Learning how to claim your voice
Fear is an internal response to a perceived threat.
But why do we sometimes feel fear when logically we have nothing to be afraid of?
Our...
Control of water supplies looming issue
"I bet you're glad you're not on the Dunedin Council right now."
At least four people have said that to me since news broke of...
Unnecessary risks holiday theme
Unnecessary risks.
This was the phrase used by police acting national road policing manager Inspector Peter McKennie to describe what drivers took over the holiday...
In praise of permanent doctors
Last year, 2020, done and dusted.
Oh what a year!
For our family, the move to the mighty Waitaki and the seaside village of Oamaru (or...
Anti-change brigade does a disservice
Change is nature's evolution.
Continual improvements provide for nature's survival and truth is always found when observing nature - this is Darwinism at its finest.
When...
Hoping for less dramatic year than last
Happy New Year. It almost feels too late to be saying that, only days away from February, but it is my first Oamaru Mail...
Plenty to keep council occupied
Happy 2021, everyone!
Although it is almost a month into the new year, I think it's still not too late to wish you all a...
Ready for a new year
And we're back!
Just like that it's 2021 and we're back at work.
Blink. Right?!
But we're excited.
Last year saw our local community rally together in a...
Please don’t make assumptions
I was going to write a "the year that wasn't" column, but I feel that's been pretty well covered.
Instead, here are some other things...
Don’t drink and drive – keep the road toll down
"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh."
I'm sure many of us...
Ways to help cope with drought
Imagine having your income dictated by something you can't control - the weather. Herbert sheep farmer Jo Hay offers some insight into what drought...
Taking on debt over holidays not good idea
The year has flown by, the bank accounts are feeling empty and Christmas is rapidly looming.
Whatever your situation is, I can only emphasise to...
Thoughts turn to how district has changed
A couple of weeks ago, the Waitaki District Council called a meeting at Tokarahi to discuss the Livingstone fire, which occurred earlier in the...
Reassuring absence of apathy
Two months ago, the Jamieson clan moved up the line, from the southern charms of Invercargill to Oamaru, to take on the new challenge...
Collective for local businesses
Back in the day, when people asked me what I was studying and I said, "psychology", their response was usually to fold their arms,...