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Russell Bell
Columnist

The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.

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 Russell’s latest content
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OPINION: Losing your place in a David Gray song and changing for the better
Whanganui Chronicle

OPINION: Losing your place in a David Gray song and changing for the better

28 Jun 05:00 PM
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Russell Bell: The importance of succession planning
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: The importance of succession planning

21 Jun 05:00 PM

Businesses should prepare for changes in management or ownership.

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Comment: Going local for shopping is a shoo-in
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Going local for shopping is a shoo-in

15 Jun 05:00 PM

These businesses attract visitors but also provide access to the best products and service

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Russell Bell: Teamwork is crucial to business success
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Teamwork is crucial to business success

07 Jun 05:00 PM

Without teamwork, humankind would not have achieved the momentous things that it has.

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Comment: Staff wellbeing in focus as winter ills loom
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Staff wellbeing in focus as winter ills loom

31 May 05:00 PM

Kindness in the workplace now extends to keeping our bugs to ourselves

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Russell Bell: Whanganui business' service a 'shoe-in'
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Whanganui business' service a 'shoe-in'

24 May 05:00 PM

"I can attest to the high quality of workmanship and service."

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Comment: Clear head leads to more work energy
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Clear head leads to more work energy

10 May 05:00 PM

Having something to look forward to energises and brings new ideas, Russell Bell writes

Comment: It feels great (and fits) to support a local retailer
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: It feels great (and fits) to support a local retailer

04 May 05:00 PM

A local business which excels at service is good for our economy, writes Russell Bell

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Comment: The inflation debate and why both sides are wrong and right
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: The inflation debate and why both sides are wrong and right

28 Apr 05:00 PM

All eyes are on the May's Budget to see how it tackles inflation, writes Russell Bell.

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Russell Bell: No spark or drive for electric cars
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: No spark or drive for electric cars

05 Apr 05:00 PM

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Covid 19 Omicron: OMiGod, Ukraine and Foo Fighters
Whanganui Chronicle

Covid 19 Omicron: OMiGod, Ukraine and Foo Fighters

30 Mar 04:00 PM

The biggest revelation was to appreciate every day, despite risks, writes Russell Bell.

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Comment: Beware the hazards lurking in social media
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Beware the hazards lurking in social media

22 Mar 04:00 PM

Russell Bell sounds a caution on the impact of social media on businesses

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Opinion: Business needs long-term strategy for inflation
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: Business needs long-term strategy for inflation

15 Mar 04:00 PM

Russell Bell this week looks at how businesses can plan around inflation

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Comment: Innovation key to staying a step ahead of rivals
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Innovation key to staying a step ahead of rivals

08 Mar 04:00 PM

Russell Bell writes about the importance of maintaining your market edge

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Russell Bell: From the Perfect Storm to Groundhog Day, how movies tell business stories
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: From the Perfect Storm to Groundhog Day, how movies tell business stories

01 Mar 04:00 PM

Is it a good thing if sales figures 'jump the shark'? Russell Bell explains.

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Comment: Creativity and problem solving the way out for struggling business
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Creativity and problem solving the way out for struggling business

15 Feb 04:00 PM

It is crucial for businesses to let creative team members shine now, Russell Bell writes

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Comment: Ill-timed bid for income protection
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Ill-timed bid for income protection

08 Feb 04:00 PM

Russell Bell writes that the costs of the scheme will be passed on to the consumer

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Russell Bell: It's beginning to feel a lot like 2020
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: It's beginning to feel a lot like 2020

01 Feb 04:00 PM

The government has shifted lockdown away from the nation to the home, writes Russell Bell

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Comment: Predicting 2022 even more challenging than 2021
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Predicting 2022 even more challenging than 2021

22 Dec 04:00 PM

Russell Bell sings the praises of Wanganui Enterprises in his last column of 2021

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Comment: Two nominees for 2021 Business Zen Award
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Two nominees for 2021 Business Zen Award

15 Dec 04:00 PM

Russell Bell has only two nominees - but they're big ones - for his annual award.

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Comment: A shout-out to Whanganui businesses trying to cope with traffic lights
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: A shout-out to Whanganui businesses trying to cope with traffic lights

07 Dec 04:00 PM

Comment: A Whanganui venue making the traffic light shenanigans a breeze

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Comment: Covid traffic light uncertainty will hit us in different ways
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Covid traffic light uncertainty will hit us in different ways

30 Nov 04:00 PM

"We are in this and will overcome it together," writes Russell Bell.

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Russell Bell: The trouble with the traffic lights system
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: The trouble with the traffic lights system

23 Nov 04:00 PM

Comment: It shouldn't be for businesses to enforce traffic lights, Russell Bell writes.

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Comment: Health and safety smarts crucial for leaders
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Health and safety smarts crucial for leaders

16 Nov 04:00 PM

Russell Bell says directors and trustees need to know how risk is being managed

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Opinion: Shop local this Christmas
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: Shop local this Christmas

02 Nov 04:00 PM

Even buying a voucher will play a part in ensuring local businesses are here to stay.

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Opinion: Covid-19 traffic light system not the certainty business needs
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: Covid-19 traffic light system not the certainty business needs

26 Oct 04:00 PM

The 'traffic lights' system is not simple and brings complexity, writes Russell Bell.

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Comment: Clear, committed policy needed for economic certainty
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Clear, committed policy needed for economic certainty

19 Oct 04:00 PM

Russell Bell writes about the ongoing economic issues caused by Covid-19

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Russell Bell: 'There is a certain inevitability that a holiday will bring appliance trouble'
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: 'There is a certain inevitability that a holiday will bring appliance trouble'

14 Oct 04:00 PM

It goes without saying that Appliance Repair Care is a phone number that I have memorised

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Comment: Generate the right types of growth
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Generate the right types of growth

06 Oct 04:00 PM

We should support existing local businesses and young entrepreneurs, writes Russell Bell.

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Russell Bell: 'We need a plan for Covid-19, not fear'
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: 'We need a plan for Covid-19, not fear'

28 Sep 04:00 PM

Fear, particularly in markets, is a killer of growth, writes Russell Bell.

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Comment: Communication not just a problem for glam rockers
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Communication not just a problem for glam rockers

21 Sep 05:00 PM

Russell Bell reveals what links business communication to a glam rock band's 80s hit.

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Comment: Blunt lockdowns will not work forever
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Blunt lockdowns will not work forever

14 Sep 05:00 PM

Comment: We have now reached the Main Act in terms of Covid management

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Comment: My eyes are firmly on level 1
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: My eyes are firmly on level 1

07 Sep 05:00 PM

Russell Bell writes about the challenges of Delta for businesses, schools and venues

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Russell Bell: 'Applaud local businesses for adapting to alert levels'
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: 'Applaud local businesses for adapting to alert levels'

02 Sep 05:00 PM

'For many business owners the process is exhausting'

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Comment: Yogi Berra quotes sum up lockdown feelings
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Yogi Berra quotes sum up lockdown feelings

24 Aug 05:00 PM

Russell Bell writes that the baseballer's famous sayings are on the mark for Covid-19.

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Russell Bell: How to make the best business decisions
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: How to make the best business decisions

18 Aug 05:00 PM

"Where decisions tend to go wrong is where information is not complete and accurate."

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Comment: Going extra mile for customers pays off
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Going extra mile for customers pays off

10 Aug 05:00 PM

Russell Bell says a positive experience with a business leaves a lasting impression

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Russell Bell: Calculating the risk we are willing to wear
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Calculating the risk we are willing to wear

09 Aug 05:00 PM

There are several factors that comprise a risk assessment

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Russell Bell: Mentors play key role in business
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Mentors play key role in business

27 Jul 05:00 PM

'I am never going to be David Gilmour or Prince'

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Russell Bell: Having fun the key to customer service
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Having fun the key to customer service

20 Jul 05:00 PM

Having a vision of where a business is going is key to success

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Comment: What's best for business if you've got sick staff?
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: What's best for business if you've got sick staff?

13 Jul 05:00 PM

Russell Bell advocates staying home from work when you're sick

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Opinion: Business success by design
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: Business success by design

06 Jul 05:00 PM

Russell Bell writes about a Whanganui business at the cutting edge of interior design.

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Comment: Better access to Covid-19 vaccinations needed
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Better access to Covid-19 vaccinations needed

29 Jun 05:00 PM

Russell Bell questions why New Zealanders are having to wait for the Covid vaccination

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Comment: What's interesting about business
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: What's interesting about business

22 Jun 05:00 PM

Russell Bell says it's not just your elevator pitch about your business that's important.

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Comment: Climate policies impact farmers, producers
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Climate policies impact farmers, producers

15 Jun 05:00 PM

Govt overreach on climate change will hurt businesses financially, Russell Bell writes.

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Comment: Russell Bell - Why learning from the results of decisions is crucial
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Russell Bell - Why learning from the results of decisions is crucial

09 Jun 05:00 PM

Some decisions can carry life changing results

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Comment: Customer perceptions key to business success
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Customer perceptions key to business success

02 Jun 05:00 PM

Russell Bell writes that customers will remember good and bad service.

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Comment: Businesses need to look after every client
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Businesses need to look after every client

25 May 05:00 PM

Russell Bell says Whanganui's Inspire Gym provides a great example of supporting clients.

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Comment: Ensure you plan for consequences of growth
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Ensure you plan for consequences of growth

18 May 05:00 PM

Russell Bell writes that a long-term view is crucial for businesses in growth phases.

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Comment: Quality and speed equation essential for business
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Quality and speed equation essential for business

11 May 05:00 PM

Mastering these factors makes a business a market leader, writes Russell Bell.

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Comment: What drives purchasing decisions?
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: What drives purchasing decisions?

04 May 05:00 PM

Russell Bell says the secret is to understand the experience behind the decision.

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Comment: The power of word of mouth
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: The power of word of mouth

27 Apr 05:00 PM

One false move and your brand's reputation could be ruined, writes Russell Bell.

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Comment: Being informed key in turbulent times
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Being informed key in turbulent times

13 Apr 05:00 PM

Talk to your banker and accountant and test what they have to say, Russell Bell writes.

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Opinion: Whanganui thrives as artists come alive
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: Whanganui thrives as artists come alive

30 Mar 04:00 PM

Whanganui's thriving and there's no better example than the arts community as to why.

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Opinion: A mighty totara has fallen; Russell Bell pays homage to Whanganui businessman
Whanganui Chronicle

Opinion: A mighty totara has fallen; Russell Bell pays homage to Whanganui businessman

23 Mar 04:00 PM

A mighty totara has fallen; Russell Bell pays homage to businessman Rob Bartley.

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Comment: Choose your call centre wisely
Whanganui Chronicle

Comment: Choose your call centre wisely

16 Mar 04:00 PM

Just let me talk to a real person, pleads Gen-Xer Russell Bell.

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Russell Bell: How can we be resilient in times of uncertainty?
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: How can we be resilient in times of uncertainty?

02 Mar 04:00 PM

The concept of "mindfulness in business" references two key qualities to decision making,

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Russell Bell: How can we stop workplace bullying?
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: How can we stop workplace bullying?

23 Feb 04:00 PM

Workplaces can be more productive if negative behaviours are effectively managed.

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Russell Bell: Covid-19 - is it time New Zealand closed its borders?
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Covid-19 - is it time New Zealand closed its borders?

16 Feb 04:00 PM

Can we please fortify New Zealand's border, writes Russell Bell.

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Russell Bell: Why Dan Carter shouldn't be promoting overseas businesses
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Why Dan Carter shouldn't be promoting overseas businesses

02 Feb 04:00 PM

Our greatest All Black encouraging us to buy from an Aussie corporation is a bit jarring.

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Russell Bell: Welcome to 2021, hope you remember me
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Welcome to 2021, hope you remember me

27 Jan 04:00 PM

"An overseas business described Covid-19 as being 'hit by a car'."

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Russell Bell: Delete that shopping app and support local business
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Delete that shopping app and support local business

22 Dec 04:00 PM

Russell Bell has deleted an online shopping app and says shoppers should put locals first.

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Russell Bell: One business emerges from top three
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: One business emerges from top three

15 Dec 04:00 PM

There is a clear winner because of the high quality of their service and their story.

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Russell Bell: Business success in a volatile economy
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Business success in a volatile economy

08 Dec 04:00 PM

Russell Bell nominates his Whanganui businesses of the year.

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Russell Bell: Hard work behind the scenes sets up success
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Hard work behind the scenes sets up success

01 Dec 04:00 PM

Business guru Russell Bell with his latest sage advice for people in business.

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Russell Bell: Why poor communication will lose you customers
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Why poor communication will lose you customers

24 Nov 04:00 PM

Learn to read body language and listen to your gut, says business adviser.

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Russell Bell: Strategic planning critical for businesses
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Strategic planning critical for businesses

17 Nov 04:00 PM

These are uncertain times, but change is certain in the business world.

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How to give your business a competitive advantage
Whanganui Chronicle

How to give your business a competitive advantage

11 Nov 04:00 PM

Business guru Russell Bell with his latest sage business advice.

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Russell Bell: Give people, and books, a chance
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Give people, and books, a chance

04 Nov 04:00 PM

Like judging books by their cover, we have the same mechanism when it comes to people

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Russell Bell: Indecision in the polling booth
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Indecision in the polling booth

20 Oct 04:00 PM

I think that if Judith Collins had more time the result might have been closer.

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Russell Bell: Decision-making and how to do it well
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Decision-making and how to do it well

13 Oct 04:00 PM

Russell Bell with the latest sage advice for those in business and in life.

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Virtual meetings are replacing the business trip
Whanganui Chronicle

Virtual meetings are replacing the business trip

07 Oct 04:00 PM

Russell Bell looks at the decline of the business trip and its effect on accommodation.

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Russell Bell: New Whanganui businesses making great progress
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: New Whanganui businesses making great progress

29 Sep 04:00 PM

Russell Bell dishes out the latest business advice

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Russell Bell: Should we double sick leave entitlements?
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Should we double sick leave entitlements?

22 Sep 05:00 PM

Russell Bell: sick leave is a subsidy that is built on trust

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Russell Bell: GDP figures expected to be worst on record
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: GDP figures expected to be worst on record

15 Sep 05:00 PM

Vouchers are available to businesses to better enable them to plan and manage cashflow.

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Russell Bell: Get to the point and make that meeting work
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Get to the point and make that meeting work

07 Sep 09:22 PM

The humble meeting got hijacked by inefficiencies and became a waste creator.

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Russell Bell: Every business is essential in its own way
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Every business is essential in its own way

01 Sep 05:00 PM

Business Zen: The latest tips and advice to keep your business in top shape.

Showing your appreciation helps in pandemic
Whanganui Chronicle

Showing your appreciation helps in pandemic

25 Aug 05:00 PM

It's no surprise that successful people are positive no matter what the conditions are.

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Russell Bell: Border cracks must be fixed
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Border cracks must be fixed

18 Aug 05:00 PM

The uncertainty is damaging to confidence, economics and mental health.

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Russell Bell: What makes a good leader?
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: What makes a good leader?

11 Aug 05:00 PM

What makes a good leader? Russell Bell lists a few must-have characteristics.

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Russell Bell: Get the experts involved from the start
Whanganui Chronicle

Russell Bell: Get the experts involved from the start

04 Aug 05:00 PM

Having the right equipment is crucial to any business undertaking.

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