A West Coast-Tasman candidate debate has sparked controversy after organisers excluded Sue Grey from the podium under a reported 5% party-vote threshold rule. Supporters argue the decision denies local voters the opportunity to hear from all candidates contesting the electorate. Critics are calling on the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union to open the Greymouth debate to every official candidate on the ballot. GREYMOUTH, NZ Serious concerns over…

ACT is promising to open more of New Zealand's electricity system to competition while rejecting calls to break up the country's major generator-retailers. The policy could give households and private investors more freedom to generate, sell and move electricity, but the central question is whether greater competition around the edges of the system will translate into lower costs, greater resilience and more generation for consumers Report by…

I omitted the intro summary under 620 characters from the Format C package. Here it is: · A father has been jailed for 12 years after repeatedly sexually abusing his daughter over four years. Nelson District Court Judge Chris Macklin described the offending as being at the highest end for a single victim and highlighted the profound breach of trust involved. The man, whose identity is permanently suppressed to protect his daughter, must serve…

Opportunity's new climate programme proposes billions of dollars in public investment alongside methane trading, carbon pricing and biodiversity markets. But behind the immediate policy announcement lies a larger question for New Zealand: how far should international climate and sustainable-development commitments determine domestic economic, agricultural and energy policy? Report by eLocal · Opportunity has released an ambitious climate…

New Zealand abolished the crime of blasphemous libel in 2019, but a renewed debate over extending hate-speech protections to religion has raised a harder question: can the law protect religious people from hatred without protecting religious ideas from criticism or ridicule? Iranian-born lawyer and Free Speech Union Council member Samira Taghavi warns that the distinction can disappear once the state is given power to police offensive religious…

Elected councillors are accountable for council decisions, but how much control do they really have over the officials and information behind them? Nick Clark argues that councillors can be denied crucial legal and operational advice by their own bureaucracies. A proposed law would clarify that chief executives are subject to elected councils and give councillors greater access to independent advice, strengthening democratic accountability at…

National says it will pursue separating Pak'nSave from New World and Four Square if returned to government, potentially transforming New Zealand's supermarket market from two dominant groups into three nationwide competitors. The proposal is backed by economic modelling suggesting lower grocery prices, but the same analysis shows the outcome depends heavily on costs, implementation and whether genuine competition actually follows eLocal Report:…

Subtitle · Biotechnology is moving beyond GM crops and into everyday products · Summary Intro · Dr Guy Hatchard argues that the debate over gene technology now extends far beyond genetically modified crops. He points to the growing use of biosynthetic compounds in cosmetics, food production, medicine and consumer products, questioning whether regulation and safety testing have kept pace. From hyaluronic acid to chemicals that alter fruit…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Ukraine has previously targeted Russian election infrastructure with cyberattacks, including systems used for electronic voting. As Russia holds its 2026 State Duma election, new claims allege a broader Ukrainian and Western operation, but the evidence supports some parts of that account far more strongly than others. INR Report: Based on reporting by UkrLeaks for UkrLeaks Eng HERE · Russia is holding elections for its 450-seat State Duma from…

Yuliia Mendel once spoke for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Now sanctioned by his government and recently denied entry to the European Parliament, she has launched an extraordinary attack on her former boss, describing Ukraine’s decision to elect him as a form of national “suicide” INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE · A political relationship that began at the centre of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration has deteriorated into…

Almost half of Germans surveyed believe Chancellor Friedrich Merz will leave office before the end of 2026, as electoral setbacks, weak public approval and disputes over Germany’s economic direction intensify pressure on his government. But the poll measures public expectations, not whether Merz will actually be removed, and Germany’s constitutional system makes replacing a sitting chancellor considerably harder than the headline numbers suggest

Dr Vernon Coleman argues that the Great Reset is not a future threat but a transformation already under way. In this extract from his new book, he links digital ID, the decline of cash, Net Zero, government debt, economic instability, restrictions on personal freedom and expanding state control into a wider warning about the direction of Western society. He argues that public resistance remains possible, but time is running out. The following…

Voting continues on the second day of Russia’s State Duma elections, with turnout exceeding 39%. Citizens can vote at polling stations or through alternative arrangements, including for hospital patients. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has signed bipartisan sanctions legislation threatening punitive tariffs on major oil and gas consumers, drawing criticism from India and China over its potential impact on their energy and foreign policies.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Bill Gates used the enormous financial resources of his foundation to exert what she described as “moral pressure” on governments to increase vaccine funding. Her account raises a wider question about democratic accountability when private foundations acquire influence comparable to governments, while Gates is separately defending a civil case in the Netherlands brought by plaintiffs alleging harm…

US President Donald Trump says Washington has reached an open-ended agreement with Denmark and Greenland giving the United States permanent authority over Greenland’s security, expanded military access and power to block hostile military or strategic investment. Danish and Greenlandic leaders confirm an agreement is expected to be signed, but their description is materially narrower: Greenland remains Greenlandic, sovereignty is unchanged, and…

Closer Canadian-EU military-security coordination advances the US’ NATO 3.0 vision of allies taking on greater responsibilities in pursuit of shared interests, which in this case is containing Russia in the Arctic President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become an “associate member” of the bloc, the relationship of which doesn’t presently exist, during her state of the union address. While it’s unclear what…

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…

Positioned in an established Pukekohe street, this substantial four-bedroom, two-bathroom multi-level home offers exceptional space for family living and entertaining. Multiple living zones, an office and a large games room with bar provide outstanding flexibility, while the kitchen and dining area flows to covered outdoor entertaining overlooking the swimming pool. A private, versatile home close to Pukekohe’s shops, cafés, schools and…

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 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…

Positioned in the heart of Waiuku, this well-presented three-bedroom home combines comfort, convenience and easy-care living. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows onto an expansive sun-soaked deck, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. With a family bathroom, separate toilet, dedicated laundry and double garage with extra storage, it’s a great option for first-home buyers, investors or downsizers. !Image Text · Bedrooms…