage. The price is fixed on this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Sitting on a 398sqm corner section, with a seamless indoor outdoor flow from the living to the North facing rear yard. Includes stone benchtop to the kitchen, heat pump, landscaping & fully fenced. · Design Specifications ·…

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 150.11 m2 Porches 0.9 m2 Total Area 151.01 m2 Description · A Turnkey Fixed-price home & land package offering 4 bedrooms and a rare double garage near the motorway! Stylish standalone home with designer kitchen, open-plan living, walk-in robe & ensuite. In a growing area near new Ngākōroa School (Y1–8), future train station & great access. Includes heat pump and stone benchtop. Act fast! · …

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garaging 2 Floor Area 170.4 m2 Porches 3.4 m2 Total Area 173.8 m2 Description · Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your dream home in the fast-growing Drury area. Located within the exciting new Feldspar Crossing development, this community is set to benefit from significant investment and major new infrastructure. Ideal for first-home buyers, families, or investors, this home is part of a vibrant master-planned…