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.
Parliament has confirmed the unprecedented punishments proposed for Te Pāti Māori MPs who performed a haka in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill.