From the Editor

For a long-time political junkie like myself, October 2020 is about as good as it gets. We have the astonishing spectacle taking place in the US as the battle between Donald Trump and Joe Biden nears a climax. And we have our own – less insane, but still vitally important decision coming up after New Zealanders conclude voting on...

These are strange times. We are all grappling with the niceties of the government’s new “traffic light” regulations, and we have seen a small but determined group of anti-vaxxers proclaiming their freedom to basically do whatever they like. The major event of the past few weeks has centred on Parliament grounds in Wellington. As we went to press, the fracas...

I was fortunate to have once had the pleasure of working for the late Mike Moore in the latter period of his term as director general of the World Trade Organisation. Mike was old-school Labour. He left school young, took up an apprenticeship, became involved in union politics, and by 23 was the youngest MP ever elected to Parliament. He...

One of the interesting reveals of our cover story this month on the region’s housing shortage woes, to me, was that I had not realised to quite what extent the region has been victim of its own success.

We are delighted to celebrate in this month’s cover story the continuing strength of Trustpower Baypark Arena as the imposing landmark celebrates its 10th year as an entity. It hasn’t been easy for the management and staff, especially in the past year or so as the organisation has grappled with the consequences of Covid-19 and the difficulty of forward planning...

As I have remarked often in recent months, these are very strange times, especially in politics. Summer holiday makers may be leaving the beaches across the Bay but behind the scenes big development continues, for example the Luxridge project we have featured on our cover this month, as well as a swathe of other construction projects throughout the region. This positive...

Tauranga is about to enter one of the most interesting phases of local governance for the city. As we are all aware, late last year the Tauranga City Council and mayor Tenby Powell were essentially dissolved. Despite protestations from some councillors, the central government was happy to begin again. By the end of February the new look council has been...

This winter has, for many New Zealanders, seen a worrying increase in very cold weather, storms and brushes with typhoons.