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

If this year hasn’t already felt like it was flying by, can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? It feels like summer has arrived, but it’s also been good to get some rain, as Council water restrictions are still in place. The...... Read More

During the lockdown earlier this year there were a lot more birds around – or so it was said. But how can we really know how the wildlife in our suburbs is doing? And what does “more birds” actually mean? More sparrows and doves may...... Read More

With 2020 crashing on us like a wrecking ball, it’s no surprise that for some ‘being jolly’ these holidays might feel a bit of a stretch. But with health being on a lot of people’s minds, the added thought of Christmas just around...... Read More

Christmas is upon us and it is important that we step back as owners of Small to Medium businesses (SMEs) and thank those who are instrumental to our success. But, before I give thanks to our valued friends in business, let me first thank you, the SME...... Read More

We asked our Facebook followers if the historic weir on the Mahurangi River, near the Bridgehouse, should be removed. Here are some of the responses: Gary Thomass No. Spend money on something more useful for the community, like fixing the roads. Simon...... Read More

It’s still a dump Mr Balthazar Matheson took offence to a Ngati Whatua submission calling a dump “a dump” (MM Nov 18). Now here is a man who does not get around much. If it smells like a dump and pollutes like a dump – it’s...... Read More

Northern Action Group (NAG) took a new tack in its campaign to secure a better deal for north Rodney late last month, with billboards featuring a naked woman “enjoying” a bath in one of north Rodney’s numerous and deep potholes. NAG...... Read More

November has had some great excitement as the baitfish have been plentiful in the Gulf area. From Pakiri Beach across to Great Barrier and down to Rangitoto, there have been schools of baitfish moving around. The workups that have resulted have been...... Read More

The busy time of year is almost upon us. You know, that time when the sun shines and our roads are busy with holidaymakers and tourists all coming to visit our part of paradise. In the past, I have heard locals moaning about the influx of “jafas”...... Read More

Christmas, New Year and the barbecue season. Not only is the festive season coming at us faster than anyone can believe, the warm weather has had everyone out scrubbing their barbecues in anticipation of celebratory times and outdoor eating. I love this...... Read More