Meridian Energy wants to be able to draw more water from Canterbury's largest hydro lake for up to three winters in a row without needing special approval from Transpower. But locals and experts have questions about the plan.

One person has serious injuries, while another is moderately hurt after a crash in Oamaru.

The government has intervened over Waitaki District Council's rejected water plan that was set to cost ratepayers an extra $200 a month.

Since he started looking up at the night sky in wonder as a boy, astronomy has fascinated Canterbury photographer Tom Rae. Now he is a leading light in the specialist field of landscape astrophotography.

Police have released the name of the Timaru man who died following a motorcycle crash on Saturday.

Police have decided to cancel a proposed restructure of its services in Canterbury after staff and community feedback.

A former roommate of Anaru Moana has told the High Court at Christchurch about a violent beating he endured by a group of attackers searching for the Canterbury man before he was killed.

Environment Canterbury has been accused of political grandstanding after councillors declared a "nitrate emergency" at their final meeting on Wednesday.