Since the reviews were published, Orana had appointed a new chief executive and employed seven additional exotic animal keepers to work with animals like lions, gorillas and other animals.

Orana Wildlife Park in 'financial crisis' as the money runs out

Questions were now swirling around whether the zoo could survive, as it approached its 50th year of operation in Christchurch.

Fri, Sep 11

2:05

A food pantry in New Brighton, Christchurch.

MSD told thousands food was 'not an essential need'

The Ministry of Social Development declined Special Needs Grant applications on that basis on more than 8000 occasions.

Mon, Sep 7

6:07

An MBIE document showed lines companies were forecast to spend more than $32 billion over the next decade.

Govt targets power line companies as spending forecast hits $32 billion

Everyday consumers picking up the bill, according to a discussion document released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Wed, Aug 19

2:36

The satellite campus at Lagmhor, part of Ashburton Borough School.

'Unsafe': Canterbury school turns off water amid nitrate spike

The satellite campus at Lagmhor, part of Ashburton Borough School, has been trucking in a temporary water supply for the last year and a half.

Sun, Aug 9

3:42

A dialysis machine (file image).

Life-saving dialysis at capacity, forcing some patients into nighttime treatment

The situation is becoming especially acute in Auckland, where dialysis machines are operating at 150% of their normal capacity.

Tue, May 5

3:07

The golden eagle stolen from St David's.

Christchurch bishop's plea over stolen brass eagle: 'Happy to forgive'

"With our forgiveness comes an earnest plea. Give us back our taonga,” the Bishop said.

Sun, Apr 5

2:35

Thousands of church services are currently being held across the country for Easter, as those of the faith mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Kiwi Christians appalled as Bible used to justify Iran war this Easter

Several New Zealand church leaders and scholars are condemning the Trump administration’s use of scripture to frame military action, calling it a betrayal of Christianity’s message of peace and humility.

Fri, Apr 3

3:06

March 2026
Advocacy group Kidney Health New Zealand has warned that the current problems will become more acute in future, due to an increasing demand for dialysis.

Health NZ acknowledges kidney disease care is underfunded

Advocacy group Kidney Health New Zealand warns current problems will become more acute, due to an increasing demand for dialysis.

Mon, Mar 30

3:07

With just 10 permanent residents, the Canterbury settlement has spent years securing consent and funding to fight coastal erosion.

As waves surge, tiny Canterbury community raises $200,000 for seawall

With just 10 permanent residents, the Canterbury settlement of Gore Bay has spent years securing consent and funding to fight coastal erosion.

Tue, Mar 24

2:32

Residents of Amberley Beach, around 35km north of Christchurch, were furious over the possible move.

Council proposes to move beach community amid sea level rise

The work underway at Amberley Beach, around 35km north of Christchurch, is quickly becoming a national test case.

Mon, Mar 23

2:49

Any business that fails to honour the new three-year window is liable to face a fine of up to $1000, per breach. In serious cases, they may even be prosecuted.

Retailers must now honour three-year gift card expiry under new law

New legislation coming into force today requires all retailers to give customers at least three years to use gift cards.

Mon, Mar 16

1:55

A new generation of student volunteers got stuck in, transforming the land into a lush forest.

Student Volunteer Army thriving 15 years on from quakes

A new generation of students have joined the group, which became a symbol of hope after the quake.

Sat, Mar 7

2:34

February 2026
The Christchurch City Council is asking ratepayers whether they want to contribute to the rebuild of Christ Church Cathedral and the Canterbury Museum, among other buildings.

$290m short: Christchurch ratepayers consulted around funding for rebuilds

The Christchurch City Council is asking ratepayers whether they want to contribute to the rebuild of Christ Church Cathedral and the Canterbury Museum, among other buildings.

Fri, Feb 27

Universities welcome the class of 20026 with live music and course schedules.

Students 'cannot survive' on allowance payments, leader says

While preparing for a new year of study, many students say they are struggling to pay for basic essentials such as rent, power and groceries.

Thu, Feb 26

2:08

The inflow of sediment was so severe, experts say the impact will be felt for months.

Drone footage reveals scale of damage from Canterbury floods

The inflow of sediment was so severe, experts say the impact will be felt for months.

Wed, Feb 25

2:21

Hato Hone St John ambulance service has announced it is closing the service in June, citing a change in strategy. 

‘Absolutely devastated’: Volunteer’s plea to save therapy dog service

Hato Hone St John ambulance service has announced it is closing the service in June, citing a change in strategy.

Wed, Feb 18

2:42

Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch.

Mosque terrorist appeal: Court hears details of his prison conditions

The Court of Appeal has been hearing from the Christchurch mosque terrorist's prison officers and former lawyers.

Tue, Feb 10

2:23

Flowers are left outside Masjid an-Nur (Al Noor Mosque).

Mosque killer claims 'wildly fluctuating' mental state behind guilty pleas

The terrorist who killed 51 people at two Christchurch mosques claims he was mentally unwell and "irrational" when he pleaded guilty to his crimes.

Mon, Feb 9

3:48

January 2026
A homicide investigation has been launched.

Teenager in court charged with murder of Burnham woman

The 19-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court this afternoon charged with murdering one woman and assaulting two others.

Tue, Jan 27

0:45

Reverend Toby Behan preaches at a recent sermon at Rangiora's St John the Baptist.

From pirouettes to the pulpit: The surprising past life of a rural vicar

For seven years, Toby Behan has led a busy parish in rural Canterbury — but his life before ministry followed a very different calling.

Mon, Jan 12

3:33

May 2025
While the public weren't informed, police said it adhered to civil aviation regulations and privacy laws surrounding the footage it recorded.

Police used drone to surveil thousands at Chch's Electric Ave festival

The drone operated as an "eye in the sky", hovering at a fixed point a few hundred metres away from the festival.

May 25, 2025

3:29

April 2025
Oliver Watson appearing in court via an audiovisual link.

Claim landowner helped Beckenridge escape alive recanted in new twist

Oliver Watson had initially told police his cousin had admitted he and others had helped provide shelter to the Beckenridges, but rescinded his statements in the Coroner's Court today.

April 23, 2025

2:18

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge.

Evidence in Beckenridge case 'severely contaminated' – expert

A coronial hearing is underway in Christchurch to determine whether Mike Zhao-Beckenridge was murdered or involved in a staged disappearance.

April 22, 2025

2:31

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge, then 11, vanished with his stepfather John Beckenridge in March 2015.

'They are alive': New claims emerge in Beckenridge case

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge went missing in March 2015 after he was picked up from his Invercargill school by his stepfather John Beckenridge.

April 22, 2025

2:37

March 2025
Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch has faced intense scrutiny.

Second senior manager leaves Orana Wildlife Park

The manager of exotic species, who oversaw the team caring for animals like gorillas, giraffes and lions, has resigned amid transformational change at the embattled zoo.

March 27, 2025

2:43