Local Opinion

Racing this time…

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…

Council light on print adverts

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…

Letters to the Editor – 21 August 2025

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…

One thing leads to another

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…

Council transparency under scrutiny

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…

When history burns bright

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…

What on earth?

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…

Owning the image

There is an exhibition of photographs on display at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts at Waikato University which opened on  June 30and will close November 7. Titled ‘Ki te kapu o taku ringa’ the…

Trump’s tariffs

Trump’s latest round of tariffs took effect on August 7. They are not just the most widespread tariffs of his second administration, they take the average US tariff to the highest level since the 1930s….

Warding off those wards

The end is nigh. The future of Māori wards around the country goes to the vote in October, and I’ll be shocked if they do not get the thumbs down. A decade ago New Plymouth…

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