Jesus wept…Far-right conspiracy theorist Avi Yemini allowed entry into New Zealand after originally being deniedFar-right conspiracy theorist Avi Yemini will be allowed into New Zealand after being denied from entering the country last year. …Yemini is a radioactive far right Troll who is a rabid zionist and Australian hate grifter crypto-fascist and he is not the sort of spite anyone should welcome. I think this is a terrible blunder by Immigration NZ in the free speech debate. We acknowledge incitement to violence is a legitimate threshold for concern and since the Posie Parker fiasco, the militant woke reset the rules. If Yemeni tries to pull the same stunt in a public space, the actual far Right will turn up in droves as a backlash to Parker.

The latest figures from Realestate.co.nz suggest the housing market continues to grind along the bottom over winter. The property website received 6218 new residential listings in June, down 21.2% compared to June last year and down 17.6% compared to pre-Covid levels in June 2019. However, buyers will still have plenty to choose from, with the total amount of stock available for sale on the website remaining at elevated levels. However, the stock levels in June this year were up by 78% compared to June 2021 and up by 4.9% compared to pre-Covid levels in June 2019. "We may see this pent up supply hitting the market later in the year."

Fernanda Penny, director of El Centro Kiwi NZ, is assisting immigration visa scam victims from South America and Latin America. The centre has two licensed immigration advisers who are assisting with getting work visas and variations of conditions for these workers. INZ has granted 31 variation of conditions work visas in the year to June 20 to workers from Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Peru. Perez, who came on March 8, has since been granted a six-month migrant exploitation work visa. They should also only use licensed immigration advisers or an exempt person such as a lawyer if they needed immigration advice.

Arno Kopecky argues in The Narwhal that renewable energy has achieved critical mass, but the oil and gas industry has us staying a dangerous course amid climate change. In a nutshell:As clean energy gains traction, the rapid adoption of wind and solar power is poised to push coal to the brink of extinction. Nevertheless, positive tipping points are also taking place, with the cost of renewable energy falling below that of coal and solar capacity outpacing other energy sources. Key quote:“This is the pivotal decade in the energy transition,” agrees a new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute. The widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies not only combats climate change but also paves the way for a cleaner, healthier future for all.

Democrats in Michigan, who control the governor's office and both legislative chambers, are proposing some of the most ambitious climate laws in the world. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's "MI Healthy Climate" plan aims to generate all of Michigan's electricity from renewable sources by 2035 and eliminate greenhouse pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants. While Republican lawmakers and industry groups oppose the legislation, Democrats argue that climate action is necessary to address the economic toll of climate change and position Michigan as a leader in emerging clean-energy jobs. “Michigan is globally recognized as the industrial heart of America, and one doesn’t think of it as being a clean-energy leader. Read more about the Michigan Health Climate plan at the New York Times.

Clinical psychologist Nigel Latta presented the Public Trust findings in Wellington, and spoke with Sunday Morning about what it all means. Latta noted that people are generally left with a bit less of a financial legacy than they once had. "And less and less of them are going to have those sorts of things to leave for other people. That indicates a problem with society that's bigger than just young people don't know how to save money, Latta said. It's important to have conversations with family members and discuss where they and you are at in life, Latta says.

Many roads around Dunedin and the surrounding areas are becoming icy as temperatures plunge in the early evening after a day of snow, and motorists are being urged to drive with caution. A crash in icy conditions on Stuart St in Dunedin caused delays for citybound motorists from about 8.25am. Three Mile Hill Rd in Dunedin closed due to snow at about 2.30am. Three Mile Hill Rd closed due to snow at about 2.30am. Snow fell on Crown Range Rd overnight but the route remains open despite the freezing, icy conditions though chains are required for all motorists.

Alan Arkin, a highly esteemed actor renowned for his exceptional talent and indelible performances on both stage and screen, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. Arkin’s legacy in the entertainment industry spans across numerous films, garnering him four Academy Award nominations and one Tony Award, the highest recognition for achievements in Broadway. The Russians Are Coming!”, earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Directed by Ben Affleck, the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Before becoming an esteemed actor, Arkin was a founding member of Chicago’s influential improvisational comedy group, Second City.

According to DoC chief Penny Nelson:One person chose to end their secondment early due to the working relationships in the office. At this time Allan had sought leave from work because of personal matters. Again from Vance:A mystery text message – kept secret by senior public servants – is at the centre of a controversy swirling around Cabinet Minister Kiritapu Allan, and is now the subject of a complaint to Parliament’s information watchdog. On Thursday she posted this story:A senior public servant, with decades of experience, says Cabinet Minister Kiritapu Allan “yelled and screamed” so loudly, staff in the office heard the telephone call. The article clearly relies on the “anonymous senior official”.

A national register of landlords, a limit on rent increases and an acceleration of public housing builds. Green co-leader Marama Davidson said the rental market more closely resembled "a game of Monopoly than a public good". Marama Davidson and James Shaw speak to media after the release of Budget 202 (Source: 1News)ADVERTISEMENTThe Green Party would take "bold action" to fix it, she said. “The solutions are as clear as they have always been, controls on rent increases, a rental warrant of fitness, and thousands more new homes. The time is now to get more Green MPs into Parliament and more Green Ministers sitting around the Cabinet table."

When Gary and Philippa Lawn set out on their first big overseas trip together, they referred to themselves as ‘oldpackers’. “We were both in second marriages and had not had an overseas travel experience together when we were younger,” Philippa, 58, said. Supplied The Lawns had such a good time in Southeast Asia they decided they weren’t ready to return to New Zealand. They also created a budget online and used it to work towards their financial goal, which included travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs, spending money, New Zealand expenses, and a small emergency fund. A series of house-sitting gigs enabled them to experience life in different suburbs while keeping costs down, and they made friends through work who they are still in regular contact with.

As the weather cools down, Kiwi film fans have a new excuse to take shelter in movie theatres. The 2023 New Zealand International Film Festival kicks off on July 19th and continues on through 16 towns and cities until September. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall highlights French thriller 'Anatomy of a Fall', Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City' and Todd Haynes vehicle 'May December' as unmissable highlights. LISTEN ABOVE

Photo / Getty ImagesRoad trip through Washington State’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant wine regions such as Walla Walla Valley. The Blue Mountains act as the backdrop to Walla Walla township. Unquestionably handsome and slap bang in pristine wine country, Walla Walla is naturally a drawcard for tourism. The pristine landscape in Walla Walla wine country is a natural drawcard for tourism. Dusted Valley Winery is one of many stop-offs in and around Walla Walla in Washington State.

In a Montana Courtroom, Debate Over Whether States Can Make a Difference on Climate Change, and if They HaveA chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on theduring the past week: Sun, Jun 25, 2023 thru Sat, Jul 1 2023. Story of the Week...

Kiri Allan fires back as National Party probes allegation of staffing issuesCabinet Minister Kiri Allan has not only been staunch in the face of questions about her conduct, she’s fired back. Allan also fought back during two appearances at parliamentary committees, where probing National MPs bickered with Labour colleagues. “We have not got any issues that preclude us from being able to undertake the job that New Zealanders expect of us. This outrageous attempt to smear Kiri and drag her personal life into all of this by the media is pretty ugly. If you can’t contribute but want to help, please always feel free to share our blogs on social media