So there we were. Me, Mrs P, a couple of little kids on bikes and a smattering of our neighbours, some with dogs, trying hard not to stare at the scene unfolding before us.

Looking at the list of marathons worldwide, Rotorua's circumnavigation of the lake ranks among the 50 longest running marathon races.

Like most leaders of the household I'm sure, I am definitely the boss when it comes to the family car.

As the official welcomes began at Wednesday night's Supper Club, a buzz of chatter continued around the room.

Like many of the population, Mrs P and I were kept busy last Friday afternoon preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Lusi.

The forestry industry hasn't had much good news lately, especially in the Rotorua region.