David Hill

The fate of a proposed North Canterbury housing development is no closer to being known, more than two years after it was first rejected.

Environment Canterbury rangers, other agencies and volunteers will be out in force on Saturday to protect nesting birds on Crate Day.

Depending on the mix of housing types, it will represent significant growth for the district's population of 4200.

Excitement is building ahead of the opening a new whare at Hanmer Springs' Soldiers' Block.

Two Canterbury mayors say they back a ban on fireworks sales, while a third believes a ban is "inevitable".

Crash landings for the vulnerable Kaikōura tītī birds is more common in March and April - but happen from August to March during breeding season as well.

The Kaikōura's Wakatu Quay site has been closed this year while work has been completed on the first building as part of the redevelopment of the historic wharf.

While Craig Mackle was re-elected as Kaikōura Mayor, he was not yet sworn in, and could not declare a civil defence emergency during Thursday's weather.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has gone straight back to work this week, after winning a third term.

Two Canterbury mayors worry that changes to youth benefit rules will impact their rural employment scheme.

One council chief executive said he could deliver a zero rate rise, but you might not like it.

Marie Black is ready to get to back work, after seeing the make-up of her new council.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon is back for a third term after a heated campaign, including social media challenges on the council's debt levels.

Canterbury mayors are thrilled community pressure has led to police backing down on a proposed restructure of rural policing.

Lisa Bond admits she knew little about how the council worked when she was first elected.

Under the bylaw, freedom and overnight camping on the beach and sand dunes is not permitted.

A job programme has made just one sustainable placement since July, as the reality of a government funding cut sets in.

Candidates promising a zero rate rises are ''living in la la land'', says Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon.

A whopping 201 humpback whales were counted off the coast during June, making it the best count yet.

The Waimakariri District Council will provide land and support to enable an Abbeyfields supported housing initiative to get off the ground.

Councillor pay rates will jump from $58,110 to $71,026.

It could mean passengers are able to board a bus with their dog but are unable to get off with their dog at the interchange.

It has been nearly a year since the Kaikōura district obtained international dark sky sanctuary status and the community is stepping up its efforts to become a year-round destination.

Kaikōura tourism leaders are expecting to see fewer cruise ships this summer.

It might sound idyllic to live beside a lake, but for Pegasus residents it is anything but.