John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz At a recent family function we had a lot of fun in a tug of war contest. We had about 30 people in each team. Like any good tug of war, there were several minutes where it was a complete stalemate.... Read More

Barbara Reid of Maison Monique maisonmonique.co.nz Into July already and with the temperatures still ranging in the mid-teens many of us have not got our heads around winter garments. With these amazingly mild days lingering on, it has left many... Read More

Pete Morris Art blogger www.sunlive.co.nz Rosie Harper is a professional full-time artist, originally from the UK, and recently moved to Tauranga from Wellington. She has exhibited in galleries throughout New Zealand and has exhibited extensively... Read More

Philip Holland Financial Independence financialindependence In short, the new regulations state that if you are only charging clients a fee and not collecting any commission, then you can call yourself independent. There are a large number of financial... Read More

Cr Bill Faulkner Faulkners Corner www.sunlive.co.nz As mentioned in last week's column, council confirmed next financial year's annual plan on a vote of 10-1 and the rating requirement to provide the money to pay for it all on a vote of 9-2. Catherine... Read More

Write Space Literary news, views and reviews http://taurangawriters.org.nz Writing is a lot like surfing, and surfing is a lot like writing. Fundamentally, both require discipline, and both reward us with accomplishment and that childhood exhilaration... Read More

Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Every now and then, a public figure puts a foot in it.They'll open their mouth wide enough to shove a size 14 down the gullet and swallow, ending up with a gizzard full of trouble. Pretty much like... Read More

Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz Tena tatou Katoa. We have just had the recent Tai Tokerau by-election and the Maori Party will learn some lessons from the result. I am baffled by how people use their vote and the continued... Read More

Brian Anderson The Western Front www.sunlive.co.nz To help with the imminent local government review, Mayor of Western Bay District Council Ross Paterson has invited you to ring him or one of his councillors with your opinions on; how many councillors... Read More

Andrew von Dadelszen Former Regional Councillor I was disappointed to see any rate rise from the regional council this year. They might be proud at holding the increase to 2.54 per cent, but with the strong increase in investment income, there... Read More

Andrew Nimick Point Concept twitter.com/andrewnim I am sure most people have heard the noise regarding last week's comments by the head of the Northern EMA. He has since apologised for causing upset, but in case you did not hear the comments:... Read More

Mary Parker Coaching the Attitude coachingtheattitude You grow up the day you have your first real laugh - at yourself. Ethel Barrymore When you are unsure of yourself you subconsciously take protective action to ensure that others don't discover... Read More