Stories by Anna Sargent
News
Residents fight for homes after being told they need to leave
An entire community has been told it'll be evicted - but some are feeling stressed and cannot afford to buy anywhere else.
Pleas to keep funding for Christchurch's Arts Centre
Christchurch's Arts Centre wants more money from the council.
Delays to insurance payout holds up stinky treatment plant repairs
A temporary system was put in place, but the odour is still there.
Gloriavale offender jailed for 'deliberate, premeditated and devised' abuse
Victims of a sexual predator in the Gloriavale Christian community who has now been jailed have described him as an opportunist who used the vulnerability of his victims to exploit them.
Prince William pays tribute to victims of Christchurch mosque attacks
NZ's Muslim community "responded to this horrific event with such courage and fortitude", the Prince of Wales says.
Residents express gratitude as they return home
A resident whose house was destroyed in the 2017 Port Hill fires says it is a massive relief to be able to return home this time.
'Smoke everywhere': Sleepless night for evacuees
It has been another sleepless night for some evacuated Port Hills residents, some who have had close calls in the past.
'Complete and utter travesty' as developers eye up historic homes
Heritage advocates say they are seeing the most significant threat to homes and other buildings in decades.
Christchurch council looks into viability of hosting Commonwealth Games
Fifty years after Christchurch hosted the Commonwealth Games, the mayor is aiming to get the sporting event back to the city in 2030.
Demand high as World Buskers Festival returns to Ōtautahi
Workers in the Christchurch CBD will be dodging jugglers, acrobats, and flying trapeze artists for the next 10 days, as the annual Bread and Circus World Buskers Festival returns to town.
'Going backwards': 19 killed on roads over summer break
Experts say five years ago the number of road deaths over the holidays could be counted on both hands.
'Green firebreaks' - Tactical replanting to reduce Port Hills fire risks
Conservationists are tactically planting fire resistant species on Christchurch's Port Hills, in the hopes it could mean fewer or less damaging fires in the future.
Music festival-goers urged to check after dangerous drug discovered
Festival-goers are being urged to get their drugs checked before they head to gigs, as a dangerous drug being sold as MDMA is doing the rounds in Christchurch.
'A turtle is quite different': Plea to new owners over need for 'long-time commitment'
Donna Moot is an expert on the shelled creatures, having run Turtle Rescue and Rehoming out of her house in Christchurch for almost 20 years.
Angela Blackmoore case: Two defendants found guilty of murder
A jury has found both David Hawken and Rebecca Wright-Meldrum guilty of the murder of Christchurch woman Angela Blackmoore in 1995.
Smelly Christchurch composting site to operate indoors, close in 2026
Residents have been complaining about the smell for 14 years and councillors have now agreed to shift processing to an industrial site in South Hornby. Audio
Lawyers for CTV building engineer Dr Alan Reay claim allegation unwarranted
Lawyers representing the engineer whose firm designed the CTV building that collapsed in the Christchurch earthquake say the complaint against Dr Alan Reay has no basis and should be dismissed.
'They're very significant': Lancaster Park's Memorial Gates restored and ready for unveiling
Sports enthusiasts will once more be welcomed into Christchurch's famed Lancaster Park through the historic Memorial Gates.
Safety at level crossings not up to scratch - TAIC
Transport safety investigators are calling for better safety measures at level crossings, following a near collision between a bus and a freight train in Christchurch.
'Nerve-racking' and 'exciting' - First-time eligible voters weigh in on the pressure to decide
More young people are turning out to vote each election, but their numbers still lag far behind the country's older voters.
Stanford backs school over plans to slash roll but won't commit to retaining status quo
National's education spokesperson says there's no reason to reduce Chisnallwood Intermediate's roll, but is not promising to keep it as it is if the party wins power.
Health campaigner calls for liquor licensing overhaul after Mama Hooch sexual assault case
A health campaigner is calling for an overhaul of the liquor licensing laws saying the Christchurch Mama Hooch sexual assault case has exposed significant failings.
Mama Hooch assaults: 'It doesn't give women confidence they'll be listened to'
A father whose daughter helped to jail sexual predators Danny and Roberto Jaz said she would have reconsidered going to police if she had known how long the legal process would take.
'For those things I'll never forgive you': Mama Hooch sexual assault survivor
Nine survivors of Danny and Roberto Jaz's attacks read powerful victim impact statements to the court ahead of the pair's sentencing today.
David Benbow retrial: Prosecution says he had 'motive', 'means' and 'opportunity' to kill
A court has heard former corrections officer David Benbow killed his childhood friend after finding out he had begun a relationship with his ex-partner.