Aside from the all the local minor news items such as the Planet's most expensive sewage scheme, an ambulance station, a new wharf and the possibility of a major landslip; nothing compares with the release of a new novel, The Benefactor's Son, by Nigel Ferguson. A tense and simmering international intrigue thriller from the mould … Continue reading Akaroa in the news! →

Almost Persuaded is the title of a song in the country and western genre, written in 1966 by Glenn Sutton and Billy Sherrill and first recorded by David Houston. Subsequent recordings were made by Etta James, Tammy Wynette, Beth Rowley and George Jones and, no doubt, by others too. The lyrics are catchy, telling a … Continue reading ALMOST PERSUADED →

Electric vehicles are beginning to make their presence felt. In 2018, the International Energy Agency estimated there were around 3.2 million electric cars globally. In the same year, 70 million conventional cars were manufactured. In New Zealand, we have 10,000 EV's with a government target of 64,000 by 2021 - just 2 years away. The … Continue reading Our transportation future. Is it all hot air? →

In 1956, as a young schoolboy, I hung out to dry on the clothesline, 3 plastic bags that had been used that day for wrapping lunches for my sisters and myself. They were far better than the paper bags used earlier. A rubber band held the plastic bags together - no zip locks or seal … Continue reading Is there a solution to plastic pollution or is it too late to close the gate? →