New Zealand may technically be creating jobs, but it isn't creating enough of them — and younger New Zealanders are bearing much of the cost. Behind the 5.6% unemployment rate lies a deeper problem of weak growth per person, falling purchasing power and an economy that continues to struggle to offer many New Zealanders the wages and opportunities available across the Tasman. eLocal Report: Based on analysis by Kiwibank economists Jarrod Kerr,…

Consumers across the South Island are being urged to check Vogel's bread with a best-before date of 15 August after a precautionary recall involving the possible presence of small pieces of metal. New Zealand Food Safety says there have been no reported injuries or consumer complaints, but affected products should not be eaten eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Bill Hickman for RNZ HERE. · New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Goodman Fielder…

After years of difficult economic news, there are encouraging signs emerging from New Zealand's rural economy. PGG Wrightson has reported a sharp lift in profit and more than $1 billion in annual revenue, with farmers increasingly prepared to invest back into their businesses. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ HERE, with additional context by eLocal. · Some Welcome Good News · After a prolonged period in which much of New Zealand's…

For generations of New Zealand travellers, the brightly wrapped boiled lolly handed out as an aircraft begins its descent has become almost as familiar as the koru itself. Behind that small Kiwi ritual is an equally New Zealand story — a family business that survived economic upheaval, embraced automation and eventually fulfilled a promise made thousands of metres above the Tasman. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Serena Solomon for RNZ. ·…

Christopher Luxon remains Prime Minister and leader of the National Party after surviving another confidence vote. But with little more than 12 weeks until the election, surviving his own caucus may prove considerably easier than convincing New Zealand voters that the Government deserves another term eLocal Report: Based on analysis by RNZ political reporter Russell Palmer. · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived another challenge to…

More than half a million New Zealanders now owe money to Inland Revenue, with total tax debt climbing from less than $6 billion in 2023 to $9.4 billion by March 2026. But behind those extraordinary numbers lies a bigger question: what happened to the New Zealand economy that left so many households and businesses unable to meet one of their most basic financial obligations? eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Susan Edmunds for RNZ HERE, with…

New Zealand-based internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom has delivered a stark warning about digital surveillance, artificial intelligence and the erosion of personal privacy in a wide-ranging interview with Tucker Carlson. But his argument goes beyond technology: Dotcom says representative government itself has failed, and is now backing direct democracy through New Zealand's Freedom Party as an alternative. eLocal Report: Based on an interview with…

Christopher Luxon has called National MPs to an urgent face-to-face caucus meeting in Wellington as renewed speculation over his leadership threatens to engulf the party. The meeting comes after a difficult period for the Prime Minister, with National polling at its lowest level under Luxon and MPs reportedly discussing whether a change at the top is needed before voters go to the polls. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ political editor…

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you're on holiday. At Acacia Cove Village, that's not just a dream—it's everyday life. With spacious grounds, resort-style facilities and a welcoming community, retirement becomes a new beginning rather than an ending When Shirley and her husband first considered moving to Acacia Cove Village, she wasn't convinced. · She admits she had reservations. · Being ten years younger than her husband, she…

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…

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…

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…

JCB’s £100 million hydrogen programme has crossed an important threshold: its hydrogen combustion engine is no longer simply an experimental alternative to diesel. Full European type-approval, a production hydrogen-powered backhoe and the first commercial generator deliveries suggest hydrogen combustion could become a practical option for some of the world’s hardest-to-electrify machinery. INR Report: Based on reporting by Max Carter for…

The European Union has committed €90 billion to supporting Ukraine through 2026 and 2027, financed through borrowing on capital markets and backed by the EU budget. But a German MEP is questioning whether European governments understood the potential long-term liability when they approved the scheme — particularly because repayment is tied to Ukraine eventually receiving reparations from Russia. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · The…

Iran says it abandoned plans for a retaliatory strike against Ukraine after Russia intervened diplomatically, underscoring Moscow's growing role as a mediator between its strategic partners. The comments come amid continuing regional tensions and renewed efforts to prevent the conflict from widening. Iran Says Planned Strike on Ukraine Was Called Off After Russian Mediation · Tehran says a planned military response against Ukraine was halted…

Donald Trump demands compensation from Iran for damage and deaths in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, despite Israel carrying out regional attacks with US weapons. · Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei is appointed Iran’s security chief, vowing Tehran will defend its national rights and interests. We examine what his hardline vision could mean for Iran. · Meanwhile, clashes erupt in Syria’s Kurdish-populated areas following reported attacks by…

From ground zero in Michigan: the socialist who vows to bring down the system was manufactured by it — Rhodes Scholar credentials, foundation money and all — while Bessent and the Trump team dismantle the machine that gutted Detroit. By Susan Kokinda · Susan Kokinda critiques Michigan Democratic Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed, arguing that while he calls Trump a symptom and “the system” the disease, El-Sayed actually protects the same…

An upper stage from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have impacted the Moon after drifting through space for over a year. Researchers say the event offers a rare opportunity to study impact craters while highlighting the growing challenge of managing human-made debris beyond Earth orbit. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Scientists tracking space debris believe a discarded four-ton Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon…

Russia has introduced a landmark cryptocurrency law that brings digital asset trading into the country's regulated financial system. While Russians will soon be able to buy and sell approved cryptocurrencies through licensed exchanges, digital currencies will remain prohibited as a means of payment inside the country. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the Law on Digital Currencies and…

Why would discussion of a substance used for decades in water treatment become so controversial that one of the world's largest video platforms specifically restricts its promotion as a medical treatment? In an interview with Redacted's Natalie Morris, critical-care physician Dr Pierre Kory argues that the story of chlorine dioxide raises much bigger questions about medical research, pharmaceutical economics, censorship and who ultimately…

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…

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 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 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 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 ·…