It's fascinating that a time we've been so focused on the notion of national identity many of us seem obsessed with the Royal Family, writes Kim Gillespie.

Paul Hickey is on holiday this week from my radio show on The Hits Rotorua. "Aloha" from the sunny sands of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Yesterday we reported on Rotorua dad Hamuera Hodge's battle to see all psychoactive substances banned from Rotorua due to negative side effects. So why aren't they banned?

It is so hard to believe that nearly 18 years have passed with the responsibility on our shoulders as parents and today is the last day that we spend with our son Joel at home, writes Paul Hickey.

The latest revelation about New Zealand's intelligence doings has stirred little interest but would in previous years have been a major scandal, writes Kim Gillespie.

HEADING OFF: The back of the shuttle as it moves up Hill Rd. enhanced pics comin