Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz It's more than two years since the Rena went aground on the Astrolabe Reef. Since then a huge amount of work has been done by many people - salvors, scientists, central and local government agencies,... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz While it is stretching our imagination to claim Waihi Beach is part of the Western Bay of Plenty as we know it - the small beachside community is at the further reaches of the district... Read More

Karen Stanton,Active Families AdvisorSport Bay of Plenty With the introduction of another New Year, no doubt many people will be looking to make resolutions for 2014 with a view to changing some unhealthy habits or toward setting a challenge... Read More

Weather Eyewith John Maunder The graph below shows the range of Tauranga's December rainfalls, from an extreme high of 447mm in 1962 to a low of only 4mm in 1930. The second wettest December was 2011, when 276mm was recorded; and the second... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz It's all about food this time of the year, as many readers will be considering some New Year's resolutions, in the aftermath of Christmas and girth over-runs.Of course the wise folk choose resolutions... Read More

NewshoundAdy & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz Howdy Sunners, hope the festive break is treating you well and all your animals are being treated well too!Remember if you're travelling to keep everyone cool, refreshed, watered and give them a regular leg... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz At this time of the year, hunter-gatherer types like me seek out the wonderful blackberries that grow wild at some holiday spots around the country. I mean why wouldn't you?As... Read More

Papamoa UnlimitedBy David HillPapamoa Progressive Association Declared New Zealand's fastest growing region in the 2013 Census, the heart of Bay of Plenty's building boom and receiving approval for a targeted business rate to promote Papamoa... Read More

Art Beatwith Rosalie Crawford The Incubator hosted an extravagant up-cycle fashion event profiling 18 designers recently. In collaboration with the Turning Point Trust and Parent to Parent, each designer was given a bundle of vintage textiles,... Read More

Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan Is Tauranga considered such a safe seat in the National Party election strategy that they can continue to dismiss local concerns in respect to the Rena and Route K? I guess these questions will be answered next... Read More

Matt CowleyTauranga City Councillor Like it or hate it, the season has arrived - when Tauranga's population bulges with life. There are many events around the city catering to a variety of tastes. We're fortunate people choose to spend their summer... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz Some people hate mangroves and want them gone. They think they are taking over our harbour and robbing us of the sand-flat and salt-marsh habitat around the harbour margins, resulting in loss of... Read More