The experts at Kip McGrath Howick know what it takes to empower young learners to succeed as they mature into focused and educated adults. Director Theresa Bosch is an experienced education professional, having held senior roles at Baradene College and Saint Kentigern College, two of the country’s best secondary schools. She says Kip McGrath Howick, located in Moore Street, has a...

Long-time east Auckland local Maree Robinson-Olsson is a whiz when it comes to whipping up delicious treats to satisfy all tastes. She’s excited to have recently released her stunning new cookbook, entitled Sweet Nostalgia. It’s packed with dozens of recipes her family used while she was growing up in New Zealand including those for her mouth-watering Russian Fudge, Cherry Pie, Mini...

By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP Many young Kiwis are now looking ahead to the start of the university year. Three or more years at university involves real cost. Students will accumulate significant debt and sacrifice years which could have otherwise been spent earning money and gaining skills in the workforce. We owe it to these young people to ensure...

Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on three new wines from St Hugo. South Australia has a wealth of wine riches with the quality of their reds becoming more evident. Although the wine regions are spread right across the state, the Barossa and Coonawarra will always be worthy of a place in the Kings Court. With over 700 wineries,...

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal well-being by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals. We all know that chaotic mornings - the ones that start with hitting snooze one too many times, and end with a mad rush out the door 10 minutes behind schedule - can flow into the rest of the day...

MOVIE REVIEW BY JACK WATSON Conclave Director: Edward Berger Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow Genre: Political thriller Rating: Three stars Conclave is a look into the scandalous and political world of religion that’s fascinating to watch. The film’s greatest asset is its visual presentation. It looks magnificent and that’s down to the cinematography, costumes, and the positioning of characters. The men are dressed in red...

Review: The Blacks Flames, with support from Jack Moser, Paraoa Brewing Co, Whangaparaoa; January 24. After they’d played For Today, the songwriter of the original Netherworld Dancing Toys’ 1980s hit, Nick Sampson, said: “I certainly thought I’d never play that again.” Well you did, mate, and The Black Flames did it justice. Proud moment, very cool. The dance floor was packed out...

With her family, she runs an iconic convenience store in east Auckland and talks to PJ TAYLOR of their philosophy of operating a small business in their community. Where were you born and grew up? I was born in Rajasthan in northwest India. It’s personified by its historic palaces and immense desert. Rajasthan means Land of Kings. How was it living there? Very...

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air The Auckland Council is to publicly consult on the proposed bed night visitor levy aimed at addressing the $7 million funding gap for major events. At a recent council budget committee meeting, councillors agreed to consult Aucklanders on the levy. Residents and ratepayers will be asked about a 2.5...

By Times Junior Journalist, Pia Grover My family and I recently went to the Tip Top Ice Cream Factory. We got to do a complete tour of the factory and see the machines ice cream is made in, including the process of making an ice cream and the rich history of the Tip Top Ice Creams in New Zealand. We arrived...

By Charles Miller People have always tried to predict the future – it’s a natural response to uncertainty. Whether individuals, businesses, or societies, we attempt to prepare for life’s curveballs. In 1925, Professor Archibald Montgomery Low predicted the radio alarm clock, personalised news broadcasts from a family loudspeaker, and the ability to see friends across the Atlantic Ocean during a call. By...

East FM is east Auckland’s popular community radio station now in its 16th year. It’s powered by an awesome group of volunteers, many of whom have been producing and presenting live music-oriented shows since East FM started broadcasting. The She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor is a platform for New Zealand musicians to exhibit their talents by playing...

There was an $18 billion upsurge, representing almost 19,000 more homes, listed for sale in the New Zealand property market last year. According to realestate.co.nz, Kiwis listed more than $115b worth of residential property for sale in 2024, an $18.86b (19.4 per cent) increase compared to 2023. The year saw more than 110,000 new residential property listings go onto the market,...

Political lobby group the Free Speech Union is calling for a law change that it says would protect professionals' speech rights within New Zealand’s real estate industry. The union wants the Government to adopt its Real Estate Agents (Political Neutrality) Amendment Bill 2024, its chief executive Jonathan Ayling says. “The Free Speech Union has contacted almost every real estate agent in...

East Auckland’s star children’s music entertainer is looking forward to her performances at this weekend’s Auckland Folk Festival. The popular annual music event, held each year at Kumeu Showgrounds on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, always brings together a top-quality lineup of folk-roots music artists from New Zealand and overseas, and Claudia Robin Gunn is excited to be part of it again. “The...