New Zealand's rural economy is taking centre stage this week as a sold-out Fieldays opens at Mystery Creek, highlighting a sector enjoying one of its strongest periods in recent years. With more than 1,100 exhibitors and vendors on site, the annual agricultural showcase reflects growing confidence across farming, horticulture and agribusiness. The strong turnout comes as dairy, red meat, horticulture and even the long-struggling wool sector…

New Zealand's hoped-for economic recovery is facing fresh challenges, according to Kiwibank economists Jarrod Kerr and Alexandra Turcu, who say rising global uncertainty, higher interest rate expectations and a struggling construction sector are combining to slow momentum across the economy. By Elocal Economics Desk · Speaking on the latest episode of Markets, Mystics & Mayhem, the pair examined the fallout from unexpectedly strong US…

As we move deeper into winter, the latest tanker movements show New Zealand's fuel supply chain continuing to operate smoothly. Product is moving through the network, imports are arriving as scheduled, and regional distribution remains active. That's the good news. · The less comfortable reality is that these daily tanker movements continue to highlight just how dependent New Zealand has become on imported refined fuel products and…

The High Court at Rotorua has heard emotional evidence from friends and associates of Harley Shrimpton as the murder trial of Piripi Tukaokao and Tuara Heke continues. The Crown alleges Shrimpton was kidnapped and murdered in November 2023 following escalating disputes linked to drug debts. The trial is now examining the relationships, messages and events leading up to his disappearance and death. · Friend Warned Police Before Shrimpton…

A public dispute has erupted between Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers over the decision to launch a review into Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo's conduct during the period he was engaging with the Labour Party before being announced as one of Labour's highest-ranked election candidates. Naidoo, who currently serves as New Zealand Police's Ethnic, Iwi and Community Relationships Manager, was unveiled this week as…

Labour has unveiled its candidate list for the November election, introducing 30 new candidates and signalling a significant refresh of the party's parliamentary team as it seeks to return to government. !Labour Election List Launch · Labour leader Chris Hipkins unveils the party's candidate list for the November election. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone · Labour has unveiled its candidate list for the November election, introducing 30 new…

The Government has unveiled a new $51 million programme designed to accelerate the rollout of methane-reduction technology across New Zealand farms, signalling a major commitment to technology-led emissions reduction rather than taxation. Announced at Fieldays in Hamilton, the Early Adoption Accelerator will provide dollar-for-dollar funding to help move methane-reducing technologies from the development stage into widespread commercial use.…

New Zealand has gradually become a more racist country as time has gone by and this process has been ably assisted by the mainstream media. In my opinion, part of the reason is due to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty is a simple document signed in simple times which, if the explanation given by that revered elder Māori statesman, Sir Apirana Ngata - M.A., LLB., Litt.D., is to be considered true, made us all one people with equal rights as…

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…

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…

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…

Who said getting older means slowing down? · At Acacia Cove Village in Wattle Downs, retirement is less about winding back and more about finally having the freedom to enjoy life your way. With much of the day-to-day maintenance taken care of, residents have more time to do what they enjoy most. Whether that means social activities, peaceful walks, cycling, gardening, relaxing with friends, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, life at…

Vladimir Zelensky has criticized British political party Reform UK for removing Ukrainian flags from public buildings in Britain, warning that such actions can ruin a “big friendship.” · The Ukrainian leader made the comments in an interview with The Guardian during a visit to London on Sunday, where he met Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. · Asked about the decision by…

Israel has struck the historic city of Tyre in Lebanon, targeting the Christian quarter for the first time after ordering a partial evacuation. The attack has heightened local concerns over the fate of the city’s revered Biblical heritage sites. According to Reuters, eight people were killed in a single strike on Tyre’s eastern edge on Tuesday. · The Christian quarter, located in the city’s northwest, had been excluded from previous Israeli…

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov warned during a recent meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services that “The West seeks to disrupt integration processes and undermine stability in CIS countries from within, making nations forget their shared history and trying to pit them against each other in order to take the situation here under control.” This is being advanced in part…

Mass protests erupt in Kenya over American plans to co-opt an air base there to quarantine US citizens. Locals fear the Ebola virus could spread from the site into a country without a single recorded case. · A gunman opens fire on Israeli soldiers and is shot dead after entering the country from Lebanon. It follows the IDF bombarding the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre killing several people. · Tehran insists that Washington must recognise the…

Bulgaria’s new government has announced it will halt weapons deliveries to Ukraine, signaling a major policy shift for the NATO and EU member, which has been supplying arms to Kiev since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told reporters on Tuesday, arguing that Ukraine’s primary challenge is a shortage of personnel rather than weapons. · "What…

Anti-immigration riots broke out in Belfast on Tuesday night after a knife-wielding Sudanese asylum seeker allegedly attacked a man in the capital of Northern Ireland. The incident occurred amid a heated debate over migration policies, fuelled by a string of crimes involving foreign nationals across the United Kingdom. · Buses and cars were set ablaze as police urged the public to remain calm. · Videos from the scene showed vehicles engulfed in…

Northern Irish police have arrested a Sudanese asylum seeker over a brutal stabbing attack in Belfast on Monday. Graphic video footage showed locals intervening as the attacker plunged a kitchen knife into his victim’s neck. The attacker, who is in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Tuesday. His victim, who is in his 40s, suffered stab wounds to his back, face, and eyes,…

The rally was organized by the non-partisan group Project M1llion, which says it brings together a broad coalition of disaffected Germans, including farmers, tradespeople, business owners, logistics workers, laborers, pensioners, and mothers - “all the people who realize that something is terribly wrong here.” The rally was organized by the non-partisan group Project M1llion, which says it brings together a broad coalition of disaffected…

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 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 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…