Star Mid Canterbury

Espionage, intrigue in Ashburton author's latest book

Rachel Booth, caught in the children's library at Ashburton, is the author of the Mr Is School...

Espionage, intrigue in Ashburton author's latest book

The espionage and intrigue surrounding the Mr Is School for Spies has been solved in the latest tale by Ashburton author, Rachel Booth.

Smoke alarms warn occupants

The value of smoke alarms was illustrated during an incident at a Canterbury home.

Water testing raises nitrate concerns

Water testing raises concerns over nitrate levels

Greenpeace has highlighted concerns about two urban water supplies in Canterbury after its testing showed high nitrate levels.

Crash-prone rail bridge to be fixed by Christmas

The Tinwald Viaduct is the most struck bridge in New Zealand. PHOTO: FILE

Canterbury's crash-prone rail bridge to be fixed by Christmas

Repairs will finally begin on the Tinwald Viaduct in Canterbury next week, almost four months since it was closed after being struck by an excavator being towed on a trailer.

New Four Square owners gift $5 vouchers to locals

Mike and Catherine Thomas outside their new store in one of Rakaia’s best-known buildings. Photo:...

New Four Square owners gift $5 vouchers to locals

The doors to a sparkling new Four Square have been opened alongside State Highway 1 in Rakaia.

Kids-only festive store getting ready to open

From left - Hakatere Marae assistant marae co-ordinator India Rikihana, co-ordinator Tania Reuben...

Kids-only festive store getting ready to open

Excitement is building around a Canterbury Christmas shop which will be exclusively for children aged 5-12.

Mayors brace for plan to scrap regional councils

Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon. PHOTO: JONATHAN LEASK/LDR

Canterbury mayors brace for plan to scrap regional councils

Canterbury mayors say they have "a lot to digest" in the proposal to scrap regional councils.

Endangered gulls return to nesting site

The gulls nesting on the Ashburton River at the SH1 bridge. PHOTO: SUSAN SANDYS

Endangered gulls return to nesting site near SH1

A breeding colony of about 40 black-billed gulls has settled in the Ashburton River near the SH1 bridge, much less than last year’s colony of about 4000 at the site.

How to hook a giant salmon

Christchurch sculptor Phil Price checked the Rakaia salmon's inner hardware was in working order before it is moved to his Waltham workshop.

Viaduct collapse risk revealed

An engineer's report on the damage to the Tinwald Viaduct after a crash in June says another impact would heighten the risk of the bridge collapsing.

Merv's big challenge to set world record

Eighty-nine-year-old Cantabrian Merv Grewar is planning to break a world record.

New site for school's community classroom

Southern Health School has been supporting students in Canterbury who are too unwell to attend school - and it now has a new community classroom space in the region.

Hotel powers up in the sun

A Canterbury hotel is installing solar panels to provide a more environmentally friendly service.

Christchurch hemp processor on the move

Christchurch hemp processor and manufacturer Rubisco’s shift to an Ashburton facility will pave the way for a $20 million to $30m expansion plan.

60yo survives widowmaker heart attack

Mark Smith was in hospital for assessment and surgery after the event. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

'Take warning signs seriously': 60-year-old Cantabrian survives widowmaker heart attack

When Mark Smith started experiencing a persistent twinge in his upper chest, he thought he had pulled a muscle. But instead, it was something much more serious.

Vintage 'sapphires' and 'gems' on show

Armstrong Siddeley’s last of the line, a 1960 Star Sapphire. PHOTO: BERNARD EGAN

Vintage 'sapphires' and 'gems' on show

Armstrong Siddeley were renowned for making luxury vehicles, marketed to the top echelons of society. Car enthusiast Bernard Egan went along for a look when a group of owners recently gathered in Canterbury.