How does Christchurch City Council assess the health of its trees it is responsible for? We use industry best practice for assessing and managing our trees. The Council has a regular maintenance programme for managing its trees which includes an assessment of tree health. When assessing the health of an individual tree, the Council has an…
Activities in Christchurch to avoid the winter blues
He Puna Taimoana – New Brighton Hot Pools Relax and unwind at the New Brighton Hot Pools! Located just 15 minutes from central city, there’s something for everyone at He Puna Taimoana – from family fun to full relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the stunning ocean views while soaking in five luxurious hot pools. Step into…
Public briefing on increased rates rise
Watch the briefing here. Consultation on the Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2023/24, which proposed an overall average rates increase of 5.68%, ran across March and April. Based on this public feedback, and some new developments which will affect the Council’s spending in the coming year, the new proposed rates increase is 7.88%. Chief Executive Dawn…
Hamilton’s economy performs strongly despite challenging headwinds – Hamilton City Council
Hamilton continues to have one of the country’s best performing economies, with GDP surging past the $13 billion mark for the first time. Hamilton City Council has published its 2022 Annual Economic Report, giving an unrivalled insight into Hamilton’s economy, development and people during the 2022 calendar year. Hamilton’s economy performs strongly despite challenging headwinds…
“Animals deserve respect” – National Animal Rights Day this Sunday – SAFE For Animals
This Sunday, 4 June, Wellington and Christchurch will join over 300 cities worldwide in observing the National Animal Rights Day. The events remember the billions of animals who lose their lives each year due to human actions, and acknowledge the advancements made to end the suffering of animals. All are welcome to participate. SAFE CEO…
A Minute with Marco – June
A Minute with Marco – June Welcome back to Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead Marco Cataloni’s column. Kia ora everyone, Can you believe we’re in June already? 2023 is flying by! Soil Conservation and Revegetation Programme widens its scope Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead Marco Cataloni One exciting update…
Downward property market momentum remains, but for how long? – CoreLogic
Property values across Aotearoa NZ continued to fall in May, down 0.7%, but the annual rate of change has eased, providing tentative evidence the current downturn is winding up. Nationally, average values are 10.2% lower than the same month last year and $121,000 below their peak, but still $194,000 higher than the pre-COVID level (March…
Home values ‘holding steady’ in Ashburton, Waimate and Mackenzie – Quotable Value
Just six districts across New Zealand are still showing positive home value growth annually. Half of them are in Canterbury. With May’s figures yet to be finalised, the QV House Price Index for April showed home values had fallen by an average of 13.3% nationally over the past 12 months. Across the wider Canterbury region,…
‘Extinction Rebellion Otautahi deputation on Tarras Airport’
Kia ora koutou, …ko Sara Campbell tenei, I’m speaking today on behalf of Extinction Rebellion Otautahi, Council behaviour and the behaviour of council owned companies As we cannot make good decisions without a good understanding of the facts. I’ll start with a few facts about the climate and biodiversity crisis. The last eight years have…
‘Another world first for Christchurch Airport’
Christchurch Airport has signed up to buy the world’s first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck to operate at an airport. A newly signed contract means the airport and Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer International AG will together bring the ‘green’ truck down under. Head of Aviation Operations Tim Morris says it’s another step towards Christchurch Airport having an…
Timelapse showcases wetland construction from the ground up
The timelapse from April 2021 to February 2023 taken by contractors Grounds and Services Limited shows a section of Quarry Road Stream in the foreground, with Hoon Hay Basin in the background. Christchurch City Council Acting Head of Three Waters Brent Smith says the next stage of the 109-hectare network of basins and wetlands is…
Survey opens on Park Terrace changes
Christchurch City Council has recently reduced northbound traffic on Park Terrace to one lane and added a separated cycleway so is now looking for feedback on how the changes work for all road users. “The works were installed under a Temporary Traffic Management Plan, however staff will present a report to the Waipapa/Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board…
Christchurch's chlorine roll-out to begin this week
On 9 May Government water regulator Taumata Arowai advised that it intends to decline Christchurch City Council’s first chlorine exemption applications. Chlorine timing Brooklands-Kainga introduced later this week – suburbs impacted Brooklands, Kainga, Spencerville Parklands and Rawhiti introduced week 5 June – suburbs impacted Aranui, Avondale, Bexley, Burwood, Marshland, Mairehau, Parklands, Queespark, New Brighton, North…
First look at the concept design for a new South Library and Service Centre
Damaged in the 2010/2011 earthquakes, the popular community facility has been made safe to occupy with temporary strengthening, but the Council is considering a rebuild that will future-proof the facility for decades to come. Even setting aside the earthquake damage, the South Library and Service Centre building opened in 2003 and is due for an…
‘Fire and Emergency New Year’s Honours recipients recognised’
Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers and staff from Tikokino, Mapua, Blenheim, Porirua, NgÄruawÄhia and Omarama were presented with their Royal Honours by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House in Wellington today. “These six worthy recipients have dedicated years to helping their communities become stronger, safer, and more resilient both through their roles…
Burn ‘warmer, cheaper’ this winter to help improve our air quality
Burn ‘warmer, cheaper’ this winter to help improve our air quality As the infamous Canterbury frosts start to bite, people across the region are firing up their wood burners to stay warm. We all want to improve our air quality so we can have cleaner, healthier air to breathe. Our Warmer Cheaper campaign is all…
Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programme – Andersen
The Government is continuing to support retailers with additional funding for the highly popular Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme, Police and Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. “The Government is committed to improving retailers’ safety,” Ginny Andersen said. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference fog cannons are making. Not only do they help prevent crime, but…
Plan to restore Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon kicks off
Plan to restore Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon kicks off The Timaru community is being encouraged to get involved in a collaborative project to restore Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon and its surrounding catchment. ‘Our Waitarakao’ Washdyke Lagoon Catchment strategy is a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, the Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury, and Timaru District Council to…
Te Pukenga graduates celebrate at graduation ceremonies – Open Polytechnic
Seven hundred graduates from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand received their diplomas and degrees from the Open Polytechnic | Te PÅ«kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, either at graduation ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or in absentia, in May 2023. Three graduate speakers (one at each ceremony) provided inspirational messages of how…
Extra time for Responsible Dog Owners to pay registration
Christchurch City Council is sending dog registration reminders out to all dog owners at the same time this year. The annual registration reminder contains a customer number and payment reference needed to process payment. Dog owners with RDO status, who are eligible for a reduced rate, usually receive their reminders in May, with a due…
Library Matariki events to shine a light on Puaka
The Māori New Year is traditionally marked by the rising of the star cluster Matariki. Christchurch City Libraries Kaitakawaenga, Māori Services, Maatakiwi Wakefield says this year, the star Puaka will share focus alongside Matariki in the Christchurch City Libraries’ celebration. “Puaka plays a special role in the South Island, rising three days before the Matariki…
Canterbury Researcher to investigate hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease
Seeing things that aren’t there – Canterbury researcher awarded funding to investigate hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease Dr Kyla-Louise Horne was just 16-years-old when her grandma, who had Parkinson’s disease, passed away. Now, 16 years later, she’s dedicating her research to improving the lives of those who suffer from the debilitating brain disorder, for…
Wolfbrook Property Group secures naming rights for ‘premier entertainment arena’
Wolfbrook Property Group is proud to announce its partnership with Venues Åtautahi as the naming rights partner of Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch. “Wolfbrook Arena entertains thousands of people every year and has become an iconic venue for the South Island so we couldn’t be happier to partner with Venues Åtautahi as the naming rights partner…
Why high school kids are saying ‘yeah, nah’ to alcohol
Striking differences in the way high school students socialise may be one of the reasons behind a dramatic drop in youth drinking over the last 20 years, a study from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found. Public health researcher Dr Jude Ball has compared attitudes to drinking among high school students in 1999-2001 to…
Will Jordan re-signs with NZR, Crusaders, Tasman
Will Jordan has become the latest All Black to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle. The 25-year-old from Christchurch has also recommitted to the Crusaders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific and will continue to be aligned with Tasman in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. Jordan is…
DoorDash celebrates one year in New Zealand with burger deal
DoorDash celebrates one year in New Zealand with limited edition burger deal Grab a $0 burger- from some of New Zealand’s top restaurants only until 4th June! DoorDash has officially been in New Zealand for one year, and to celebrate they are sharing the love with $0 burgers- in Wellington and Christchurch. From today until…
First step on the property ladder is shrinking – Quotable Value
Quotable Value’s latest figures show home values have fallen further on average at the bottom of the property ladder than at the top. The QV Quartile Index tracks the value movements of the 25% most and least expensive houses across the country’s main urban centres. It shows values in the lower quartile have fallen by…
Two brand new health facilities opened in Christchurch – Ayesha Verrall
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded from the $836.1 million mental…
Singapore Airlines adding extra summer flights direct to Christchurch
Direct flights between Christchurch and Singapore have taken South Islanders across the world for almost 40 years now, and this summer there will be even more flights available. Singapore Airlines has announced an extra 40 flights three times a week from November 19, as well as the daily year-round service. General Manager of Aeronautical Development,…
AA looks back on 120 years of keeping Kiwis moving
The New Zealand Automobile Association is marking its 120th anniversary today reflecting on some memorable Member moments. AA Chief Executive Nadine Tereora says, “We’ve had no shortage of variety to look back on!” The Association first began on May 26 in 1903 when Dr George Thomas Humphrey de Clive Lowe along with a small group…