November 2020

Around midnight on May 3rd 1916 in the pretty French village of Morbecque, Private James Stanton picked up his fountain pen and began to write on the first page of a canvas bound diary. “Now it’s my intention to keep a few notes of dates and occurrences… It’s started at a queer time in the night, but you see – my readers – I’m on guard and this is the way I’m filling in time…” Born and raised in Amberley, Canterbury, twenty one year old James…

With the Glorious weather we experienced over Labour weekend, there was certainly plenty of opportunity to discover more about our great local area. The trip out to Port Waikato has long been a favourite and a great ride on the bike or with the family for a day at the beach. This weekend was no different and it was great to see the area bustling with happy families all enjoying the freedoms that our country can enjoy as a result of the measures…

In a recent consumer survey, 83% of New Zealanders said they would rather gain 2kg than lose their hair. 91% said they feel more confident when their hair looks good. 91% said that receding and thinning hair are a major issue on a first date. 89% of young NZers say thinning hair is a concern for them. 86% incorrectly think thinning hair is isolated to older men. Around only 25% would seek professional help at the first signs of a hair loss or…

2020 has been a year of immense global change, and with it people have had to adapt to lockdowns, working from home, border closures, and restrictions around social events and gatherings. What hasn’t changed and looks like it is set to continue is the demand for quality housing and the fulfilment of the kiwi home ownership dream. Owning a home has always been the dream for many kiwis, and now with changes to our lives that COVID 19 has placed…

Many people avoid going to the Dentist until they are forced to. Usually, a niggly pain suddenly turns into the toothache from hell, and the visit it not only necessary but urgent! Many people don’t realise that regular check-ups are not only affordable but compared with the cost of a dental emergency far cheaper in the long run. The team at Toothcare Pukekohe know only too well how painful tooth issues can be and offer a friendly affordable…

This year’s election is one for the history books: it was the first since MMP was introduced in 1996 which resulted in a single party being able to govern without the aid of allies. What on Earth happened? In early 2020, the first Colmar Brunton poll of the year had National on 46% support, Labour on 41%, the Greens on 5%, New Zealand First on 3%, and ACT on 2%. Had those poll results held good until election day, the combined National-ACT…

Mike Wilson, South Auckland Franchise Holder of Stroud Homes invites you to join him and his team at the official opening of their Pokeno Pukekohe Display Centre. Located at 245 King St in Central Pukekohe, there will be Free face painting, Balloons for the kids, a BBQ, the best coffee and the chance to win not only free garage carpet but also a Weber Q valued at over $1000!!* Stroud Homes originated in Australia when the leading franchise of…

Guns have been around for an incredibly long time, and they started with the cannon. It has been reported that the first significant use of a cannon was at around 1350 AD, making it one of the oldest pieces of modern technology still in use. Imagine our delight, when we discovered that one of these remarkable, yet destructive devices was in permitted residence; under all the correct safety requirements in a garage in Pukekohe. Albeit not one of…

How does a perfectly barbecued scotch with fresh summer herbs topped with a zesty homemade labneh sound? Pretty great, right? This lighter dish is perfect for a hot summer’s day, or complete the meal with new potatoes or toasted sourdough and a crunchy green salad. Prep: 12 min. Cook: 8 mins. Serves 4–6. Ingredients Beef 2 x 350g Quality Mark scotch fillet steaks Olive oil for rubbing Labneh 400g natural, unsweetened yoghurt 1 clove…

A recipe to spice up the traditional steaks on the barbecue this summer. Both salsas complement the beef beautifully, yet offer very different combinations of flavour. We suggest keeping a jar of these on hand over the barbecue season – our guess is you’ll be enjoying them on a range of meals! Prep: 1 hour. Cook: 6 mins. Serves 4–6 Ingredients Beef 800g Quality Mark eye fillet of beef, silver skin trimmed 1 tablespoon dried oregano …

Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly has issued a “massive and heartfelt thank you” to everyone who supported him at the 2020 General Election. Bayly says he feels honoured to have been elected as MP for the new electorate of Port Waikato and is looking forward to becoming part of its many communities. “This will be my third term as a National Party electorate MP and I’m humbled so many people chose to support me at the election.” For the past six…

Perfect Air are your local heat pump specialists, and their name is indeed their aim. Originally formed in 1978 and co-owned by Mike Richards and Graeme Melville since 2011, the team at Perfect Air know that perfect is a big ask, but it is something every team member strives for in all aspects of their service every day. “If it heats, cools or brings in fresh air, we do it and strive to do it with perfection,” says Mike Richards, owner of…

Last week I was talking to someone who mentioned “Robbie of Auckland”, how much the city had changed, and not for the better. Robbie was in fact Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, Auckland’s oldest serving Mayor. I had the good fortune to serve with Robbie and several later Mayors during my 15 years as a City Councillor. I won a seat on the council in the 1970s when the council was still run by businessmen and women. Those were the good old days when we…

Getting ready for Christmas in Papakura We are getting ready for Christmas here as it looms up next month! Rotary Santa Parade – Sunday 6th of December in Central Park at 3 pm in town Chilling in the Park – Sunday 6th of December in Central Park straight after the Santa Parade Come down to Central Park and listen to a few good bands, grab a coffee, Mr Whippy will be there for the kids, facepainting, candy floss,…

Low stock numbers of houses around the country are still driving high asking prices – despite it being a year on year increase in new listings over the last 4 months. Whilst Auckland is tipping over the $1m mark for the first time the regions are also showing dramatic growth with both Taranaki and the central North Island experiencing a 13-year high. Auckland asking price: $1,003,575 (up 2.2%) Waikato asking price: $665,437 (up 0.7%) …

When you engage a highly skilled team like Team Jason and Luke to manage the process of selling or buying a home, you can rest assured that you will get the best results from your investment in them. Successful and experienced Rural and Lifestyle agents Jason Tabrum and Luke Jupp offer an exemplary service that ensures the whole process is managed effectively and without hassles. From active follow up with the buyers to reporting back, both…

For Topher and I, 2020 has been a year covered in clouds with silver linings. If there wasn't a global pandemic, we would be somewhere in Malaysia right now, having spent the previous few months driving through the bustling streets of India. Instead, we were here in New Zealand waiting in anticipation for the borders to re-open so we can continue our global expedition. Although a disappointment, we decided to make the most of the situation,…

In part three of this fascinating story we reveal how legal documents sought by Titford in a bid to retain ownership of his land were refused, but were obtained under the Official Information Act by Ross Baker of the One New Zealand Foundation Inc. “I Still Own My Land,” Says Titford, “Give It Back!” The Manuwhetai area under claim amounted to only 110 acres, about 90 of which were part of Titford’s title, with the rest registered under 38…

Franklin Arts Centre presents a significant solo exhibition by Pukekohe based artist Logan Moffat. The exhibition offers a selection of portrait paintings created over three years. The Portraits are intended to capture the essence of the time we live in. Moffat understands his practice as consciousness painting. “The paintings are a reaction to the environment I inhabit, in the ‘real’ world and the digitally created ‘idealised’ one.” From…