Star Mid Canterbury

Council had planned a 4.88 per cent rates increase but last week councillors spent more than an hour in a robust debate about whether they should continue as planned for the future good of the district, or cut operating costs and borrow to keep services up with a zero increase in rates.

lan "Mac" McQuarters, Queen's Service Medal recipient for services to the community, patron of the Ashburton Fire Museum and Variety Theatre Ashburton, passed away last week at age 90.

Abbie and Ryan Price were so inspired by their rural neighbours' actions during the lockdown, they built a giant teddy bear to say thanks.