The language of war

Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters Make no mistake, language is a powerful tool.Throughout history, great orators have used rhetoric to stir emotion, to...

Living in a battle zone

A North Auckland pastoral scene, near the head, Herekino Harbour. — Otago Witness, 26.9.1917. When the tide of German invasion swept through...

Southern charities benefit

It would be fair to say the south of the country has had the pick of the farming weather at present.The rest of New Zealand, especially in the North...

Being grateful: a letter to humanity

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow, writes Sharmin Bala. Did you know that three-quarters of...

Skirts and ankles

A charming South Island lake scene: Lake Kanieri, West Coast. — Otago Witness, 26.9.1917. What precisely is the malady called "flat-foot"? I ask,...

Election choices in close race

Only a foolhardy person would predict the result of the election tomorrow. The polls have been all over the place.What began as a potential borefest,...

Public transport conundrum

CHANGES to Dunedin bus routes were always going to cause problems, no matter what the Otago Regional Council decided.Unfortunately, people get used to...

Tell the important stories now

Apra's gender-affirmative action a negative step

Music, and for that matter merit, should not play second fiddle to gender ideology, writes Irian Scott.This year's Silver Scroll awards are to be held...

Hospital ship arrival

A squad of OBHS cadets engaged in rifle exercise. - Otago Witness, 19.9.1917. A contingent of 371 sick and wounded soldiers, comprising 15 officers...

Finding common ground for memorials

The dispute over the future of a Shag Point roadside memorial to Dunedin man Riley Baker is regrettable.At a time when family and friends are still...

Teaching sex hygiene

A group of officers at the Otago Boys' High School cadet camp at Tahuna Park. - Otago Witness, 19.9.1917. The South Dunedin branch of the Women's...

Change inevitable so don't let fear hold you back

I have been part of small company culture for more than 10 years and love the fact every person in our business has the ability to influence our...

Australia lagging, not leading, on marriage equality

I was recently asked about what in Australia's history could account for our failure to legislate same-sex marriage. It was not easy to answer. How...

Tourism planning, spending essential

It is time we took a serious look at our burgeoning tourist industry, writes Judy Knox.New Zealand has become a world leader as a tourist destination,...

Vulnerable to transport disruption

The disruption to flights from Auckland Airport because a fuel pipeline was damaged is another illustration of the vulnerability of transport links in...

Port Kembla sunk

A never-ending supply of ammunition: loading shells on a trolley, to be taken to the guns at the front. — Otago Witness, 19.9.1917. Great...

Something else to blame on baby-boomers

The Grand March during the University of Otago alumni ball at Larnach Castle on September 9. Photo: Peter McIntosh. We baby-boomers are blamed for...

School medical checks

Owaka, the principal township of the Catlins River district, where sawmilling, dairying and farming form the chief occupations of the settlers. —...

Perfect storm threatens aged-care sector

Reduce migrant workers and reduce care for Kiwis, writes Simon Wallace.By 2026, New Zealand will need an extra 10,000 caregivers to help care for the...

Barclay’s departure not lamented

Todd Barclay. Todd Barclay had a glittering career ahead of him when he was elected Clutha-Southland MP in 2014.He was likely to become a cabinet...

Labour’s unwise tertiary sweetener

There is no doubt Labour’s tertiary education fees promise is a major policy. It will cost a huge amount of money and affect many people.It could...

Custody of war bonds

An aeroplane presented to the Royal Flying Corps by residents of Otago, who raised £1500 to buy it. — Otago Witness, 12.9.1917. When the first...

Tax briefing falls short

Labour's finance spokesman Grant Robertson. Photo: Getty Images Public pressure has forced Labour to go some way towards clearing up its so-far...

Tax unfair and inconsistent

The fruit sculpture in Cromwell. Photo: Joy Bennett. Labour’s proposed water tax will have a major impact on Otago fruit growers, write Jeremy...

Tilting at windmills

The long-running saga of a Blueskin Bay wind farm is riven with disappointment. What began with good intentions and hoped-for environmental benefits...

Human words of scripture bear God’s voice

Christopher Holmes writes about the power of the Bible.What is the Bible? Is it God’s Word? These are perennial and important questions. One of the...

School dental service

Camp staff and instructors at the refresher course for officers and NCOs of Otago secondary school cadet units at Tahuna Park. Back row:...

The poll that really counts

Winston Peters Love them or loathe them - political polls are a big part of the run-up to New Zealand elections. New Zealand First leader Winston...

Messines letter

Otago and Southland snipers, somewhere in France. Back row: N. Hardwick, W. Holdway, McIntyre, Logan, Rutherford, Bird, Frenge, Martin. Second row: D....

Young adult literature intriguing, comforting and encouraging

Karen Healey. A few months ago, I received a rather enigmatic message on Twitter, asking me whether I'd be interested in helping with the Young...

Damned by her silence

Aung San Suu Kyi. Photo by Reuters Aung San Suu Kyi has been universally admired around the world for championing the rights of the Burmese people....

Nothing wrong with having standards but . . .

National Standards are failing to make the difference that is needed, writes Lester Flockton.The International Educational Achievement survey of 1970...

Waitaki River islands

One of the three ambulances presented to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force by the Red Cross and the people of Otago and Southland. - Otago Witness,...

Opinion: Joyce's 'fake news' fiscal hole backfires

800224568.jpg Steven Joyce In the back rooms, some public servants say Steven Joyce can be a bully. This past week Joyce has been roaming in the...

Dementia care, support falling short

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Dunedin needs regular secure respite care for dementia patients and better support for their carers, writes Susan...

Exempting clergy

The Technical School swimming class at the Dunedin Municipal Baths. - Otago Witness, 12.9.1917. The Expeditionary Forces Bill, which the Minister of...

Damage control and a deeper rethink needed

Steven Joyce In the back rooms, some public servants say Steven Joyce can be a bully. This past week Joyce has been roaming in the open.He even...

Back to the future for cathedral

The Christchurch Cathedral. Photo: ODT files It has been an agonising journey for Cantabrians, the Anglican Church and the Government alike, but now...

It's a crying shame women are so misunderstood

Sadness is not the reason women cry at work, writes Gina Barreca.Crying at work might not mean what you think it does. A woman weeping in front of her...

We're among the least corrupt - until election time

Bribery is bribery plain and simple, writes Gerrard Eckhoff.The Americans got it about right when they invented the term ``pork barrel politics''. The...

Three reasons Dunedin birds should replace kiwi

Saving Sammy’s

Photo by Jane Dawber. Dunedin City Council staff decided earlier this year to buy the ailing Sammy’s building, and councillors have subsequently...

Innovative group shows green can be profitable

Murray Neilson. When it comes to protecting our freshwater, there is a better way, writes Murray Neilson. The election is looming and freshwater is...

Middlemarch memorial service

A group of Otago signallers at Sling Camp, England. Top row (from left): P. Peacock, G. Thurlow, A. E. Bate. Front row: J. Reeves, R. Moffatt, J....

Guiding women on the pathways to leadership

Fiona Hancox Southern Rural Life asks Silver Fern Farms director Fiona Hancox her views on the recent ‘‘Women in Horticulture’’ report...

Promoting infant health

German prisoners who surrendered to our troops during the recent offensive. — Otago Witness, 12.9.1917. If the voice of those who in this and...

Domestic assaults unacceptable

Bevan Dowling The pressure on Strath Taieri Community Board member Bevan Dowling to resign is growing, and rightly so.Mr Dowling, convicted of...

Lack of vision beginning to hurt English

National’s current performance on the election campaign trail would have to be classified as one of the party’s most confused, insipid and...

Salmon industry?

One of our heavy tanks at Flers: British Tommies with one of these modern military machines. — Otago Witness, 12.9.1917. A prominent Dunedin...