Catch crop trials show promise for reducing soil nitrogen Catch crop trials in the Upper Waitaki show strong potential to reduce nitrogen (N) losses and protect water quality in the Ahuriri catchment. The trials offer farmers a practical way to boost winter feed while supporting sustainable land management. Find out how these practices could work…
Christchurch favoured for National Erebus Memorial
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has announced that Christchurch is the preferred location for a memorial, which would honour the 257 people who lost their lives when Flight TE901 crashed in Antarctica on 28 November 1979. The Ministry has paused further exploration of Auckland as a potential location for the Memorial. While the…
Christchurch named one-stop shop for supermarket consenting
In August, the Government announced a single, streamlined building consenting process would be established for grocery stores and a single building consenting authority would be selected to standardise the processes for supermarkets and help enable competition regionally or nationally. Today, the Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced the Council has been selected as the…
Beat the heat with your pooch
Christchurch City Council Acting Animal Services Manager Ivan Trethowen says there’s many things to consider to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable as we head towards the summer period. “Kennels or cars in direct sun light can get incredibly hot and can lead to death in some cases. “If you’re heading out to do…
Date set for Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre opening
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has today announced the official public opening date of Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre. “It’s certainly been a long road, but I know the whole team is thrilled to be preparing for the first event, and then opening the doors to the public,” says Mayor Mauger. Located on Moorhouse Avenue in…
Painting the sky with colour at Kite Day
The annual Kite Day event attracts hundreds of visitors to the seaside suburb to fly kites large and small from all over the world. “Gather up your kites and join in the kite-flying fun or watch as the experts show off their skills flying large groups of kites all together. “It’s open to anyone and…
Canterbury Regional Council Chair responds to government proposals to reform regional councils
Canterbury Regional Council Chair responds to government proposals to reform regional councils At 5pm today, the Government released detailed proposals to fundamentally reshape regional government across New Zealand, including replacing elected regional councillors with interim governing bodies. Source link
Akaroa Wharf focus of photography competition
The wharf, which will up for renewal next year, is the focus of a community photography competition that runs until 31 January 2026. There are three categories – Professional and Amateur; Junior; and People’s Choice. Akaroa Museum director Lynda Wallace says the 137-year-old wharf has played an important role in the landscape of the town….
What's on in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Celebrate Bishopdale 2025 Celebrate Bishopdale is back! Come together as a community to celebrate living in Bishopdale at this free, annual, family event. Enjoy a range of performances, stalls, activities and food. The event is held at Bishopdale Park and includes stage performances from local school groups, artists and organisations. There will be information stalls,…
Major milestone for wastewater treatment plant upgrade
Christchurch City Council has awarded the contract to HEB Construction. The Council is working closely with the contractor to get the site established as soon as possible, with construction expected to start early in the new year. “This is such a major milestone for the project, I’m so thrilled we’re moving forward and can get…
Second to last Council meeting of the year filled with decisions
Second to last Council meeting of the year filled with decisions A plethora of decisions were made in the Council Chambers on Tuam St on Wednesday morning as Canterbury Regional Council met for their second full Council meeting of the triennium to decide committee arrangements. Council confirmed the reappointment of standing committees – and their…
New sculpture for Art Gallery bunker
The outside of the “bunker” – which houses the lift and stairs to the gallery’s underground carpark – has been adorned with abstracted metal shapes evoking plants, animals and insects. Acclaimed Kāi Tahu artist Areta Wilkinson is behind the work, titled Te Mauri o te Puna. Wilkinson says the sculpture connects with the nourishing spring…
New leadership and committees confirmed for 2025–28 triennium
New leadership and committees confirmed for 2025–28 triennium The Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has established its governance structure for the 2025-28 triennium. At the first Ordinary meeting of the new Council on Wednesday 19 November, councillors confirmed members for its five committees, and appointed Chairs and Deputy Chairs to lead those committees. The…
Watch: Stadium progress 150 days out
In a new video, released today, Project Director Kent Summerfield says the hospitality suites, food outlets and seating are almost finished. “The individual food vendors will complete their fit-out and get set up next year, ahead of opening in April,” says Mr Summerfield. The stadium will have 32 food and beverage outlets, serving a range…
Free South Canterbury events to support sustainable farming practices
Free South Canterbury events to support sustainable farming practices If you’re a farmer in South Canterbury, join us for two free, hands-on events in Glenavy this month to strengthen effluent and silage pit management skills, improve compliance, and support long-term environmental sustainability. Designed as part of our Set for Spring series, the sessions will provide…
Tuia programme helps Māhina’s leadership journey
The Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub Operations Leader took part in this year’s Tuia Programme, giving participants the opportunity to connect into a national forum of rangatahi Māori leaders, enhance leadership skills, learn about local government and receive mentorship from the mayor. “I was interested in joining the kaupapa after a friend had gone through…
Reduce nitrogen loss — Join our catch crops field day in Omarama
Reduce nitrogen loss — Join our catch crops field day in Omarama Farmers, don’t let your winter nitrogen go to waste — grow more feed between main crops and pasture renewal. Join us for a field day in Omarama to learn about catch crops from scientists studying their potential in the high-country. Event details Date:…
Free outdoor music returns to Botanic Gardens
Talented local acts will perform on the Archery Lawn from 1 – 4pm over three Sunday afternoons, with concerts on 1 February, 8 February and 22 February. “From emerging artists to well-known Ōtautahi favourites, Summer Sundays always delivers sweet sounds and a laid-back atmosphere,” says Christchurch City Council’s Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore. “Gather…
From your streets to our streams – take action to protect stormwater
From your streets to our streams – take action to protect stormwater This summer, we are encouraging everyone to take simple steps to protect our waterways—starting with being mindful about what ends up in our stormwater drains when you’re out and about. Every time it rains, water washes across our roads, driveways and footpaths—carrying with…
Lyttelton Primary School wins first dibs on Parakiore hydroslides
Schools in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula were invited to create a video explaining why they should be amongst the first to take a ride down Christchurch’s newest hydroslides. Today Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger paid a visit to the school to congratulate Lyttelton students on their winning entry. Parakiore hydroslides Looping Rocket – a trapdoor slide…
Excellence in civil construction
The Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project (Isaac Construction), the Aldwins-Ensors-Ferry Intersection upgrade (Isaac Construction), and the Colombo and Gloucester Street Upgrade (HEB Construction) all received awards at the recent CCNZ ceremony. Head of Transport and Waste Management Lynette Ellis says winning the awards is acknowledgement of the incredible collaboration, dedication, and expertise that each member…
Marine Parade renewal project to begin this month
The project will see road, safety, and accessibility improvements between Hawke Street and Bowhill Road. A section of Marine Parade near Hawke Street will be surfaced with asphalt, as well as kerb and channel renewal, pedestrian safety improvements and bus stop upgrades. The water main between Bowhill Road and Lonsdale Street will also be renewed, including…
Keep busy over the long weekend
Royal A&P Show of New Zealand The Royal A&P Show is kicking off today with three jam-packed days ahead. Enjoy non-stop entertainment from equestrian competitions, shearing, and international woodchopping to helicopter rides, lawn mower racing and even the good old-fashioned gumboot throw. Explore over 400 trade sites, grab a bite to eat at the South…
Keep you and your dog safe from toxic algae this summer
Keep you and your dog safe from toxic algae this summer With summer just around the corner, rivers and lakes across Aotearoa New Zealand are calling — but it’s also the time to watch out for toxic algae that can harm both people and their pets. Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, thrives in warm,…
Ngāi Tahu Land deeds come together at Christchurch Art Gallery
This landmark exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū – developed in partnership with the Ngāi Tahu Archive – illuminates the promises made and the injustices wrought upon Ngāi Tahu by the Crown during a critical period in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. Between 1844 and 1864, most of Te Waipounamu was ‘sold’ to…
Motu Move rolls out in Greater Christchurch
Motu Move rolls out in Greater Christchurch Motu Move, Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Ticketing Solution, has launched in Greater Christchurch. Residents and visitors can now pay for Metro bus and ferry services using contactless credit/debit cards, phones, or smartwatches. Through the National Ticketing Solution (NTS), passengers can now pay for standard non-concession adult fares using…
Safety and water upgrades on Harewood Road get underway
The roading work includes: traffic signals at the intersection of Harewood Road, Gardiners Road and Breens Road a new signalised pedestrian crossing at Harewood School widening the path adjacent to 99 Stanleys Road replacing the kerb on the western side of the Stanleys Road intersection widening the pedestrian refuge island at the Wooldridge Road intersection…
New garden traces Lyttelton's healing history
A new, temporary garden at 2 London Street is bringing the site’s history to life and reimagining aspects of the building that previously stood there. The site was once home to the United Friendly Society Dispensary from 1886 to 1918, and provided healthcare services similar to those now in modern pharmacies and chemists. The garden beds trace the footprint of the dispensary building and are…
Robinsons Bay locals encouraged to protect peninsula from Chilean needle grass
Robinsons Bay locals encouraged to protect peninsula from Chilean needle grass Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula residents are being encouraged to stay vigilant following the recent discovery of Chilean needle grass near Kākakaiau Robinsons Bay, the first known site of this invasive pest plant on the peninsula. The discovery prompted swift action from our…
Christchurch withdraws from further housing intensification
Today the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop approved Christchurch City Council’s withdrawal of the remaining parts of Plan Change 14 – related to applying national Medium-Density Residential Standards (MDRS). “I am absolutely over the moon the Government has allowed us to withdraw from intensifying the rest of Christchurch,” Mayor Phil Mauger said. “We know what’s best for our city, it’s unique character, environment and needs so this decision…























