Rob Rattenbury is retired and lives in Whanganui. He recently published a book about his years with the police.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Rob Rattenbury: Broadcasting has changed but it's still the same
OPINION: Radio was the only home entertainment in most New Zealand homes until TV.
The bane and the joy of parents: Saturday morning sport
It's the Saturday Morning Sports Run. Most parents will know what that means ...
Special memories of whānau and a different New Zealand
Rob Rattenbury reflects on his early years and a different New Zealand.
Rob Rattenbury: Pākehā need to be trusted with referendum on He Puapua
OPINION: We need a referendum on He Puapua, because progress depends on public support.
Rob Rattenbury: The case for more trains, and more public transport in general
OPINION: NZ one of a few developed countries not making passenger rail travel a priority.
Opinion: Violence against children must stop
Abuse of children is still prevalent despite law changes, writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand is far from egalitarian
Comment: 'In New Zealand the word class means really opportunity.'
Rob Rattenbury: Marriage has come a long way since the 70s
OPINION: I still believe there is a place for marriage but not first place.
Rob Rattenbury: Why America is set to change over the coming years
OPINION: "A lot" of change is headed America's way over the next decade or so.
Rob Rattenbury: Not engaging with protesters will solve nothing
"These people need to be heard and acknowledged by our elected leaders."
Rob Rattenbury: We must acknowledge the effects of colonisation
OPINION: We cannot change our history, but we can learn from it and not repeat it.
Rob Rattenbury: 70 years of Queen Elizabeth
The Queen must at times quietly cry herself to sleep over the antics of her descendants.
Rob Rattenbury: Climate change is a sleeping giant that needs our attention
Opinion: By the time the world cottons on to climate change it may be too late.
Rob Rattenbury: Virus fear creates parallels with 1981 Springbok tour
"Families and friends are now taking positions against one other."
Rob Rattenbury: Our waterways are beautiful but deadly
Opinion: Perhaps the state can take a big step towards reducing NZ's water-death toll.
Rob Rattenbury: My predictions for 2022
'Our world and humanity will stumble on as usual.'
Rob Rattenbury: Special feeling of going back home
OPINION: I love my hometown. It is like an old slipper, worn but comfortable.
Rob Rattenbury: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all
Rob Rattenbury reminisces about the meaning of Christmas and its changes over the years.
Rob Rattenbury: Take a deep breath and just keep smiling
Christmas is coming and after nearly two years we're heading towards some form of normal.
Comment: Quiet life in NZ after living in major world city
New Zealand is not big enough for a "world city", writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: Failure teaches the realities of life
OPINION: It's dreaded exam time again.
Rob Rattenbury: Galway Bay and the pattern of colonisation
Comment: 'That is what it is like to be colonised'.
Comment: The very grim reality of the job for first responders
The level of trauma first responders face can be enormous, writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: The arts give us welcome distractions to make us smile
OPINION: Let's hope young artists can access funds to help establish themselves.
Rob Rattenbury: What has happened to the right of NZ politics?
National's plunge in polls - down to 22.5 per cent in one - raises big questions.
Rob Rattenbury: Facing perils of Facebook
OPINION: A closed and private Facebook group may not be as safe as you think.
Rob Rattenbury: AUKUS snub is far from awkward for NZ
OPINION: It's no problem NZ missed out on AUKUS, but we must ensure a global presence
Rob Rattenbury: Musings about change over a pub meal and a beer
OPINION: Dreams, plans, businesses, careers and job hopes have been shattered for many.
Rob Rattenbury: What is happening with National?
OPINION: Poll results for National Party a 'serious concern' as next election approaches.
Rob Rattenbury: Time to build a new Covid-19 quarantine facility
'Any decent government's first priority is to protect its citizens'
Comment: It's never too late to learn how to cook
OPINION: Cooking is an homage to family.
Rob Rattenbury: Thank you Mike Moore, for your inspiration
OPINION: It is amazing what you look to when you face cancer.
Rob Rattenbury: The team of 5 million is back together
Opinion: As a country with a small population, it seems more personal for us.
Rob Rattenbury: Why Labour needs to tread carefully
Labour beware. Swing voters gave you carte blanche in 2020. That can so easily change.
Rob Rattenbury: Covid has changed our lives, probably forever
OPINION: Can we all actually learn to stop being selfish and act responsibly?
Rob Rattenbury: There's nothing like a New Zealand road trip
"Fifty years ago we threw some gear into the back of my old Vauxhall and hit the road."
1981 Springbok Tour: Former cop recalls being on duty for Hamilton match
"The few police on the embankment were brushed aside like feathers."
Rob Rattenbury: How pervasive is white supremacy in NZ?
OPINION: White supremacists do exist in our country, though hopefully not in great numbers
Why DHBs need to be more flexible over aged care
OPINION: why the residential care industry just keeps growing.
Rob Rattenbury: Nats going through tough times
OPINION: National has some work to do, starting with its leader's selection of talent.
Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand's rate of homelessness is shameful
OPINION: Where is the action on our homelessness issue?
Rob Rattenbury: Has the sun set on the day of the conservative?
OPINION: Has Labour stolen the centre swing voter forever?
Comment: Māori and Pākehā need true partnership
Rob Rattenbury writes that we need to address racism as a team of 5 million.
Rob Rattenbury: Love of books needs to be developed early
OPINION: Collecting books is now becoming an issue at the love shack on the hill.
Rob Rattenbury: Jury system must stay, but changes are needed
Changes are needed to New Zealand's jury system but it must stay, Rob Rattenbury writes.
Rob Rattenbury: A reckoning is coming over the history of New Zealand
COMMENT: Many will feel ashamed about what they learn, writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: Our lives could have been so different without the Anzacs
The Gallipoli campaign left families without sons, husbands, fathers and brothers.
Rob Rattenbury: Ardern backs off media interviews while Labour struggles
OPINION: Labour may quietly be struggling.
Rob Rattenbury: Why we now need tradies more than ever
Can you imagine what life would be like if there were no plumbers, builders, electricians?
Rob Rattenbury: Racist cops few and far between
Opinion: The few bad apples are very much in the minority and are got rid of quickly.
Rob Rattenbury: Why names are important - it's about respect
This is not about a cultural difference; it is about respect and thoughtfulness.
Rob Rattenbury: Challenges ahead for police commissioner
OPINION: Why is caring about minorities, equality and representation worthy of ridicule?
Comment: Why the rest of NZ needs Auckland
Migrants see Auckland as New Zealand, many having no concept of the rest of the country.
Rob Rattenbury: Transtasman 'mateship' a mistaken belief
Australians could not give a toss about upsetting the New Zealand Government.
Rob Rattenbury: Do closeknit neighbourhoods of bygone days still exist?
Opinion: We're all so busy nowadays but should we still be connecting with our neighbours?
Rob Rattenbury: Four years of neglect - how Joe Biden will clean up the mess
Opinion: The summer break hasn't been short of political shenanigans.
Rob Rattenbury: Why is the world so obsessed with looks?
Opinion: And how do you fare when you're photogenically-challenged?
Rob Rattenbury: Memo fun police - NZers won't tolerate a Nanny state
Well-meaning people try to remove risk from every single part of our lives.
Rob Rattenbury: Generations connect us to our past, and history holds lessons
OPINION: The connection we have to our ancestors is closer than we think.
Rob Rattenbury: The good, bad and ugly of social media
Facebook has become the new Friday night drinks venue for people who live far apart.
Best of 2020: Rob Rattenbury: Are you an introvert? You're not alone
Covid-19 for me, a retired chap, was a chance to kick back and enjoy life.
Rob Rattenbury: NZ ripe and ready for UK trade deal
Opinion: There has been talk about the formation of a fourth international trading bloc.
What was this angry young man's beef?
Is it because home ownership is drifting out of reach for many young people?
Rob Rattenbury: Let's put 2020 behind us
It has been a challenging year for many so it is nice to think about happy events.
Rob Rattenbury: ACC doesn't deserve the bad rap people give it
Opinion: Compared to other schemes in developed countries, ACC is the most generous.
Rob Rattenbury: Sport is in our DNA - and we're darn good at it
Rob Rattenbury: To say that I am useless at golf is an understatement, I am pathetic.
Rob Rattenbury: Housing needs to be Government's top priority
OPINION: If the Government makes homeownership more accessible, it will be rewarded.
Opinion: The language New Zealanders speak is changing
Te reo is influencing New Zealand English, writes Rob Rattenbury
Rob Rattenbury: Can Biden heal the America Trump divided?
Opinion: The reality show that has been American politics is coming to an end.
Rob Rattenbury: The problem with improving NZ's rail system
Railways helped open NZ but many lines foundered due to the lack of population increase.
Rob Rattenbury: Spending retirement visiting health providers as the body wears out
OPINION: Visiting health providers becomes more prominent as the body slowly wears out.
Now to the biggest show on the planet - the US general election
America has never come to grips with its history, including slavery.
Rob Rattenbury: Election is humbling and history-making
OPINION: Success in protecting NZ from crippling Covid death tolls deserves respect.
Rob Rattenbury: Polls paint interesting picture heading into election
OPINION: Whoever gains those Treasury benches in October has a huge job on their hands.
Rob Rattenbury: Why immigrants are the answer to saving the regions
Rob Rattenbury takes up some sobering reading.
Rob Rattenbury: Ardern's three big tests
COMMENT: Ardern has been tested, communicates well, but needs to get rid of the dead wood.
Rob Rattenbury: In these testing times we all need faith of some kind
Hope and faith are things we should all have, otherwise what is the point?
Rob Rattenbury: Could Labour govern alone?
National is in a pickle with a long list of members leaving politics or being booted out .