I watched a fascinating Ted Talk video recently about the importance of sleep. The presenter’s conclusion was that the biggest problem is not people’s lack of sleep, but simply that they don’t value sleep enough. The conclusion was...... Read More

If you look up into the night sky during the Christmas period, you will see something rare – a special Christmas star. To be fair, it is not really a star, but rather what astronomers call “a conjunction of planets”. This is when two...... Read More

As we wrap up the year, it only feels natural to conclude with a reflection on 2020. The other day I attended a community meeting where we were asked about our aspirations for 2021. While the common response was “no more lockdowns”, I was...... Read More

 There are no single solutions to mitigate against the unprecedented phenomena of climate change but a healthy soil that sequesters carbon, stores water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions is of great importance. Composting not only supercharges...... Read More

The past few weeks have seen the Hibiscus Coastguard Unit become increasingly busy. Last Sunday saw a very early start for one of our crews that started with a call from our operations room the previous evening. As Hibiscus was the duty rescue vessel...... Read More

  We asked our Facebook followers if Santa should be allowed to enter New Zealand without quarantining this year. Here are some of the responses: Shontelle Kingston He lives somewhere that doesn’t have Covid and he comes to NZ first,...... Read More

We asked our Facebook followers if Santa should be allowed to enter New Zealand without quarantining this year. Here are some of the responses: Shontelle Kingston He lives somewhere that doesn’t have Covid and he comes to NZ first, since NZ is...... Read More

By Local Matters general manager Jannette Thompson A year like no other in living memory is how many of us will look back on 2020. The stuff of Hollywood movies suddenly became our reality and words such as bubbles, clusters, quarantine, lockdown, community...... Read More

Clarifying boundaries I have received queries about the Rodney Local Board internal boundary changes (MM Dec 2) . The public can rest assured nothing has changed with the election boundaries. All that has happened is one community group has approached...... Read More

The Sentinel (Jack Reacher 25) By Lee and Andrew Child Penguin Random House, rrp $37.00 Another brilliant Jack Reacher novel, but this time Lee Child collaborates with brother Andrew. Jack Reacher gets off a bus in Nashville looking for food, somewhere...... Read More

Well, it’s that time of year again when we’re all on the hunt for that something special for the Christmas table. Also when the old/new dilemma rears its head more strongly about how much meat we should be consuming at this festive time of...... Read More

“Do the mahi, get the treats” what a perfect way to describe the diving for and collection of kina. Our endearing Maori equivalent of a long walk to the dairy to obtain a bag of boiled lollies. Meet my good friend Mr Sonny Matthews (Ngati...... Read More

With this year’s rather active La Niña weather system and global warming adding an extra push to temperatures, this summer is shaping up to be hot and sticky. For tropical plant aficionados like me, hot and humid weather with regular...... Read More

Our grape growing weather obsession is in high gear at the moment as we head toward the hotter months of the year. It’s been a great start to the season, with generally mild to warm weather and not too much rain north of Auckland at this stage....... Read More

To shop local in Puhoi in the early 20th century, settlers had a choice of three stores: C. Schischka and Son, Schollum and Titford and Wenzlick and Co. I suspect each resident was staunchly loyal to their regular proprietor. Everything imaginable was...... Read More

Our family centre has a special focus on the needs of children and promotes the benefits of a long childhood, as free as possible from anxiety. And, if worry or troubles do come along, there will be supports available – free to access locally at...... Read More

It seems that almost daily we are advised through the news media of weather-related disasters occurring with what seems increasing frequency. They have included drought-linked bush fires, hurricanes, tornados, and floods – often recorded as larger...... Read More

Something I love about volunteering with TOSSI is finding myself in the back and beyond of Tāwharanui Peninsula – exploring hideaways within the open sanctuary that most visitors miss. A recent tour hosted by Auckland Council park rangers and experienced...... Read More

Google Michigan roads and you will see the worst roads in the USA. Michigan’s roads are funded primarily from fuel taxes, but as vehicles become more efficient less tax is being collected. It is politically difficult to raise the tax because their...... Read More