I don't recall enjoying The Da Vinci Code a whole lot. Still, I wouldn't mind having written it myself if it meant I could now be an internationally successful author, writes Marcel Currin.

The building industry is booming and competition is fierce. I have seen first-hand just how much people are willing to pay for a property they want, writes Amy Wiggins.

Faced with the soaring cost of health insurance, many over-65s are being forced to gamble with their health, writes Dylan Thorne.

Old Bond movies on television are the extent many Kiwis will bond with the British Empire this weekend. We are grateful for the Monday off. But In Her Majesty's Service? Not us.

Where are some of society's great melting pot locations, those places of equality? For my money, it's a New Zealand domestic plane flight - as Sir Bob Jones has discovered.

Hush please, for I am about to discuss classical music. I will compose this in four parts and remember to hold your applause until the end, writes Marcel Currin.

Next week will be a week of big decisions and the issues set out for Tauranga City councillors are a mixed bag, writes Amy Wiggins.

A few weeks ago a study somewhere found faecal matter in facial hair. This much is true: some beards are grotty. But so are some people, says Marcel Currin.

The Western Bay is a great place to live and the growth will only make it better, writes Amy Wiggins.