“Walkcar” is an Electric Skateboard That Looks Like a Laptop

By

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31 October 2025

Although there are a lot of cool electric vehicles all around the market, I bet you haven’t seen an electric ride that looks like a 13-inch MacBook Pro. Well, the “Walkcar” is a new kind of electric vehicle that works like a skateboard and looks like a laptop. Just think about it, whenever you’re not feeling like walking, you can just pull the “Walkcar” out your laptop bag and start riding around.

Created by a Japanese startup, Cocoa Motors, the “Walkcar” is an innovative electric vehicle with a hefty price tag. And it is only available for the residents of Japan, as of now. The company used carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminum to manufacture the vehicle. It also comes with a coat of “self-healing” paint that prevents scratches and marks on the board.

Now, the specialty of the “Walkcar” is obviously its form factor. The thing exactly looks like a laptop with four wheels attached. The front wheels are controlled by, what the company claims, the “smallest in-wheel motor”. Cocoa Motors spent over five years to develop this special motor for the electric “portable car”.

It also has an array of sensors baked into the deck of the device. These sensors are responsible for the auto-braking feature that stops the motor as soon as a rider steps down from the “Walkcar”. These sensors also help the rider in navigating the laptop-like skateboard.

However, the “Walkcar” is not something that you can use for a long ride. It has two modes — Normal and Sport. Because of its form factor and power consumption, the electric skateboard can only go for 7 km (~4.3 miles) in normal mode and 5 km (~3 miles) in sport mode on a single charge. It has a 68Wh rechargeable battery that goes from 0-100% in an hour. So, this is more like your go-out-to-get-groceries kind of vehicle.

Now, there is no word on launching this product in countries other than Japan. This seems highly unlikely because of the price. It costs around ¥198,000 (~$1,840) or Rs 1,40,175. At this price, people could buy a pretty nice motorbike rather than getting a vehicle that runs for such short distances.

Nonetheless, if you’re living in Japan somewhere, you can check it out on its official website.

New Zealand took swift action to stop people from promoting extremism

By

Edward Welch

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30 October 2025

New Zealand took swift action to stop people from promoting extremism

There’s a tendency for most in New Zealand to feel that the country is more or less immune to far-right extremism or hate groups. Even after the Christchurch mosque attacks there’s a tendency to believe that hate-fuelled beliefs and violent far-right extremist behaviour is a problem that other countries experience, not New Zealand.

The mosque attacks are thought of as a one-off, never to be repeated event but that might not be the case. Far-right extremism exists in New Zealand and it’s a greater threat than many people realise. In fact the country is home to around 60 to 70 groups of right wing activists, which might not seem high when compared to countries overseas but represents a bit issue relative to the country’s population especially since it only takes a single violent person to cause a lot of pain and suffering.

Since the mosque attacks there has been greater investment into monitoring potentially violent groups but many argue that more needs to be done.

Following the Christchurch attacks, New Zealand took swift action to stop people from promoting extremism and limited automatic weapons but some people have called for restrictions to be put on organisations and people who promote hate speech and that more investment is needed to properly monitor these groups as currently New Zealand lacks the capacity to properly keep an eye on them.

Right wing extremism has been shown to be on the rise by overseas intelligence agencies and could pose a significant threat. There are challenges in the fact that extremists can be self-radicalised and may not have a large digital footprint, which means more awareness needs to be in places so that New Zealand can put the proper preventative measures in place and more effectively deal with the problem.

Does New Zealand need an inheritance tax?

By

Edward Welch

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30 October 2025

Does New Zealand need an inheritance tax

Over the course of the next decade heirs of the wealthiest people in the world are expect to inherit around $15.4 trillion USD in assets. With the average house price in New Zealand cities now over $700,000 many heirs are set to inherit a great deal of wealth from their parents. Right now this wealth is entirely untaxed in New Zealand.

Other countries such as Ireland are making moves to make their tax systems more equitable, perhaps New Zealand should consider doing the same. The first inheritance between generations was transferred in 1866 but estate duty rates were not reduced to zero until 1993 whilst taxes on gifts were removed in 2011. For a long time taxes on estates were widely supported, it seemed normal to tax personal wealth after people no longer needed it and ensure that it went to the state but in the modern era attitudes have changed. Australia was the first country to entirely remove estate duties in 1979 and since then the support for inheritance taxes has steadily declined.

In New Zealand it is often felt that the abolishment of inheritance taxes has improved the efficiency of the tax system but it’s not obvious why. Inheritance taxes seem to inspire strong negative opinions and are difficult to implement – in fact they’re often referred to as ‘death taxes’ to help turn people off them but in the future the resistance to inheritance taxes may seem strange.

Baby boomers will start to die in the 2020’s and inheritance tax represent an opportunity to redistribute wealth. Taxing inherited wealth will help to stop wealth inequalities from becoming entrenched. Introducing inheritance taxes will require a change in attitude, people will need to recognise that if they have money, whether it’s made from work, investment or inheritance, then they can pay taxes. Right now in Zealand the only party proposing an inheritance tax is the Green party, but this should change as a big generational shift draws nearer.

Indisputable facts about living in New Zealand

By

Robert Barlow

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30 October 2025

New Zealand is undoubtedly a great place to live, a land of stunning vistas and beautiful weather. Like any place around the globe, it has a few drawbacks, but Kiwi’s enjoy an amazing lifestyle and a fantastic work / life balance. If you live in NZ or have ever visited, you’ll know that there are many things about the country that make it unique, read on below for a few of the biggest truths about New Zealand.

Kiwi’s are super friendly

People in New Zealand are renowned for being friendly. The country sees a lot of tourists, backpackers, expats and visitors from all around the world and Kiwi’s are always quick to embrace new people. Expect to find them striking up conversations and being kind to each other and to you.

Kiwi’s are named after a large flightless bird

Kiwi is a colloquial term used for the people of New Zealand, but also the name of a big flightless bird that’s native to the country, and the name of a fruit.

There really are more sheep than people

You might have heard this rumour and if you live in New Zealand you’ll know it’s most definitely true. You might not see many around the cities but it doesn’t take long to drive into rural areas in New Zealand and from there you’ll see endless green fields and hill areas and lots and lots of sheep.

It’s very expensive

Things can get pricey in New Zealand, especially clothes and other items because many of them are imported.

The internet is not great

New Zealand has a long way to go when it comes to internet speeds, currently we’re well behind the speeds of pretty much every other country in the world. Seriously, people in the middle of rural Africa have faster connections.

New Zealand lotto glitch takes customer’s money and supplied no ticket

By

Sophie Henley

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30 October 2025

New Zealand lotto glitch takes customer’s money and supplied no ticket

Ahead of a $34 million jackpot, a glitch in the Lotto New Zealand website left many customers without a ticket. Amanda Smart was one of those unlucky customers who attempted to buy tickets online. When she went to check the results of her tickets after the draw she couldn’t find any tickets linked to her account.

She stated that she was very surprised that she had no tickets as she had made a payment to receive two. Smart did notice that at the time of purchase the website was taking some time to process the order. However she had assumed that the tickets and the order had been processed as the money got deducted out of her account.

Smart also stated that she did not receive any error message during her purchase nor was there any website alerts to notify customers.

The issue has raised concerns as people would have extended past their usual lottery budget to try and get a piece of the large jackpot. Smart who usually spends $12 every fortnight for a ticket splurged to $30 to take advantage of the jackpot. However the situation has left her and many other customers very annoyed. She also stated that there has been no warning about the issue to her knowledge.

Lotto New Zealand came out with a statement that said anyone who experienced this issue during the $34 million jackpot will receive a full refund.

Marie Winfield, the head of communications and corporate social responsibility at Lotto New Zealand, stated that there was a technical issue affecting the website around 6.30pm. Customers who were trying to top-up their account may have experienced the same glitch that Amanda Smart did.

It is unknown at this time how many people were impacted by this glitch.

Uptake of technology critical to NZ business

By

Sophie Henley

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30 October 2025

Uptake of technology critical to NZ business

Research has found that more than half of Kiwi’s have improved their productivity after their companies implemented cloud-based tools. Many small businesses in New Zealand however feel that it is expensive and time consuming to implement new technology and are held back by a lack of information on how to properly use new technology.

Small business platform Xero partnered with the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research to explore how using technology might help New Zealand to increase their productivity. The company found that if there was a 20% uptake of New Zealand businesses using cloud-based technology it would likely add $6.2 billion to the GDP growth of the country.

Small to medium businesses account for close to half of the country’s GDP, so increasing their capacity for production would hugely improve the growth of New Zealand GDP. Xero has said that the challenge lies in trying to encourage small businesses to invest in technology.

Research has found that around half of small business owners think that the cost of cloud-based systems is too high for their businesses to implement and a number of others felt they did not have the knowledge or the time to properly implement them.

Xero has pointed out that it is necessary to help businesses overcome barriers to technology uptake as for many businesses it will be integral to their survival and to help New Zealand’s economy grow. Cloud-based technologies can help businesses to become more profitable and adaptable, helping them to diversify the way they do business and make their money. Research has also shown that many businesses that have implemented new technology wish they had done it sooner. To continue to grow, it’s essential that New Zealand small to medium businesses implement and use new technologies.

Why work-life balance in NZ is effective

By

Cornelia Smith

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30 October 2025

Why work-life balance in NZ is effective

Good work/life balance arrangements can great for both employees and businesses. Good work/life balances is about businesses and people effectively managing the balance between work activities and the things that are important to people such as time with their family and friends, time for hobbies or time to relax.

Maintaining a good work/life balance for some people could involve more flexible working arrangements, such as adjusted start or finish times or it could mean ensuring that work tasks don’t bleed into out-of-office hours or even just mean limits to overtime. When it comes to maintaining a good work/life balance, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

There are some good reasons for companies to prioritise creating a good work/life balance for their staff – it makes it simpler for companies to find and retain the best talent especially in New Zealand’s sometimes very tight job markets, it also improves work place culture and makes it easier for employers to get the best from their staff. A bad work/life balance can cause stress for staff which can lead to absenteeism and lower productivity. When work/life balance is improved the health, happiness and overall motivation of staff tends to improve. Happy staff will be more productive and more committed to doing good work.

Good work/life balance is also a great way for companies to improve their reputation and ensure that they are seen as an employer of choice which will help to widen their recruitment pools and help to attract better employees. Providing more flexible work opportunities and a better culture will help to improve employee satisfaction and shows staff that they are trusted and valued. Many New Zealand companies offer wonderful work environments and a fantastic work/life balance for their employees which is why it’s such a great place to live and work.

New Zealand property bubble could burst

By

Amber Mobsby

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29 October 2025

Economists have warned that New Zealand’s property bubble could be set to burst. The housing market has grown to the point that the average house price in New Zealand is now $700,000. Now leading economist Harry Dent Jr is predicting that house market is on the brink of bursting and says that it’s time for the house market to return to reality.

In the past the economist has impressed with his accurate predictions, having previously accurately predicted that the Japanese economy would dramatically slow down for over a decade in the 1980s. Dent has pointed out that New Zealand has been experience some of their greatest growth in history but it is now time for the bubble to pop.

Over the last decade house prices in New Zealand have considerably outpaced income growth and have risen rapidly to unsustainable levels with many buyers now unable to get into the market due to over-inflated prices. With an economic downturn on the horizon it is likely that property prices will begin to reduce.

The countries banks will be vulnerable when the bubble does burst. Dent has predicted that the next boom time for the world will fall between2023 and 2036 but says that prior to then we will likely experience an ongoing recession.

Economists have said that although New Zealand and the world at large is likely to experience a few tough years ahead, a correction the property market is a good thing and long term will make it easier for new home owners to get into the property markets. Economists like Dent have pointed out that recessions are healthy and bring positive change to markets but have warned people to get as financially safe and secure as they can ahead of a long few years of downturn.

Russell Jack of Southland Reveals 7 Reasons to Practice Yoga in the Later Years of Life

By

Jamie Stein

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29 October 2025

7 Reasons to Practice Yoga in the Later Years of Life

Yoga is an excellent activity for all age groups. In this article, Russell Jack explains seven reasons why older adults should consider taking up yoga as a new fitness activity. As a yoga and meditation guru based in Southland, NZ, Russell Jack explores the physical and psychological reasons to practice yoga in the later years of life.

Yoga promotes a more positive outlook on life during menopause and increases balance, preventing accidental falls.

7 Reasons to Practice Yoga

1. Maintaining Independence

Many young people struggle to understand their parents’ or grandparents’ desire to remain independent for as long as possible. It may seem like a good idea to have mom move in with one of her children as she needs more care, but mom may resist. Staying independent is vitally important to many seniors. Yoga is a good way for older people to stay healthy enough to live on their own.

2. Improve Sleep

As we age, we often have trouble sleeping. A lack of activity or declining health may prevent older people from exerting enough energy throughout the day to create the conditions needed for a good night’s sleep. Regular exercise, including yoga, can be just what seniors need to stay alert during the day, avoid napping, and be ready to relax into a restful sleep at the end of the day.

3. Enhance Balance

A danger for older adults is injury from falling. Poor balance is common among senior citizens. It is considered by many to be a natural result of aging. One of the primary benefits of yoga for people of all ages is improved balance. It is an excellent way to combat the loss of balance typical among older people. It can help them avoid a dangerous fall.

4. Improve Flexibility

As we age, our bodies become less flexible. This inflexibility can cause significant mobility problems. Dressing and performing daily activities without help can become a challenge. The slow, measured, and incrementally more extensive range of motion exercises that are a part of yoga can help older people maintain flexible muscles and joints. Even after a range of motion has decreased from lack of use, yoga can help regain flexibility.

5. Strengthen Bones

Along with the dangers of poor balance, weak bones that can easily break due to a fall are a severe concern for senior citizens. Yoga can help seniors prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle or weak and occurs when new bone creation can’t keep pace with the decrease of bone mass and density that occurs with aging.

6. Avoid Depression

A possible result of poor health, lower mobility, and decreased independence is depression. Depression among older adults is a serious problem. The loneliness often associated with becoming older is a significant contributing factor. Yoga is an excellent way for seniors to stay socially active. The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall mental health.

7. Reduce Stress

One doesn’t always think of your “golden years” as stressful, but they often are. The financial restraints associated with retirement and worry about children and grandchildren will often cause stress for seniors. Yoga is widely considered an excellent stress management activity. If it works to manage stress for active young people, it will help older people too.

About Russell Herbert Jack

Russell Herbert Jack, a yoga and mindfulness teacher from Southland, New Zealand, is passionate about spirituality, the vegan lifestyle, animal rights, and living in sync with nature. Russell specializes in Vinyasa Yoga, Qigong, and guided meditations. Vinyasa yoga, or flow yoga, heightens consciousness by moving from one position to another seamlessly, using breath. Just like Vinyasa Yoga, Qigong has many healing properties to the body, mind, and spirit. He enjoys learning and writing about spirituality, meditation, and vegan lifestyle and sharing these valuable insights with his clients.

What small business owners need to know about mortgage advisors

By

Sophie Henley

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29 October 2025

What small business owners need to know about mortgage advisors

It’s difficult to get a mortgage from a bank in New Zealand, especially if you’re a small business owner. There are a lot of Kiwi’s out there looking to buy a home, but many admit they wouldn’t continue to look for a loan if they got knocked back for a mortgage from one bank.

The truth is that one rejection from a traditional bank doesn’t mean you have no lending options as a small business owner, getting the right advice and guidance could mean that you’re able to get the home of your dream. A good mortgage advisor will be able to look at your circumstances and will be able to speak to you about your lending options and mortgage.

So first of all, what exactly is a mortgage advisor? Basically, they’re someone who arranges for the purchase or sale of a home on your behalf. They’re experts in their field and they can help small business owners to get into their own homes, even if a bank has said no.

Trying to find a mortgage on your own can be overwhelming and so finding a mortgage advisor is a good idea, they can help to alleviate the stress of dealing with the banks. So what should you ask them? The first and most important thing to know is whether they are accredited on the Financial Service Providers register.

You should also speak to them about which banks they like to work with – its better if they work with a variety of lenders as it means they can find you better deals and finance options. You should also speak to them about their fee structure and ask them about how they earn their money – being aware of the kind of commissions they’ll earn is important.

7 Reasons to Practice Yoga

1. Maintaining Independence

2. Improve Sleep

3. Enhance Balance

4. Improve Flexibility

5. Strengthen Bones

6. Avoid Depression

7. Reduce Stress

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