Another fire, another reason to ban fireworks
Opinion: Another fire, another reason to ban fireworks
After fireworks set off a big blaze in Canterbury overnight, John MacDonald asks is it time we got rid of them?
Star Opinion
Christchurch police need an Eagle helicopter
Opinion: Christchurch police need an Eagle helicopter
The time has come for Canterbury to have a permanent police helicopter, writes John MacDonald.
The increasing speculation about Ardern quitting
Bryce Edwards: The increasing speculation about Jacinda Ardern quitting
PM Jacinda Ardern flies to Antarctica today, and her media spin doctors will be hoping for some good photo opportunities to lift the leader’s popularity. But they will be asking a lot, writes Bryce Edwards.
Will the real Phil Mauger please stand up
John MacDonald: Will the real Phil Mauger please stand up
I was confused about what Phil Mauger's priorities actually were before the election - and since he won the Christchurch mayoralty I'm even more confused, writes John MacDonald.
Record low voter turnout on the horizon
Record low voter turnout on the horizon
The vast majority of people are not inspired by what candidates have to offer and are not convinced voting in the local body elections really matters, Bryce Edwards writes.
'Don't take personal safety for granted'
John MacDonald: 'Don't take personal safety for granted'
How much of a hero was the passerby who pulled over and intervened to stop a man who was attempting to kidnap a woman in Fendalton?
Fboy Island scandal: What was TVNZ even thinking?
Fboy Island scandal: What was TVNZ even thinking?
The casting controversy surrounding FBoy Island has led to scrutiny about the role a public broadcaster should play in society.
30km/h limit won't 'make one iota of difference'
John MacDonald: 30km/h speed limits won't 'make one iota of difference'
John MacDonald questions a plan to reduce the speed limit on most major Christchurch roads - including Riccarton, Colombo St South, Papanui and Ferry Rds - to 30km/h.
Housing intensification: One size does not fit all
Lianne Dalziel: Housing intensification - 'one size does not fit all'
When it comes to housing intensification rules, the message from Christchurch is loud and clear - one size does not fit all, writes Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
Thumbs up for Chch flipping the bird at Govt
John MacDonald: Thumbs up for Chch flipping the bird at Govt
Right from the outset, the Govt's new housing intensification policy was a dog of an idea, writes John MacDonald.
We loved the Queen - but we don't need a holiday
We loved the Queen - but we don't need a holiday
A public holiday to mark the Queen's death "is not necessarily the mark of respect the Government may think it is", writes John MacDonald.
The Queen and Maori - a relationship based on mutual respect
The Queen and Maori - a relationship based on mutual respect
Within Maoridom the Queen's passing is met with sadness and gratitude.
A long way from home
A long way from home
Last week’s death of an off-duty New Zealand soldier fighting against the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights the sensitivity of international relations around this war.
Opinion: Jacinda Ardern - the part-time DJ dancing on a pin
Opinion: Jacinda Ardern - the part-time DJ dancing on a pin
We know Jacinda Ardern likes to do a bit of DJing in her spare time. But yesterday she was the one doing the dancing for a change. And it wasn't on the dance floor, writes John MacDonald.
Opinion: Taking prisoners - school election changes needed
Opinion: Taking prisoners - school election changes needed
When our kids were younger, I served a couple of terms on the board at our local primary school and it never entered my mind some of the members might be ex-prisoners, writes John MacDonald.
Govt MP blows whistle on 'rampant' parliamentary bullying
Govt MP blows whistle on 'rampant' parliamentary bullying
Much has been said this week about bullying and the abysmal culture of our political parties which, in my opinion, continue to betray the trust of our voters, writes Labour MP Gaurav Sharma.
Give Guildford his 1st division second chance
Opinion: Give Zac Guildford his 1st division second chance
There's a bit of you-know-what going down at the Woodend Rugby Club over whether former All Black Zac Guildford should be taken on as a coach, writes John MacDonald.
This is how you deal with a bully
Opinion: Attention PM Jacinda Ardern - this is how you deal with a bully
If we gave out medals for dealing with bullies, the National Party would win gold and Labour would probably crash and burn in the semis, writes John MacDonald.
Simon Barnett: Why I love Christchurch
Simon Barnett: Why I love Christchurch
It can be hard to explain just what makes a city so special - but what it really comes down to is how it makes you feel, writes Simon Barnett.
How will a new water authority deal with flooding?
Gerry Brownlee: How would Christchurch's flooding woes be managed under a new water authority?
Would the response to flooding problems "be better or worse if Christchurch water assets and ongoing management of them were in the hands of a whole of the South Island water authority?"