Wellington-based lawyer and author Asher Emanuel has emerged with one of the most talked-about books of the year, exposing the realities of New Zealand’s criminal justice system in his investigative work, The Valley. Published by Bridget Williams Books, the book examines aspects of the legal system that rarely capture mainstream headlines, highlighting systemic issues and … Read more
A routine dealership oil change took an unexpected turn when a TikTok user documented waiting 90 minutes while technicians left their bays to grab treats from an ice cream truck, according to a viral video posted by user Brielle (@bonderosa). The customer, who brought her recently purchased Honda to a dealership to redeem a complimentary … Read more
Writing in a recent housing essay series, the authors state that prioritizing private affluence over shared communal infrastructure leaves urban residents without basic amenities such as green spaces, playgrounds, and seating. Public Luxury Versus Private Affluence in Urban Planning Did you know? J.K. Galbraith’s 1958 book The Affluent Society discusses the concept of “public squalor,” … Read more
An Inland Empire, California mobile mechanic declined a paying brake replacement job after inspecting a Honda driver’s vehicle and discovering the original equipment manufacturer parts had plenty of usable life left, according to a viral TikTok video posted by the technician, Rick (@rowdy.rick3). Why One Mechanic Turned Down a Brake Swap Job Rick arrived at … Read more
Diversified service models are reshaping modern professional photography as declining traditional wedding demand forces practitioners to expand into corporate headshots, family portraits, and brand content to protect their revenue. According to the HoneyBook 2026 State of Photography Study surveying over 455 photographers, nearly 86 percent of professionals earning over $100,000 offer four or more distinct … Read more
France faces severe weather threats to its upcoming wine harvest as relentless heatwaves, droughts, and hailstorms impact vineyards from Burgundy to the Dordogne, with producers warning of shrinking grapes, stalled ripening, and potential yield losses. Dordogne and Burgundy Vineyards Battle Drought and Hail Damage Winegrowers in the Dordogne’s Bergerac region report a desperate need for … Read more
Miria Aman, a 53-year-old massage therapist, business owner, and mother of two teenagers, has navigated a turbulent life journey spanning from Bukittinggi, Indonesia, to London and eventually New Zealand, according to an interview in the Finances after Fifty series. Early Upbringing and the Move to London Aman grew up in Bukittinggi, Indonesia, raised by her … Read more
For six years, a 52-year-old Wellington landscaper has watched the financial margins of daily life tighten around his household of four. Despite bringing in a combined annual income of approximately $200,000 with a partner, the parent describes the current climate as the hardest period he has encountered in six years—a reality detailed in TVNZ’s State … Read more
According to broadcaster and author Gavan Reilly, the Irish State is officially selling its final shareholding in the domestic banking system through a shareholder-approved takeover of PTSB. This transaction marks the final step of a €64.1 billion rescue process that began in the spring of 2009 with the takeover of Anglo Irish Bank and emergency … Read more
New Zealand’s surging townhouse construction boom has triggered widespread debate over housing oversupply, with nearly 14,000 properties listed for sale in Auckland alone—matching levels last seen during 2015, according to property data. While critics question if developers have overbuilt conjoined multi-story units, these high-density builds offer a vital affordability pathway for first-home buyers locked out … Read more