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…

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…

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…

NZ First released a campaign video setting out Winston Peters’ argument for greater political influence under MMP and ending with an explicit appeal for the party vote. Stuff’s subsequent coverage shifted much of the emphasis from that political message to questions about the woman interviewing Peters, speculation about artificial intelligence and an assertion that the video had “confused some”. The question is not whether Stuff was entitled to…

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…

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…

The fear was real. The lockdowns were real. COVID-19 was real. But what did New Zealand's decision-makers actually know about the danger, what evidence supported testing and vaccination policies, and did extraordinary restrictions remain justified as that evidence changed? Six years later, newly released government documents allow New Zealanders to examine the decisions that transformed their lives Report by eLocal - Part 1 of 3 · The Day…

n this opinion, Andy Loader examines New Zealand election promises, the cost of living, resource policy, Treaty and co-governance debates, and the records of successive governments. He questions whether political commitments are grounded in complete evidence and whether voters can hold parties accountable for delivery. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that in the current economic climate there are many people who are hurting financially and…

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…

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…

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…

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could enable catastrophic loss of life if exploited by malicious actors. For New Zealand, his warning raises questions about the security of imported technology, regulatory accountability and the country's ability to protect its critical systems INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026, with additional verification from NBC News. · A Warning About the Misuse…

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…

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…

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,…

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.…

Russia reports overnight strikes on Ukrainian military and logistics targets, including in Kyiv. Moscow's foreign minister says Russia seeks no further confrontation but warns that Europe's militarisation risks escalating the conflict. In Munich, protesters, including students, oppose German resources being directed towards Ukraine rather than domestic needs. Meanwhile, Saudi airstrikes reportedly hit civilian areas in Yemen's Taiz province as…

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. · …

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…

Discover relaxed family living at 18 Glennron Lane, Waiuku. This well-presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home offers two separate living areas, a spacious master suite, open-plan kitchen and dining, and seamless flow to a sunny outdoor patio. Set on a fully fenced 683 sqm section with double internal-access garaging, it offers space, practicality and easy living close to Waiuku’s schools, shops and amenities. !Image Text · Bedrooms:…

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…

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…

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…