Electric cars are well and truly on the rise, with sales up, stocks pumping, and industry giants ready to take over. Despite slow uptake in Australia and New Zealand, the world is already making a clear transition away from the internal combustion engine. While the cost of the average electric car is still higher than the cost of the average petrol car, the gap is getting smaller every day. As technology develops and production capabilities improve, market dominance is pretty much guaranteed.

The average value of New Zealand homes has passed $1 million for the first time in history. Prices jumped by $50,000 in the last three months alone, with some regions up 10% for the quarter and much of the nation above 5%. While tighter credit conditions and COVID-19 have had an effect, ongoing lack of supply has helped homes to surge past this huge milestone. With the typical household balance sheet firmly concentrated in housing, and interest rate rises on the horizon, the Reserve Bank is reminding people to diversify.

After more than 50 years, the human race is finally going back to the Moon with Artemis. While NASA ended lunar flights back in 1972, it plans to move forward by flying back to the Moon and beyond. If everything goes according to plan, astronauts are set to land on the lunar south pole in late 2024. While this plan has been labelled unrealistic by some experts, NASA and its partners have a new sense of ambition and drive that hasn't been seen for decades.   

As property prices keep rising and interest rates start their upwards creep, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has reminded Kiwi households about the importance of diversification. A total focus on housing may have served people well over recent years, but according to the RBNZ, the tide is about to turn. In a speech titled 'Housing Matters', Mr Orr went back to basics on portfolio management, pleading with Kiwis to diversify their assets and avoid the trap of stacking their investments.

Cardio and strength are often presented as the twin pillars of fitness. And while important, every well-rounded exercise regime has another essential element. Flexibility is the quality of bending easily without breaking, and when it comes to your body, this is absolutely essential. Regular stretching is the best way to keep your muscles flexible and strong, both before exercise and during dedicated stretching routines.

Have you ever wondered what other people eat for breakfast? From Australia and New Zealand to India and Nigeria, morning food habits vary significantly across the globe. While grains and coffee are pretty much universal, the consumption of meats, beans, vegetables, and spices differs widely between nations. Let's review breakfast around the world - to look at your favourite morning meal in a wider global context.

As the world looks for an economic reset following the global pandemic, novel ideas are being presented to the public. In New Zealand, the Reserve Bank Te Putea Matua? has signalled an interest in digital dollars. While this new form of money is not meant to replace the existing currency, it could be a powerful alternative for savings and investment purposes. According to the Reserve Bank, centrally-issued digital dollars could help to fuel the local economy and secure the future of the New Zealand dollar.

As the global pandemic enters a new phase, and people emerge from isolation, there is an opportunity to do things a little differently. On a personal scale, it's the perfect time to take a step back and analyse your life. From employment and education to hobbies and lifestyle choices, there's never been a better time to hit the reset button and start fresh. One of the best ways to emerge safely and slowly from lockdown is to spend some time rediscovering your local area.

New Zealand house prices may have stabilised after many years of growth, but prices are still high when analysed on a long-term basis. The average New Zealand home costs almost $800,000, Auckland prices have risen by more than 20% over 12 months, and seven of the nation's 16 regions recorded record prices in September. However, despite tough conditions for many buyers, there are still many suburbs where more than 10% of properties sell for under $500,000. Let's take a look at some of the more affordable housing markets across the country.

The diversity of your gut microbiome plays an important role in your health and wellbeing. From how you look and feel to your energy levels and cognitive abilities, what happens deep inside your gut affects your entire being. In recent times, deep links have been uncovered between the health of the gut and the health of the brain, with certain bacteria known to influence healthy brain function. Gut health also has a strong influence at the beginning of life, with researchers finding links between premature babies, brain damage, and the early development of the gut.