This week I want to highlight a serious issue that continues to affect our roads – driving with excess breath alcohol. With the evenings getting lighter and the more social seasons approaching, it appears a…
This week I want to highlight a serious issue that continues to affect our roads – driving with excess breath alcohol. With the evenings getting lighter and the more social seasons approaching, it appears a…
I am undertaking the brutal adjustment of coming from the oppressive, dusty heatwaves in Spain to mid-winter New Zealand – going from long, sunny days on the islands to frosty mornings. Several weeks ago now,…
The title above is the theme of an international painting competition organised by ‘Mayors for Peace’, a worldwide group of local body leaders representing cities and regions around the world. It’s open to young artists…
The names are in. The aspirants are known for the 2025 Waipā Council Steeplechase. Yes, that three-yearly event where experience and wannabees go head-to-head to attract your attention. In Cambridge three sitting councillors seek a…
The 2028 local body elections could be run by the Electoral Commission if wide-sweeping changes recommended by a Local Government NZ electoral reform working group are adopted. But for this year’s election, two private companies…
The ramp saga I have worked as an economist most of my life so I am very used to looking at and using statistics. But I am also a great believer in using observation and…
As we know, opportunistic criminals do not stop at one crime. More quick thinking by a retailer last Thursday resulted in a returning Hamilton shoplifter being arrested in Cambridge. The shoplifter was caught in the…
In a media released dated August 12, 2025, Waipā District Council announces, “a recent report found that three Waipā events generated $1.6 million in economic activity”. (see release below) Good Local Media has sought access…
At around 10:20pm, the music began, and a booming Spanish voice echoed through the streets of Garachico, welcoming everyone to the show. The moment I had been waiting for had arrived – a dramatic simulation…
I liked watching BBC Television’s production Antiques Roadshow where guests brought their rare and strange items for expert valuation. In 2021, specialist evaluator Marc Allum declined valuing a very odd item a guest presented a…
