All us pro-mining people should vote for a change of government this year. The National Party have plans to change our Resource Management Act and other legislation to make it easy for their friends in big business to do what they want in our lovely country.

By FEEK, Belinda; LEAMAN, Aaron; CUMING, Deborah Coromandel town residents are feeling the pinch as petrol has smashed through the $2 a litre barrier.

By RASMUSSEN, Warwick Philip Clatworthy reckons new dog control rules at Whiritoa Beach are barking mad. And the Wellington accountant plans to take legal action against Hauraki District Council after being stung with a $300 fine for taking the family pooch for an early swim recently.

By Akoorie Natalie The Thames mayor will call on community leaders to find a solution for the staffing shortages which almost forced the town's hospital to close three weeks ago.

By SHEERAN, Garry As the first bullion is cast from New Zealand's newest goldmine, Garry Sheeran takes a trip underground to experience life at the sharp end of mining. PETER JACKSON and Tolkien, working in tandem, could not have scripted it better.