New Zealand’s house prices are finally falling. Could this happen elsewhere?

New Zealand’s house prices are finally falling. Could this happen elsewhere?

Prices have dropped by up to 30% in some parts of the country – but experts say obstacles to home ownership remain Three years ago, New Zealanders would have it found it almost impossible to imagine the country’s sky-high house prices falling. The market was deemed one of the least affordable in the world , with house prices nearly nine times the average income and supply dismally low. Desperate first home buyers were being squeezed out of the market by cashed-up investors. Continue reading...

Porepunkah killings: how the search for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman will lead through treacherous terrain

Porepunkah killings: how the search for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman will lead through treacherous terrain

With snow-capped peaks, fog and winter rain hampering the search, what tactics and technology do police have at their disposal? Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A large-scale hunt is under way for Dezi Freeman, the so-called sovereign citizen who allegedly killed two Victorian police officers while they were attempting to execute a search warrant. Freeman fled into the bushland surrounding the Porepunkah property in Victoria’s high country and remains on the run. Continue reading...