/news/national/christchurch/rss 九一星空无限 Keep up with the latest news from around the Canterbury region with 九一星空无限talk ZB. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 02:10:03 Z en /news/national/christchurch/new-year-s-eve-weather-rain-cancels-christchurch-fireworks-and-concert-wind-and-showers-set-to-ease-near-midnight/ /news/national/christchurch/new-year-s-eve-weather-rain-cancels-christchurch-fireworks-and-concert-wind-and-showers-set-to-ease-near-midnight/ The weather is already putting a damper on New Year’s Eve festivities, forcing one concert and fireworks show to be cancelled, but showers and high winds are tipped to ease for most areas as midnight approaches. A MetService-issued heavy rain watch for Wairoa, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay will remain active until 10pm today, with isolated thunderstorms and torrential rain possible until then. Planned New Year’s Eve events in the area were still likely to go ahead, with conditions forecast to change this evening. The Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne is coming to an end tonight. In Christchurch, though, heavy rainfall overnight last evening has left the grounds at Hagley Park North sodden and forced the council to cancel the earlier children’s event and midnight countdown and fireworks show. 📡 Radar updateA low-pressure system to the east spreads rain across the North Island today 🌧Heavy Rain Watches are in force for eastern areas 🟡Rain should ease off in the north towards NY, but showers stick around south of Gisborne and New Plymouth 🌦 pic.twitter.com/A9e3OGDLte— MetService (@MetService) December 30, 2024 The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said Christchurch received more than a third of its average December rainfall in the last 24 hours, with 46 millimetres of rain recorded in the city and 73mm recorded at Akaroa. For Auckland, meanwhile, MetService forecast the expected heavy and thundery showers about the west of the city to clear and become fine into the evening. Strong winds gusting to 90km/h in exposed places should also ease, the forecaster said. The first day of 2025 was likely to be partly cloudy with some isolated showers in the city, but these should clear in the evening, MetService said. It was expected to reach 22C tomorrow and 23C on Thursday. Strong wind in Northland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupō regions was also slated to ease into the evening. Wellington’s wind was forecast to ease closer to midnight, but showers were expected to continue tomorrow. Showers were forecast for Christchurch into the night but winds there were also likely to ease. A cloudy first day of the year was forecast for the Garden City, with showers becoming less frequent from late morning and clearing in the evening. Western and southern parts of the country were expected to avoid the worst of the weather. Clear skies were expected in Queenstown tonight, MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said, with the Rhythm and Alps music festival in its second night at Cardrona Valley. Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022. Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:14:43 Z /news/national/christchurch/emergency-services-respond-to-christchurch-house-fire-smoke-billowing-across-st-martins/ /news/national/christchurch/emergency-services-respond-to-christchurch-house-fire-smoke-billowing-across-st-martins/ A residential house fire in Christchurchcity has sent smoke through the suburb while fire crews work to put out the blaze. Fire and Emergency Services(Fenz) responded just before 12pm after receiving multiple calls about a housefire in St Martins. They sent two appliances. A Fenz spokesperson said the fire is in a single-storey house and they have not had to extricate anybody. “We’re not aware of anyone inside the house, however, we are still working on the scene to establish this.” Police are assisting fire crews with traffic control on a section of Wilsons Rd. “Far as I’m aware all people are accounted for,” said a police spokesperson. More to come. Smoke can be seen drifting across St Martins. Photo / Sam Hoeflich Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:02:01 Z /news/national/christchurch/canterbury-ice-rink-curling-tragedy-victor-schikker-s-family-in-shock/ /news/national/christchurch/canterbury-ice-rink-curling-tragedy-victor-schikker-s-family-in-shock/ A father-of-three and well-respected stock agent has died after falling and hitting his head while curling at a local ice rink. Victor Schikker, 67, died in hospital yesterday after the fall at Staveley Ice & Curling Rink in Mid Canterbury on Friday. His family say it was a tragic accident during an event that Schikker, who has worked with PGG Wrightson for 49 years, had organised himself. Schikker was airlifted in critical condition after falling backwards and hitting his head on the ice, it’s understood. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they responded to the ice-skating rink shortly before 4pm with one ambulance and a helicopter. Police said the death would be referred to the coroner. Staveley Ice skating rink in Mid Canterbury. A spokesman for the Staveley Hall Society, which manages the ice rink, declined to comment out of respect for the person’s family. He said the incident had occurred during a private curling function. It is the second death at an ice-skating rink in Canterbury in two weeks. The death comes less than two weeks after 13-year-old Kymani Hiley-Hetaraka died after suffering a catastrophic fall while ice skating on a school trip. Kymani was transported to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition on the morning of July 30 after the incident at the city’s Alpine Ice Sports Centre. Her family said that she had suffered an unsurvivable head injury. Two days after the incident, a family member announced Kymani had passed away in hospital. Curtis Gwatkin and Maraea Hetaraka, Kymani’s parents, say their “baby” should not have had to die for something to change and that she should have been wearing a helmet. In July, former Olympic speed skater Andrew Nicholson said he was lucky to be alive after falling through a frozen dam in Central Otago. Nicholson, who earned a fourth place in a skating event at the 1992 Winter Olympics, was skating at Lower Manorburn Dam when he moved 3m from the thick ice markers and fell through the ice. “I went in instantly, over my head in water and cries unheard,” Nicholson said in a post on social media. Nicholson told the Herald he realised he’d made a “big mistake”. Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:52:04 Z /news/national/christchurch/house-fire-caused-by-makeup-mirror-robs-canterbury-family-of-home-and-beloved-pets/ /news/national/christchurch/house-fire-caused-by-makeup-mirror-robs-canterbury-family-of-home-and-beloved-pets/ A destructive fire ripped through Louise and Taylah Eder’s home, robbing them of their belongings and beloved pet dogs – and now they face the daunting task of piecing their lives back together.  The Canterbury house fire has been described by Fire and Emergency (Fenz) staff as “one in a million”.  Specialist fire investigator Mitchell Jeffrey said the most probable cause was sunlight hitting a magnified makeup mirror, reflecting onto a couch and causing it to ignite.  “I would just like to remind people to keep magnifying mirrors out of sunlight, it is rare, but it is one of these things that do happen,” Jeffrey said.  Taylah and her mother Louise were out working on July 24 when they found out their Swannanoa home was engulfed in flames.  Louise and Taylah Eder were out when they were told their Canterbury home had been destroyed.  Taylah told the Herald the harrowing events of that day.  “I missed a call from mum in the middle of the day, which is a bit odd, because she works during the day and can’t have the phone on her,” Taylah said.  “As soon as I saw her call, I knew something was wrong. She just said, ‘the house is on fire’.  “I immediately thought of the dogs, they were inside.”  Taylah arrived at her house to see a cluster of firefighters and her mum, holding their two dogs, Beau and Bel.  Both of them died as a result of the fire.  The Eder's dogs, Beau and Bel, both died in the house fire on July 24.  “I saw the house and looked at them and just collapsed to the ground,” Taylah said.  A Fenz spokesman said 25 crew members were working on the scene at the height of the blaze.  “Crews entered the cottage to find two dogs,” he said.  “Significant attempts were made to revive the animals but they were unsuccessful.”  Louise’s partner, Scott, and a group of their close friends were there, doing everything they could to help.  “They’re just the best people on earth, we’re so lucky,” said Taylah.  The next day, Louise and Taylah returned to the house to salvage what they could.  “We managed to grab a few precious things, like jewellery and dog collars … not everything was destroyed but it’s more a matter of if things are even salvageable,” she said.  Despite losing so much, Taylah and her mother are grateful it wasn’t any worse.  “I guess at the end of the day, things are just things … but I just want to remind people to hug their dogs,” she said.  Bel died as a result of the blaze at the Eders' home in Swannanoa on July 24.  “They were a part of the family.  “We’re very thankful that none of us were inside … my sister, usually we all have dinner on a Wednesday, and she’s usually at the house … so she could have very well been inside and been asleep.”  A Givealittle page set up by Taylah’s friend Lily Toulson was launched to help the family recoup their losses.  Taylah Eder says their dogs Beau (pictured) and Bel were a part of the family.  “I was just devastated for them, I cried … they have been through so much these past few years,” Toulson said.  “Starting the Givealittle was the very least I could do.”  In less than 24 hours, the page had raised more than $8000.  “It’s honestly just a reflection of them, because they’re the most beautiful people, you know. They would do anything for anyone,” Toulson said.  “They just have this natural gift of making anyone feel welcome. I’m so grateful that people have been able to give what they can.  “When I posted it, I said it’s a koha. Koha means whatever you have, there’s no set amount. It’s just what you can give,” she said.  Taylah and Louise aren’t accustomed to being on the receiving end of generosity.  “I guess it hasn’t sunk in what’s happened, and that we really do need this help,” Taylah said.  “We’re just trying to remind ourselves that we’d do the same for our friends in this situation.”  An investigation into the fire is under way.  Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based Multimedia Journalist and breaking news reporter.  Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:11:19 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-s-orana-wildlife-park-former-volunteer-unsurprised-by-animal-welfare-allegations/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-s-orana-wildlife-park-former-volunteer-unsurprised-by-animal-welfare-allegations/ Popular Christchurch zoo hit with raft of new allegations  Claims include several animals deaths going unreported, including giraffe found dead in enclosure  Now, a former volunteer has spoken out, saying she is not surprised by the claims  A former Orana Wildlife Park volunteer says she is unsurprised by allegations of poor welfare standards at the Christchurch zoo, claiming the issues are long-standing.  More than 20 serving and former staff members have detailed several animal deaths to 1九一星空无限, some of which had not previously been reported.  The investigation revealed two giraffes died within two months of each other, one of which dislocated its neck.  The other was a newborn found dead by employees in a neighbouring rhino enclosure, the morning after reportedly arriving unexpectedly.  1九一星空无限 also outlined a gorilla’s death by infection after pleas for treatment were ignored, and an otter that died after it got trapped in a pool suction pipe when the filter cap fell off.  Serena Smith volunteered at the park from 2009 until the end of 2014.  She told 九一星空无限 she witnessed multiple “eyebrow-raising” moments with animals during her tenure.  Smith recounted when a baby rhino was due to be born, and a conflict among the crash (group) caused an adult male to be injured.  Despite the wound looking “pretty serious” and in need of proper medical attention, Smith claimed the issue got “shoved aside by management”.  “They were like ‘it will be fine, just add ointment to it’,” she said.  The former volunteer said understaffing was a major issue during her time at Orana, and it was clear the “lack of staff and attention really affected the animals and their care”.  Smith said she chose to leave then because issues were worsening, and it’s clear since then those problems have gone unaddressed and worsened.  “I’m not surprised at all ... but part of me is hurt, upset, angry and frustrated at how bad things have gotten.”  She said she was brought to tears after seeing recent images from past and present staffers of specific animal welfare incidents and injuries.  “I absolutely cried ... especially seeing the gorilla, that really upset me ... seeing the pain in his face.”  However, she acknowledged it was not the fault of keepers, who were doing their best and trying to get the animal the medical attention it required.  Smith hopes the investigations “open up people’s eyes”, and the public will stop supporting its operations.  She said that included Christchurch City Council, which recently committed $1.5 million in funding for the wildlife park over three years.  She said cash was “pointless” when it did not guarantee the safety of animals.  Smith believes the best way forward is an outright closure.  She thinks animals should be homed in other zoos and given the rehab they need.  “If there are animals that can’t be transferred, at least put them down, just so you know they’re out of their misery.”  Meanwhile, animal welfare advocates are calling for MPI to urgently step in.  Safe chief executive Debra Ashton said the reported animal deaths were “very concerning”, but acknowledged it was difficult to comment without all the information.  She said she expected MPI to investigate, to ensure the park’s animals “are being taken care of appropriately and that the voices of the staff are being listened to”.  Blake Benny is a Christchurch-based reporter with a focus on tourism and social issues, along with general news.  Blake joined 九一星空无限talk ZB in 2022, having previously studied broadcast journalism at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.  You can contact Blake at blake.benny@nzme.co.nz  Sun, 21 Jul 2024 23:13:18 Z /news/national/christchurch/pou-whenua-overlooking-lyttelton-harbour-stolen/ /news/national/christchurch/pou-whenua-overlooking-lyttelton-harbour-stolen/ A symbolic pou whenua sculpture on the John Jameson lookout on Summit Rd in the Christchurch Port Hills has been stolen. The Ōrongomai sculpture, made by Ngāti Wheke carver Caine Tauwhare, was carved from totara for the Summit Rd Society and symbolises the significance of Ōrongomai to Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke. The sculpture was carved from totara for the Summit Rd Society. Photo / Ngāi Tahu “The carving is shaped like a taringa (ear) and evokes the nearby peak, Ōrongomai, which means ‘the place where voices are heard’,” a joint statement from the Summit Road Society and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke said. The lookout, where the sculpture was stolen from, is named after Summit Road Society founder John Jameson. His daughter, Paula Jameson, the society’s acting president, said she was devastated by the theft. “We put years into creating the lookout in memory of my father, and the pou whenua is integral to it. We’ve had so much positive feedback from the community about it since it was installed and to lose it now is devastating.” The society commissioned Caine Tauwhare to create a pou whenua (post marker) when it redeveloped the lookout. The society commissioned Caine Tauwhare to create a pou whenua (post marker) when it redeveloped the lookout. Photo / Ngāi Tahu The theft was reported to police on April 2 after the sculpture was taken sometime over the Easter weekend. “I don’t know who did this or why, but it makes me sad. I just want them to bring it back,” Tauwhare said. The carving is 1.5m tall and stood on a 2.5m high plinth, weighing about 60kg. It was also fixed in with bolts, that were welded in place. “They would have needed to cut it out with a grinder,” Tauwhare said. “It would have taken three or four people to get it off and carry it.” Mon, 08 Apr 2024 03:11:02 Z /news/national/christchurch/passed-the-child-out-the-top-window-blaze-at-christchurch-apartments/ /news/national/christchurch/passed-the-child-out-the-top-window-blaze-at-christchurch-apartments/ A child was passed out of the window of a burning building and half-dressed residents were being rushed into ambulances as firefighters battled a large apartment fire in Christchurch last night. Four Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) appliances were sent to fight the blaze which was reported shortly before 10pm on New Brighton Rd in the suburb of Shirley. “All persons are accounted for but there are some injuries to patients. We are unsure what those injuries are,” Fenz said. Hato Hone St John was advised of the fire at 9.54pm and dispatched two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager to the scene. Four fire appliances are in attendance on New Brighton Rd. Photo / George Heard It was treating three patients, one with serious injuries and two with moderate injuries. A witness, who asked not to be named, told the Herald they heard a loud bang before plumes of smoke erupted from the apartment block. They said they saw a mother and child on the top floor of the building. Fire crews are battling a 'well involved' fire at an apartment in the Christchurch suburb of Shirley this evening. Photo / George Heard “The mum passed the child out the top window and two boys from the street were underneath and caught her,” they said. Afterwards the mother climbed through the top window and dropped to the ground, said the witness. A Fenz spokesman said fire investigators would attend the scene around 9am today to determine the cause of the blaze. A witness told the Herald a child was passed from the top window of the apartment. Photo / George Heard Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:05:03 Z /news/national/christchurch/spreading-rapidly-smoke-warning-for-christchurch-as-fire-rips-through-forest/ /news/national/christchurch/spreading-rapidly-smoke-warning-for-christchurch-as-fire-rips-through-forest/ Homes have been evacuated as fire crews battle a large fire that’s been blazing in forest near the Waimakariri River. The fire, on the Old West Coast Rd near Kirwee in the Selwyn District, has burnt through 80 hectares of pine forest, scrub and farmland since around 10pm last night and is not yet contained. Seven helicopters and eight fresh crews of firefighters have been brought in this morning to help fight the blaze. Police evacuated a number of homes last night and many other residents chose to leave as a precaution. Fire and Emergency incident controller Graeme Knight said it appeared no homes had been damaged but an aerial inspection would confirm the situation after daybreak. Roadblocks are in place, and people are asked to stay well away so firefighters, trucks and machinery can operate safely. Flying drones near the fireground is also banned. Firefighters have been battling the fire since just before 10pm last night, but it's still uncontained. Photo / Cam Avery Knight said many people in and around Christchurch would be waking to a lot of smoke this morning. “We recommend that people who are nearer to the fire ground stay indoors and keep their doors and windows shut to reduce their exposure to the smoke.” The Canterbury region is in for a scorching hot and windy day with a forecast high of 31C for Kirwee, which has already faced a number of fires this year. A statement early this morning from Fire and Emergency NZ acknowledged many people would be anxious. Crews were working hard to protect houses and prevent spot fires. Initial evacuations had been completed with police also knocking on doors on Old West Coast Rd between Courtney Rd and Robertson Rd to let residents know they could need to evacuate at short notice. People living outside the evacuation area who felt unsafe at home were also advised to leave. Firefighters are still working to protect houses and prevent spot fires. Photo / Supplied A meeting for residents who had to leave their homes would be held at 11am today at the Kirwee Community Hall. An evacuation centre has been set up at the hall by Selwyn emergency management for those who can’t stay with family or friends. “Smoke from the fire is covering a wide area, including much of Christchurch. If you are affected by smoke, stay inside and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure.” The fire is currently estimated to cover an area of 70 hectares. Photo / Supplied Fire ‘spreading rapidly, very thick smoke’ A witness last night told the Herald huge pine trees were engulfed in flames within seconds. Police were evacuating multiple houses in the area as the fire spread and had established a road block, stopping all traffic. “The wind is blowing strongly and the fire is actively moving towards the coast. It’s spread a good kilometre or more now”. “It’s spreading rapidly, very thick smoke,” the witness said. Crews from Kirwee, Darfield South, Darfield, West Melton, Rolleston and Wigram were in attendance last night.   Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:58:19 Z /news/national/christchurch/lotto-christchurch-family-up-all-night-after-winning-1-million/ /news/national/christchurch/lotto-christchurch-family-up-all-night-after-winning-1-million/ A Christchurch family stayed up until the early hours of the morning planning their future, after winning $1 million in Lotto First Division. The lucky family, who are occasional players, thought the win was too good to be true when they checked their ticket last Wednesday evening. “I started checking my ticket on MyLotto, and at the same time, I got an email saying I was a Major Prize Winner,” the man said. “When I saw I had all six numbers and had won $1m, I thought it was a joke! There were so many zeros. “I was shocked. I waited for the kids to go to bed and went into the garage to calm down.” After decompressing, the man told his wife he had some “exciting news. She wasn’t sure what I was talking about, so I told her we’d won $1m. She didn’t believe me, so I showed her the ticket, and she just gasped.” The couple were up until 3am talking about their win. “It was a bit hard going to work the next day,” the man admitted. With their prize claimed, the couple are now looking ahead. “We’re not going to rush into anything. We plan to keep working and invest some of the money,” the man said. “We also want to spoil ourselves a bit, but mainly, we want to set our family up for the future.” The winning Lotto First Division ticket was sold on MyLotto for the draw on Wednesday 10 January 2024. Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:50:05 Z /news/national/christchurch/staveley-mid-canterbury-accident-farm-worker-trapped-in-feed-out-machine-for-more-than-hour-flown-to-hospital/ /news/national/christchurch/staveley-mid-canterbury-accident-farm-worker-trapped-in-feed-out-machine-for-more-than-hour-flown-to-hospital/ A young farm worker trapped in a feed-out machine on a Mid Canterbury farm for more than an hour has been flown to hospital with serious injuries. Emergency services were called to the rural property at Staveley, 40km northwest of Ashburton, just before midday. A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand said they are on the scene, helping police and St John. Photographs from the scene show two fire trucks, several St John vehicles, police, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter at the farm. They are understood to be working to help free a person who appears to have become stuck in the feed-out machine being towed by a tractor. St John said they were alerted at 11.53am and sent a helicopter, an ambulance and one first response unit. A rescue helicopter has arrived alongside fire, St John, and police at the rural scene. Photo / George Heard The worker spent more than an hour trapped in the machine. After they were extricated, they were flown to Christchurch Hospital by rescue helicopter. St John said they were in a serious condition. WorkSafe says it has been notified and is making initial enquiries. The latest provisional injury statistics from Stats NZ, released today, show there were 222,300 work-related claims made in 2022 – down 5200 from 2021. In the agricultural sector, there were 20,700 workplace injuries last year. In 2022, there were 22,299 workplace injuries reported in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries - the lowest since the data began in 2009. Mon, 25 Sept 2023 00:47:17 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-police-investigating-reports-a-firearm-was-presented-at-a-member-of-the-public/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-police-investigating-reports-a-firearm-was-presented-at-a-member-of-the-public/ Police say they’re continuing to investigate a report someone pointed a firearm at a member of the public in Christchurch. The Herald understands police were contacted on Monday afternoon after reports someone pointed a gun at a member of the public on Pages Rd, Aranui. A police spokeswoman confirmed staff were notified someone had “presented a firearm at another person”. “Police have responded to the area and are searching for those responsible. Police have not yet located those involved and at this stage are unable to confirm the presence of a firearm.” Police were working to determine the circumstances, and their response was “ongoing”, the spokeswoman said. Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022 and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.   Tue, 19 Sept 2023 03:44:30 Z /news/national/christchurch/university-of-canterbury-law-student-resigns-from-student-executive-after-sexual-assault-accusation/ /news/national/christchurch/university-of-canterbury-law-student-resigns-from-student-executive-after-sexual-assault-accusation/ Warning: This article references sexual assault A senior University of Canterbury student has stepped down from the student leadership team after an allegation of sexual and physical assault. The former 2023 student executive, who is in his fifth year at law school, allegedly held a woman by her throat while he masturbated on her at a party, a complaint received by the university’s student association alleged. The complainant, a fellow student, believed if others knew he was in a position of power they would be uncomfortable and it was inappropriate for him to remain in his position. The female student told the Herald she still has “nightmares, constant anxiety and frequent panic attacks” because of his actions but felt unable to comment further. When the Herald approached the student executive about the allegations he said: “I would love to defend myself publicly, but this is something I am dealing with privately and I’m not comfortable sharing with you, but I am doing a lot of work on this.” Police confirmed they investigated but charges have not been laid. University of Canterbury Student Association president Pierce Crowley said the association cannot provide any comment on complaints received for privacy reasons.  “Speaking generally of our systems, the UCSA takes any complaints we receive extremely seriously, and have the safety of students as a core concern. Support is always given in the event of a complaint of this nature. We have clear processes, and stand by the comprehensive protective systems we have in place to ensure safety and accountability.” A spokesperson for the University of Canterbury told the Herald they were unable to breach the privacy or confidentiality of private persons, including enrolled students. “There is a range of support available to help students on campus, and we encourage students to access these support services. We have processes in place to address reports of harmful behaviour.” The two students met last year at a function and began an on-again, off-again relationship, which ended this year. A close friend of the female student, who doesn’t want to be named, said in her opinion her friend’s relationship with the student executive was toxic. She claims her friend was initially attracted to the student executive because he was older and gave her validation. The friend believes their relationship was erratic and there was a power of imbalance. “There was always tension and he became weird and toxic. He would talk about marriage and kids then prey on her insecurities the next day. They were sexually exclusive, but it was on-again, off-again and not ‘lovey-dovey’. She isn’t the person I met a year ago,” the friend said. Eventually, the young law student grew tired of the student executive’s allegedly controlling behaviour and ended the relationship. “It wasn’t healthy. She got sick of things and cut him off,” the friend claimed. After the alleged assault the young student was in shock, the friend said, “she was there, but she wasn’t there”. A different friend who was with her that night described her reaction as something akin to when someone loses a parent. He said she approached him, “bawling her eyes out, like the most distressed I’ve ever seen a human”. The entire night, he says, she was “on edge”. “She’s like a little sister to me.” A mutual friend of the former couple says the woman is struggling and gets triggered when she sees the man’s car. “She was scared to sleep because he might come and find her. He messed with her self–esteem, she started hating herself and hating the way she looked,” he claimed. SEXUAL HARM Where to get help:If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:• Call 0800 044 334• Text 4334• Email support@safetotalk.nz• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nzAlternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.   Sun, 17 Sept 2023 05:06:21 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-s-cardboard-cathedral-safe-for-at-least-four-years/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-s-cardboard-cathedral-safe-for-at-least-four-years/ By RNZ The future of Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral is in question, now that the parish it belongs to has agreed to dissolve. The Anglican Diocese of Christchurch made the decision on Saturday morning. Bishop Peter Carrell said he understood why residents were nervous about losing the Cathedral, which was established after the 2011 earthquake.  “There are people in Christchurch very attached to the transitional cathedral and some of them were present in our synod and spoke up in favour of it being retained as a building,” Carrell said. “It is an amazing building and so our consideration of future possible uses will look into how it might still remain as a building, it won’t be our cathedral.” While there were concerns the building could be sold, Carrell said the cathedral would be safe for at least four years. He said the diocese had many ideas about how to use the land once the restored stone Christ Church Cathedral was reopened in 2027 and selling the land was just one option. “We’re going to have a group that will look into and explore those options,” he said. “Everything about the site will continue as usual while the transitional cathedral is there, at least four more years ... really we’ve set in motion a process of considering what happens at the end of those four years.” Carrell said he understood that many Cantabrians had become attached to the cardboard building and did not want to see it sold or demolished. Their feelings would be factored into the final decision, he said. The Cardboard Cathedral opened opposite Latimer Square in 2013 as a temporary place of worship, but it soon became popular with tourists too. The building was designed by award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious prize in modern architecture, in 2014. - RNZ   Sun, 10 Sept 2023 02:28:01 Z /news/national/christchurch/tarras-airport-plan-controversial-project-s-new-research-reveals-runway-will-impact-village/ /news/national/christchurch/tarras-airport-plan-controversial-project-s-new-research-reveals-runway-will-impact-village/ Christchurch Airport has today released a new research report for its controversial Central Otago airport plans and confirmed the runway will have “slightly more” impact on the nearby village of Tarras. The proposal to build a new international airport at the picturesque Central Otago site has sparked debate for more than three years, with opposition from many Tarras locals and environmentalists. Chief among the concerns has been the airport’s close location to Tarras - a village of less than 300 residents situated right next to where the international airport would be built. Until today, locals were left to speculate how the airport might impact their village’s future - including fears planes would fly low over a local school and town infrastructure would buckle. Now, Christchurch Airport has made its project research public, confirming the airport would impact the village but justifying the need to build the site. Tarras locals were left to speculate how the airport might impact their village’s future. Photo / Hamish Clark The airport is proposed to be built on approximately 800 hectares of land near Tarras, with Christchurch Airport choosing the location due to the “good connectivity” to popular tourist spots like Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra. It will be an international airport, bringing overseas tourists to a part of the country where nearly $3.8 billion was spent in the year ending March 2020. The new research includes a comparison between the two ideal options for where the airport’s runway would point. Christchurch Airport’s preferred option would be to align the runway, which will stretch up to 2.6km, between Lindis Valley and Lake Dunstan Valley. The justification for the choice, the airport says, along with avoiding planes flying over already-busy South Island towns and accommodating almost all aircraft, was that it would expose fewer households to noise. The airport is proposed to be built on approximately 800 hectares of land near Tarras. But the research also shows the runway, if selected, would have “slightly more of an impact on the village of Tarras” due to its “closer proximity” to where planes flying north would arrive from. It would also increase the effect on properties based on State Highway 8 and the highway itself. Christchurch Airport acknowledged those physically close to the airport would be more likely to be exposed to the airport’s “visual effects” and plane movements, which would “require assessment”. The airport’s chief strategy and stakeholder officer, Michael Singleton, said time was spent understanding the range of runway lengths achievable on the site. “[The runway option] stood out for its safety, operational efficiency and having a lesser noise impact on the communities,” he said. Michael Singleton said time was spent understanding the range of runway lengths achievable on the site. “The alignment also provides greater flexibility for aircraft types, which is particularly important to enabling the next generation of low emissions.” The desire to build an airport in Central Otago is based on the region’s projected demand for flight connections in the next 30 years. Research shows it will exceed the South Island’s current airport capacity by 2040. Christchurch Airport also mentioned the environmental impact of not building the site, saying that as Central Otago tourism increases, more people will travel by car to reach parts of the region, increasing fuel emissions. Building the airport is believed to fix both these issues. “[Central Otago’s] economy depends on the efficient movement of people and products,” said Singleton. “While we’re not making decisions yet, we are making sure we fully understand the impact of the options both now and for future generations.” A concept of the airport's north terminal. Singleton said demand for travel to and from Central Otago will continue to grow if air capacity is constrained. “If we do nothing, there could be between two and three people vying for every available seat to and from the region by 2050.” The research considers the proposed airport’s impact on Central Otago’s roading network, which according to the data already needs upgrading regardless of whether the airport is built. Christchurch Airport believes the proposed airport would reduce travel times on certain roads and possibly open the door to a hyper-regional public transport option. Objection to the proposal grew in 2020 when it was discovered Christchurch Airport was buying up hundreds of hectares of farmland in Tarras. Since then, protest groups formed to petition any airport construction and academics wrote to the Government asking for the plan to be stopped. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 01:27:13 Z /news/national/christchurch/fleeing-driver-on-the-run-from-police-in-christchurch/ /news/national/christchurch/fleeing-driver-on-the-run-from-police-in-christchurch/ A fleeing driver remains on the run after crashing a stolen car into a fence before stealing another car. A police spokesperson said officers were responding to a fleeing driver in Cracroft, Christchurch. “At around 8.45am police were called after a stolen vehicle was sighted driving erratically. The vehicle repeatedly failed to stop for police when signalled to do so. “A short time later, after crashing into a gate, the driver came to a stop on Homecroft Court. The driver then proceeded to steal another vehicle before fleeing the scene.” Police had not initiated a pursuit, but road spikes had been used and a helicopter was providing assistance. Inquiries to locate the driver are ongoing, the spokesperson said.   Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:09:27 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-zoo-animals-suffering-serious-injuries-and-harm-as-boyracers-do-skids-and-burnouts-outside-orana-wildlife-park/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-zoo-animals-suffering-serious-injuries-and-harm-as-boyracers-do-skids-and-burnouts-outside-orana-wildlife-park/ A number of animals at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park have been injuredby boy racers doing skids and burnouts outside the zoo. A police spokesperson said the driving behaviour has “adversely impacted” some animals, as well as causing significant stress to staff at the park. “There is also an extreme fire risk posed by this activity that could have potentially devastating effects on the park.” Police launched Operation Gumtree, targeting the “anti-social road user behaviour”.  “The operation identified 16 vehicles involved in offending. Ten of the vehicles identified have already been impounded, and inquiries are under way to locate the remaining six vehicles.” Some of the vehicles had been identified as committing multiple offences – either on the same night or over several nights. “The message for participants is clear: those involved can expect to be held accountable for their actions.” Orana Wildlife Park just outside Christchurch has been a family favourite since 1976. Set just off McLeans Island Rd, it has giraffes, lions, gorillas, rhinos, meerkats and other endangered exotic and native species. Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022, and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.   Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:24:52 Z /news/national/christchurch/search-for-yanfei-bao-police-investigation-focusing-on-rural-roads-farmland/ /news/national/christchurch/search-for-yanfei-bao-police-investigation-focusing-on-rural-roads-farmland/ Police searching for missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao are today focusing on roads and farmland on the outskirts of the city. Yanfei Bao was last seen alive on July 19, when she arrived at a house for sale on Trevor St, Hornby, set to show a potential buyer through it. A week later, her disappearance was upgraded to a homicide investigation. Since then, police have appeared to focus their efforts on the Halswell River and Lake Ellesmere using Police Search and Rescue, LandSar volunteers, Coastguard, Surf Life Saving members, the Police Specialist Search Group, police dog teams, Garden City Helicopters and Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (Arec) hunting on the ground, water and in the sky. The search was paused on Monday while the investigation team assessed their next steps. Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves is updating media on the search today from farmland in Lincoln. The search is going to focus on roads and farmland in and around Hudsons, Davidsons and Clarks roads. Police continued their search on Thursday for missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / George Heard The officer in charge of the search for Operation Helo, Detective Brent Menzies, earlier told the Herald a “significant amount of time and resource” has been put into the search. “Everyone recognises the importance and everyone is sticking their hands up to help. “At the end of the day, we just want some answers and something to give back to Yanfei’s family so they can have some closure.” On Wednesday, Bao’s family issued a statement thanking family, friends, and the general public for the “outpouring of kind words and unwavering support following the disappearance of their beloved wife and mother. “The love and compassion displayed by fellow New Zealanders has been truly humbling, and the Bao family cannot express how grateful they are for all the generous donations made through Givealittle.” The family also expressed their “sincere appreciation” to the police for their “invaluable support and relentless dedication” in the search for Bao. The dive squad has searched about 2.5 kilometres of water. Photo / George Heard “The family urges anyone with information that could assist the police in locating Yanfei to come forward as soon as possible. “Their only desire is to have her returned to them, so they can find closure and begin the grieving process.” The family also encouraged everyone to cherish their loved ones and express their feelings openly. “Go home tonight and tell all those you hold dear that you love and cherish them,” Bao’s husband Paul Gooch said. Reeves earlier said staff were “dedicated” to piecing together the circumstances of the investigation. Police remained interested in any information relating to sightings of a silver Mitsubishi sedan with the registration DPH101, particularly on July 20, the day after Bao was reported missing. Yanfei Bao has not been seen since July 19. Photo / George Heard The investigation team has received more than 200 tips from the public. Bao’s family is also expected to travel to New Zealand from China, police confirmed. A Givealittle page has been set up by one of her friends, Vani Liu. “With heavy hearts, we ask to extend our support and help ease the burden faced by the family of Yanfei Bao, a dedicated real estate agent who has tragically disappeared while showing a house in Hornby.” Bao’s disappearance had left her family “devastated and in deep sorrow. “Yanfei was not only a skilled professional but also a beloved partner to Paul, a cherished daughter and a loving mother to her young child, Momo. As her family, friends and community, we cannot fathom the pain they are enduring, and we want to offer our assistance during this unimaginably difficult time.” Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves discusses the disappearance of Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao as part of a police operation. Photo / George Heard Bao was last seen about 10am on Trevor St in Hornby, where she was due to show a potential buyer through a home. The 52-year-old man is charged with allegedly kidnapping Bao. The Herald revealed the man had only been living in New Zealand for several months. A 52-year-old man is charged with kidnapping Yanfei Bao. Photo / George Heard Police were tight-lipped over what the man had told them. Reeves confirmed further charges are being considered. Anyone who saw Bao’s silver Nissan Dualis after 12.30pm and before 10.45pm on the day she disappeared is urged to contact police, she said. The car was seen on CCTV footage in Hornby’s Trevor St, where police forensic scene experts have been examining a house. Anyone who had seen Yanfei Bao, or had any information about where she could be, is urged to call 111 immediately and quote event number P055385539. Sam Sherwood and Nathan Morton, NZH Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022, and has worked as a journalist for 10 years. Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:55:29 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-city-councillor-increases-home-security-after-threatening-online-comments/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-city-councillor-increases-home-security-after-threatening-online-comments/ A Christchurch councillor has revealed she has increased her security at home after becoming the target of threatening comments online. Sara Templeton, who has served her local ward since 2016, told 九一星空无限 this morning that “while one comment might not draw much attention, a pattern and large volume does”. The comment in question was made on a Facebook post, which involved one person referencing her home address. Templeton revealed similar threatening comments have also been posted on fellow councillor Aaron Keown’s social media, as well as another online page.  “I have had to increase security at home and in other ways to make sure my family stays safe,” she said. Councillor Sara Templeton has served her local ward since 2016. Christchurch City Council said in a statement it would be working closely with Templeton over her wellbeing and “what support she requires”. The online attack has come after Templeton made a code of conduct complaint against Keown for social media posts he wrote back in April. She claimed that his posts criticised the hearings panel process for altering streets around Te Kaha - the new city stadium under construction - claiming the panel was stacked to get a specific outcome. Her complaint to Mayor Phil Mauger about his comments led to an independent investigation, which found Keown’s posts were critical of a staff member and questioned her integrity and impartiality. The investigation also concluded the post would place the council and councillors in a bad light with the public. Templeton wanted other councillors to recognise that as leaders in the city, what they post online has an impact on others. Christchurch City Council will be meeting on Wednesday and is expected to discuss the issue. Councillor Aaron Keown has been approached by 九一星空无限 for comment. The saga comes 16 months after Templeton launched a bid to identify the man responsible for misogynistic trolling of her and another female politician. The Heathcote councillor said a persistent online harassment campaign targeted her in June and July 2021. “The accounts disappeared once I went public - but were not gone completely as online footprints remain and I decided to try and find those behind them,” she wrote on Facebook at the time. “It was clear even back then that the accounts were active in promoting right-wing political views, so the result wasn’t a surprise.” Stuff reported in July last year Templeton calling out online bullies, stating that bullying was not “free speech”. She told the media outlet there was a level of public scrutiny and criticism that went with her role, which she believed was completely appropriate, but said that putting up with attacks should not be part of anyone’s job. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:34:33 Z /news/national/christchurch/man-dies-after-crashing-into-timaru-police-station-another-person-dead-and-more-injured-after-christchurch-crash/ /news/national/christchurch/man-dies-after-crashing-into-timaru-police-station-another-person-dead-and-more-injured-after-christchurch-crash/ Two serious crashes across Canterbury overnight have resulted in two people killed and others with serious injuries. One of the crash victims died after crashing into the Timaru Police Station. They were earlier involved in a police pursuit, while another crash in Christchurch left one person dead and three others seriously injured. Aoraki Area Commander Inspector, Vicki Walker said the incident in Timaru began when police observed a man driving erratically in front of the local police station. Officers signalled for the driver to stop, however he took off at speed. Walker said police pursued the car “for a brief period” before the driver returned again to the station, where he was spoken to from inside his vehicle by officers. The man then drove off again, Walker said at this stage officers had concerns for the man’s welfare. One of the crash victims died after ploughing into the Timaru Police Station after a police pursuit. Photo / George Heard By 11.30pm, the car had been located on Barnard St and police attempted to stop the driver by spiking the vehicle’s tyres. Following this, the driver then turned back to drive in the direction of the local Police Station. The driver “struck the building at speed” and died at the scene, Walker said. “Police will be working to support the man’s family today, along with our Timaru Police whānau,” she said in a statement. “The station will remain open to serve the community today.” Photos from the scene show a badly crumpled vehicle under a blue tarpaulin. Photo / George Heard The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene following the incident and inquiries are ongoing, Walker said, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of what happened. Photos from the scene show a badly crumpled vehicle under a blue tarpaulin, while the corner of the police station building is damaged. Photojournalist George Heard said a local resident had told him he’d heard tires screeching and police sirens all around the town for almost an hour. Just hours later, a second crash further north in Christchurch resulted in the death of one person and left three others hospitalised with injuries. The Harewood crash in Christchurch killed one person and seriously injured three others. Photo / George Heard Emergency services were called to the scene of a crash in Harewood after a car collided with a power pole. The car was travelling near the vicinity of Christchurch airport on Greywacke Rd when it crashed just after 1am, Police said they are continuing to make inquiries into the incident. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 21:38:17 Z /news/national/christchurch/maskless-mongrel-mob-members-put-son-s-life-at-risk-at-hospital-says-mum/ /news/national/christchurch/maskless-mongrel-mob-members-put-son-s-life-at-risk-at-hospital-says-mum/ A Southland mother is yet to receive an explanation or apology after Mongrel Mob gang members put her son’s life at risk while he was in an intensive care unit, she says. Anne-Maree Thomas has now made a complaint to the Ombudsman in her bid to receive an explanation from the hospital. Following a 15-hour operation in December, her son, a cancer patient, was recovering in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Christchurch Hospital when six female members of the public entered without wearing masks while visiting another patient. The following day, several patched Mongrel Mob members arrived to visit the same patient, all without masks. Thomas said she had since been made aware several of the visitors had verbally abused hospital staff. “If they’d taken something up there, they could have wiped out the whole ICU.” Thomas rang the hospital twice and the police three times. “The police and the hospital didn’t do anything. Nothing. Just completely left it up to us,” Thomas said. “When [gang members are] patched up walking around ... who wouldn’t be scared? I ended up having to go up to them to say ‘pull your horns in boys’. “If the cops are too scared to do anything maybe they should look for another job and bring guys in that can.” In January, she penned written complaints to both the police and Christchurch Hospital. She said the police had replied to her complaint quickly, but she was yet to receive a response from the hospital despite also calling it several times. “I want an explanation why my son’s life wasn’t worth fighting for. I spent nine months trying to keep my boy alive with chemo ... And what the hospital, the cops were telling me that my son’s life wasn’t worth worth jack s...” While she was concerned about allowing the unmasked gang members in, her complaint was not with the medical staff as they were also verbally abused, she said. A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said the policy across its Canterbury facilities at that time was that all hospital visitors must wear a medical paper face mask. “Staff reminded visitors of this policy. Our security team was also available to assist if necessary and those refusing to wear a mask were asked to leave. “During any policy setting, police may be asked to attend the hospital due to incidents involving members of the public if required. “We will not be making further comment on our security arrangements to protect our patients and our staff.” Thomas’ complaint was now subject to a Health and Disability Commission investigation, the spokesperson said. She said her son had been in the clear since the operation and credited the hospital staff for saving his life. ben.tomsett@odt.co.nz Mon, 10 Jul 2023 22:47:35 Z /news/national/christchurch/loud-bang-fascinates-canterbury-residents-as-police-investigate-the-source/ /news/national/christchurch/loud-bang-fascinates-canterbury-residents-as-police-investigate-the-source/ Canterbury residents have taken to social media to express their confusion and fascination over a large bang heard shortly before 9am. Locals commented on posts about the noise, claiming their windows rattled, houses shook and that it was felt in various suburbs. “Scared the shizers out of me,” one resident said, while another mentioned they heard the boom in Woodend before hearing a “wobbling sound”. Another resident said the noise nearly caused her to drop her coffee, describing the sound as “very, very loud.”  “Meteor I’m thinking,” one person speculated, while another said they thought parts of their house broke off given the sound. “I heard it too went running out thinking a car had crashed,” one commenter mentioned after hearing the sound. Police said they had received multiple reports of the bang, which they attributed to possibly having come from Woodend. “Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the noise,” a spokesperson said. Fire and Emergency are not responding at this stage to the reports. - More to come Mon, 03 Jul 2023 22:55:44 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-chapter-of-comancheros-gang-take-over-patched-over-rebels-mc-gang-pad/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-chapter-of-comancheros-gang-take-over-patched-over-rebels-mc-gang-pad/ The Comancheros have a new Christchurch gang pad, taking over the old Rebels MC clubhouse just weeks after patching over the entire local chapter. The Herald revealed earlier this month how the Comancheros had enveloped the Rebels and bolstered its ranks with their once rival members. A new photograph obtained by the Herald showed former patched Christchurch Rebels member Jarrad Singer in Comancheros colours. Former Rebels MC Christchurch gang member Jarrad Singer wears his new gang colours after he patched over to the Comancheros. Photo / Supplied The Rebels MC has operated out of a fortified headquarters in an industrial cul-de-sac in the eastern suburb of Woolston in recent times. After the sudden patching over, its large “Rebels MC Christchurch” sign, with the gang’s Confederate flag, grinning skull and 1% symbol, was swiftly taken down from the heavily secured, high-fenced building. But today, the Comancheros were advertising its new presence in the Garden City. A large sign was erected overnight, declaring, ‘Comancheros Motorcycle Club’ and the gang’s insignia. Three weeks ago the building was clearly the Rebels MC Christchurch pad. Photo / George Heard It’s understood police in Canterbury are keeping close tabs on the latest development. “We are aware of the development and are monitoring the situation,” Detective Inspector Greg Murton said. Comancheros gang member numbers have been low in Canterbury in recent times. The gang didn’t appear to have had a specific pad or clubhouse before now. Last month, a posse of Rebels rolled south to Timaru and straight into the much-envied clubhouse of old bikie gang, the Devils Henchmen. Armed with shotguns, it’s understood they took over the gang pad and kicked out their southern rivals. Within hours, a Rebels flag was draped from the top-floor balcony sparking days of tense activity in the South Canterbury town, with police on high alert. However, over the next few days, the Henchmen brokered a deal to sell the property to the council for more than $1 million, which resulted in the red-faced Rebels being booted out and the buildings being demolished by bulldozers. The patching over is understood to have been a humiliation for the Rebels, an outlaw motorcycle club that originated across the ditch and is among the biggest in Australia. The Rebels and Comancheros have always had close links in New Zealand, particularly Rebels MC Christchurch president Luke Mathers and former Comancheros national acting commander Seiana Fakaosilea. The relationship between Fakaosilea and Mathers dates back to when they both lived in Queensland. Police Operation Cincinnati revealed Fakaosilea was delivering large quantities of methamphetamine to Mathers. New Zealand police launched Operation Cobalt last July to respond to a spike in intimidating behaviour and violence by gangs in the first half of the year. Since then, the police have seized hundreds of firearms and laid thousands of charges in court, as well as confiscating commercial quantities of drugs and large sums of cash. Kurt Bayer is a South Island correspondent based in Christchurch. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2011 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:15:57 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-man-faces-58-charges-over-alleged-200k-theft-of-grant-funding/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-man-faces-58-charges-over-alleged-200k-theft-of-grant-funding/ A Christchurch man faces 58 charges in relation to an alleged theft of over $200,000 in grant funding. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced on Tuesday, after inquiries from the Herald, that the alleged offending relates to charges of forgery, theft of grant funds and dishonestly using a document. “We aim to ensure communities receive the maximum benefit from grants by detecting and deterring fraudulent activity in gambling-related grant funding”, DIA gambling director Dave Robson said. The man, who was granted interim name suppression following inquiries from the Herald, was involved both in the Class 4 gambling sector and the community sports sector, obtaining $202,341.60 worth of grants on behalf of sporting organisations by allegedly submitting false quotes and failing to spend grant money on authorised purposes. These incidents took place between 2018 and 2020. The man was remanded on bail and is due to appear in court again on July 12. ”While we cannot talk about the details of ongoing cases, DIA as the gambling regulator will not accept community money being misused or obtained for dishonest purposes,” Robson said. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:53:05 Z /news/national/christchurch/dog-shot-by-police-after-seriously-injuring-christchurch-resident/ /news/national/christchurch/dog-shot-by-police-after-seriously-injuring-christchurch-resident/ Christchurch police shot and killed a dog at a Christchurch home last night after it attacked a resident. The person was seriously injured as a result of the incident, police have confirmed. A large police turnout was triggered by the attack on Truman Rd, in the northwestern suburb of Bryndwr shortly before 6pm. Police made an attempt to restrain the dog, but were unsuccessful. A large police turnout was triggered by the attack on Truman Rd. Photo / George Heard A spokesperson said in a statement there was an immediate risk to human life, so officers made the decision to shoot the dog. “Unfortunately the dog died at the scene.” The injured resident was taken to hospital and inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of the attack. Seven police vehicles could be seen parked on Truman Rd, along with three ambulance vehicles and a fire engine. A photographer at the scene could see a woman crying on the footpath whilst police stood nearby. The Herald revealed last month that 10 dogs were shot in the 12 months from November 1 last year. In the same period, nine deer, seven sheep, two goats, two wild pigs (and one domesticated pig), an undisclosed “marine mammal”, one horse, a lone wallaby, and even a hare were shot. The figures relate to the number of Animal Tactical Option Report (TOR) events, where police discharged a firearm, and the total shots discharged, separated by animal type. Between 2018 and 2022, officers fired a total of 1024 shots at animals. Wed, 14 Jun 2023 21:41:44 Z /news/national/christchurch/canterbury-worker-hospitalised-after-getting-caught-in-a-conveyor-belt/ /news/national/christchurch/canterbury-worker-hospitalised-after-getting-caught-in-a-conveyor-belt/ An industrial worker suffered moderate injuries after getting caught in an industrial conveyor belt this morning. Fire and Emergency volunteers from Rangiora and Oxford were called at 11.45am to Mill Rd, Oxford, but the man had already freed himself by the time services arrived. A spokesperson called the incident an “industrial accident”. St John Ambulance, which sent to units to the scene, later confirmed the man had been taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. Tue, 13 Jun 2023 01:03:30 Z /news/national/christchurch/he-was-a-good-kid-he-didn-t-deserve-this-connor-whitehead-s-parents-pay-tribute/ /news/national/christchurch/he-was-a-good-kid-he-didn-t-deserve-this-connor-whitehead-s-parents-pay-tribute/ The father of a teenager killed at a 15-year-old’s birthday party says there’s no victory regardless of a verdict that found two men guilty of manslaughter. Connor Whitehead, 16, was shot dead in the northern Christchurch suburb of Casebrook on November 5, 2021. Two men, Daniel Nelson Sparks, and Joshua David Craig Smith, were charged with murdering Whitehead. On Wednesday the jury returned their verdicts. The jury found both men not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. The pair will be sentenced on August 4. After the verdict, Connor’s parents James Whitehead and Cheryl Mirren left the courtroom side by side along with two of his siblings, William and Cordelia. The family held hands as James addressed the media wearing his white shirt with the words “Forever Connor”.  “It’s been the worst time of our lives, losing our boy, losing Connor. Having to relive that time over the past few weeks has just been hell for us.” Connor Whitehead was shot dead at a party in Christchurch on November 5, 2021. Photo / George Heard As for the verdict, he said he did not care. “I don’t care what happens to those men. There is no victory here for us today, we don’t get our Connor back when we go home, so who cares. We want to move forward and we want to love our loved ones and remember Connor, remember our boy, remember our friend. “We don’t have to think about those guys anymore, they’ve been dealt with that’s out of our hands.” “From the start, we’ve been here for Connor, and that’s the way it’s always going to be.” “We love you Connor, we miss you.” James Whitehead told the Herald his son was “literally an innocent bystander”. Connor Whitehead pictured with his grandfather Bill Whitehead QSM, who had been described as the most decorated man in New Zealand rugby leage. “He was a good kid, he didn’t deserve this. He was a teenage boy, just there to have fun.” From a young age, one of Connor’s greatest passions was music. Sharing his parents James and Cheryl’s love of rap music, he would regularly recite his favourite songs over dinner. “To me, he was just a cheeky, loving, kind, fun-loving boy. He wasn’t fake or anything, he always had a nice thing to say about someone. He had the most honest, warm smile… he brightened the room when he came in.” He had a good group of loyal friends, “his boys”, James Whitehead says. “They were the sweetest, loveliest boys… a kind-hearted, loyal group of guys. They were all absolutely devastated when Connor was taken from us.” His approach to life was “very philosophical”, and he was a deep thinker, Mirren said. “Connor was an old soul who had a deep understanding of human nature and understood we are only human and people make mistakes - he demonstrated [that understanding] regularly.” Connor Whitehead was "delightful, a sweetheart", his father says. His friends were an “extension of his family”, she said. “[He] had the most amazing group of mates… he loved every single one of them, one of the many characteristics he is loved forever for.” He wanted his son to be remembered as “delightful, a sweetheart, that smile of his was all you needed to lift up your spirits”. “He was just so full of life, that was Connor… you saw him and he made you feel good.” Merrin said she cried daily thinking about her son. “I just need one moment alone and I cry, or to hear a song… almost any song I can somehow connect to Connor even without realising. All moments I’m reminded we are missing Connor, that he is missing this - his life. We are so acutely aware of his absence.” Thu, 25 May 2023 00:15:48 Z /news/national/christchurch/avonside-girls-and-shirley-boys-high-schools-go-into-lockdown-after-unauthorised-person-walks-onto-school-grounds/ /news/national/christchurch/avonside-girls-and-shirley-boys-high-schools-go-into-lockdown-after-unauthorised-person-walks-onto-school-grounds/ Two Christchurch high schools both went into lockdown at lunchtime today after a man “behaving oddly” walked onto school grounds without permission. In separate statements to their school communities, Avonside Girls’ and Shirley Boys’ High Schools both confirmed their students were put into lockdown just after midday. They asked parents not to come to school or phone the school during the incident. “Please do not come to the school or phone the school as you will not be attended to and this may cause disruption to the management of this incident and could potentially place yourselves and/or our staff and student’s safety at risk,” a statement from Avonside Girls’ read. “All further updates will be provided on the school website.” Both schools confirmed their students were put into lockdown just after midday. Photo / George Heard A message on Shirley Boys’ High School, which shares the same New Brighton premises as Avonside said an “unauthorised person” is on school grounds. “This school has been placed in lockdown, please follow lockdown procedures” an automatic message played on loud-speakers. Avonside Girls High School said on its Facebook page the lockdown was “not a practice”. Pareawa Banks Avenue School principal, Toni Burnside told 九一星空无限 she was in a professional development meeting with several local school representatives when principals from both AGHS and SBHS rushed out. Talking to the Herald, Avonside’s principal confirmed a man had wandered onto the school’s grounds without permission and was behaving oddly. “He just walked right past reception and onto the school, so we put the students into lockdown,” said principal, Catherine Law. The man, who was unarmed, was believed to not be known to the school, but enquiries are ongoing. Students of both schools were evacuated onto the tennis courts as per their lockdown procedure. Avonside Girls High School said on its Facebook page the lockdown was “not a practice”. Photo / 九一星空无限 Police shortly arrived, the man in question was taken away and enquiries are currently being made into the matter. Whilst the nature of the incident has been resolved, Law said there was still a process for the school to carry out and would carry out checks with their students. “We will take the students back into school for checks, some students will be fine and others will need a little more support,” she said. Police are still at the school grounds. “I’m very pleased with the school’s communication with the parents and students,” said Law. In a statement to the media, police confirmed they responded to reports of a suspicious person who walked into a school at around 11.40am. “The person was not armed and [nobody] was injured,” they said. Students have made their way back into their classrooms, a “large number” of parents are waiting outside the school to pick their children up according to a photographer at the scene. Tue, 23 May 2023 00:24:01 Z /news/national/christchurch/serious-incident-in-hagley-park-police-fire-ambulance-rush-to-scene/ /news/national/christchurch/serious-incident-in-hagley-park-police-fire-ambulance-rush-to-scene/ A person has died after a serious incident involving an arborist in Christchurch’s Hagley Park. Police, Fire and Emergency and St John were all talked to the scene this morning. Photographs from the scene show a large tree which appears to have toppled over, near a sign-written arborists’ truck. The arborist company and Christchurch City Council had no comment to make. WorkSafe has been contacted for comment. A serious incident has taken place at Hagley Park. Photo / Nathan Morton Sun, 21 May 2023 23:41:59 Z /news/national/christchurch/allied-petrol-station-mixes-up-diesel-and-petrol-affecting-dozens-of-drivers/ /news/national/christchurch/allied-petrol-station-mixes-up-diesel-and-petrol-affecting-dozens-of-drivers/ A petrol station in Selwyn has potentially forced a dozen of its customers to fork out hundreds of dollars in repairs after a fuel mix-up at the pump. Customers have complained on a Rolleston social media page that they’d gone to fill their car at a local Allied Petrol station with Unleaded 95 but got diesel instead. The issue reached the ears of Fuel Rescue owner, Nick Collet, who specialises in fixing fuel issues in cars. Collet told 九一星空无限 he’d received at least 10 calls on Friday morning of the issue, he had another 10 people to call back.  “In the past, [the mix-up] will normally be a tanker putting the wrong thing in the tank, mismatching the labels or putting the fuel in the wrong hole,” he said. When the wrong medium of fuel is put in a car, drivers will normally first see the car being to lose power and possibly smoke up until they reach their location. However, it’s when the engine cools, typically overnight at home, and commuters try to start their cars in the morning that they notice something’s wrong. “It can be fixed, normally it fouls up the spark plug with the mix of diesel and oil, it stops the spark and stops the car from running,” said Collet. To get the issue repaired depends on the vehicle, Collett reckons it can cost the average car owner between $300 and $1000 to get their car fixed. Fuel stations will typically cover the expense, Collet said, with stations having their own insurance systems in place. “It can be a dragged-out process sometimes,” he said. “It’s a total inconvenience. Most people need their cars every day, every minute so they could be put out quite badly. " Allied Petrol was approached for comment on the story. Fri, 12 May 2023 00:50:34 Z /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-city-council-data-shows-staff-are-experiencing-25-percent-more-abuse-than-they-were-six-years-ago/ /news/national/christchurch/christchurch-city-council-data-shows-staff-are-experiencing-25-percent-more-abuse-than-they-were-six-years-ago/ A push to bring down the amount of abusive behaviour council staff experience. Christchurch City Council data reveals staff experience an average of 259 incidents of abuse every year. Reporting via the council's health and safety system shows 615 incidents in 2022, a significant jump from 2017. Customer Service Representatives have tagged 825 customer interactions as ‘abusive’ in the past two years - nearly 90 percent happen over the phone. Council says these figures likely under report the problem as staff have become accustomed to abuse. The PSA has 773 members at Christchurch City Council. National sector lead Ian Gordon says the numbers are on the rise. "Employers need to know that it's happening, so we always encourage members and staff generally to report these incidents." Ian Gordon also says the problem is nation-wide. "We are hearing from our members that these sorts of incidents are on the increase. I think partly that is because reporting is becoming better." Tue, 09 May 2023 17:00:03 Z