John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz Last week we saw how nutrients such as vitamins C, trace minerals including zinc and vitamin D are needed to help our immune system defend against pathogens, commonly bacterial and viral infections. Our... Read More

On sitewith Certified Builders PresidentJason McClintock The Certified Builders Association of New Zealand Inc is only open to builders who meet the most stringent of membership criteria. Certified Builders is literally 'a community of craftsmen'... Read More

Shaping Upwith Vickey Macintoshof Tauranga Healthy Inspirations Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but its benefits go far beyond weight management and fitness. Studies have consistently shown that regular exercise can ease symptoms... Read More

Captivating childrenby Anna Rutten from Kidiwise Early Learning Centre 'The future will belong to the nature-smart - those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop deeper understanding of the transformative power of... Read More

Biting Back in the Baywith Pinky Green Western Bay of Plenty recreational fishers cannot agree: some maintain the fishing is getting tougher and some insist it remains pretty good. There are also those who argue that it's mainly a matter of luck.... Read More

Brian RogersRogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz The government's idea of increasing class sizes didn't go down well with the New Zealand public. In fact you could call it an epic fail. Sometimes you have to wonder what planet our politicians are on.... Read More

News HoundsAdy & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz Here are the answers to some tricky household questions that have been asked around our place lately. Q: Why is it necessary to make a game out of the boss putting on his socks every morning? A: Because it's... Read More

Cr Bill FaulknerFaulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz In an ironic and unwitting twist of political fate it looks as if next year's financial rates increase will receive acceptance from most ratepayers. Our finance controller, who sits behind elected... Read More

Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has completed its deliberations on its draft Ten Year Plan. A key issue identified in the plan was the leadership and management approach that council was planning... Read More

Ian McLeanSpokesperson for the Green Party The tsunami sirens are tested, and plans are afoot for bridges giving emergency exit from the Papamoa coastline. These are excellent local risk management options and remind us of the importance of local... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz A recent analysis of local government issues noted that house prices trebled in seventeen years. Building costs doubled, labour costs doubled and section costs went up five times. If we look deeper,... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor Environmental activists continue to slag New Zealand for its deteriorating water quality issues, but in fact there has been substantive progress in the last few years. We need to celebrate our successes... Read More