Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz Literally every week the Government pushes ahead with a variety of reforms, initiatives and announcements. Normally in my column I like to focus in on one area but this weekend I thought I would give... Read More

Cr Bill FaulknerFaulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz An interesting (for elected members at least) round of meetings and workshops at City Hall this week. Some were ‘public excluded' because of the requirement to let other parties involved... Read More

Ian McLeanSpokesperson for the Green Party A well-documented feature of human behaviour is that we regard ‘normal', ‘typical', ‘average' or ‘appropriate', as being ‘like me'. In other words, we tend to judge others... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor Don't get me wrong - I am a strong believer in the Western Bay of Plenty's Smartgrowth philosophy, and especially the way that a collaborative approach has benefited the amount of central government... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz Late last month the government announced its allocations for transport expenditure over the next three years. Each region across the country developed a Regional Land Transport Programme which... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz The average increase in rates is 9.5%. My rates are up 12%, I have had calls from others in Katikati reporting rate increases of up to 22%. Despite claims of looking after the rural owners, Council... Read More

First ImpressionsBy Brendan Horan These days it seems that too many of us know the cost of everything but know the value of nothing. Look at the sorry situation of the wonderful organisation St John. St John volunteers, wearing their traditional... Read More

Paula ThompsonBOP Regional Councillorwww.envbop.govt.nz 'To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very... Read More

Biting Back in the Baywith Pinky Green It has been rough and tough for recreational fishing in the Western Bay of Plenty much of the time recently. Very few have ventured out far but those who have have often been well rewarded. Russ Hawkins (Fat... Read More

Wendy Simisterof Wendy's Boutique With Fashion Week done and dusted I had to share our most amazing experience of the Trelise Cooper fashion show with you. Bright gold balloons as a back drop set a vibrant scene for Cooper. Followed by tribal... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz There are favourite flavours that go together, like bacon and eggs, chicken and corn, mushrooms and blue cheese. This week we are going to cover blue cheese, often referred... Read More

Dr Anna Rolleston The Cardiac Clinic Good health and lifestyle change is not about depriving yourself of the things you enjoy. Anna Rolleston and the team at The Cardiac Clinic have an innovative philosophy - and it includes being able to enjoy... Read More