Dylan Smits

Magpie flies free after tower rescue

Mission to free magpie trapped on fire station tower

Firefighters in Christchurch are known for rescuing cats stuck up trees or ducklings trapped in drains - but how about a magpie stuck on a fire station siren tower?

Steak back on the menu for Renee

Renee Veal recovering at St George’s Hospital. She had a total jaw reconstruction and jaw joint...

Steak back on the menu for Renee after jaw operation

Christchurch woman Renee Veal will soon be eating food she has not been able to enjoy for 11 years after she had life-changing jaw surgery this week.

Shooting for global esports glory

Christchurch youth worker shooting for global esports glory

Solomona Faitaua-Nanai played centre on the basketball court at Christchurch and Shirley boys' high schools. Now he is at the centre of the booming world of international esports.

Killer should 'stay in prison forever'

Killer should 'stay in prison forever': Murder victim was only trying to save a cat

Cat Protection League Canterbury board member Robin Thomson says Ashley Peach should "stay in prison forever" for the murder of her colleague Kerry Downey.

Judges dish up a festive feast

Executive Judge Stephen O’Driscoll minds the potatoes at the Salvation Army Christmas lunch....

From the courtroom to the kitchen: Judges dish up a festive feast

Judges traded their robes for aprons in Christchurch to deliver holiday cheer instead of verdicts.

Turning tragedy into action

After her two sons died from alcohol-related causes, Patricia Hailes, 83, has decided to sell...

Turning tragedy into action through sale of alcohol-free beer

Patricia Hailes started selling zero-alcohol beer from her backyard shop after her two sons died of alcohol-related causes earlier his year. Now she hopes to raise awareness of the harms of drinking.

Road closures proposed for red zone

Road closures are being considered in the red zone to try and stop rubbish from being dumped....

Road closures proposed for red zone

Permanent road closures in the Christchurch red zone are being considered to prevent rubbish dumping and help the land re-naturalise.

Berm gardeners test the rules

Edible Streets founder Zane Crofts has planted a food garden on the berm outside his Wainoni home...

Berm gardeners put Christchurch council rules to the test

A gardening group in New Brighton is testing the limits of Christchurch City Council's berm modification policy.

Misaligned water meters cause shock bills

One homeowner received an excess water invoice stating the bill had previously been sent to their...

Misaligned water meters cause shock bills

Ratepayers in Christchurch are receiving surprise excess water bills due to misaligned meters.

Speeding council staff be warned

The city council will consider whether to actively track speed limit violations in staff cars....

Speeding council staff be warned: Big Brother may soon be watching

Christchurch City Council staff may soon be monitored if they break the speed limit in a work vehicle.

Battle for no-man’s land likely to be abandoned

The Coastal Pathway was built to avoid the private properties on Main Rd. The pathway instead...

Battle for no-man’s land likely to be abandoned

Rerouting the Coastal Pathway in front of estuary properties on Main Rd in Redcliffs now appears unlikely.

Taxi drivers’ airport toilet dilemma

The toilet unit is used by hundreds of people multiple times a day. Photo: Supplied

Taxi drivers' Christchurch Airport toilet dilemma

The taxi queue isn’t the only thing backed up at a Christchurch Airport car park.

Developers buy up land as market confidence grows

Oakridge Homes is building about 50 houses in the Milns Green subdivision near Halswell Domain....

Christchurch developers buy up land as confidence in housing market grows

Two of Christchurch’s largest property developers are buying more land to build homes as market conditions improve and interest rates decrease.

Arts Centre food truck consent application paused

Arts Centre food truck consent application paused

The consent application for the controversial food truck market at The Arts Centre is on hold while the terms are negotiated with Christchurch City Council.

The Bridge of Remembrance turns 100

The Bridge of Remembrance. PHOTO: DANIEL ALVEY

The Bridge of Remembrance turns 100

One of Christchurch’s most iconic landmarks will turn 100 on Monday.

Majority want private fireworks banned

The majority of poll respondents were in favour of keeping public fireworks displays but banning...

Majority want private fireworks banned - poll

A poll shows strong support for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks in Canterbury with Guy Fawkes night only days away.

Alleged sexual harassment victim fired for speaking out

A security guard was fired after she questioned her employer’s response to sexual harassment allegations in social media posts.

Watchmaker ensures dying art won’t be lost

Christchurch's heritage clocktowers are an iconic part of the city's history, but what happens if there are no watchmakers around to repair them?

Artistic Santa living retirement to the max

Max Lucas loves to stay active and involved. He took up stitching during Covid-19 and has played...

Artistic Santa living retirement to the max

From a memorable role in a TV ad to making wishes come true as Santa, Max Lucas, 79, tells us his secrets to staying healthy and finding purpose in retirement.

Early bragging rights for Templeton

Early bragging rights for Templeton in Chch mayoralty race

Sara Templeton has a narrow lead over Phil Mauger after the first poll on who could be the city’s next mayor.

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Dylan Smits