The days of treating Healthy Homes compliance as a future deadline or a unique marketing edge are officially over. Since 1 July 2025, meeting the five minimum standards has been the absolute legal floor for every private rental in New Zealand.

If you own an investment property in Auckland, compliance is no longer a goal you are working towards—it is the everyday reality of being a landlord. Our latest guide breaks down what the law requires, common pitfalls for local properties, and how to protect yourself from costly penalties.

• Know the Five Standards: From fixed heating capacity and climate-zone insulation to mandatory extractor fan venting and draught-stopping, make sure your property hits every precise mark.
• Avoid Common Auckland Pitfalls: Discover why older weatherboard properties and even "brand new builds" frequently fail assessments due to undersized heat pumps or improper ventilation.
• Understand the Financial Reality: Get a realistic look at remediation costs—ranging from minor draught-proofing to full upgrades—and see how to use these figures as a negotiating lever if you’re looking to buy.
• Protect Against Strict Penalties: Learn about your strict record-keeping requirements. With the Tenancy Tribunal issuing fines of up to $7,200 for non-compliance, generic statements will no longer cut it.

Navigating the technical details doesn't have to be a headache. Ready to ensure your portfolio stays completely protected and legally compliant?

Read the full guide here: Healthy Homes Standards: Auckland Landlord Guide

As Canterbury moves into autumn and winter, farms are entering the main leaching season. The period between April and October is when nutrient losses below the root zone are at their highest risk.

During winter, soil temperatures drop, and pasture growth slows significantly. Once soil temperatures fall below around 6 °C, ryegrass growth becomes limited, meaning plants are not taking up nutrients efficiently. At the same time, rainfall continues moving water through the soil profile. When soils become saturated, drainage increases, carrying soluble nutrients deeper into the ground.

Canterbury presents a unique challenge compared to many other farming regions in New Zealand. Naturally, much of the region only receives around 600–900mm of annual rainfall. However, once irrigation is added to farming systems, soil moisture levels become similar to much wetter regions of the country.

When heavy winter rainfall occurs, nutrients can be flushed below the pasture root zone before plants can utilise them.

Most farmers associate leaching with nitrate nitrogen, and rightly so. Nitrate is highly soluble and easily moves with water through the soil. However, nitrogen is not the only nutrient being lost during winter drainage.

Important nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphur, can also be leached from the soil profile. These nutrients are essential for both pasture growth and animal health.

Research I was involved in showed that intensive grazing systems can lose significant quantities of magnesium and calcium annually through leaching. In some situations, approximately 30kg of magnesium per hectare per year was being lost below the root zone. If these nutrients are not adequately replaced, soil fertility gradually declines over time, which is what the Ministry of Agriculture found was occurring in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

These losses equate to a large sum in terms of dollar value.

One of the key lessons for farmers during the leaching season is to be careful with highly soluble fertilisers during periods when soils are cold, wet, and pasture growth is limited.

If soluble nitrogen and sulphur fertilisers are applied when there is little plant uptake occurring, there is a much greater chance that nutrients will move beyond the root zone during drainage events. Timing fertiliser applications closer to active pasture growth periods can improve nutrient efficiency and reduce unnecessary losses.

Soil texture, structure, and drainage pathways also influence leaching risk. Lighter soils and free-draining profiles allow faster movement of water and nutrients compared to heavier, more retentive soils.

Healthy soils with good structure, balanced fertility and efficient irrigation management are better at holding nutrients and supporting plant uptake.

Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram

021 466077

rajendram@xtra.co.nz

www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz

Contact Media PA

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

Bathroom blinds need to do more than just look good. In NZ homes, where bathrooms often deal with regular steam, moisture, and temperature changes, choosing the right material is important for keeping blinds in good condition long term. Moisture resistant options like PVC, aluminium, and faux wood are some of the best choices because they’re designed to handle humid environments without warping, mould growth, or damage over time.

Quick considerations:

• Choose moisture-resistant materials: PVC, aluminium, and faux wood are better suited for humid bathroom conditions
• Avoid materials that absorb moisture: Real wood and some fabrics can warp, crack, or develop mould
• Think about ventilation levels: Bathrooms with poor airflow need blinds that can handle constant moisture exposure
• Balance privacy and natural light: Adjustable blinds help maintain privacy while still letting light in
• Consider ease of cleaning: Waterproof and wipeable materials are much easier to maintain in bathrooms
• Match practicality with style: Faux wood offers a softer, more premium appearance while still being moisture resistant

The best bathroom blinds combine durability, low maintenance, and privacy, helping your window coverings last longer while keeping the space clean and functional.

Read the full guide here: Best Blinds for Bathrooms: How to Handle Moisture & Humidity

Saturday, 16 May 2026

Hamilton, Waikato — A powerful and heartfelt step toward reconciliation and cultural understanding was achieved at a multi-community hui held at Trust Waikato meeting rooms this week, bringing together leaders from Māori, Indian, and wider South Asian communities.

The hui was organised by the Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc., led by its President and Director of Events, Jujhar Singh Randhawa JP, following constructive engagement aimed at turning recent challenges into an opportunity for dialogue, learning, and unity.

The evening opened with a warm welcome, shared kai, and traditional Indian chai, creating an atmosphere of openness and genuine connection. This was followed by meaningful kōrero and formal proceedings grounded in respect and shared purpose.

Dr Sarkaw Randhawa, speaking on behalf of the Indian Cultural Society Waikato, delivered a deeply moving opening address, including te reo Māori. Emphasising unity and collective strength, she reminded attendees:

“E waka eke noa – we are all in this together… my strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.”

She spoke candidly about the recent incident that had caused hurt within the community, while
encouraging understanding and dialogue:
“Let’s acknowledge the hurt caused and use it as a reminder of how important it is to understand and respect each other’s cultures.”

Dr Randhawa highlighted the shared values between Māori and South Asian communities — including respect for elders, strong family systems, and cultural traditions — and reinforced the importance of working together:
“There’s no place for standing against each other. We’re stronger together.”

Jujhar Singh Randhawa JP welcomed attendees and thanked all community leaders for coming together in the spirit of goodwill and partnership, emphasising the importance of turning dialogue into long-term collaboration.

Che Wilson addressed the hui on behalf of his team, acknowledging the importance of the moment and reinforcing a commitment to open engagement and mutual respect. His message aligned with earlier discussions recognising that constructive dialogue can transform difficult moments into opportunities for stronger community relationships

In a powerful gesture of reconciliation and unity, Che Wilson and his team presented a pounamu
(greenstone) named Te Aroha to the South Asian and Indian community, received on their behalf by Jujhar Singh Randhawa JP. In Māori tradition, this represents a tatau pounamu — a symbolic doorway to lasting peace and connection, grounded in aroha and mutual respect.

Community leaders expressed their appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the openness, humility, and leadership demonstrated by all involved. Particular recognition was given to Che Wilson and his team for engaging with sincerity and taking meaningful steps forward.

The hui reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that differences are addressed through respectful kōrero, and that communities continue to build stronger relationships through understanding and collaboration.

The evening concluded with a strong sense of optimism and a shared vision for the future — one where cultures are celebrated, differences are respected, and communities stand united.

Media Contact:
Jujhar Singh Randhawa JP
President & Director of Events
Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc.
Hamilton, Waikato
Ph: 0275777221
Email: president@icsw.org.nz

Finance: The NZ dollar eased over the week and remains a very weak currency. Brent Crude has risen and is currently $109.28/barrel, but ranges over the day continuing to vary up to $US10 in a 24 hr period.

Wool: The wool prices continue to firm with the growing optimism in the coarse wool market.

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules have lifted for the coming week. Yard prices are strong with autumn born calves achieving very good prices and this will flow on to the beef prices as rearing costs are still high.

Dairy Prices. The 2025/26 production has been above expectations on many farms following a “kind” summer and autumn. The excess rain in April was an issue making crops hard to harvest and new grass difficult to establish. The payout estimates remain strong.



Jim’s Weekly Rant:

There have been some significant changes on the political landscape of both Australia and the UK over the last few weeks with the traditional parties out of favour with the voters. In the council election in the UK Labour lost some 1400 seats to Nigel Farages Reform Party and in Wales the Labour rulers were dumped and in Scotland the Scottish Nationalist also defeated the Labour Party. In Australia a By-Election in the district of Farrer electing the first One Nation MP into the lower house in the parliament. One analyst reported that 65% of the combined votes from the UK council election and the two recent Australian elections went to parties that opposed the current immigration and Net Zero policies and that is then added to the last USA presidential elections that were also about controlling immigration and dumping Net Zero. It might be a bit of useless analysis and information but if we look at the situation here in NZ both immigration and Net Zero are being blamed for some of the major costs our government is incurring. Immigration is necessary to maintain a growing population and workforce, but the infrastructure development and housing has struggled to keep up with the increasing levels of immigration in recent years and the ideological dream of Net Zero has cost the country billions of dollars by underpinning the carbon credits and the closing down of the oil and gas industry and the refinery. Net Zero has also been responsible for the increased planting of pine plantations and the harvest of timber where the slash has damaged infrastructure and farmland and been responsible for the removal of nearly 1,000,000 stock units per annum from productive farmland. Both the UK and Australia are still around 2½ years off their general elections where major changes are likely to happen but their unpopular prime ministers continue run unpopular governments. The elections in the USA, Australia and the UK have shown a preference for the unorthodox, and often untried politicians being another strong indicator that the voters have had enough of the existing parties, and as Trump calls it “The Swamp”!! Our parliament is currently going through the Bill to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment, but sadly not removing it all together. The rolls within the ministry will be maintained through a secretary for the environment and the tasks will be devolved to a new ministry being the Ministry of Cities, Regions and Transport (MCERT) and is the combined with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport and the local government function of the Department of Internal Affairs. Perhaps it is a step in the right direction to allow a wider view on environmental matters but doesn’t dump the Net Zero fiasco. The coalition government in NZ must take note of the voters wishes being expressed in the UK and Australia about better managed immigration outcomes and better managed affordable energy systems.

Doing scary things can be good for you because facing fear helps build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self-belief. Whether it’s bungy jumping or another challenge outside your comfort zone, pushing through fear in a safe and supportive environment can remind you just how capable you really are.

At AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, Zamira sees this transformation happen every day. Alongside studying psychology, she helps people work through fear, take the leap, and walk away feeling proud of what they achieved.

From nervous first-timers to unforgettable stories of people conquering fears they never thought possible, the experience is often about much more than adrenaline.

Read the full article: Why Doing Scary Things is Worth It — The Case for the Leap

Auckland, New Zealand – Kiwi Web Design has published a new 2026 guide comparing the top SEO agencies in Auckland, with the agency ranked first for Auckland small businesses seeking practical SEO, local visibility, and lead generation support.

The guide, titled Top 5 SEO Agencies in Auckland for 2026, reviews several Auckland SEO providers and examines how different agencies may suit different types of businesses. Kiwi Web Design is positioned as the top choice for small businesses that need SEO connected directly to website performance, Google Business Profile optimisation, local search visibility, and enquiry generation.

Unlike traditional SEO approaches that focus mainly on rankings and traffic, Kiwi Web Design’s approach is built around business outcomes. The agency helps Auckland small businesses improve how they appear in local search, strengthen their website structure, and turn more visitors into calls, quote requests, bookings, and sales conversations.

“Many small businesses do not just need more website traffic,” said Charlie, owner of Kiwi Web Design. “They need the right local customers finding them at the right time, and they need a website that can convert that attention into real enquiries.”

The guide highlights several factors Auckland businesses should consider when choosing an SEO agency, including local SEO capability, Google Business Profile experience, website structure, transparent reporting, and readiness for AI-driven search.

As search behaviour changes, Kiwi Web Design says businesses must think beyond traditional rankings. Customers are now using Google Maps, Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other tools to compare providers and make decisions. This means businesses need clear service pages, consistent information, strong local trust signals, helpful content, and websites that are easy for both search engines and customers to understand.

Kiwi Web Design’s SEO services are designed for small businesses that want practical, commercially focused support without unnecessary complexity. The agency works with Auckland businesses across local services, trades, professional services, beauty, home improvement, and other small business sectors.

Its SEO work can include Google Business Profile optimisation, local SEO strategy, service page improvements, technical SEO, content updates, internal linking, review strategy, and reporting focused on visibility and enquiries.

The newly published guide also compares other SEO agencies in Auckland, including Pure SEO, Found, SEORANK, and Digigo, noting that each agency may suit different business needs depending on size, budget, goals, and required level of support.

Kiwi Web Design says the purpose of the guide is to help Auckland business owners choose an SEO partner based on fit, not just reputation or price.

“For a small business, the best SEO agency is not always the biggest agency,” Charlie said. “It is the one that understands your market, your website, your local visibility problem, and how SEO connects to revenue.”

The full guide is available on the Kiwi Web Design website:

https://www.kiwiwebdesign.co.nz/affordable-web-design-auckland/top-5-seo-agencies-in-auckland-2026/

Kiwi Web Design also offers affordable SEO services for Auckland small businesses looking to improve local search visibility, Google Business Profile performance, website structure, and lead generation.

Businesses can learn more here:

https://www.kiwiwebdesign.co.nz/affordable-seo-auckland/

About Kiwi Web Design

Kiwi Web Design is an Auckland-based web design and digital marketing agency helping New Zealand small businesses improve their online presence, local search visibility, and lead generation. The agency provides website design, SEO, Google Business Profile optimisation, Google Ads support, and digital marketing services focused on enquiries, calls, and business growth.

GP and Me opens a landmark new clinic in Mt Eden — redefining what an independent general practice can look and feel like.

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When a developer's demolition notice arrived at Three Kings Family Medical Centre, co-owners Dr Connie Juhn and Phillip Thein faced a choice: find a new address, or build something the New Zealand healthcare sector has never seen before. They chose the latter.

The result is GP and Me — a boldly reimagined independent general practice that has just opened its doors at 281 Dominion Road in Mt Eden, housed in a heritage BNZ building opposite the Eden Quarter shopping precinct. It is, by any measure, unlike any GP clinic in the country.

"We believed patients and healthcare teams deserved something better and more creative. This space allows us to deliver care that truly reflects that — with more time, better facilities, and a deeper connection with our patients."

— Dr Connie Juhn, Co-owner and Specialist GP

A Space Designed to Change How Care Feels

The fit-out is a deliberate architectural statement. Every detail — from the materials and light to the layout of consultation rooms and shared spaces — has been considered with one question in mind: does this make people feel welcome, safe and valued?

Spread across three levels, the clinic offers seven consultation rooms, a dedicated procedure room, a nursing station overlooking three observation bays with beds, and a large boardroom. The former bank vault has been repurposed as a storage room, and a rooftop space is planned to give the clinical team a place to decompress and recharge at the end of each day — a rare and considered gesture toward staff wellbeing.

The upper floor features up to eight rooms available for allied health professionals to sublet, enabling a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. A 13-space car park on Bellwood Avenue connects via lift directly to street-level reception on Dominion Road.

This is not a clinic that looks like a clinic. It is a space designed to inspire the people who work in it and put at ease the people who walk through its doors.

"We are building something future-focused — a space that sustains independent general practice while embracing thoughtful innovation, without losing the values that make this kind of care so meaningful."

— Phillip Thein, Co-owner

100% Human. 0% Corporate.

GP and Me operates under a philosophy that is both simple and provocative in the current climate of New Zealand primary care: healthcare should feel warm, not clinical. Collaborative, not transactional. Built on trust, not throughput.

The practice is a deliberate pushback against the corporatisation of general practice — a trend Dr Juhn describes as one of the most damaging shifts in the sector in recent years. While the team embraces tools that genuinely serve the patient relationship — such as the AI medical scribe Heidi, which reduces administrative burden and gives clinicians more time for human connection — they draw a firm line at anything that replaces that connection. There will be no AI answering the phones.

The enrolled patient model remains central to their approach, prioritising continuity of care. The expanded facility allows the practice to grow from its current population of around 3,500 to a maximum of 12,000 patients, with capacity for up to six full-time-equivalent GPs and nurse practitioners.

Care That Meets People Where They Are

GP and Me is built for people who have felt unseen, rushed, or misunderstood within traditional healthcare settings — including women and those seeking women's health, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone for whom a GP appointment has historically felt more intimidating than supportive.

The clinic's inclusive, affirming approach is embedded not just in its philosophy but in the physical experience of the space itself — from the way reception is designed to feel welcoming rather than transactional, to the deliberate absence of the institutional aesthetic that makes so many patients feel like a number rather than a person.

About GP and Me

GP and Me is an independent general practice at 281 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland. Founded by specialist GP Dr Connie Juhn and co-owner Phillip Thein, the practice is committed to delivering patient-centred care that is warm, inclusive and deeply human. GP and Me prioritises continuity of care, clinical excellence, and the wellbeing of both patients and the clinical team.

GP and Me is now open and welcoming both existing and new patients. Enrolments and appointments can be made at gpandme.co.nz.

Media Contact

Name:  Phillip Thein

Address:  281 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

Phone:  (09) 625 8998

Email:  hello@gpandme.co.nz

Website: https://www.gpandme.co.nz/

Motorised blinds are becoming an increasingly popular choice in NZ homes thanks to their ease of use, improved energy performance, and clean modern design. While they do come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional blinds, many homeowners find the long-term convenience, safety benefits, and added comfort make them a worthwhile upgrade.

Quick considerations:

• Choose based on window accessibility: Motorised options are especially useful for tall, wide, or hard-to-reach windows
• Think about smart home compatibility: Check if the system can connect with apps, voice control, or home automation setups
• Consider your light and heat control needs: Useful for managing sun exposure and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature
• Decide between power options: Battery-operated systems are easier to install, while hardwired systems offer a more permanent solution
• Balance cost with long-term value: Higher initial investment can be offset by convenience, durability, and everyday usability

Motorised blinds work best when matched to the right home layout and lifestyle needs, helping you get the most value from both comfort and functionality.

Read the full guide here: Are Motorised Blinds Worth the Investment for NZ Homes?

A dental check-up is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It helps your dentist identify early signs of issues and prevent more serious problems from developing.

During your visit, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite, and may take X-rays if required. They will also look for signs of decay, gum disease, or wear, and provide personalised advice to support your oral health.

Keep your smile healthy by:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Attending regular dental visits
• Noticing and reporting any pain or sensitivity
• Following your dentist’s recommended care routine

Regular check-ups play a key role in protecting your teeth and gums for the long term.

Read the article to learn more about dental check-ups and oral health care.

Auckland's beloved heritage estate recognised by New Zealand's newest couple-voted wedding awards programme

Settlers Country Manor, the historic estate set on seven acres of manicured gardens in Waimauku, West Auckland, has been named the winner of the Garden Wedding Venue category at the 2025 Couples' Choice Awards NZ™ — New Zealand's independent, couple-voted wedding industry awards programme.

The awards, which held their inaugural ceremony on 30 July 2025, recognise wedding businesses across New Zealand based entirely on votes from newlywed couples. With 3,526 New Zealand newlywed couples casting their votes, the programme is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive, transparent, and credible benchmarks in the local wedding industry — a direct reflection of the real experiences couples have with the businesses they choose for their most important day.

“This recognition belongs entirely to the couples who chose us and trusted us with their most important day. It means the world to our team,” Abigail, Settlers Country Manor's Wedding Coordinator said to InfoNews.

Located just 25 minutes from Auckland CBD, Settlers Country Manor has been welcoming couples for over 9 years. The estate features willow-lined waterways, arched bridges, century-old heritage buildings, and a grand banquet hall with crystal chandeliers — all set within grounds that come alive in every season. This wedding venue Auckland accommodates celebrations from microweddings of 30 to grand receptions of up to 400 guests.

Couples consistently cite the venue’s combination of heritage character, flexible all-weather spaces, in-house catering, and the warmth of the Settlers team as reasons for choosing the manor. The Garden Wedding Venue category win reflects the estate’s particular strength in outdoor and garden ceremony experiences — from lakeside vows beneath century-old trees to garden archway ceremonies surrounded by seasonal blooms.

About Settlers Country Manor

Settlers Country Manor is a premier wedding venue set on seven acres of landscaped gardens in Auckland. The historic estate features multiple ceremony and reception spaces, in-house catering, a luxury bridal suite, and overnight accommodation. The venue is experienced in hosting weddings of all styles and cultural backgrounds, from intimate celebrations to grand receptions of up to 400 guests.

Website: www.settlerscountrymanor.co.nz

About Couples’ Choice Awards NZ™

Launched in 2023, the Couples’ Choice Awards NZ™ is an independent awards programme dedicated to recognising excellence in New Zealand’s wedding industry. Unlike industry-insider programmes, winners are determined solely by votes from newlywed couples across New Zealand — making it one of the most comprehensive, transparent, and credible benchmarks in the industry. The 2025 awards drew votes from 3,526 New Zealand newlywed couples. The inaugural awards ceremony was held virtually on 30 July 2025.

Full winners list: https://coupleschoice.nz/winners-2025/

Creatine stands as one of the most researched supplements in sports nutrition, yet many active adults hesitate to try it. The reason? That familiar concern about water retention and a puffy, bloated look that can mask hard-earned definition. Enter creatine HCL, which offers the same proven performance and recovery advantages while sidestepping excess water retention. If you train consistently but want to avoid the boat, this form of creatine may be worth adding to your routine.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found throughout the body and also in protein foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products.

Creatine molecules are made up of three amino acids: glycine, arginine, and methionine. Creatine and amino acids are necessary building blocks for muscle cells. Although creatine can be obtained from food, many people take creatine supplements to boost the natural creatine stores in the human body and improve performance.

Creatine monohydrate and creatine HCL are two common forms of creatine.

Creatine HCL

Creatine hydrochloride (HCL) binds the creatine molecule to hydrochloric acid, dramatically improving solubility in water. The combination of creatine and hydrochloric acid forms a creatine salt, which is uniquely different from creatine monohydrate.

The addition of the hydrochloride group in creatine hydrochloride allows for the compound to be more polar, which translates to it being more soluble. This increased solubility means creatine HCL is more easily absorbed and utilized in the body.

Because it dissolves more readily, the body appears to absorb and utilize it more efficiently at much lower doses, typically 1–2 grams daily versus the 3–5 grams common with monohydrate. The result? Less undissolved residue reaching the gut, fewer reports of gastrointestinal upset, and minimal excess water drawn into the subcutaneous layer.

Benefits of Creatine HCL

• Boost athletic performance
• Increases the capacity for ATP (adenosine triphosphate) during high intensity workouts
• Improved strength gains when paired with resistance training such as lifting weight
• Allows muscles to work longer and harder before reaching fatigue
• May improve body composition
• Reduced bloating

Simple Ways to Make It Part of Your Routine

Consistency matters more than timing. Mix one scoop of creatine HCL into water, juice, or your favorite protein shake any time of day.

If you’re looking for a clean option, this creatine HCL powder combines 750 mg of Con-Cret® Creatine HCl with Cactinea™ organic prickly pear extract, a natural powerhouse for maintaining water balance that helps you look lean and feel light while building real muscle.

Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have kidney concerns.

Summary

Creatine remains the gold-standard supplement for anyone serious about strength, performance, and recovery. By choosing creatine HCL, you get all the benefits of creating while leaving the bloat behind.