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Rob Rattenbury
Columnist

Rob Rattenbury is retired and lives in Whanganui. He recently published a book about his years with the police.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Rob’s latest content
Premium
Rob Rattenbury: US is a beautiful but complex nation
Opinion

Rob Rattenbury: US is a beautiful but complex nation

26 Jun 05:00 PM
Premium
Opinion | Labour looks soft on gangs, dithering on law and order
Opinion

Opinion | Labour looks soft on gangs, dithering on law and order

20 Jun 09:00 PM

OPINION: There's a lot going on for Labour heading into an election year next year.

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Cost of living - 'Now I'm starting to pay attention'
Rotorua Daily Post

Cost of living - 'Now I'm starting to pay attention'

12 Jun 05:00 PM

Comment: A trip to the petrol station gave Rob Rattenbury food for thought.

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Rob Rattenbury: Broadcasting has changed but it's still the same
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Broadcasting has changed but it's still the same

05 Jun 09:00 PM

OPINION: Radio was the only home entertainment in most New Zealand homes until TV.

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The bane and the joy of parents: Saturday morning sport
Rotorua Daily Post

The bane and the joy of parents: Saturday morning sport

29 May 05:00 PM

It's the Saturday Morning Sports Run. Most parents will know what that means ...

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Special memories of whānau and a different New Zealand
Rotorua Daily Post

Special memories of whānau and a different New Zealand

15 May 05:00 PM

Rob Rattenbury reflects on his early years and a different New Zealand.

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Rob Rattenbury: Pākehā need to be trusted with referendum on He Puapua
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Pākehā need to be trusted with referendum on He Puapua

08 May 10:00 PM

OPINION: We need a referendum on He Puapua, because progress depends on public support.

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Rob Rattenbury: The case for more trains, and more public transport in general
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: The case for more trains, and more public transport in general

17 Apr 05:00 PM

OPINION: NZ one of a few developed countries not making passenger rail travel a priority.

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Opinion: Violence against children must stop
Rotorua Daily Post

Opinion: Violence against children must stop

03 Apr 05:00 PM

Abuse of children is still prevalent despite law changes, writes Rob Rattenbury.

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Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand is far from egalitarian
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand is far from egalitarian

20 Mar 04:00 PM

Comment: 'In New Zealand the word class means really opportunity.'

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Rob Rattenbury: Marriage has come a long way since the 70s
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Marriage has come a long way since the 70s

13 Mar 08:00 PM

OPINION: I still believe there is a place for marriage but not first place.

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Rob Rattenbury: Why America is set to change over the coming years
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why America is set to change over the coming years

27 Feb 04:00 PM

OPINION: "A lot" of change is headed America's way over the next decade or so.

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Rob Rattenbury: Not engaging with protesters will solve nothing
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Not engaging with protesters will solve nothing

20 Feb 04:00 PM

"These people need to be heard and acknowledged by our elected leaders."

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Rob Rattenbury: We must acknowledge the effects of colonisation
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: We must acknowledge the effects of colonisation

13 Feb 08:00 PM

OPINION: We cannot change our history, but we can learn from it and not repeat it.

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Rob Rattenbury: 70 years of Queen Elizabeth
Royals

Rob Rattenbury: 70 years of Queen Elizabeth

06 Feb 04:00 PM

The Queen must at times quietly cry herself to sleep over the antics of her descendants.

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Rob Rattenbury: Climate change is a sleeping giant that needs our attention
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Climate change is a sleeping giant that needs our attention

30 Jan 04:00 PM

Opinion: By the time the world cottons on to climate change it may be too late.

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Rob Rattenbury: Virus fear creates parallels with 1981 Springbok tour
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Virus fear creates parallels with 1981 Springbok tour

23 Jan 04:00 PM

"Families and friends are now taking positions against one other."

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Rob Rattenbury: Our waterways are beautiful but deadly
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Our waterways are beautiful but deadly

16 Jan 04:00 PM

Opinion: Perhaps the state can take a big step towards reducing NZ's water-death toll.

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Rob Rattenbury: My predictions for 2022
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: My predictions for 2022

09 Jan 04:00 PM

'Our world and humanity will stumble on as usual.'

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Rob Rattenbury: Special feeling of going back home
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Special feeling of going back home

02 Jan 09:00 PM

OPINION: I love my hometown. It is like an old slipper, worn but comfortable.

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Rob Rattenbury: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all

26 Dec 04:00 PM

Rob Rattenbury reminisces about the meaning of Christmas and its changes over the years.

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Rob Rattenbury: Take a deep breath and just keep smiling
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Take a deep breath and just keep smiling

19 Dec 09:00 PM

Christmas is coming and after nearly two years we're heading towards some form of normal.

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Comment: Quiet life in NZ after living in major world city
Rotorua Daily Post

Comment: Quiet life in NZ after living in major world city

12 Dec 04:00 PM

New Zealand is not big enough for a "world city", writes Rob Rattenbury.

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Rob Rattenbury: Failure teaches the realities of life
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Failure teaches the realities of life

05 Dec 04:00 PM

OPINION: It's dreaded exam time again.

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Rob Rattenbury: Galway Bay and the pattern of colonisation
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Galway Bay and the pattern of colonisation

28 Nov 04:00 PM

Comment: 'That is what it is like to be colonised'.

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Comment: The very grim reality of the job for first responders
Rotorua Daily Post

Comment: The very grim reality of the job for first responders

14 Nov 04:00 PM

The level of trauma first responders face can be enormous, writes Rob Rattenbury.

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Rob Rattenbury: The arts give us welcome distractions to make us smile
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: The arts give us welcome distractions to make us smile

07 Nov 08:00 PM

OPINION: Let's hope young artists can access funds to help establish themselves.

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Rob Rattenbury: What has happened to the right of NZ politics?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: What has happened to the right of NZ politics?

31 Oct 04:00 PM

National's plunge in polls - down to 22.5 per cent in one - raises big questions.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Facing perils of Facebook
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Facing perils of Facebook

24 Oct 08:00 PM

OPINION: A closed and private Facebook group may not be as safe as you think.

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Rob Rattenbury: AUKUS snub is far from awkward for NZ
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: AUKUS snub is far from awkward for NZ

17 Oct 04:00 PM

OPINION: It's no problem NZ missed out on AUKUS, but we must ensure a global presence

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Musings about change over a pub meal and a beer
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Musings about change over a pub meal and a beer

11 Oct 08:00 PM

OPINION: Dreams, plans, businesses, careers and job hopes have been shattered for many.

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Rob Rattenbury: What is happening with National?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: What is happening with National?

26 Sep 08:00 PM

OPINION: Poll results for National Party a 'serious concern' as next election approaches.

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Rob Rattenbury: Time to build a new Covid-19 quarantine facility
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Time to build a new Covid-19 quarantine facility

19 Sep 05:00 PM

'Any decent government's first priority is to protect its citizens'

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Comment: It's never too late to learn how to cook
Rotorua Daily Post

Comment: It's never too late to learn how to cook

12 Sep 09:00 PM

OPINION: Cooking is an homage to family.

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Rob Rattenbury: Thank you Mike Moore, for your inspiration
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Thank you Mike Moore, for your inspiration

29 Aug 09:00 PM

OPINION: It is amazing what you look to when you face cancer.

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Rob Rattenbury: The team of 5 million is back together
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: The team of 5 million is back together

22 Aug 09:00 PM

Opinion: As a country with a small population, it seems more personal for us.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Why Labour needs to tread carefully
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why Labour needs to tread carefully

15 Aug 05:00 PM

Labour beware. Swing voters gave you carte blanche in 2020. That can so easily change.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Covid has changed our lives, probably forever
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Covid has changed our lives, probably forever

08 Aug 09:00 PM

OPINION: Can we all actually learn to stop being selfish and act responsibly?

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: There's nothing like a New Zealand road trip
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: There's nothing like a New Zealand road trip

01 Aug 05:00 PM

"Fifty years ago we threw some gear into the back of my old Vauxhall and hit the road."

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1981 Springbok Tour: Former cop recalls being on duty for Hamilton match
Rotorua Daily Post

1981 Springbok Tour: Former cop recalls being on duty for Hamilton match

23 Jul 05:00 PM

"The few police on the embankment were brushed aside like feathers."

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: How pervasive is white supremacy in NZ?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: How pervasive is white supremacy in NZ?

11 Jul 09:00 PM

OPINION: White supremacists do exist in our country, though hopefully not in great numbers

Premium
Why DHBs need to be more flexible over aged care
Rotorua Daily Post

Why DHBs need to be more flexible over aged care

27 Jun 09:00 PM

OPINION: why the residential care industry just keeps growing.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Nats going through tough times
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Nats going through tough times

20 Jun 05:00 PM

OPINION: National has some work to do, starting with its leader's selection of talent.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand's rate of homelessness is shameful
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand's rate of homelessness is shameful

13 Jun 10:00 PM

OPINION: Where is the action on our homelessness issue?

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Has the sun set on the day of the conservative?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Has the sun set on the day of the conservative?

30 May 09:00 PM

OPINION: Has Labour stolen the centre swing voter forever?

Premium
Comment: Māori and Pākehā need true partnership
Rotorua Daily Post

Comment: Māori and Pākehā need true partnership

23 May 05:00 PM

Rob Rattenbury writes that we need to address racism as a team of 5 million.

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Rob Rattenbury: Love of books needs to be developed early
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Love of books needs to be developed early

16 May 09:00 PM

OPINION: Collecting books is now becoming an issue at the love shack on the hill.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Jury system must stay, but changes are needed
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Jury system must stay, but changes are needed

09 May 05:00 PM

Changes are needed to New Zealand's jury system but it must stay, Rob Rattenbury writes.

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Rob Rattenbury: A reckoning is coming over the history of New Zealand
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: A reckoning is coming over the history of New Zealand

02 May 10:00 PM

COMMENT: Many will feel ashamed about what they learn, writes Rob Rattenbury.

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Rob Rattenbury: Our lives could have been so different without the Anzacs
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Our lives could have been so different without the Anzacs

24 Apr 05:00 PM

The Gallipoli campaign left families without sons, husbands, fathers and brothers.

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Rob Rattenbury: Ardern backs off media interviews while Labour struggles
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Ardern backs off media interviews while Labour struggles

18 Apr 11:00 PM

OPINION: Labour may quietly be struggling.

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Rob Rattenbury: Why we now need tradies more than ever
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why we now need tradies more than ever

11 Apr 11:00 PM

Can you imagine what life would be like if there were no plumbers, builders, electricians?

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Rob Rattenbury: Racist cops few and far between
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Racist cops few and far between

05 Apr 12:00 AM

Opinion: The few bad apples are very much in the minority and are got rid of quickly.

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Rob Rattenbury: Why names are important - it's about respect
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why names are important - it's about respect

28 Mar 04:00 PM

This is not about a cultural difference; it is about respect and thoughtfulness.

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Rob Rattenbury: Challenges ahead for police commissioner
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Challenges ahead for police commissioner

21 Mar 08:00 PM

OPINION: Why is caring about minorities, equality and representation worthy of ridicule?

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Comment: Why the rest of NZ needs Auckland
Rotorua Daily Post

Comment: Why the rest of NZ needs Auckland

14 Mar 10:00 PM

Migrants see Auckland as New Zealand, many having no concept of the rest of the country.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Transtasman 'mateship' a mistaken belief
Opinion

Rob Rattenbury: Transtasman 'mateship' a mistaken belief

28 Feb 08:00 PM

Australians could not give a toss about upsetting the New Zealand Government.

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Rob Rattenbury: Do closeknit neighbourhoods of bygone days still exist?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Do closeknit neighbourhoods of bygone days still exist?

21 Feb 10:00 PM

Opinion: We're all so busy nowadays but should we still be connecting with our neighbours?

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Rob Rattenbury: Four years of neglect - how Joe Biden will clean up the mess
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Four years of neglect - how Joe Biden will clean up the mess

14 Feb 04:00 PM

Opinion: The summer break hasn't been short of political shenanigans.

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Rob Rattenbury: Why is the world so obsessed with looks?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why is the world so obsessed with looks?

07 Feb 08:00 PM

Opinion: And how do you fare when you're photogenically-challenged?

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Rob Rattenbury: Memo fun police - NZers won't tolerate a Nanny state
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Memo fun police - NZers won't tolerate a Nanny state

31 Jan 04:00 PM

Well-meaning people try to remove risk from every single part of our lives.

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Rob Rattenbury: Generations connect us to our past, and history holds lessons
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Generations connect us to our past, and history holds lessons

24 Jan 09:00 PM

OPINION: The connection we have to our ancestors is closer than we think.

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Rob Rattenbury: The good, bad and ugly of social media
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: The good, bad and ugly of social media

17 Jan 04:00 PM

Facebook has become the new Friday night drinks venue for people who live far apart.

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Best of 2020: Rob Rattenbury: Are you an introvert? You're not alone
Rotorua Daily Post

Best of 2020: Rob Rattenbury: Are you an introvert? You're not alone

13 Jan 04:00 PM

Covid-19 for me, a retired chap, was a chance to kick back and enjoy life.

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Rob Rattenbury: NZ ripe and ready for UK trade deal
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: NZ ripe and ready for UK trade deal

10 Jan 09:00 PM

Opinion: There has been talk about the formation of a fourth international trading bloc.

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What was this angry young man's beef?
Rotorua Daily Post

What was this angry young man's beef?

03 Jan 04:00 PM

Is it because home ownership is drifting out of reach for many young people?

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Rob Rattenbury: Let's put 2020 behind us
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Let's put 2020 behind us

20 Dec 07:00 PM

It has been a challenging year for many so it is nice to think about happy events.

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Rob Rattenbury: ACC doesn't deserve the bad rap people give it
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: ACC doesn't deserve the bad rap people give it

13 Dec 08:00 PM

Opinion: Compared to other schemes in developed countries, ACC is the most generous.

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Rob Rattenbury: Sport is in our DNA - and we're darn good at it
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Sport is in our DNA - and we're darn good at it

06 Dec 08:00 PM

Rob Rattenbury: To say that I am useless at golf is an understatement, I am pathetic.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Housing needs to be Government's top priority
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Housing needs to be Government's top priority

29 Nov 07:00 PM

OPINION: If the Government makes homeownership more accessible, it will be rewarded.

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Opinion: The language New Zealanders speak is changing
Rotorua Daily Post

Opinion: The language New Zealanders speak is changing

22 Nov 04:00 PM

Te reo is influencing New Zealand English, writes Rob Rattenbury

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Can Biden heal the America Trump divided?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Can Biden heal the America Trump divided?

15 Nov 11:21 PM

Opinion: The reality show that has been American politics is coming to an end.

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Rob Rattenbury: The problem with improving NZ's rail system
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: The problem with improving NZ's rail system

08 Nov 04:00 PM

Railways helped open NZ but many lines foundered due to the lack of population increase.

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Rob Rattenbury: Spending retirement visiting health providers as the body wears out
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Spending retirement visiting health providers as the body wears out

01 Nov 11:00 PM

OPINION: Visiting health providers becomes more prominent as the body slowly wears out.

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Now to the biggest show on the planet - the US general election
Rotorua Daily Post

Now to the biggest show on the planet - the US general election

25 Oct 04:00 PM

America has never come to grips with its history, including slavery.

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Rob Rattenbury: Election is humbling and history-making
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Election is humbling and history-making

18 Oct 09:00 PM

OPINION: Success in protecting NZ from crippling Covid death tolls deserves respect.

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Rob Rattenbury: Polls paint interesting picture heading into election
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Polls paint interesting picture heading into election

02 Oct 08:11 PM

OPINION: Whoever gains those Treasury benches in October has a huge job on their hands.

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Rob Rattenbury: Why immigrants are the answer to saving the regions
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Why immigrants are the answer to saving the regions

27 Sep 04:10 PM

Rob Rattenbury takes up some sobering reading.

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Rob Rattenbury: Ardern's three big tests
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Ardern's three big tests

30 Aug 03:09 PM

COMMENT: Ardern has been tested, communicates well, but needs to get rid of the dead wood.

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: In these testing times we all need faith of some kind
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: In these testing times we all need faith of some kind

16 Aug 05:00 PM

Hope and faith are things we should all have, otherwise what is the point?

Premium
Rob Rattenbury: Could Labour govern alone?
Rotorua Daily Post

Rob Rattenbury: Could Labour govern alone?

02 Aug 05:00 PM

National is in a pickle with a long list of members leaving politics or being booted out .

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