The Green Party's latest tax proposal is being marketed as a solution to inequality. I see it differently. I see it as envy dressed up as economic policy. A wealth tax. An inheritance tax. Higher corporate taxes. More levies on productive enterprise. More government intervention into the lives and assets of people who have spent decades building businesses, creating jobs, taking risks and generating prosperity. The question New Zealanders…

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has strongly criticised New Zealand First's proposal to abolish Auckland's Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB), describing the move as "dumb, racist stuff" and questioning why the Government was choosing to focus on the issue during a period of economic pressure for many New Zealanders. Report by elocal · The comments come after New Zealand First introduced a Member's Bill seeking to disestablish the Independent…

National Party members are gathering in Lower Hutt this weekend for the party's Annual General Meeting, with the economy expected to dominate discussions and a new election policy announcement anticipated from party leader Christopher Luxon. Report by elocal · The AGM comes at a critical time for the governing party as it seeks to build momentum heading towards the November election while managing the political and economic fallout from New…

After what has felt like a very quiet few weeks around New Zealand's fuel ports, we're finally starting to see a bit more movement in the system. G'day everyone. · The good news is that fuel is still flowing. · The other good news is that several vessels are now either alongside, arriving, or scheduled across the country over the coming fortnight. That's a noticeable improvement from the sparse activity we've been tracking recently. · At…

New Zealand's first person convicted of both human trafficking and slavery offences will be released from prison next month after the Parole Board granted parole following his third appearance before the board. Joseph Matamata, also known as Viliamu Samu, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment after becoming the first person convicted under New Zealand's modern human trafficking legislation. · The case shocked the country and exposed what…

eLocal Report · A recent episode of the Notes From The Executive podcast brought together four experienced voices from economics, business and social science to examine a question increasingly being asked across New Zealand: · Is New Zealand going broke? · The discussion featured economic commentator Bernard Hickey, economist Shamubeel Eaqub, a demographer and social scientist focused on migration and population trends, and a business…

The India FTA entrenches policies that would not survive the floor of Parliament on their own - uncappable immigration, CBDC, UNDRIP, transfer of our cultivars to a competitor, a US$20B obligation enforceable by India. FTAs used to be about trade. By Joshua Riley · The India Free Trade Agreement has been presented to New Zealanders as a breakthrough deal - one that opens a vast market of 1.4 billion people and promises new opportunities for…

A Hamilton doctor who spent more than five decades in medical practice has been sentenced to prison after admitting a pattern of sexual offending against three girls spanning more than 30 years. William James Reeder, 79, was sentenced in the Hamilton District Court on 15 sexual assault charges, with the court hearing that his offending stretched from the late 1980s through until 2024. · Judge Arthur Tompkins sentenced Reeder to four-and-a-half…

After what has felt like a very quiet few weeks around New Zealand's fuel ports, we're finally starting to see a bit more movement in the system. G'day everyone. · The good news is that fuel is still flowing. · The other good news is that several vessels are now either alongside, arriving, or scheduled across the country over the coming fortnight. That's a noticeable improvement from the sparse activity we've been tracking recently. · At…

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…

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…

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…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from Labour MPs, party heavyweights and even cabinet ministers to step down as early as this weekend, the Guardian has reported, citing lawmakers and government sources. Calls for Starmer’s resignation have grown since Labour lost nearly 1,500 seats in local elections in May. The pressure reportedly intensified after former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won Thursday’s Makerfield…

The West should not have expelled Russia from the G8, US President Donald Trump has said, adding that keeping Moscow in the group could have prevented the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Trump made the remarks in a wide-ranging interview with Axios published on Friday, in which the US president reflected on the G7 summit in France and a dinner French President Emmanuel Macron hosted for him at Versailles. · He praised Macron for his…

The Strait of Hormuz is again to close to all vessels. That's the latest declaration by Iran - who states the IDF's continued strikes on Lebanon is the reason why. · The assault is a violation of Washington's deal with Tehran. Cross-border Israeli attacks kill 16 in Lebanon's south this Saturday according to local authorities. That's also despite reports of a renewed ceasefire between West Jerusalem and Hezbollah. · Vladimir Zelensky…

By Barbara Boyd · Through a sweetheart deal with the National Archives, the Obama Foundation controls which records get released — burying the files on the surveillance and coup against Trump. · Summary · Barbara Boyd argues that the newly opened $850 million Barack Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side is not a true presidential library but a "cover-up," alleging that Obama-era records — especially those tied to surveillance of…

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who had negotiated a much-touted rare earth minerals deal with Kiev, was reportedly worried that the “little fker”* Vladimir Zelensky would mess up the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, according to a new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The infamous confrontation last year took place as the Ukrainian leader sat down with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D.…

Canada will now officially outlaw portions of the Bible after Parliament approved a controversial “hate speech” bill that will criminalize Christians, churches, and people of faith who quote unapproved verses from religious scripture. By Frank Bergman · The final effort to stop Bill C-9 was defeated this week, clearing the way for the legislation to receive Royal Assent and become law. · The bill has sparked fierce opposition from religious…

By Dr. Robert W. Malone · “Today, on my final day as Director of National Intelligence, I’m releasing never-before-seen communications and documents exposing how Dr. Fauci provided millions in US taxpayer dollars to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab, worked with politicized elements within the Intelligence Community to suppress the truth about his actions and hide the virus’ lab-leak origins, and lied to Congress while…

Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has issued an ultimatum to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, threatening him with military action if Belarus fails to dismantle the air defense radar array along its southern border, just days after a deadly Ukrainian drone strike on a bus carrying a children’s soccer team from the country. Earlier this week, Lukashenko said that those seeking to drag his nation into the conflict “will have to pay dearly for…

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…

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 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 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 ·…