Sports correspondent & historian with Sideline Sid Sadness and happiness washed over this writer upon learning of the passing of Mount Maunganui Rugby Club legend, Terrence Riley Hurdle, on Wednesday, January 7, at the... Read More

Roger Rabbits with Jim Bunny Do I look like El Chapo? A drug lord? Or an alleged narco‑terrorist bunked up at the dodgy one‑star Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn? Was I meant to be selling the drugs,... Read More

Music Plus with Winston Watusi watusi@thesun.co.nz We're back! So, this week, a glance in the rear-view mirror at music that emerged from the Bay in 2025. First, however, I'd like to mention three musicians... Read More

Sports correspondent & historian with Sideline Sid Cricket is the game of summer in the Western Bay of Plenty, with a world-class international cricket ground right on our doorstep. Visits from the Aussies for a T20... Read More

Roger Rabbits with Jim Bunny 'Finish '25 upbeat,” suggested Caitlin. 'A positive, cheery, optimistic end to the year would be 'nice'.” 'Cos you're always bitching. Give us 'nice' for Christmas.” Nice?... Read More

A message from Mayor Mahé with Mahé Drysdale It's hard to believe 2025 is almost behind us. This time of year is always a good chance to reflect on what's been and look ahead to what's coming. It's also... Read More

Music Plus with Winston Watusi watusi@thesun.co.nz It's the last column of the year, so it must be time for awards: the Golden Turtles are back! It has, from many perspectives, been a pretty rotten year. 'Things fall... Read More

Words from the Western Bay Mayor with James Denyer Kia ora Western Bay. As 2025 draws to a close, I know this year hasn't been easy, with a sluggish recovery in the economic outlook. But as we approach Christmas and... Read More

Sports correspondent & historian with Sideline Sid While the Christmas presents sit under the tree awaiting opening, the first world sporting championship of 2026 has already kicked off with its opening round of competition. The... Read More

Roger Rabbits with Jim Bunny 'Come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,” pull yourself up to the table, tuck a napkin in the top of your Santa shirt and gorge on a veritable Christmas feast of false hope, abstention,... Read More

Music Plus with Winston Watusi watusi@thesun.co.nz December is rapidly running out of weeks and I'm running out of columns. Two more in fact, then we pull the shutters at The Weekend Sun until January 9 and retire to... Read More

Grow With the Flow with Melissa Cox It's been a hot and wet start to the summer, and that means one thing: weeds. No one likes weeding, but it is unfortunately necessary to keeping a healthy garden. Before turning... Read More