Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz When I eat takeaways, which is not that often I hasten to add, I ever-increasingly find the local chip shop, or bakery, is often owned or run by Asians. The shops are clean,... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz When I eat takeaways, which is not that often I hasten to add, I ever-increasingly find the local chip shop, or bakery, is often owned or run by Asians. The shops are clean,... Read More

Local Labourwith Rachel Jones As a political candidate I get to talk to locals about a whole lot of issues. One topic that's got under my skin is fishery management. New Zealand fisheries management seems strangely weighted in favour of commercial... Read More

Scott SimpsonCoromandel MP In our rural communities and towns we rely on being able to drive ourselves from A to B. We need to feel safe, knowing other drivers are following the roads rules in road-worthy vehicles. In our region we have far too... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz A conference is a great opportunity to take a step back from day-to-day imperatives and take a long-term, strategic view of issues and challenges. I recently attended a conference run by the Environmental... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz With Parliament wrapping up I'll now be able to spend even more time in Tauranga, working hard to share our message. And it's a simple one. Last election we laid out our four priorities for the term:... Read More

Matt CowleyTauranga City Councillor I'm guessing the media this week painted Council as the uncaring, bureaucratic villain that doesn't listen to parts of its community. This follows Council's decision on Tuesday not to change our policy setting... Read More

Catherine StewartTauranga City Councillor Tauranga City Council this week considered making a submission to Bay of Plenty Regional Council's proposed Regional Coastal Environment Plan. Some key areas of interest are tsunami hazard, harbour erosion... Read More

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