Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz An interesting item that didn't make the headlines this week - probably swept aside by the shocking national shortage of Marmite (yawn) - is that the NZ Army is to host a seminar on ‘Non-Lethal... Read More

Cr Bill FaulknerFaulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz Poor old Nick Smith, Minister for Local Government, has been having a rough week. In fact, as I was writing this I heard he had resigned and now Gerry Brownlee is the new minister. Reputedly he... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor I have watched with interest our local councillors' comments speculating on local government reforms. Minister of Local Government, Hon DR Nick Smith's, announcements on Monday have signaled big changes... Read More

Paula ThompsonBOP Regional Councillorwww.envbop.govt.nz The government has announced a framework for its local government reform intentions. Whilst there is lots of detail to come - some of which won't be until later this year - the broad intentions... Read More

Write Space Literary news, views and reviews www.taurangawriters.org.nz This week's Write Space by Jenny Argante. A Time to Kill by John Grisham ...Ulysses by James Joyce... The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, The Wizard of Oz by Frank... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz We have now seen the shape of the first wave of the reform of local government. The four community well-beings - environmental, economic, social and cultural - are no longer to be key drivers... Read More

Ian McLeanSpokesperson for the Green Party Make no mistake. Gold mining is coming to a hill near you. Here's the good news: it won't involve fracking. Fracking involves deconstruction of geological formations using water, heat and chemicals injected... Read More

Virginia Iovine-Turner Cucina Amorewww.cucinaamore.co.nz Isn't it amazing how we can all remember one slice or a cookie mum may have made us. There's always one that becomes our favourite, and this has to be mine. I have had a few requests for... Read More

Josh HoskinSmart Money [email protected] In the 1980s, when my grandfather retired, he could expect to live to at least 74. Nowadays, as you approach retirement, you have to budget on lasting to at least 80. That means assuming a retirement... Read More

Laura's screening with Laura Weaser Sundaise, set on Dickey's Flat, is a festival of arts, craft, music, culture and arts. Away from the world, the beautiful festival describes itself as a 'collection of like-minded souls gathering for two days... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz Sidline Sid's definition of an optimist is anyone who buys tickets to the last two days of a Black Caps test match. On Thursday, the old fella fired up the Sidmobile to journey over... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz Swollen and bleeding gums may seem like the most minor of health problems, and of course, they are. Swollen gums are generally just the presence of inflammation in gum tissue. If you have swollen gums,... Read More