Local Opinion

Keeping watch

As we emerge from the shadow of an epidemic and endure cost of living rises, one thing is certain in 2024 – councils around the country, including Waipā, will announce major rate increases. Waipā’s proposed…

When volcanoes fall down

During my time working for the Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program part of my job was gathering satellite images of volcanoes around the world and describing what they show. Looking at thousands of volcanoes during…

A policeman’s lot – William Jones’ story

William Jones did not want to see a doctor despite his wife, Tema’s, insistence. The 51 year old Irishman had been in bad health for some time but always refused medical attention. But on this…

A council in control

Waipā District Council revealed the size of a proposed rate increase last week. The News’ Mary Anne Gill, the only journalist who follows the council’s work, reflects on a process which enabled councillors to formulate…

Christmas message from Norris Hall

Let there be Light. In today’s world there seems to be an absence of light, that warm glow that pierces and drives away the darkness; we read and hear of and see the news of…

Christmas message from Rev Julie Guest

Have you ever had a calamitous Christmas? One where things went very wrong, or were not at all what you planned or hoped for?  hat immediately comes to mind for me was the time someone…

Christmas message from Bruce Judd

Last Friday afternoon folk of all ages gathered to enjoy singing joyous Christmas carols in the Church-yard outside the Presbyterian church, in celebration of the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. It certainly felt…

Christmas message from Phil Strong

Each week in the news we read about local stories, some of which are positive, and others are challenging to process. Sadly, I recently read online about a family who had lost their son’s bike…

Christmas message from Christine Bryant

A generous friend phoned me yesterday to ask if she could help prepare food for one of our Christmas services.  We got to talking about who she and her husband would celebrate Christmas with. “The…

Christmas message from Monsignor Joe Stack

God’s Blessings and Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all people of good will. Christmas is the one holiday that so uniquely offers a brief moment of hope that peace and human…

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