John CroninBOP Regional Council Chairmanwww.envbop.govt.nz There is no doubt the Earth's climate is warming. Scientists have no doubts at all, but what do you think? Despite the cooling effects of a strong La Nina in 2011, it was globally the ninth... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz Last year the Bay of Plenty Regional Council received a report on the water quality of our region's rivers. While it was a better picture than seen in many other regions, it did show a declining... Read More

Gourmet Guideby Jo Blennerhassett of The Good Food Trading Co. CuisineScene's Roast Vegetable Splash is one of our favourite products in store. It is an amazing accompaniment that will pump up your roast vegetables and salads and also used in marinades... Read More

Andrew Martin Global Outlook Blogger Why Societies Fail or Thrive? Many people are conscious of the uncertainty that underlies our economic, social and environmental systems yet are unsure what to do. This convergence of crisis is covered almost... Read More

Josh HoskinSmart Money [email protected] I continue to be amazed that many people believe KiwiSaver is some type of bank account. That many people still view this as being the case, is evidence our education system needs to include more about... Read More

Martial Musingswith Grant Buchanan of Mile HighKarate and Youngforest Tai Chi Last week we discussed ‘fun' - what it is and how we should establish for our children that fun is the result of hard work and achieving goals, rather than vacantly... Read More

Laura's screening with Laura Weaser As a slow-burning melodrama, don't expect any explosive political tensions as these candidates go head to head - but watch the sparks crackle under the surface of this smouldering character study. Double vision:... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz Last week we saw our 50s are a critical time where we start to see the effects of our previous health choices, but more importantly, set the scene for our health outcomes in the later part of our lives.... Read More

Daz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz During summer, the accelerated growth from the garden often brings an abundant array of flavours to our attention. My favourite February flavours, such as tomatoes and capsicums,... Read More

Pete MorrisArt blogger www.sunlive.co.nz The Sundaise Music Festival is to be held on March 10 - 11, near Waihi. It is a two day music festival of emerging local and top New Zealand artists. Organisers of this family friendly, cultural event believe... Read More

The Wild Sideby Brian and Claire Rogers Flounder spearing is one of those hunting methods that strips everything back to the basics. Man and spear, stalking his prey by hand, just as mankind (and some of the stroppier womankind) have done for thousands... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz Parliament has now been going for a fortnight and I have enjoyed being back in Wellington where I have a new role as chairman of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. This committee occupies... Read More