March 2024

The first 100 days of the National led ‘3 headed taniwha’ coalition Government have come and gone this month and media and MP’s alike are scrambling to shout from the rooftops about what has been done and blurring the lines of non-achievement on any that appear to have fallen short on the deadline. My own take on the first 100 days comes down to the bewildering shenanigans that…

Summary In this conversation, MJ and Jeff Neal discuss the housing crisis in New Zealand. They explore the affordability of housing and the government’s role in addressing the issue. They also discuss the importance of holding politicians accountable and the impact of media bias. The conversation highlights the housing affordability ratio and its significant increase over the…

As you know we live in extraordinary times, of note not just because of our technological achievements, but also because of the pervading mood of science fiction that sits easily with those leading us and a population schooled to accept the dream. We are continuously sold promises of health breakthroughs that are just around the corner but forget they have been just around the…

Real Estate Love, Passion and Obsession From an early age I have nurtured an unshakable love for Real Estate. Discovering how real estate creates that special type of shelter that everyone yearns to possess; it evens generates the brand of wealth that most cannot amass by simply working a job; and it gives great power to its owners who are fortunate enough to hold on to it at the…

The designed decline of the western economies & reassignment of the balance of power - World Bank president advised in 2010 James Wolfensohn is all about balance. The former World Bank president introduced himself to a student audience at Stanford University on Jan. 11 2010, and the balance of power in the world is what Wolfensohn spent the majority of his hour-long…

The team at PS Automotive stands out as one of the best in European vehicle servicing thanks to our innate attention and specialist knowledge of the complexity in engine detail and unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard in quality workmanship. We are equipped with the best up to date tools from European manufacturers. This means we can carry out cambelts,…

Mark Davie from Sepio Insurance Management provides a highly professional service to our clients. Not only do we have the experience and backing to secure appropriate cover in terms of price and security, but also offer comprehensive risk and claims management services. From Personal, Business, Rural or other Insurance we obtain insurance cover for you by assessing your specific…

Michelle Makori, Lead Anchor and Editor-in-Chief at Kitco News, and Charles Payne, Host of Making Money on FOX Business Network Summary In this conversation, Charles Payne discusses the warnings from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other prominent figures about the unsustainable national debt in the United States. They highlight the need for fiscal sustainability and express concerns…

When you think of resources we’re running out of, sand might not be high on your list, but it’s up there thanks to our high demand for concrete. Scientists at Rice University have now shown that substituting graphene can not only save sand, but makes concrete lighter, stronger and tougher. Despite being a sheet of carbon atoms just one atom thick, graphene has a reputation for…

Acacia Cove Village living has taken a whole new meaning with a planned environment aimed at providing superior spacious accommodation with security and independence. Independently owned and operated. Best Ageing Programme at the 2017 Ageing Asia Eldercare Awards. Finalist in the Facility of the Year Independent Seniors Living Category.

WHY CHOOSE US? We are one of the leading European auto repair shops serving customers in the Franklin area. All mechanical services are performed by highly qualified mechanics. EVERY JOB IS PERSONAL “My aim is to always get the job done as thoroughly as possible so it’s out of the way and people are back on the road” Jan van den Berg – Owner SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE With over 35…

The conversation covers various topics including fulfilling coalition agreement commitments, progress of government coalition agreements, coalition commitments and repeals, COVID-19 inquiry, gun legislation, and the involvement of the Muslim community in the Arms Act repeal. Takeaways The government is focused on fulfilling its coalition agreement commitments and undoing the…

The conversation revolves around the repeal of legislation related to water services. The speaker addresses concerns about rising rates and the need for water meters. They discuss the cost of water services and the issues with the current model of governance. Personal attacks and disagreements arise during the conversation. The speaker also talks about the impact on councils and…

In January I received a letter from the ASB Bank’s general manager of personal banking to say that after “extensive consideration” they had made the decision to permanently close the Waiuku branch. I was very disappointed. The major banks have been steadily closing their doors in Waiuku over the last few years, and the ASB was the last one standing. It was due to close on 29…

This conversation discusses corruption and cronyism in New Zealand, highlighting the importance of a free and fair media. It explores the funding and influence in news media, as well as the dangers of unchecked lies and disinformation. The conversation also delves into the topics of gaslighting and deplatforming, and the need to protect free speech. The need for an inquiry into…

Family Values at the Forefront! Flooring Xtra Pukekohe Showroom is the perfect place to find flooring to suit your style. Located at 16d Wrightson Way, Pukekohe, in the Pukekohe Mega Centre, the Flooring Xtra Pukekohe Showroom is open Monday through Friday 8.30am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm. It is spacious, bright and modern, with ample car parking available. Showcased in the…

It just might be world’s strangest, spookiest musical instrument. You can see it . . . you can hear it . . . but you can’t touch a Theremin. “It’s like you’re fingerpainting in space,” says Rob Schwimmer. “Playing Theremin is like having sex with ghosts.” Professional thereminist Schwimmer is a member of the New York Theremin Society, which plays regularly in New York City. …

Wolves in Chernobyl radioactivity region running among abandoned hoses with cold winter and deep snow The population density of wolves in Chernobyl is seven times greater than surrounding areas in Urkaine. New research is showing that the population of wolves living in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) is genetically different from their counterparts outside of the region.…

You’ve probably heard the soothsayer’s warning to Julius Caesar in William Shakespeare’s play of the same name: “Beware the Ides of March.” Not only did Shakespeare’s words stick, but they also branded the phrase—and the date, March 15—with a dark and gloomy connotation. It’s likely that many people who use the phrase today don’t know its true origin. In fact, just about every…

Nuts are a great way to get protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins but not everyone’s digestive systems can handle them. If you are someone who struggles to eat foods like nuts, beans and legumes you might not have to give up on them all together. It might just be that your gut needs some help and training. As well as addressing any obvious gut issues, activating nuts through…

The Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF) drew controversy when it was introduced by Labour in 2021 to support news media through a COVID-19-induced downturn. With the task of allocating $55 million over a three-year period “to help sustain at-risk local news and journalism,” state funding agency NZ On Air was entrusted with the responsibility of designing, setting up, and…

We love to have fun in the sun, but it’s often human nature to visit the same tried and true holiday destinations every year. At elocal, we decided to come up with some great island hopping adventures that will give the family and friends a break, at the fraction of the cost of an island getaway overseas. Lucy Mullinger checks out some of the best islands to travel to around the…

Lamb Biryani There are quite a few steps to this dish, and lamb biryani may seem like a journey of a recipe, but it’s one you’ll be glad to have embarked on once you taste the end result – it’s just so unbelievably comforting. A rich and tender curry, fluffy grains of rice, crispy onions and fresh herbs combine to make the ultimate rice dish. Ingredients: 2½ cups basmati rice,…