Nothing Too Serious

What has this National government (forget the hangers on) done for the rural communities, who for seven decades have returned them to power more often than not?

When Rudyard Kipling wrote "a man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition" he probably had me in mind — apart from the ammunition, of course.

Twice lately there have been headlines about happenings in Hampden.

Years ago, when family trees were all the rage, genealogists would painstakingly produce family trees which resembled an impenetrable forest of little use to those outside the family. 

I did languages and I’m glad I did.

The Central Otago District Council is in the process of divesting itself of assets and on the list of threatened buildings is the Patearoa Hall.

Welcome to "Luxon’s Larder".

In your head you can hear them now. 

Great news! I have been invited to deliver a paper.

"What do you actually do in the country?" shrieked Delia.

Knock! Knock!

It was far past the time to be off home but Professor Daw remained high up in the Physics Building, some would say in a brown study, but in fact the professor was surrounded by the multi-coloured...

"Good morning. Welcome to the New Zealand Transport Agency. You’re speaking with Darlene."

I didn't recognise him at first. Only when he removed the fiery red toupee did the shining dome give the game away.

Sunday was St Patrick’s Day and, as usual, it was a special day for me. Patrick is still my actual first name and I was backing Ireland to win the Six Nations title, which they did. Unusually,...

You've met them many times. Tourists from the north exploring their old Otago haunts.

Let us now praise pedallers of the past because Te Aka Otakou is about to open officially.

It is Anzac Day, the one day of the year when a little seriousness may be permitted.

Even with Stuart Nash given the old heave-ho, Cabinet is still leaking.