The editors decided back in October that this column does not fit in with their future plans for the opinion pages. And while I shall miss penning my weekly opinions, and have to adapt to a painful drop in income, I hold no rancour.
One of the first lessons I learned as a cadet reporter 50-odd years ago was the newspaper journalist's Rule No 1: "The editor is always right." And Rule No 2: "Even when the editor is wrong, he shall be deemed to be right."
Mind you, back in those days newspaper editors were prominent and respected citizens of the communities in which their newspapers were published. They were somewhat remote, always wore a suit and tie and were referred to as "Mister" or "Sir", as were all senior staff unless they chose to permit the familiarity of a Christian name.
All journalists wore at least jacket and tie to work every day, whether they toiled outside or inside the office, except on Sundays when casual dress was in order. So when I see the untidy and apparently careless attire of many reporters and photographers today, you will forgive me if I cringe.
But all is not lost. My column begins weekly in the Bay of Plenty Times in Tauranga on Saturday, January 21, and will be on its website early the next week. It will also continue every Friday in the Daily Post here in Rotorua.
Meanwhile, let's take a look at what I consider to be the most serious and vexing problem facing New Zealand - and the Western World - now and in the immediate future: income inequality and unemployment.
In their book The Spirit Level, British epidemiologists Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett reveal that among the world's wealthiest countries, it is the more unequal ones that do worse, according to almost every quality of life indicator.
The fundamental findings, which are backed by sound social science research, is that inequality damages community life and the relationships that hold nations together. They show that many social problems are more common in societies with larger income differences.
And the sad thing is New Zealand is among the most unequal of the "rich" countries. We have poorer health, higher teenage birth rates, more people in prison, more mental illness, more obesity, more drug abuse, lower levels of child well-being, huge personal debt, and less social mobility than the more equal rich countries.
In a newspaper article, Britain's Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, wrote: "Evidence-based research confirms what many have always believed: that inequality is divisive. It weakens the bonds of caring, kindness and trust between us ...
"If we are not to see a generation of young people damaged by long-term unemployment, and a society becoming increasingly anti-social, we need resolute action to tackle these insidious and corrosive [economic and social issues].
"If we want a happier and less divided society, then an important step would be to reduce the income differences between rich and poor."
As we enter the second decade of the third millennium, let us all think on these things.
Blessings for the New Year.
