Captivating childrenby Anna Rutten from Kidiwise Early Learning Centre I've just finished reading 'Making a Difference' by Owen Glenn, yes the chap who flew back from overseas to put the record straight on his big donation to Winston Peters. I... Read More

Nicki Scott Recreation AdvisorSport Bay of Plenty It is 'officially' SPRING - time to enjoy the wonderful spring flowers, the warmer weather and begin the countdown to daylight saving! As the days become longer, why not challenge yourself... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz It's been another tumultuous week in the news, with not only the ownership of water under the spotlight, but also the air. Anyone who thinks they can corner the market for air really does have their... Read More

News HoundAdy & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz Do you know Jack Sh*t? I didn't know Jack Sh*t, until the weekend. Uncle Scotty came around in the weekend with a load of compost for Mrs Boss's vege garden expansion. He brought the Casanova of Katikati -... Read More

Claire RogersCool products and foodie things www.sunlive.co.nz With over 30 years of writing cookbooks together Alison and son Simon Holst have put out a great little book just in time for all your Christmas cooking. Simon and Alison say the recipes... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz Literally every week the Government pushes ahead with a variety of reforms, initiatives and announcements. Normally in my column I like to focus in on one area but this weekend I thought I would give... Read More

Cr Bill FaulknerFaulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz An interesting (for elected members at least) round of meetings and workshops at City Hall this week. Some were 'public excluded' because of the requirement to let other parties involved know... Read More

Ian McLeanSpokesperson for the Green Party A well-documented feature of human behaviour is that we regard 'normal', 'typical', 'average' or 'appropriate', as being 'like me'. In other words, we tend to judge others against ourselves. It is difficult... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor Don't get me wrong - I am a strong believer in the Western Bay of Plenty's Smartgrowth philosophy, and especially the way that a collaborative approach has benefited the amount of central government... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz Late last month the government announced its allocations for transport expenditure over the next three years. Each region across the country developed a Regional Land Transport Programme which... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz The average increase in rates is 9.5%. My rates are up 12%, I have had calls from others in Katikati reporting rate increases of up to 22%. Despite claims of looking after the rural owners, Council... Read More

First ImpressionsBy Brendan Horan These days it seems that too many of us know the cost of everything but know the value of nothing. Look at the sorry situation of the wonderful organisation St John. St John volunteers, wearing their traditional... Read More