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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
Opinion | Labour looks soft on gangs, dithering on law and order
OPINION: There's a lot going on for Labour heading into an election year next year.
Cost of living - 'Now I'm starting to pay attention'
Comment: A trip to the petrol station gave Rob Rattenbury food for thought.
Rob Rattenbury: Broadcasting has changed but it's still the same
OPINION: Radio was the only home entertainment in most New Zealand homes until TV.
The bane and the joy of parents: Saturday morning sport
It's the Saturday Morning Sports Run. Most parents will know what that means ...
Special memories of whānau and a different New Zealand
Rob Rattenbury reflects on his early years and a different New Zealand.
Rob Rattenbury: Pākehā need to be trusted with referendum on He Puapua
OPINION: We need a referendum on He Puapua, because progress depends on public support.
Rob Rattenbury: The case for more trains, and more public transport in general
OPINION: NZ one of a few developed countries not making passenger rail travel a priority.
Opinion: Violence against children must stop
Abuse of children is still prevalent despite law changes, writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: New Zealand is far from egalitarian
Comment: 'In New Zealand the word class means really opportunity.'
Rob Rattenbury: Marriage has come a long way since the 70s
OPINION: I still believe there is a place for marriage but not first place.
Rob Rattenbury: Why America is set to change over the coming years
OPINION: "A lot" of change is headed America's way over the next decade or so.
Rob Rattenbury: Not engaging with protesters will solve nothing
"These people need to be heard and acknowledged by our elected leaders."
Rob Rattenbury: We must acknowledge the effects of colonisation
OPINION: We cannot change our history, but we can learn from it and not repeat it.
Rob Rattenbury: 70 years of Queen Elizabeth
The Queen must at times quietly cry herself to sleep over the antics of her descendants.
Rob Rattenbury: Climate change is a sleeping giant that needs our attention
Opinion: By the time the world cottons on to climate change it may be too late.
Rob Rattenbury: Virus fear creates parallels with 1981 Springbok tour
"Families and friends are now taking positions against one other."
Rob Rattenbury: Our waterways are beautiful but deadly
Opinion: Perhaps the state can take a big step towards reducing NZ's water-death toll.
Rob Rattenbury: My predictions for 2022
'Our world and humanity will stumble on as usual.'
Rob Rattenbury: Special feeling of going back home
OPINION: I love my hometown. It is like an old slipper, worn but comfortable.
Rob Rattenbury: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all
Rob Rattenbury reminisces about the meaning of Christmas and its changes over the years.
Rob Rattenbury: Take a deep breath and just keep smiling
Christmas is coming and after nearly two years we're heading towards some form of normal.
Comment: Quiet life in NZ after living in major world city
New Zealand is not big enough for a "world city", writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: Failure teaches the realities of life
OPINION: It's dreaded exam time again.
Rob Rattenbury: Galway Bay and the pattern of colonisation
Comment: 'That is what it is like to be colonised'.
Comment: The very grim reality of the job for first responders
The level of trauma first responders face can be enormous, writes Rob Rattenbury.
Rob Rattenbury: The arts give us welcome distractions to make us smile
OPINION: Let's hope young artists can access funds to help establish themselves.
Rob Rattenbury: What has happened to the right of NZ politics?
National's plunge in polls - down to 22.5 per cent in one - raises big questions.
Rob Rattenbury: Facing perils of Facebook
OPINION: A closed and private Facebook group may not be as safe as you think.
Rob Rattenbury: AUKUS snub is far from awkward for NZ
OPINION: It's no problem NZ missed out on AUKUS, but we must ensure a global presence
Rob Rattenbury: Musings about change over a pub meal and a beer
OPINION: Dreams, plans, businesses, careers and job hopes have been shattered for many.
Rob Rattenbury: What is happening with National?
OPINION: Poll results for National Party a 'serious concern' as next election approaches.
Rob Rattenbury: Time to build a new Covid-19 quarantine facility
'Any decent government's first priority is to protect its citizens'
Comment: It's never too late to learn how to cook
OPINION: Cooking is an homage to family.
Rob Rattenbury: Thank you Mike Moore, for your inspiration
OPINION: It is amazing what you look to when you face cancer.
Rob Rattenbury: The team of 5 million is back together
Opinion: As a country with a small population, it seems more personal for us.
Rob Rattenbury: Why Labour needs to tread carefully
Labour beware. Swing voters gave you carte blanche in 2020. That can so easily change.
Rob Rattenbury: Covid has changed our lives, probably forever
OPINION: Can we all actually learn to stop being selfish and act responsibly?
Rob Rattenbury: There's nothing like a New Zealand road trip
"Fifty years ago we threw some gear into the back of my old Vauxhall and hit the road."