Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan Though politicians are lowly-ranked on most popularity polls, I personally take the job seriously - and I believe there's a better way to involve the public in the role and work of their MP. Communities should... Read More

Ian McLeanGreen SceneSpokesperson for the Green Party Gender balance and equitable representation by Maori and young people are all requirements of the list process for the Greens. The current parliament has 14 Green MPs, which includes eight women,... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz Recently we looked at the increasingly common problem of polymyalgia rheumatica. I was almost overwhelmed with people calling me for information and assistance. If you missed this column, please contact... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz Sideline Sid is counting down the days to the start of the ITM Cup, with the Bay of Plenty Steamers looking good after two hard-fought pre-season hit-outs. While the Steamers have had... Read More

Kate ClarkCommunity Sport Advisor WBOPSport Bay Of Plenty Running a successful sports club takes a lot of enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and the ability for a group of volunteer committee members to look ahead and plan for a sustainable future. Part... Read More

Weather Eyewith John Maunder Arctic sea ice extent declined at a fairly rapid rate through the first three weeks of July, but the loss rate then slowed due to a shift in weather patterns. In Antarctica, the advance of sea ice nearly halted for... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz The pantry was a little empty apart from packets of penne pasta, waiting for a rainy stay-inside kind of day. And this day is here, as the heavens open up and lawn mowing plans... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz The pantry was a little empty apart from packets of penne pasta, waiting for a rainy stay-inside kind of day. And this day is here, as the heavens open up and lawn mowing plans... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz The pantry was a little empty apart from packets of penne pasta, waiting for a rainy stay-inside kind of day. And this day is here, as the heavens open up and lawn mowing plans... Read More

Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan This week in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty we filmed the NZ Independent Coalition's opening and closing TV statements. I've been talking to people from all walks of life, many of whom never voted in 2011 because... Read More

Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan This week in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty we filmed the NZ Independent Coalition's opening and closing TV statements. I've been talking to people from all walks of life, many of whom never voted in 2011 because... Read More

Matt CowleyTauranga City Councillor I'm convinced the biggest driver of housing un-affordability is people's expectations. We all want more for less. But we all can't have our dream home straight away. I'm happy to work with government to prove... Read More