New Zealand house prices continue to move upwards while slowing down. While the property market has been dampened by new restrictions, five out of 16 regions managed to reach record heights in June. The national median price rose by almost 30% to $820,000 on an annual basis, with soaring prices in Wellington and low inventory levels increasing pressure across the country. While building stock is likely to grow in coming months, a rise in mortgage rates may come sooner than expected.    

We are always told that processed foods are bad, but few people ask why. Foods often need processing to make them digestible, with different methods and techniques available to preserve food, add flavour to food, and make food production safer and more consistent. However, despite these obvious benefits, food processing has also been linked with numerous health problems. Let's take a close look at the complex relationship that exists between food processing, nutrition, and human health.

New Zealand home owners should expect rising interest rates in coming months, as stubborn house prices and low inventory levels highlight underlying market pressure. While the market barely moved in June results, with 0.3% growth recorded, annual figures were strong and supply issues are very real. The surge in house prices from late 2020 may have come to an end, but pressure remains in key markets. Borrowers are being advised to budget for higher interest rates, which may come sooner rather than later.

If you've ever felt happy when visiting a park, garden, or reserve, you're certainly not alone. According to a recent study, there is a recognised link between green spaces in urban environments and the happiness of residents, workers, and city visitors. From inner-city botanical gardens to manicured parkland and riverside pathways, access to green spaces provides much more than aesthetic pleasure. As city planners and politicians attempt to reinvigorate central business districts in a post-COVID world, we have a unique opportunity to create vibrant new green spaces.  

The central business district is on life support, with cities around the world struggling to spring back into life. From New York to San Francisco, from Auckland to Melbourne, the CBD looks very different since the global pandemic. There are many reasons for this shift, including more remote work opportunities, less disposable income, and a growing distrust of public spaces due to health concerns. While some cities are showing new signs of life, politicians and city planners are struggling to address the ongoing exodus.

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, take stock, and look within. As a family, winter presents a great opportunity to spend valuable time with the people you love. While not everyone is a fan of the colder months, winter can be incredibly productive and fun when you give it a chance. From cosy evenings cooking to wild walks in the forest, let's take a look at some great winter activities for the whole family to enjoy.  

The New Zealand housing market may have reached an intermediate peak, as market conditions and Government restrictions help to dampen growth. Average property value growth was up 8.8% for the quarter to the end of May based on a rolling average, which is lower than the month before. While prices are still rising sharply across the country, the rate of growth is slowing and the trend seems likely to continue.

As the world recovers from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, some nations are on better footing than others. Australia and New Zealand both performed well during the pandemic, with geographic isolation and good governance combining to the envy of many other countries. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently said that New Zealand is "outperforming Australia economically", as both nations attempt to manage sensitive economic conditions in the wake of the pandemic.

Sleep is an essential part of life that affects every aspect of our health and well-being. Good quality sleep supplies waking energy, supports workplace performance, and promotes good health outcomes throughout life. Despite the importance of sleep, however, a significant percentage of the population don't get enough of it. Let's take a look at modern sleeping habits, including the effects of technology and caffeine. Good sleep is the key to good health, and awareness is essential in order to make positive changes.   

Dreams are opaque, mysterious, and often impossible to comprehend through the lens of waking consciousness. Despite the subjective and riddle-like nature of many dreams, however, scientific studies into their meaning and value do occur from time to time. According to one new study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, dreams are the result of a deep cognitive process that combines fragments of multiple life experiences with the anticipation of future life events.