Realpolitik!
OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year thus far.
OPINION: While The Hound reckons it's great to see Shane 'I'm-a-red-blooded-male' Jones boiling over about the energy crisis - so much so that he's dropping f-bombs in the daily rags - your old mate hopes we'll see more than his usual bluster and get real action on this critical issue.
Two pulp mills have closed, and now we have reports that grain growers can't secure contract because it's uncertain there will be enough gas, at the right price, to dry the stuff.
Act's energy spokesman is probably right, saying "The previous Government's kamikaze approach to climate change crashed the reliability of our energy supply", and Jones is justified in his anger too, but blame won't keep industry afloat.
Time for action, and for the Opposition to grow up and join a cross-party accord for the future.
New Zealand's persimmon season will kick off early this year, with fruit set to hit shelves soon.
Ireland and NZ have concluded a deal to extend a joint research programme on climate change.
Local growers and farmers are set to benefit from a refreshed offering from meal kit provider Hello Fresh.
Our job is not to panic but to professionally manage our way through this predicament.
Danielle Adsett has been announced as the new chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
Lian Butcher has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

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