The curse of Mars also applies to Asian countries.

This week in Whanganui concerned residents attended a meeting on synthetic cannabis and legal highs and students in Palmerston North protested against the sale of legal highs.

They reckon if you stay in one place long enough the whole world will pass you by and so it is with Labour.

We can justly celebrate the positive attributes of our city as the signs of the coming summer lighten hearts and diminish the need for outer cover.

Recently , to much mirth Wellington's new Anglican bishop despoiled his lovely cathedral's entrance by residing there in a wooden crate mocked up as a prison cell for a week's baying at the sky.

I'm not much given to wearing bling. A Seiko watch, wedding ring, and Warehouse glasses don't really count.

Not that this will come as any great surprise to many of you, but I've never been a great believer in "the mother's group" thing.

Newspapers and magazines like to develop lists of 10 things. The Australian papers are full of them.

Is there ever a "win-win" outcome for conservation and economic development? In the case of large-scale use of natural resources such as water, minerals and soil, the answer must be "seldom, if ever".

There's always been something a bit "emperor's new clothes" about Kim Dotcom and his businesses Mega and Megaupload.

Recent policy initiatives to save government spending in rest home care have taken a dramatic new twist with the recent release of a decision from the Social Security Appeal Authority.

There are times in life when it is the little things that grate the most.

As with most things in life, no one becomes an expert at anything without practice or experience and training.

The call for an ombudsman to protect the rights of senior citizens is an excellent one.

Labour Day means a three-day weekend for most and celebrates something many of us remember - the eight-hour work day.

Nothing is certain, we often hear, except death and taxes. But a third certainty appears to be joining them: Climate change.

I have been delving into the writings of Umberto Eco.

So, turns out that thing they say about selling a house and shifting being one of life's biggest stresses is true, for me at least.

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes, and I think this week its name is Winnie Paap.

It's fun to be able to laugh at the unintended pratfalls taken by the high and mighty.