Christchurch's mayor Phil Mauger says the plans have been a huge undertaking and the result doesn't feel like the best outcome. But others are welcoming the certainty of the move.
A search has resumed for a missing woman in Christchurch, as police renew their call for anyone with information - "no matter how small" - to get in touch.
Police knew about the risk of Ahamed Samsudeen committing an attack before an immigration tribunal appeal hearing to determine his deportation, an inquest has heard.
All snow-hit state highways have reopened, including SH80 and 8 in the Mackenzie Country, but motorists should still plan ahead and check the roads before travel, NZTA advises.
Winston Peters says Te Pāti Māori MPs' behaviour performing a haka in Parliament in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill was unprecedented and "unforgivable".
If this week’s frigid weather came as a shock, it is probably because the southern regions have just had one of their warmest and driest Mays on record.