The national bash rate of babies continues at shameful levels. Television presenters are tut-tutting and lamenting “our” shocking rate of violence towards children. They continue to earbash us that “we” have one of the worst rates of child abuse in the civilized world. So much for the anti-slapping law. “We” apparently haven’t learnt to stop beating, stomping and dropping them on their heads. The More...

This week’s contribution comes from China thanks to help from one of my travelling colleagues who can type but wishes to remain anonymous.  Thanks Andrew… The purpose of the trip is to explore new business opportunities, retain and enhance existing business, and maintain cooperation and contacts with the movers and shakers of China’s business circles. In my opinion, China is number one in business in the world, More...

Well who am I trying to kid, let’s substitute the little for big. This week I’ve been laid up lame, the Chocolate Crusader had his wings clipped, so to speak. It all started with an adventure on the mudflats that turned to misadventure when one of my handsome legs took a departure from the intended course, leaving the whole 42.8kg of fine labrador bodyweight to fall flat on its undignified backside. In doing so I ruptured my AC More...

Twelve Tauranga volunteers travel to the village of Rakiraki, Fiji from September 26 to spend two weeks building facilities to improve the lives of the Fijian community. Project Fiji is run by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic School of Applied Technology. The group travelling to Rakiraki this year includes eight polytechnic staff, three polytechnic carpentry students and a Tauranga Boys’ College student. Tutor Jason Jackson and pre-trade course students Dylan Mayor and Hugh Matthewman are More...

Western Bay of Plenty artists Liz Turnbull and Grant Bullot are exhibiting at the New Zealand Art Show this weekend – one of the country’s biggest art shows. About 400 artists from around New Zealand applied to display their artwork at the event, but only 84 were selected. Liz Turnbull and Grant Bullot showcase some of the art they will take with them to the New Zealand Art Show in Wellington. Photo by Tracy Hardy. A blind judging panel reviewed photographs of the artwork More...

Bethlehem College students bring the tragic story of Joan of Arc to life in their senior drama production at the college’s Performing Arts Centre, August 5-7. The show covers the well known story of this 15th century saint and national heroine of France who led the French army to several important victories and King Charles VII to his coronation, before being burnt at the stake at age 19. Daniella Schroder, Joan of Arc; Ryan Shillito; the Dauphin, King of France; and Reuben Simpson, More...

Some people race cars, others collect stamps or sew, but Tauranga teacher Matthew Thomas’ hobby involves creating applications for computer giant Apple. He has written three applications designed to improve children’s literacy and maths skills which the computer company has picked up. Matthew Thomas combined his desire to learn and a passion for teaching to help him create applications for Apple. Photo by Tracy Hardy. Two of the applications, ‘100th Board’ and More...

Western Bay of Plenty residents hoping to cash-in on the 2011 Rugby World Cup by renting their homes to overseas visitors could find themselves thousands of dollars out of pocket and in serious trouble with the Inland Revenue Department. Tauranga Insurance Services broker/ manager Keiran Vlietstra is warning people who rent out their homes during the 2011 Rugby World Cup that it may cost them more than they earn from it. Photo by Bruce Barnard. Tauranga Insurance Services broker/ More...

Has the YMCA done their homework on this so-called joint venture with Mr Mitchell? I was interested to read Mr Clement’s comments when he said that the idea was born out by the need of the YMCA to get funds for its activities. The YMCA chief executive Amy Thaler admitted the organisation did not have the $20,000 to $30,000  needed for their share of the cost and would need to apply to the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust for the More...

It has just been revealed in court, that when the police carried out an armed raid on a Te Puna rented home used for the manufacturing the drug P. they found various equipment, materials and substances in his home meth lab. Among some of the substances he was using in the  manufacturing of P, were,  Acetone, used in paint and resins, Tergo, great for cleaning concrete, but should not to be used on metals such as galvanised or stainless More...