November 2018

It's impossible to miss the massive building that houses Tuakau ITM. At 50 metres long, covering 1300 square metres, it looms large over the town. For Glenn (Podge) Graham, the third generation owner of the bulding supplies company, it's a dream come true. The new building is his baby; he conceived the design and watched it grow. “I used to sit in my old office and envisage what…

elocal, is 100% locally owned, unlike other publications in the area. The whole team, including owner Mykeljon live locally and buy locally, we like to support local businesses, because you support us. Every month, the team at elocal work tirelessly to bring you stories that will interest, educate and sometimes confront you about issues that our national media tend to shy away…

In 1963, somebody dug up evidence that man may have been in the Hawkes Bay area 4500 years ago, and instantaneously his revelation was buried. Surely not, I hear you say to yourself, if somebody unearthed indisputable evidence, wouldn’t that be enough? Surely the entire history of this country would be rewritten, wouldn’t it? It wouldn’t. Let’s learn about some scientists who…

If you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems or health issues, you might be interested to find that acupuncture can assist you. If you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems or health issues, you might be interested to find that acupuncture can assist you. While it is renowned for dealing with pain, there is a lot more to the…

In 1968, Murray and Pam Guy, a young couple with a bright future decided to pack up their life in Auckland and make a go of it in, what was then, a small town called Papakura and start a business. Who would have thought, that what they created would still provide the people of Papakura with a level of service, professionalism and care second to none and now run by son Michael and…

The Conveyancing Shop Lawyers walked away with two major Awards at the Westpac Auckland Business Awards this year for Excellence in Community Contribution and Excellence in Strategy and Planning. This is quite an achievement for a small family run business who were up against much larger players. Finalist in their categories included DHL Express NZ Limited, Manukau Urban Maori…

It’s probably not surprising, considering we live in one of the most isolated countries in the world, that us Kiwis love to fly the coop and travel around the world to far flung destinations and there’s nothing we love more than visiting warm climates for the summer, where we can lay on the beach, get a tan and check out the stunning views. While places like Rarotonga, Hawaii and…

New Zealand Hot Rod Magazine’s Rob Campbell passed away 17th of September 2018. Rob Campbell, to me earned his title “Rodfather Rob” due to his influential role in the formation of organised hot rodding in New Zealand. Rob was part of the small team which started the New Zealand Hot Rod Magazine in 1967 but prior to that Rob was already an avid hot rodder when hot rodding first…

While our warmest seasons are gearing up and thoughts of spending more time outdoors is on everyone’s minds, The Auckland Motorcycle Club will instead be mourning a loss on the now closed KartSport Mount Wellington. For forty years, The Auckland Motorcycle Club has been prominent figures in all aspects of motorcycling and road racing, especially Karting, Bucket and side car…

When Michael Walters' father arrived home with his son's birthday present, it wasn't just Michael who got a surprise. For his mother, Helen, it was a day she wouldn't forget in a hurry. “I'd taken Michael to school the morning of his birthday but had a call at lunchtime asking me to pick him up. He'd come down with chicken pox. “I collected Michael, picked up our other son,…

In edition 211 there is an article on medical marijuana, in the 'looking abroad' section it talks about Sweden’s choice to have a zero-tolerance policy against drugs which as stated had a backlash of drug related deaths. I am confused why you used a negative example while talking about healthy drug control and use. However, Portuguese would be a positive example of change, their…

Each year the debate intensifies as supporters and detractors line up on opposing sides of the fence. Both sides are equally passionate in their presentation of evidence, and fervent in their claims to be preserving our native wildlife. This article seeks to give a simple, easy to read explanation of the scientific evidence offered. The Department of Conservation (DoC) and…

In recent months, we have seen a rash of strikes – teachers and nurses in particular, with other sectors suggesting that they may strike also unless the people who work in those sectors get a substantial wage or salary increase. Of course, people say, that’s what you’d expect when we have a Labour- New Zealand First Coalition Government. They’re a worker-friendly government, so…

Ian Austin was born in the UK and enjoyed a high-octane career with the Hampshire Police, including serving as a tactical firearms officer and covert surveillance operative, before migrating to New Zealand in 2003. After a stint with the NZ Police, Austin turned his hand to writing and is now the author of three novels, including The Ideas Man (2011), with more in the works.…

Born to Indian parents, food writer and school nurse Ashia Ismail-Singer was raised in Malawi and the UK. Her grandparents moved from India to Malawi in the late 1940’s, when India and Pakistan were partitioned, and Ashia grew up in a large Indian community in Malawi. Aromatic, spicy, tangy and sweet . . . these are the words that describe Ashia Ismail-Singer’s earliest food…

The annual Waiuku Blast to the Past family entertainment event is being held in November and it is set to be better than the rest, with a spectacular, professional fireworks display, family entertainment and a variety of craft and food markets for the family to enjoy. Lucy Mullinger looks back at what has been achieved in the region and what makes Waiuku special enough to have a…

Not many people have heard of Zonta, but the world is bound to hear about a couple of young women who have just received awards from the organisation. Zonta exists to help women worldwide, but like all good things, it begins at home. In south Auckland, Zonta raises money to fund local projects which include supporting teen parent units and women's refuge, and providing breast…

A look at some of the weird and sometimes very sad unsolved crimes and mysteries of New Zealand. A relatively new country by most standards, New Zealand is most likely not at the top of the list when it comes to unsolved crimes and mysteries, but there have been some spine-tingling events that have taken place on our quiet isles throughout the years, some of which have been…

Sixty years later, an underwater research group has discovered U-196 partially submerged, stern down, in the sand and apparently not fully flooded in 15 meters of water. It is surmised that U-196 refuelled from the German convoy raider ‘Orion’, somewhere near Palau, before the German surrender brought inevitable internment, then headed south as the Japanese navy was preparing for…

NEW BUSINESSES IN TOWN: Out of Space and The Local Business Network both from Papakura joining as Associate Members Toy World Pop Up Store next door to BNZ in Great South Road St Johns Opportunity Store next door to the Post Office in the Great South Road CHRISTMAS IN PAPAKURA: So much happening Christmas Decorations going up around town on the week commencing 19th of…

What has been happening for the month of November. It’s been an exciting few months for us with several projects we have been working on for a long time becoming reality. Just a few weekends ago we joined residents at a community day to open a new playground in Kauri Reserve in Takanini. Located within a new housing area, the playground is designed for a range of ages to have…

Road Safety reminder from Counties Manukau Police for the upcoming holiday period. I’m sure like most of you out there your fingers are currently crossed that the warm sunny weather is here for the next few months. Along with the warmer weather comes our community getting out and about around our stunning district. It’s timely for us to all take a moment to think about road…

Spring is one of the ‘traditional’ peak selling seasons and with the surging property prices behind us for a while, and that while is more probably measured in years than months, tradition is again in play Spring is one of the ‘traditional’ peak selling seasons and with the surging property prices behind us for a while, and that while is more probably measured in years than…