DROUGHT.
A word that is again being increasingly used in the northern parts of the country.
The Covid-19 drama has rather relegated a lack of water in the "north" to "also ran" status when it comes to urgent attention and yet it, along with the "pandemic" crisis, will have a major impact on the economy and well being of a large part of the community.
And it rather begs the question why we, as a nation, don't take the issue of water harvesting more seriously.
During recent downpours (ironically not enough to put a dent in the drought) it was bizarre to see water disappearing off roofs down spouting and into drains although there were "new-builds" where the spouting wasn't connected and gutters on roads were like mini-rivers before heading out to the harbour.
Why isn't mandatory for all residential and commercial "new-builds" (including apartment blocks) to have water retention systems?
Many rural and coastal homes have water tanks so why aren't they compulsory in urban areas when new homes and apartments are built?

IN between news of Adele's new look; a back to the future" rugby competition featuring New Zealand franchises and yet more endless whinging about the Government there has been a significant event that has, seemingly, gone through to the keeper.
The 75th anniversary of  "Victory in Europe" (VE) Day commemorates the end of the Second World War. (Victory over Japan or "VJ" Day is August 15)
To put our current crisis in perspective this is from the wonderful website New Zealand History:
The Second World War was New Zealand's greatest national effort.
About 140,000 men and women were dispatched overseas to serve in fighting formations, 104,000 in 2NZEF, the rest in the British or New Zealand naval or air forces.
In March 1944 there were just under 70,000 New Zealand personnel serving overseas.
Fatal casualties during the conflict numbered 11,928 (Commonwealth War Graves Commission figures).
Post-war calculations indicated that New Zealand's ratio of killed per million of population (at 6684) was the highest in the Commonwealth (with Britain at 5123 and Australia, 3232).

Photo caption: 'New Zealand servicemen celebrate VE Day' in London (Ministry for Culture and Heritage)

SAM Cane - the 28-year-old from Reporoa - is a fine choice to lead the men in black.
Cane - a down-to-earth - bloke has served a decent rugby apprenticeship and will bring stability, humility and plenty of class to the role.
A battle-hardened loose-forward with an excellent skill-set Cane, who was inexplicably left out of the starting lineup in the World Cup semi-final, will inspire on and off-the-field.
* Reporoa is a rural community (farming and forestry mainly) and is a 40 minute drive north of Taupo and about the same south of Rotorua.