I sat down to log my favourite books and films for 2014. It's a mark of how busy the year has been that my list is so short.

Anita Moran writes: Tauranga ratepayers hope the money they dish out to the council is spent wisely.

Is it just me or has 2014 been a really tiring year? Many people I know from all walks of life appear to be staggering to the finish line, writes Marcel Currin.

Anita Moran writes: It takes a special kind of person to look after someone else; a lot of care, patience and dedication and I applaud these people.

Just before last Christmas, my family and I went to Christmas in the Park, writes editor Scott Inglis.