Local Opinion

Our world unknown

This week in The New York Times is an article titled “Volcanic Eruption in Deep Ocean Ridge Is Witnessed by Scientists for the First Time.” Isn’t that amazing — that we can be witnessing one…

Back to the future

The technology explosion of the last 60 years has been phenomenal. But could we become too clever for our own good and are governors needed for pursuing ‘progress’ in certain areas? Powerful computers, AI (artificial…

Language work honoured

I very much enjoyed graduation at the University of Waikato on April 8 where Te Haumihiata Mason was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate. This is the most prestigious honour a university can offer to a…

The fall of the US dollar

The US dollar has been the world’s reserve currency since the end of World War II –  a period of eighty years. That means it is the only type of international financial system politicians and…

A robbery – and unwanted noise

Starting with good catches, last Wednesday a retail business was the victim of a robbery carried out by youth offenders armed with weapons. The offenders arrived in a stolen vehicle, intimidated staff and customers and…

More than nuts ….

One morning weeks ago, ‘multiplied thousands’ of acorns strewn across Cambridge’s town-centre park, caught my attention. (conservative ‘guesstimate’ as I’ve promised myself millions of times to never exaggerate!) Scattered everywhere, innumerable dew-covered acorns sparkled like…

Rein in lunatic politicians

Previously I reported – or rather opined – from a remote South Pacific spot. As I write this, I am now just nine degrees south of the equator having, this morning, departed the expedition cruise…

Slow and steady

If you want an example of how sensational headlines can be about geology, the East African Rift is a prime example. A few years ago, photos of a large crack made the rounds, making it…

Airgun arrest at lake

I hope everyone had a good long weekend. It was good to see many from the local community at the Anzac ceremony. Last week I mentioned firearm safety. The gun safety rules apply to airgun…

Letter to editor – 1 May 2025

Fluoride misinformation I’m wanting to complain to you about giving airtime about the stupidity of anti-fluoridation. Fluoridation of water has been proved to be excellent for public health for over 70 years and giving airtime…

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