If New Zealand relies on the white gold of dairying to keep its economic motor lubricated then we're running as dry as a Hawke's Bay hillside in summer, writes Bruce Bisset.

All it takes when driving is a second of inattention while you change the radio station or talk to the children in the back seat, writes Tracey Chatterton.

Bruce Bisset writes: For a region which prides itself on its natural beauty we have a disturbing ambivalence toward pollution.

Those who deserve the most praise, apart from the Swannells themselves, are the wonderful generous people of Hawke's Bay, writes Linda Hall.

Given that pens have been in existence ever since a caveman picked up a charred stick, I felt not being able to find a pen anywhere was quite a significant discovery, writes Eva Bradley.

The Department of Corrections has done the right thing in stepping in and taking over private contractor Serco's management of Mt Eden Correctional Facility, writes Andrew Austin.

Linda Hall writes: Almost a hundred years later and Red Cross is still going strong in Hawke's Bay and throughout the country.