Ian McLeanSpokesperson for the Green Party The tsunami sirens are tested, and plans are afoot for bridges giving emergency exit from the Papamoa coastline. These are excellent local risk management options and remind us of the importance of local... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz A recent analysis of local government issues noted that house prices trebled in seventeen years. Building costs doubled, labour costs doubled and section costs went up five times. If we look deeper,... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor Environmental activists continue to slag New Zealand for its deteriorating water quality issues, but in fact there has been substantive progress in the last few years. We need to celebrate our successes... Read More

Claire RogersCool products and foodie things www.sunlive.co.nz Dickie Cullimore from 42BELOW dropped in this week and offered to make me a 42BELOW honey, honey bear cocktail. How could I resist? I have to say, I have made a few of these since the... Read More

Clever dogs and crazy peoplewith Wendy Graydon The Dog Trainer The weather is turning a little cold, wet and unpredictable. Your dog still needs to get rid of its unwanted energy, so here are a few ways to exercise indoors. Make sure any precious... Read More

Virginia Iovine-Turner Cucina Amorewww.cucinaamore.co.nz Lentil Soup Serves six Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30-45 minutes Cost: $15 Ingredients 1 cup of dry brown lentils or 2 x canned lentils (if using dry lentils soak overnight... Read More

Star gazingwith Astronomical Society presidentToby Tobias During the month of June, the planet Saturn and star Spica appear midway down the north sky. They are similar in brightness and colour. Saturn is the lower of the two and a nice sight in... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz To most people, our immune system is our defence against colds, flu and other bugs. Just as important is its ability to initiate healing when our body is damaged by disease or trauma. Your immune system... Read More

Gourmet Guideby Jo Blennerhassett of The Good Food Trading Co. New Zealand chef Al Brown is the ambassador for Loaf's new Slider buns. Slider buns can be used for a multitude of occasions from mini burgers to starters, picnics, brunch and kids'... Read More

Josh HoskinSmart Money jhoskin@goldridge.co.nz Parents yelling at children and the ref are nothing new in sport but sometimes thinking about it from a 10 year old's perspective might help us all realign our perspective. Let's pretend you are a... Read More

Pete MorrisArt blogger www.sunlive.co.nz Many artists have problems promoting themselves and their work. They often find the essential marketing of themselves and what they do is an awkward and onerous task. It is for this reason that two very... Read More

Biting Back in the Baywith Pinky Green Recreational fishing in the Western Bay of Plenty over the last ten days or so has been both good and spotty. The fishing is good provided you know your spots. Perhaps your good spots of old are still good... Read More