Sue Grey West Coast–Tasman candidate lawyer and NZ Outdoors & Freedom party leader says her exclusion from the Taxpayers’ Union’s Greymouth election debate highlights the questions about political influence, gatekeeping and supposedly independent political organisations raised by investigative journalist Nicky Hager in his new book Dirty Work. Hager’s investigation focuses on the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union and political influence on…

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has turned his attention to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, alleging that the organisation sits within a wider network of politically aligned advocacy groups whose relationships are not always apparent to the public. But some of the book’s strongest allegations remain disputed, and Newsroom notes there is no conclusive evidence of coordination between the Taxpayers’ Union and the coalition Government Report…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

Te Pāti Māori proposes using public money to help establish Māori-owned supermarket chains. The announcement raises questions about access to business funding, who would bear the financial risk, and how the proposed investment compares with other demands on New Zealand’s public purse Report by eLocal · Te Pāti Māori has proposed $100 million in seed funding for Māori-owned supermarket chains and regenerative and organic farming training as part…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend his administration’s economic and military record, outline its approach to Iran and reaffirm US national sovereignty. His speech also addressed Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland, international institutions and artificial intelligence, raising questions about the direction of American foreign policy and its implications for New Zealand. INR Report: Based on…

Ukraine says it has struck a major Russian oil facility near Moscow. The reported attack comes amid concerns about diesel availability and refining costs, but the extent of the refinery’s damage and any resulting disruption to fuel supply remain unclear. INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge , published 21 September 2026. · What Happened at the Moscow Refinery? · ZeroHedge reports, citing Bloomberg, that Ukrainian drones…

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…

Trump is too afraid that even the briefest US aid cut-off window to Ukraine as punishment for Zelensky’s attacks against Russian refineries would be exploited to break through the front and lead to eternal speculation that he secretly helped Putin win the most significant conflict since World War II Zelensky has made a fool out of Trump by continuing to bomb Russian refineries despite Trump earlier claiming to have brokered a deal whereby…

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…

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…

As Western governments commit billions in financial and military support to Ukraine, the contributor questions whether they are giving sufficient attention to pressures at home. Drawing on political developments in Britain, Germany, France and the United States, this opinion examines public concerns about living costs, strained services and government spending, and asks how leaders should balance overseas commitments with domestic priorities. El…

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…

Discover luxury family living on prestigious William Andrew Road, Pukekohe. This exceptional Landmark-built residence offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a dedicated office across 265 sqm. A designer kitchen with butler’s pantry anchors the open-plan living, flowing to covered alfresco entertaining and a striking outdoor fireplace. Set on 1,375 sqm of landscaped grounds with double garaging, this beautifully crafted home…

Discover relaxed family living at 18 Glennron Lane, Waiuku. This well-presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home offers two separate living areas, a spacious master suite, open-plan kitchen and dining, and seamless flow to a sunny outdoor patio. Set on a fully fenced 683 sqm section with double internal-access garaging, it offers space, practicality and easy living close to Waiuku’s schools, shops and amenities. !Image Text · Bedrooms:…

Built by respected Navigation Homes and backed by a Master Build Guarantee, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers generous modern family living. Two separate living areas provide flexibility, while the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone flows seamlessly outdoors. With a walk-in pantry, master suite, sheltered patio and double internal-access garage, it combines quality, comfort and easy-care living in…

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…