Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz It's typical the weather turns nasty just as the long weekends arrive, giving us more time to relax.Often, we end up spending lots of money stocking the pantry for the days... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz The 2014 Social Progress Index — a global measure of human wellbeing — was released earlier this month. It found New Zealand is the best country for providing opportunities for people to improve... Read More

Rachel JonesTauranga Labour Candidate Anzac Day remains a special day for most New Zealanders. It's a time when we honour those who risked their lives for our freedoms. One of those freedoms is our right to vote. It's a right fewer and fewer... Read More

Catherine StewartTauranga City Councillor I recently attended the unveiling of interpretation signage at the Mission Cemetery. Last weekend I spoke to some visitors who were reading the information panel and they said how much they appreciated... Read More

Matt CowleyTauranga City Councillor The Mayoral Delegation to Yantai, China, Japan's Hitachi, and Ansan in Korea was the most productive to date - so I've been told. Local leaders from export, education, tourism, business and logistics sectors... Read More

Scott SimpsonCoromandel MP I'm looking forward to taking part in the ANZAC service at the Katikati Memorial Hall to honour New Zealand's brave veterans. Of course, Katikati has its own significant, permanent tribute to veterans with its Katikati... Read More

Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan Most people take drugs because they want to change something in their lives; they want a different reality to the world in which they live. Or it may be they want to fit in with the crowd, relieve boredom, experiment... Read More

Danelle StevensGreen Prescription AdvisorSport Bay of Plenty More than 226,000 New Zealanders have diabetes, with the estimated number of people with pre-diabetes upward of 500,000. Rates vary according to age, sex and ethnicity, with the overall... Read More

Danelle StevensGreen Prescription AdviserSport Bay of Plenty More than 226,000 New Zealanders have diabetes, with the estimated number of people with pre-diabetes upward of 500,000. Rates vary according to age, sex and ethnicity, with the overall... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz The Easter storms not only brought the advent of winter to our doorstep, but also put the region's rugby back into the local sporting limelight, with summer sports going into their... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz It has been a welcome sight to see the rain fill the water tank, as it was nearly empty. The rain and cooler weather has finally finished off the pumpkin vine sprawling all... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Easter wouldn't be the same without some cautionary words from your year-round rabbit.That's right. While you're sucking up to the Easter bunny this weekend, just take into account that this one-trick... Read More