Stories by Jonathan Leask

All schools in the Ashburton area will have a 30kph speed zone set up on roads outside them this year, with one principal relieved after a 14 year campaign.

The mayor believes it has further strengthened the case for it to happen sooner, rather than later.

A problem with unwanted guests is frustrating the Ashburton Event Centre and "it's getting serious".

The completion date for Ashburton's new $56.75 million library and civic building has been pushed back again, and it could now open about a year after initially planned.

The Ashburton mayor says it isn't a major concern officials are unsure how Mycoplasma bovis began circulating Wakanui farms in Mid-Canterbury last year.

The Ashburton District Council won't be muzzled by receiving $4.19 million in the Three Waters 'better off' funding that will benefit the community.

Three times a year a driver will crash into the Tinwald viaduct which authorities say is clearly signposted.

Following the sudden death of two-term councillor Rodger Letham in December, Ashburton District Council will have a special election.

Almost as many potholes were filled in 2022 as in the previous three years in the Ashburton District.

Ashburton College heads have done their best to pacify community concerns over suggestions that no student bullying complaints reached the principal or the board in the past five years.

More than 100,000 people have flocked to Methven's Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa complex since it opened in November 2021.

Removing the use of cellphones at Ashburton College is about eliminating a major disruption, according to the school's principal.

The Ashburton mayor will be answering his pager if he can, with local volunteer firefighters continuing to respond during the union strike action.

Wastebusters is happy to see the first loads of farm plastics hit the road after four years of stockpiling, but its green waste collection is in breach of the land and water regional plan.

A couple who lost their daughter to meningococcal disease have appealed to the Health Select Committee to provide a free meningococcal vaccine programme for all secondary students.

Community service provider Safer Mid Canterbury is eyeing bigger office space as it expands its services and demand continues to grow.

Ashburton District council chief executive Hamish Riach says the council must improve on its delivery after $14.5 million worth of carry-over projects from the 2021-22 financial year.

Ashburton's mayor backs the de-population of the district's major cattle feedlot to curb the mycoplasma bovis disease, even though he expects an impact on the local economy.

Another Ashburton District Council candidate has expressed her disapproval of government-enforced mandates.

A sneak peek inside Ashburton's new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, has only increased the anticipation.

New Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty admits the impact of funding cuts to roading in Mid Canterbury is now being seen.

Key Ashburton retailers are opposed to a new CBD market day, saying further "restricted trading'' is not what they need.

Methven's Dame Lynda Topp says she is committed to her election candidacy campaign despite setbacks in her cancer treatment.

The Ashburton District Council's approval rating has plunged to its lowest level and there is a "clear link" to the state of the roads.

Ashburton's planned second bridge now faces its biggest hurdle, with the need to find $76 million more than originally expected to pay for it.