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Property prices continue to decline in Auckland, as the average residential property value falls for the fifth month in a row. The market is slowing across Auckland's districts, with average values down everywhere with the exception of Franklin and Manukau. In fact, the housing market across New Zealand has taken its lead from Auckland, with Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) figures showing static price growth in April, and Realestate.co.nz figures showing a significant fall in the average national asking price.

It might sound too good to be true, but there may be a way to work less and increase productivity at the same time. While most people around the world are working longer hours and getting stressed out as a result, a number of forward-thinking companies and countries have decided to go the other way. Switching to a four-day working week may provide the ultimate work life balance, with studies looking into this innovative new approach showing a more productive and happier workforce.

Five portions of fruit and veg a day is the recommended amount in many national guidelines, with some countries increasing this amount to five veg and two fruit portions in a 24 hour period. According to a new study led by Imperial College London, however, doubling the recommended minimum to 10 portions could have a significant effect on reducing heart disease and cancer. While five-a-day helps to reduce disease risk and is a great first step, 7.8 million premature deaths could be prevented worldwide each year if we double the amount of fruit and veg in our diet.

The size of the global middle class is increasing at a rapid rate, with a growing proportion of the world's population neither rich nor poor. While the rich are undoubtedly getting richer, according to some figures, over half the world's population has emerged from poverty to enter the middle of the income distribution. For the first time since agriculture-based civilization began 10,000 years ago, the global middle class has become the majority.

The New Zealand housing market is feeling the blues, with house sales falling and prices dropping in Auckland and other key markets. After years of unrestrained growth fuelled by demand, the number of homes being sold around the country is on a steep decline. Wider economic conditions and difficulty getting finance are both affecting the numbers, with Auckland sales down almost 20 percent over the year and national figures down by more than 10 percent.