When eLocal recently asked whether Britain's cake shed craze could take off in New Zealand, we never imagined the answer would arrive in our own inbox. But that's exactly what happened when Queenstown baker Rosie Cunnington got in touch. Her story is one of creativity, courage, community trust and the extraordinary things ordinary New Zealanders can achieve when they're given the opportunity. There are some stories that simply make you smile.…

Police are renewing their appeal for a crucial witness to come forward following the shocking attack on a five-year-old girl at Myers Park in central Auckland. The child has now been discharged from hospital, but her family faces a long and difficult recovery. !Original police-supplied image of the man sought as a witness · Police are seeking to identify and speak with this man, who was reportedly present when the Myers Park attack began. He…

She taught herself to play, built her own recording environment, developed an international following and secured a deal with one of America's best-known independent heavy-music labels. Now Auckland-raised artist VANA is taking her uncompromising sound to audiences around the world. Her journey is a reminder that New Zealand talent does not need permission to succeed. VANA: From Auckland to the World Stage · A Kiwi Voice That Refuses to…

At just 17 years old, Christchurch filmmaker Kenta Lord has achieved something remarkable. His short film Trace has won Best International Film at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York, recognised as the world's largest student film festival. With three additional major nominations, the young New Zealander is proving that ambition, creativity and determination can take Kiwi talent onto the world stage. eLocal Report: Based on…

They wear motorcycle patches, ride powerful bikes and share a love of the open road. But for members of Riders Supporting Kids (RiSK), the greatest reward isn't the ride. It's helping children who might otherwise be forgotten. Founded by Steve Curtis and his late wife Jolene, this remarkable lower North Island motorcycle club is turning compassion into action, with an ambitious goal of collecting $50,000 worth of toys for Kiwi kids. eLocal…

Billionaire businessman Guy Haddleton wants National and Labour to cooperate in governing New Zealand, arguing that the country needs stability and long-term economic planning. But his proposal raises a more uncomfortable question: how different are the two major parties when powerful business interests, lobbyists and established institutions already exert influence over government policy? And would cooperation between National and Labour…

Why Dan the Man? Because when it comes to looking after your vehicle, Dan knows his stuff! As owner and head mechanic of PS Automotive in Pukekohe, Dan and his team take pride in delivering quality workmanship, honest advice and friendly, personal service. Whether your vehicle needs a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), routine servicing, preventative maintenance, brake repairs, tyres, wheel alignment or mechanical repairs, PS Automotive has you covered.…

Retirement should be about enjoying life, making new friends and having the freedom to do more of what you love. At Acacia Cove in Wattle Downs, residents are discovering that the next chapter can be one of the most rewarding. For John, choosing Acacia Cove wasn't a decision made overnight. Having lived locally and experienced retirement villages throughout Auckland, he had a good understanding of what was available. But there was something…

When it comes to creating a beautiful home, the difference is in the detail. And at Craftsman Cabinets in Patumahoe, Jason Michie and his team understand just how important those details are. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what customers Kath and Jay had to say: · “Jason was incredible with the build of our kitchen. He is so knowledgeable and has an amazing eye for detail. His craftsmanship is exceptional and we just love our new…

Racing season is the perfect excuse to dress up, and the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a day at the races, a special lunch or an occasion that calls for something a little more elegant, the new Pitillos collection has just arrived at Halliwell’s of Pukekohe. Spanish Style Meets Everyday Comfort · Designed and made in Spain, Pitillos has built its reputation on bringing together contemporary European…

Summer is arriving at Lewis' Mens Fashion in Pukekohe, and with new stock arriving daily, there's never been a better time to refresh your wardrobe. From smart casual clothing and summer shirts to quality footwear and accessories, discover fresh styles from leading menswear brands. Get in store and explore what's new while stocks last! Summer Starts at Lewis' · There's something about the arrival of summer that makes you want to freshen up…

Architectural flair meets peaceful family living in this distinctive Jennian-built monopitch home, privately positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac with a tranquil bush backdrop. Offering four generous bedrooms plus a fifth bedroom or office, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a contemporary kitchen, the 237sqm residence delivers exceptional flexibility. Soaring ceilings, expansive decking and covered entertaining areas create seamless…

Beautifully renovated and set on a generous 1045sqm (more or less) section, this impressive four-bedroom family home offers space, comfort and exceptional entertaining. Featuring contemporary open-plan living, a modern kitchen, expansive outdoor decking and a separate rumpus room, there's room for everyone. The upstairs master suite boasts an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and private balcony. Complete with double internal-access garaging and…

Tucked away in a quiet Pukekohe cul-de-sac, this beautifully presented four-bedroom home offers relaxed, low-maintenance living with plenty of space for the family. Open-plan kitchen, dining and living flow effortlessly to a sunny deck and private easy-care grounds, perfect for entertaining or unwinding. With a master ensuite, family bathroom, double internal-access garage and Tamaoho School zoning, everything is in place to simply move in and…

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…

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…

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev claims workers at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant are being deliberately targeted by Ukrainian forces simply for continuing their jobs under Russian control. In an exclusive Sanchez Effect interview, he reveals the human toll of operating a nuclear facility in a war zone. Likhachev also discusses Rosatom's global expansion despite sanctions, why Germany's nuclear shutdown was a strategic mistake, and…

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is facing criticism from within his own parliament after publicly mocking US President Donald Trump during sensitive peace negotiations with Russia. Ukrainian MP Aleksey Goncharenko has questioned whether his country's leader is genuinely committed to ending the conflict, arguing that political humour has no place when Washington is attempting to broker a settlement. The confrontation exposes growing…

President Donald Trump's 16 July 2026 address to the nation placed American election security under renewed scrutiny. Drawing on newly released intelligence and federal investigative records, the White House alleges that China compromised extensive voter-registration information, intelligence officials withheld sensitive reporting, and weaknesses in electronic election systems exposed American democracy to foreign interference. Documents…

India's purchases of Russian oil have surged to record levels, while European countries continue importing refined petroleum products from Indian facilities processing Russian crude. New figures highlight the contradictions in Western energy sanctions, as governments attempt to restrict Moscow's oil revenues while confronting shortages and soaring fuel prices. For New Zealand, the developments raise a familiar question: when global energy…

European leaders gathered in Dublin to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, even as diplomatic negotiations involving Washington, Moscow and Kiev continued elsewhere. Historian Tarik Cyril Amar argues that Europe's political establishment has become an obstacle to peace, unwilling to reconsider a strategy that has brought years of destruction and enormous economic costs. But is continued European support prolonging the conflict, or is it…

Reports of a furious telephone exchange between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have raised questions about growing divisions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the war with Iran. With both leaders facing political setbacks, renewed military action could carry consequences far beyond the Middle East, including another surge in global energy prices INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, drawing on Israeli…

For decades, successive New Zealand governments have made decisions that have shifted economic power away from Kiwi wage earners towards corporate and financial interests, many controlled offshore. Our only oil refinery is gone, foreign-owned banks generate billions in profits, and dependence on imported energy continues while taxpayers service government debt. Is this the unavoidable cost of globalisation, or the deliberate surrender of New…

Who really controls American foreign policy? In a revealing interview with George Galloway, Tucker Carlson questions whether President Trump or powerful unelected interests determine Washington's decisions. He argues that the US is effectively at war with Russia and that Trump's promises to end foreign conflicts have been undermined. From Ukraine and Iran to intelligence agencies, political donors and presidential advisers, Carlson raises…

Western analysts frequently measure Russia's progress in Ukraine by territory gained or lost. But the author of this TrendCompass opinion argues that Moscow's longer-term objective may be to reshape Ukraine's political system rather than simply occupy more land. IN DEPTH: Originally published by TrendCompass, 6 November 2026. · With all the excitement going on all over the place, the war in Ukraine almost became background noise. Observers,…

Did Democrats turn Trump's own America First playbook against the Republicans? Former Trump adviser George Papadopoulos joins Rick to examine the GOP's midterm election setbacks, arguing that broken promises, the Iran war, tariffs and immigration policies alienated MAGA voters. With traditionally Republican states turning blue, he says Democrats successfully tapped into voter concerns over living costs, the economy and foreign wars. What does…

New Zealand's property market is entering a period of unusually high housing stock, with 37,433 homes available for sale during October — the largest October selection since 2014. While buyers enjoy greater choice, falling asking prices, fewer new listings and a seven-year low in auction activity suggest vendors are facing a more challenging selling environment. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Susan Edmunds for RNZ, incorporating October…

Are elections really about serving the public, or are they contests for control? In this opinion piece, Andy Loader examines the growing influence of government and bureaucracy, the tension between socialism and individual freedom, and whether New Zealand's public service remains genuinely accountable to the people it is supposed to serve. This is what elections are all about no matter what some political parties and candidates may say. · They…