Rowena Walker.

Items found in Christchurch red zone search for Rowena Walker

Police seeking clues on missing 39-year-old locate items and continue to search the area with the use of a drone and a dog unit.

2:20pm

2:07

Chch massage business and owner exploited migrants, ordered to pay $210k

Chch massage business and owner exploited migrants, ordered to pay $210k

Mother’s Thai, trading as Diamond Thai, and its owner, Janya Duangjai, deliberately underpaid staff, charged illegal employment premiums, and ignored "basic employment obligations".

11:04am

1:32

Red zone search continues for missing woman Rowena Walker

Red zone search continues for missing woman Rowena Walker

Walker, 39, was last seen on CCTV in Christchurch in August.

Wednesday 11:28am

Mackenzie District Council office in Twizel.

Mackenzie councillor misses meetings, cops investigating alleged assault

A police media team spokesperson said the incident occurred at 10.50am last Thursday (April 16) at the council offices in Fairlie.

Wednesday 10:02am

1:31

Diamond Harbour Primary pupils ready with questions for the crew of the International Space Station. 

South Island school has Q+A session with astronaut in space

Jack Hathaway fielded questions from excited students ranging from exercise routines and science to the scariest thing to have happened in space.

Wednesday 6:00am

Brodie Kostecki driver of the #17 Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang GT during the Christchurch 440, part of the 2026 Supercars Championship at Ruapana Raceway on April 18, 2026

Kostecki hangs on for Supercars win in Christchurch

Young gun Kai Allen was on Kostecki's tail for the majority of Saturday's 37-lap sprint.

Sat, Apr 18

Drenching downpour rain storm water is overflowing off the tile shingle roof.

Wet, windy storm to end school holidays as rain sweeps north

MetService warns a complex trough will bring heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms to parts of the country this weekend, with Saturday shaping as the wettest day.

Fri, Apr 17

Two injured in Canterbury crash involving police car

Two injured in Canterbury crash involving police car

The two-vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 1/Main South Road in Burnham.

Fri, Apr 17

Composite image by Vania Chandrawidjaja.

How Kiwis are recycling wrong – and how many are punished for it

Cities share how many recycling bins have been removed for repeated contamination – and what some common contaminants are.

Fri, Apr 17

Court (file image).

Christchurch religious figure pleads not guilty to sex crimes

The 45-year-old entered not guilty pleas to 14 charges of unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, strangulation, and rape against four women in the Christchurch District Court.

Wed, Apr 15

The phone number for Sopheze Coffee Lounge has been offered up when people search for Timaru Hospital.

Google AI directing hospital inquiries to Timaru café

A Timaru café's phone has been ringing off the hook, but unfortunately, many aren't seeking a top-notch toastie - instead, they're after a doctor.

Wed, Apr 15

The Crisis Recovery Café provides help three days a week.

Crisis recovery café opens in the South Island

Crisis café, designed to support people in mental distress, is the third of its kind in the country.

Tue, Apr 14

The six Crusaders horses have been a part of the club's pre-match tradition for more than 30 years.

Crusaders scrap horses for matches at new Christchurch stadium

Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the "incredibly difficult" decision to retire the horses after more than 30 years in action was not taken lightly.

Tue, Apr 14

The Mackenzie District Council has been warned it may find itself in breach of New Zealand health and safety laws. (Source: Claire Taylor)

'Sitting in their cage': Mackenzie councillor questions new hirings

Several governance and support roles were put on hold last year while councillors reviewed 2026 budgets.

Mon, Apr 13

The tenant, whose name is suppressed, was released from prison the day before his tenancy began in the suburb of Spreydon, on October 29, 2025.

Tenant preferred prison return over stay in 'disgusting' flat

The tenant gave evidence to the Tenancy Tribunal which included highlighting faecal matter on the bed, wet carpet, and a "disgusting" kitchen.

Mon, Apr 13

Sergeant Wayne Sandbrook said the theft occurred on Tuesday between 4.20am and 4.50am, and was reported at 8am.

Around 3000L of diesel stolen from Marton business

Two men were seen filling a fuel trailer, a fuel pod and drums with diesel from an on-site tank.

Fri, Apr 10

Twizel's water treatment plant shutdown on Tuesday, leaving many residents without water (file image).

Town left high and dry by water plant failure

Twizel’s water supply was cut off on Tuesday after a sudden shut-down of the treatment plant, leaving many residents without running water.

Thu, Apr 9

Rangiora High School first 15 player Suliasi Uhatafe is tackled during the 2024 Miles Toyota Championship rugby final against the Christchurch Boys’ High School second 15 at Rangiora.

Rangiora High takes stand against rugby premier competition

The move follows a bid from South Island boys’ schools to establish a separate competition.

Thu, Apr 9

Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd.

How to protect Tekapo's famous church from badly behaving tourists?

The Mackenzie District Council’s Lake Tekapo Master Plan wants to recognise the popular tourist site as a New Zealand Heritage Precinct.

Wed, Apr 8

Police say a stabbing in Bradford Park and a second, earlier attack nearby are connected and want to speak to one victim.

Police seek victim after linking stabbing with assault in Christchurch

Officers believe two attacks in Christchurch last month are connected and have urged an unknown victim to come forward.

Wed, Apr 8

39-year-old Rowena Walker was last captured on CCTV on August 15 last year, on Bassett St in Christchurch alongside an associate (Source: NZ Police)

Police renew appeal for information on missing Christchurch woman

39-year-old Rowena Walker was last captured on CCTV on August 15 last year, on Bassett St in Christchurch alongside an associate.

Tue, Apr 7

Two employees were injured at separate commercial premises in Christchurch last night.

Two workers injured in separate attacks in Christchurch

Police investigating the two aggravated robberies, which occurred shortly after one another in Christchurch last night, were working to determine if the incidents were linked.

Tue, Apr 7

Composite image by Vania Chandrawidjaja

‘Incredible human': Blind Kiwi runner chasing world marathon milestone

Paul Barclay from Christchurch is taking on two of the world's most prestigious marathons less than a week apart.

Mon, Apr 6

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

The Skyline track at Ashley Gorge.

Major Canterbury walking track opens after decade of volunteer work

The Ashley Gorge Skyline Track is estimated to take four to five hours to complete and reaches an altitude of nearly 800m.

Sat, Apr 4