Television producer Alexander Breingan has been ordered to return to New Zealand from Los Angeles to face 33 charges arising from an alleged $14.5 million funding and lending fraud. The case extends beyond private finance: more than $4.3 million of the money at issue was Government-funded screen-production rebates, and the investigation originated after concerns were referred by the New Zealand Film Commission to the Serious Fraud Office. eLocal…

New Zealand’s membership of the Paris climate agreement is emerging as a significant dividing line between the parties that currently make up the government. Christopher Luxon says remaining in Paris is an economic necessity; Winston Peters argues New Zealand must confront whether the agreement can realistically deliver what was promised. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Lillian Hanly, Political Reporter for RNZ — read the original report…

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…

What happens when a robot becomes so small there is no longer room for a conventional battery or motor? Researchers in Switzerland have demonstrated an unusual solution: microscopic acoustic cavities that convert sound energy directly into thrust and movement. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Maryna Holovnova for New Atlas, with research published by EPFL. The New Atlas report was published on 26 August 2026. · The drive to make…

Labour is promising $21 million a year for Māori-led trades training if it forms the next government, with funding available to providers including marae and iwi trusts. The party says the programme would cover trades ranging from plumbing and electrical work to hairdressing, with no age limit for participants. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ — read the original report here. · Labour has put Māori trades training on its election…

e Pāti Māori has unveiled one of the most far-reaching constitutional proposals of the 2026 election campaign, seeking to give new legal force to Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations across government. The policy would create an independent commission capable of stopping some Crown decisions, make Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding and begin a $220 million programme aimed at constitutional transformation by 2040. eLocal Report: Based on…

More than 2,000 humanoid robots and 666 teams have gathered in Beijing for a five-day competition featuring running, boxing and other physical challenges. Behind the spectacle, New Atlas argues that China’s real advantage may lie in an unusually integrated supply chain linking robotics with its automotive, battery, electronics and manufacturing industries. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Bronwyn Thompson for New Atlas HERE. ([New…

Waikato Comancheros boss Junior Heart was allegedly awaiting a 270kg shipment of methamphetamine from overseas when police arrested him in June 2021, the Crown has told a High Court jury. Heart has already pleaded guilty to 73 charges, but continues to defend 37 drug, firearms and violence-related charges arising from Operation Equinox. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Belinda Feek for the New Zealand Herald, republished by RNZ — read the…

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…

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…

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…

The US attacks an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing two IRGC soldiers, but Tehran fires back, targeting Jordan with ballistic missiles. The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation kicks off its annual summit. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Masoud Pezeshkian are all in attendance, with Iran's President stressing the importance of the bloc in the multi-polar world. The German Chancellor seeks to cut social spending and…

Former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent says the United States risks backing itself into a position where nuclear weapons become an increasingly conceivable military option. In a wide-ranging interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent argues that Washington’s objectives in Iran remain poorly defined, while Carlson makes the more explosive argument that any president who seriously entertains the first use of nuclear weapons should be…

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…

Weeks after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, mounting pressure on the small territory has spilled into street protests and clashes. Residents demanding deportations and the removal of makeshift migrant camps confronted police at El Trampolín beach, exposing an increasingly volatile political and humanitarian crisis. INR Report: Based on reporting by Steve Watson for Modernity News,…

Europe is heading towards winter with gas storage at around 64% — well below the roughly 80% seasonal average of recent years — as the Iran conflict disrupts Middle Eastern LNG flows and competition for available supplies intensifies. With Russian gas largely removed from Europe's previous energy mix, analysts warn that a cold winter or further supply disruption could trigger another sharp increase in prices. INR Report: Based on reporting by…

Two senior German political figures are calling for a legal process that could outlaw Alternative for Germany as the AfD continues to gain electoral support. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Baden-Württemberg Governor Cem Özdemir argue that elements of the party threaten Germany’s democratic constitutional order — raising a difficult question over how a democracy should respond when a party accused of extremism commands substantial voter…

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…

Venezuela has unveiled a sweeping 25-year energy agreement with the United States covering 17 strategic oilfields and an initial production target of more than 1.5 million barrels a day. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez says the arrangement will bring badly needed capital and technology into Venezuela while preserving national ownership of its oil - although the scale of US control being claimed by President Donald Trump has already raised…

Set on an exceptional 3,035sqm (more or less) in the heart of Waiuku, this spacious five-bedroom family home combines privacy, versatility and convenience. Featuring generous living, extensive storage, double garaging, workshop and cellar space, the property offers outstanding flexibility for families, hobbyists or tradespeople. Expansive grounds provide room to enjoy, develop and make your own, all just minutes from Waiuku township. !Image…

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…

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…

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…

Beautifully upgraded and ready to enjoy, this solid brick four-bedroom home combines quality, space and exceptional outdoor living. A premium Carlielle kitchen anchors the heart of the home, complemented by two generous living areas and stylishly renovated bathrooms. Outside, a private swimming pool with glass balustrades and low-maintenance landscaping creates the perfect setting for entertaining and relaxing. Set in the popular Valley…