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News and Updates from the Christchurch City Council
Catering to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, MOVE has just released its class timetable and opened bookings for term one. “From Tiny Tots to older adults, we have classes available to everyone. We’re focussed on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can come in and give anything a go,” says MOVE Acting…
During a workshop with councillors today, staff emphasised that while they support a prudent approach to managing rates, the cap as currently designed is “unrealistic and unworkable”. They cautioned that the model could force cuts to essential services, drive up fees and charges, delay critical infrastructure renewal, and increase reliance on debt – ultimately raising…
The proposed legislation will impose significant new costs on local authorities, create uncertainty in emergency roles, and place new demands on communities without adequate national support. While the Council supports modernising New Zealand’s emergency management framework, it says the Bill lacks clarity in key areas, places unrealistic expectations on local government, and assumes workforce capacity…
The accomplished vocalist and performer will treat the audience to songs made famous by divas Kate Bush, Barbara Streisand and Edith Piaf among others, at a special Valentine’s Day themed Mitre10 Sparks on Saturday 14 February. It’s the 43rd anniversary of the popular open-air concert and the third time Naomi has appeared at the event….
The City to Sea pathway begins from Barbadoes Street in the Central City, and travels through the heart of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC). Once complete, the full pathway will continue to the entrance of New Brighton at Pages Road. Currently, it makes for a smooth winding journey to Avon Park. Grab the whānau,…
The former Community Centre at 10 Shirley Road was damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes and demolished in 2012. Previously, the centre was home to a number or organisations and programmes that contributed towards community connectivity. Following demolition of the building, community activity and demand shifted away from the reserve. The reserve was fitted with recreational…
Earth and marine scientist Dr Joyce Yager knows this better than most and is keen to learn more about the invertebrates that call Whakaraupō home and share this information with the wider community. What’s been found in the marine hotels Invertebrates and other sea creatures found on the marine hotels have included: polychaete worms bryozoans…
Staff will now start preparing the draft plan, which they will then present to councillors in February 2026 before going out for public feedback. Chief Financial Officer Bede Carran says the options have been developed by the new council in a series of workshops held since October’s local elections. “Councillors have workshopped different ways of…
Christchurch City Council contractors collect about 20 to 30 truckloads of recycling every weekday, which equated to 26,167 tonnes over the last year. Throughout 2025, the vast majority of this material was recycled, with just 1 per cent of truckloads sent to landfill due to contamination of non-recyclable material. Resource Recovery Manager Dr Alec McNeil…
Christchurch City Council Acting Animal Services Manager Ivan Trethowen says people love getting out and about with their furry friends over the summer period, but it’s important that everyone sticks to the rules. “This helps keep everyone safe, by protecting swimming and recreation areas that fill up when it is hot.” The Summer Beach Prohibition…
There’s so much art to enjoy at the Gallery right now so plan a visit to immerse yourself in the coolest cultural spot in the city. Plan your visit to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū – the coolest spot in town this summer! Open daily: 10am – 5pm Closed: 25 December (Christmas Day) Late night Wednesdays: open until 9pm (except…
“Every summer when temperatures rise, we see household water demand rise sharply as people water gardens and lawns,” Christchurch City Council’s Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison said. Making small changes can have a big impact on water use and help you avoid charges Hold your hoses! Using a handheld hose or watering can use a lot less water. Water…
The Royal Commission on Abuse in Care, established in 2018, identified that many people who had historically died in psychiatric care had been buried in unmarked plots. In Christchurch, many who died in the former Sunnyside Hospital between the 1890s and the 1980s were interred in Sydenham Cemetery. The full number of unmarked graves in…
The 2026 season of Anthony Harper Summer Theatre is a fun-filled, laugh-a-minute journey into Middle Earth (and back again!) Running from 9-25 January, the show brings you a playful spin on Tolkien’s famous trilogy, says Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore. “Buckle up for an evening filled with irreverent delight. There’ll…
Christchurch City Libraries staff compile a list each year of the most issued books, with In too deep from the Jack Reacher series coming in at number one for 2025. Second and third on the list went to We solve murders by Richard Osman and We all live here by Jojo Moyes while former Prime…
The event, running from 12-18 January 2026, includes 17 programmes, such as robot-themed puppet story sessions, a robot themed scavenger hunt, the technology library van experience, and talks to learn more about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Head of Libraries and Information Erica Rankin says the week is a fun and engaging way for people of all…
The Copenhagenize Index, published every two years, is the most comprehensive and holistic ranking of bicycle-friendly cities in the world. It provides an evidence-based benchmark that tracks how cities across the globe are progressing in making cycling safe, convenient, and mainstream. Planning and Delivery Transport Manager Jacob Bradbury says this is a great result and…
As part of the Place Cadets programme by Gather Landscape Architecture, the primary-school students have spent the last five months undertaking a full co-design process for a play structure in their local park. The project involved mapping their neighbourhood, learning about the park’s wetland history, conducting a site visit, developing a brief, making scale models,…
Thousands flock to the beachside suburb for the annual Kite Day event, with first-timers and seasoned pros alike taking to the skies with their colourful creations. Events and Arts Manager at Christchurch City Council Lucy Blackmore says it always brings a buzz of excitement to New Brighton. “Kite Day is the ultimate family-friendly beach day…
Christchurch City Council Manager of Community Parks Al Hardy says the play space took around two months to build. “We’ve worked with the Scouts to develop the plans, and it’s shaping up to be a really fun place for tamariki to come and play, explore nature and learn about some local history.” The play space…
Located within Te Whare Tapere The Performing Arts Precinct, the carpark holds 61 parks, including five accessible parks. The new carpark will provide easier access to the precinct for audience members, and visitors to the central city. To ensure a focus on supporting nearby venues, the Christchurch City Council granted a license to operate the…
Pool Party – Summer Palooza Round up your friends and whānau for an epic afternoon at Te Hāpua Halswell Summer Pool this Saturday. Bounce, slip, slide, and splash on our slides, bouncy castles, GIANT inflatables, and obstacle course! Plus, enjoy face painting, and a free ice cream courtesy of our mates at Streets. Come along…
Over the last year there have been 31 fires across the collection service, with 26 at the EcoDrop transfer stations, two at the EcoSort (recycling processing facility), one at the organics processing facility and two in kerbside trucks. Batteries that can be dropped into the collection units: Embedded: mobile phones, smoke alarms, vapes, electric toothbrushes…
The intersection of Harewood Road, Gardiners Road and Breens Road will be closed from 5pm Sunday 4 January to 5am Monday 12 January. The current west-bound one-way system on Harewood Road between Watsons Road and Russley Road/State Highway 1 will be in place. Detours will be in place during super week for all road users….
The turf, made up of a “top-secret” blend of seeds, has been growing offsite on the outskirts of Christchurch since March. Over the last few weeks, it has been harvested, transported to the stadium and expertly laid in place. Christchurch City Council has released a new video detailing the process. Subcontractor Terrafirma Turf has grown…
The corpse flower, Amorphophallus titanum, has been growing at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens since 2008 and has only ever flowered one other time five years ago. It originates in the rainforests of Sumatra. Deputy Director Botanic Gardens and Mona Vale Nicky Brown is encouraging garden enthusiasts and people with an interest in the slightly unusual…
Christchurch City Council’s programme of summer events starts on New Year’s Eve and continues throughout January and February. NYE Kids Countdown & NYE25 Celebrate the year-that-was as our free, all-ages New Year’s Eve parties take over North Hagley Park on 31 December. The family-friendly NYE Kids Countdown from 4-7pm has games, live music, dance battles…
Kerbside collection There’s no bin collection on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day From 25 December to 4 January, Thursday and Friday collections will be a day later (Friday and Saturday). There are no changes to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday collections Please put your bin out by 6am, more information can be found on our website…
Pool Party – School’s Out For Summer! What time is it? Summertime! Say goodbye to schoolwork and hello to the ultimate pool party at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre to kick off your summer break. Whether you want to have a splash, test your obstacle course skills, or bounce into summer on a bouncy castle, we’ve…
Spring and stormwater-fed Addington Brook winds through industrial land in the city’s south-west, before passing through South Hagley Park and flowing into the Ōtākaro-Avon River. Previously, the brook faced several challenges within the park including slumping banks, limited drainage capacity, poor biodiversity, and blockages caused by trees. In some areas, the narrow waterway was difficult…