We're feeling heartbroken this week for poor Madonna, who flew home from Malawi in her private jet airplane, unable to adopt another African child. This is interesting timing, since nominations have just opened for Mother of the Year. Here's our nominee:... Read More

Here we go again. More local Government reorganisation that's going to make for huge savings to ratepayers and more streamlined decision making at grass roots services level. Yeah right! The more things change, the more they stay the same. As the... Read More

Some things make me sad, some things make me mad and some things make me glad. Crikey, it sounds like the start to a Wiggles song, but this week I've endured all three. The sad thing started when the bossman went to the movies. The daughter insisted... Read More

So you switched off your lights for Earth Hour? What sanctimonious little do-gooders you all are! Patted yourselves on the back, wallowed in a dose of the warm fuzzies thinking you'd saved the planet, then within minutes, went back to the same old... Read More

At full Council we were told that the Regional Council, Environment Bay of Plenty ratepayer-funded new bus service will be called City Ride. This was because EBOP didn't own the Hopper brand - it is the property of outgoing contractor Bayline. Elected... Read More

It's been a testing week, here at Dog Intelligence Headquarters. Not only has Ralph the cat been particularly tetchy lately, but we both had to repel a small invasion during the week that had both our hackles up and Ralph's front quarters swinging... Read More

Should we kill the goose that lays the golden community egg? Once upon a time there was a pleasant little seaside village full of happy little villagers. They were a clever and creative bunch; community-spirited and always coming up with innovative... Read More

Majority feedback to date indicates a 'steady as she goes' preference to the question I asked last week - more rates or less Council services. If we keep things on an even keel then our future rates increases (including the new Sport and Exhibition... Read More

Now here is a story that would warm good Baden Powell's heart. Being GGB time again (Girl Guide Biscuits in twolegger terms) I thought I should bring this tail to the fore. Years ago, my old boxer mate Tasha got left alone inside, while I was sent... Read More

Following from the story last week about Claire's near arrest and the police inability to effectively cordon off their own station; reminds me of an experience in my first week as a reporter for that bastion of journalism excellence, the old Thames Star. It... Read More

The draft annual plan/ten year plan is coming out for your scrutiny next week. Total proposed rate take is $72.318 million or around $1450 for the average ratepayer. A summary prepared by staff is going out to each household. Elected members had the... Read More

It has been a quiet week down on the Strand. The camel has even stayed out of my way. If it was not for the band 'Shaken Not Stirred” lifting the roof off my kennel on Sunday, it would have been a mundane week indeed. Damn they were good,... Read More