Jane NeesBOP Regional Councillorwww.janenees.co.nz As a region, the Bay of Plenty is doing many things right and this is flowing through into our economic performance. Economic growth is important for us all as it provides more jobs, more money,... Read More

Brian AndersonThe Western Frontwww.sunlive.co.nz A well meaning district councillor gave me advice last week on making my submission to the Long Term Plan. He told me to stick to one point and then the councillors might understand me. He probably... Read More

Paula ThompsonBOP Regional Councillorwww.envbop.govt.nz The reform of local government will get underway later this year with some legislative change and work being done on how to get local government working better. Let's not forget that many... Read More

Andrew von DadelszenFormer Regional Councillor On Tuesday I attended the Priority One 'Shaping Our Future' Business Summit at the new TECT Arena. What a great venue, and another huge asset for our city. I offer a bouquet to Priority One for continuing... Read More

John CroninBOP Regional Council Chairmanwww.envbop.govt.nz Some great news this week that the Bay of Plenty was one of the top performing regions in New Zealand last year, according to a report from Business and Economic Research Ltd. We rank just... Read More

Daz SwitallaFlavour SecretsNo.1 The Strand Chef www.no1thestrand.co.nz A few weeks ago I shared a mixed base for a beef or lamb curry. This week we'll lift it up another level and go for something that will really sock it to you! It's a punchy... Read More

Sideline SidSports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz Sideline Sid got dressed up into his good gear last Friday night for the Bay of Plenty Cricket prize giving and launch of the BOP Cricket history book. There was plenty of glitz and... Read More

Dr Anna Rolleston The Cardiac Clinic I'd like to dispel some of the myths about heart disease risk. I am on cholesterol medication therefore I do not need to strictly manage my diet. Incorrect. Cholesterol medication moderates the natural cholesterol... Read More

Debra JagerHome Instead Senior Care Q. I'm worried about our next-door neighbour. His garden is overgrown, and I help out with his lawns, but don't have time to do all the work that is needed. I took some baking over to him, and... Read More

Write Space Literary news, views and reviews www.taurangawriters.org.nz Haiku Writers, sharpen your pencils because Wednesday, May 16 is the closing date for this year's Katikati Pathway haiku competition. The biennial contest is, once again, turning... Read More

Simon BridgesNational MP simonbridges.co.nz Being a minister has seen me get around the country a fair bit in the last fortnight. I've been in Auckland meeting with the parking enforcement industry to help facilitate a code of conduct on wheel... Read More

John ArtsAbundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz We continue our discussion on the most common diseases of the nervous system and look today at Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. These are both diseases caused by the loss of brain neurons, though in very... Read More