Paula ThompsonBOP Regional Councillorwww.envbop.govt.nz The recent Rethinking Local Government conference had some great provocative speakers - including professor Natalie Jackson from Waikato University, talking about the realities of New Zealand... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz We know about the baby boomers, the group that has been with us since the '50s. Governments since then have had to accommodate this population imbalance. Business wooed the boomers as a major segment... Read More

Dazz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz One of the signs of summer is sunflowers, which are primarily grown for their seed and the oil that it produces. Sunflowers put on a spectacular display, with some species... Read More

Health Basicswith Diana Bomfordof Active Nutrition New Zealand's soil is deficient in a number of key nutrients. One of the most important deficiencies that affects our health is the low deposits of iodine. Iodine is vital in the manufacture of... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz Sideline Sid can't believe that the Western Bay has just woken up to the fact that the horse has bolted, with one of the iconic sporting events held each summer, being whisked away... Read More

Dr Anna Rolleston The Cardiac Clinic Ladies, heart disease is not just a men's health issue. More women had heart attacks last year than men. Women have a higher incidence of high blood pressure - which leads to the development of heart disease... Read More

Pete MorrisArt blogger www.sunlive.co.nz Tauranga's Pepa Heller is a highly regarded award winning tattoo artist. His artistic talent and reputation, in an artform that requires both technical skill and experience, is gaining widespread recognition. Pepa... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz We continue our focus on joint health and today look at arthritis caused by autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile arthritis. A common... Read More

Kirsty Walkerof Eves Real Estate (Bethlehem) How often have I heard that? Well actually - never. Everyone wants to maximise their sale price- but not everyone helps their agent to achieve this for them. It is really important in the current market... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Somehow it just doesn't seem like a real week, with a day off in the middle. It's as if we're still on semi-holiday. And although a few of us had to work on Waitangi Day (these columns don't write themselves,... Read More

NewshoundAdy & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz The dog pool is going swimmingly well, thanks. Keeping cool till after school has never been so easy. All we need now is a little poodle in a maid's outfit, bringing around the drinks and snacks. Ady and I have... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz In the last couple of weeks Parliament has restarted for the year. We've elected a new Speaker, the Rt Hon David Carter, former Minister of Primary Industries, and there has been a Cabinet reshuffle.... Read More