The latest 1News Verian poll has National and Labour level on 28 percent, while the Greens have risen to 16 percent. The numbers could leave Opportunity holding the balance of power, but the seat projections depend on electorate results and post-election negotiations that no poll can settle Report by eLocal · New Zealand's election contest has become increasingly fragmented, with the latest 1News Verian poll showing neither major party close to…

What if the greatest transfer of wealth in New Zealand's history required neither invasion nor the outright sale of the country's assets? What if its citizens retained ownership on paper while gradually losing the authority to determine how their land, water, minerals, forests and infrastructure were used? Imagine, for a moment, that you were writing a political thriller. Your fictional objective is the acquisition of a prosperous island…

Andy Loader argues that the pause on Waikato Plan Change 1 is not a retreat from improving river health, but an opportunity to address what he sees as fundamental flaws in the plan. He says PC1 failed to properly balance environmental objectives with the economic and social wellbeing of farming communities, despite those considerations being central to the original Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. The paper on Thursday 24th…

Andy Loader continues his examination of MMP by turning to what happens after election day. He argues coalition negotiations can hand smaller parties significant influence over who forms the government and what policies emerge. His proposed solution is greater transparency before voters cast their ballots: require parties to declare in advance which other parties they would be prepared to negotiate with Part 1 click here · Obviously after the…

Who checks the figures when councils and banks demand payment or enforce debts against people's homes? In this opinion, Tracy Lynch examines mortgage balances, council rates, development contributions and the records underpinning enforcement decisions. Her central question is straightforward: can institutions demonstrate the authority, calculations and financial records supporting their demands? The question is no longer simply: “Do you owe…

Sir John Key has urged National supporters to give both votes to National, warning that strategic voting could cost the party experienced ministers. Winston Peters has rejected that argument, using the dispute to make a wider case for New Zealand First’s economic programme and its leverage in post-election negotiations Report by eLocal · Former Prime Minister Sir John Key and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters have opened a revealing…

New Zealand pre-election accounts show a materially stronger near-term fiscal position than Treasury forecast at the May Budget, with smaller deficits, $15 billion less planned borrowing and a larger projected surplus in 2028/29. The improvement is welcome for taxpayers and households, but Treasury figures also show why the outlook should be read carefully: much of the fiscal gain comes from higher tax revenue associated with stronger nominal…

A Bay of Plenty police sergeant has been acquitted after a jury heard he punched a woman five times while she was being held in a police cell. The verdict resolves the criminal charge, but the case raises a separate public-interest question about how force used against people in custody is authorised, recorded and independently scrutinised Report by eLocal · A Tauranga jury has found a police sergeant not guilty of injuring with intent to…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Andrew Korybko argues that disputed reports of a possible Russian drone attack on Southern Europe raise another possibility: could Ukraine stage a false-flag incident designed to implicate Moscow and intensify NATO involvement? Pointing to Ukraine’s demonstrated drone capabilities in the Mediterranean, he examines the incentives, escalation risks and why a direct crisis-control channel between Russia, the US and European NATO could be critical Z…

Italy has approved restrictions on face-covering garments in schools and new limits intended to prevent concentrations of pupils needing Italian-language support. The measures raise questions about religious freedom, educational opportunity and how governments balance integration with individual rights INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026, with verification from Italian news agency ANSA and additional New Zealand context. · …

Former Ukrainian presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel has returned to Tucker Carlson’s programme with a stark account of sanctions, censorship, mobilisation and Ukraine’s demographic decline. Several central elements of her story are independently verifiable, while some of her most serious allegations remain claims that require evidence beyond the interview INR Report: Based on an interview with Yuliia Mendel by Tucker Carlson for The…

An RT historical essay argues that Stalin's September 1939 advance into eastern Poland was driven by Soviet security concerns as Nazi Germany overwhelmed Polish defences. The diplomatic agreements, continuing Polish resistance and consequences of Soviet occupation reveal a more complicated history with continuing relevance to debates about sovereignty and security. INR Report: Based on reporting by Evgeny Norin for RT HERE, 21 September 2026,…

Donald Trump claims Vladimir Zelensky has agreed to scale back Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, saying the attacks are contributing to rising global fuel prices. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces diplomatic tensions beyond Europe: South Korea is demanding an apology after officials disclosed a secret transfer involving two North Korean prisoners, while Mali has accused Kiev at the UN of sponsoring terrorism as Sahel states push back against…

Britain’s calls for greater national war readiness have prompted a dispute over the difference between credible defence planning and public alarm. As European intelligence officials debate the immediacy of Russian threats, the controversy raises questions about how New Zealand assesses international risks and determines its own defence commitments INR Report: Based on commentary by Tarik Cyril Amar for RT HERE, published 24 September 2026.…

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson says direct conflict between Russia and European NATO states is becoming increasingly likely, drawing on recent meetings and observations in Moscow. His warning is striking, but several of his military and economic claims are predictions or disputed assessments rather than established facts INR Report: Based on an interview with Larry Johnson by Lena Petrova for World Affairs In Context · Former CIA analyst and…

Vladimir Putin says Russia has no intention of initiating hostilities against European countries, accusing European leaders of exaggerating the threat to sustain support for Ukraine. His statement comes amid competing assessments of Russian intentions, European security risks and the prospects for renewed negotiations INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026. · Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists at the United…

Be the first to enjoy this beautifully crafted three-bedroom, two-bathroom home by respected local builder Bosanac Builders. Designed for modern living, the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows seamlessly to a generous outdoor deck, while the primary suite features a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. With a double internal-access garage and quality finishes throughout, this brand-new home offers easy-care living in the thriving…

Spacious and versatile, this four-bedroom Waiuku home offers relaxed family living across two levels. Featuring two generous living areas, an open-plan kitchen and dining space, elevated balcony views, established gardens and expansive lawns, there is room for everyone to enjoy. A large internal-access double garage adds everyday practicality, while schools, shops, cafes, parks and Waiuku's outdoor attractions are all within easy reach. !Image…

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…

Built by respected Navigation Homes and backed by a Master Build Guarantee, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers generous modern family living. Two separate living areas provide flexibility, while the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and family zone flows seamlessly outdoors. With a walk-in pantry, master suite, sheltered patio and double internal-access garage, it combines quality, comfort and easy-care living in…

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…