Independent viewsBy Brendan Horan Shall we celebrate with the Minister of Labour local MP Simon Bridges announcing that he is about to increase the minimum wage by 25 cents an hour to $13.75. Simon goes on to say that the government is 'firmly... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz Across the country bakers are putting in extra hours to meet the demand for hot cross buns this Easter and there are many types and varieties, including gluten free, chocolate... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz When Mark Boyle, the manager of the Te Puke Economic Development Group Tourism spoke to selected Katikati leaders he spoke of the opportunities available with the introduction of Te Puke's Goodness... Read More

Paula ThompsonBOP Regional Councillorwww.envbop.govt.nz The sight of the big yellow Hopper Buses is now part of Tauranga's daily landscape and, despite what some may think, patronage is growing. But like most things in local government behind what... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz Muscle pain is one of the most common complaints. This may be anything from statin myopathy to PMR or Fibromyalgia. Statin myopathy is of the most common forms of muscle pain. This is a collection of... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz Any current critics of test match cricket obviously didn't watch all the day five drama played out at Eden Park this week. While Sid admits that not all test matches are as entertaining... Read More

Pete MorrisArt blogger www.sunlive.co.nz Well ... yes ... we have an art market but a fledgling one and one that could and needs to grow. Like many sectors our artists and dealer galleries are finding the present economic realities difficult. In... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz The controversial Katikati Town Centre Plan is in the news again. If the amended project plan goes ahead we will see more than $8m of work underway by 2015. The total project will be just under $13m... Read More

NewshoundAdy & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz Hey Sunners! All is well here in Flo-town, I thought I'd take this fine opportunity to show you what some of my furry pals have been up to! Thanks for all your awesome photos Kaiya gets sunsmart and stylish... Read More

Cr Bill FaulknerFaulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz There was a very interesting coming together between members of our community and some elected members on the waterfront at Pilot Bay last week. Council proposed to build a walkway along Pilot... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz The reason the country is so indebted: The politicians can't remember where the money is. They apparently can't keep track of their own money. How can we expect them to look after ours? Just this week,... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz Weather has always been a great conversation starter but I can't remember a time when there has been so much to talk about weather-wise. We have officially been in drought here in the Bay of Plenty since... Read More