Over the last 10 years, there's now doubt we've all got dumber, and by 'we”, I mean all of us on average. To put it as simply as I can, you and I just haven't been sufficiently bright enough to raise the average that the newly minted dummies... Read More

In response to this column... Priority One's Andrew Coker say's 'B+”? How about 'B' for 'bull'. As much as this is a step in the right direction, it is hardly the stake through the heart the RMA needs - it might merit a 'N' as in, 'not nearly... Read More

Business owners want employees to execute a very high level of professional, courteous and competent service for their customers. However, despite many owners' best intentions, their businesses, both large and small, tend to fail to consistently deliver... Read More

The new Waiari Water Supply project steering group was updated with an overview of the recent resource consent process. The Resource Management Act (RMA) was introduced back in 1989 to ensure that projects like this were done in an effective and sustainable... Read More

It's true what they say about it being pointless having regrets. But for a long time, there was one small thing that niggled. Susan Ryder. It was just before I left... Read More

Now this story is of the weird and dangerous, from my cousin down south. It seems Wilco, a Staffy-Ridgeback cross, was out doing a little recce for the up coming Cromwell rally. Well not really but it puts us intellectual canines in a good light.... Read More

It is turn of the century in Paris and a scandalous romp is underfoot. The ravishing Lea (Michelle Pfeiffer) contemplates retirement from her renowned stature as Paris's most envied seductress to the rich and famous. Her plans are cut short when she... Read More

The Prime Minister has announced that the Government is planning to hold the long-awaited referendum on our MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) electoral system before or at the same time as the 2011 general election. This was a National Party election... Read More

Here in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, spring is finally warming us from the clutches of a particularly mean winter. Along with the daffodils and the balmy evenings, has come a healthy dose of sea lettuce. Naturally occurring, despite the bleatings of... Read More

Last week the Families Commission called for the government to extend taxpayer funded Paid Parental Leave from 14 weeks to 13 months. The current scheme cost $135 million in 2008. Extending entitlement from 14 weeks to 13 months would push this... Read More

In Hamilton last Saturday night I was in receipt of the ultimate All Black fan experience. As a recipient of the NZ Rugby Union volunteer recognition program, we were one of three couples from the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and King Country, to enjoy a... Read More

Sheryl Holmes, the Owner/Manager of Travelcom Tauranga has returned from an amazing holiday in Morocco - an undiscovered destination for New Zealanders. Sheryl Holmes, the Owner/Manager... Read More