Digital producer, Christchurch, NZ Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Storm hits South Island: 100km/h wind gusts, 500 homes lose power](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Storm hits South Island: 100km/h wind gusts, 500 homes lose power
Heavy rain expected to hit Canterbury, and will push flood protection works in the area.
![Three people injured in two-vehicle crash on SH1 near Waimate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Three people injured in two-vehicle crash on SH1 near Waimate
Police were called to the crash on the Waimate Highway (SH1) at 1.27pm.
![Three people injured in crash between car and van near motorway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Three people injured in crash between car and van near motorway
The crash was blocking northbound traffic on Brougham St.
![ChCh stabbing: No resignations at mental health facility since attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
ChCh stabbing: No resignations at mental health facility since attack
Other media have reported several staff members have resigned since the incident.
![Two injured after crash between car and bus in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two injured after crash between car and bus in Christchurch
The collision is blocking the southbound lane of Greers Rd.
![Former Canterbury DHB boss running for mayor of Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Former Canterbury DHB boss running for mayor of Christchurch
He was the chief executive of the health board for 12 years.
![Black ice possible as frost set to hit Canterbury after snowfall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Black ice possible as frost set to hit Canterbury after snowfall
Metservice predicting snow down to 400m with heavy falls above 500m.
![Two injured, SH1 closed after crash near Ashburton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two injured, SH1 closed after crash near Ashburton
The crash closed the highway in both directions.
![Tirama Mai: Central Christchurch lit up with work of local artists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tirama Mai: Central Christchurch lit up with work of local artists
Cathedral Square and surrounding areas have been transformed with lighting installations.
![Covered in mud: Passenger train hits slip on West Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covered in mud: Passenger train hits slip on West Coast
The slip was caused by a deluge of heavy rain.
!['Tough time': Mother of mosque attack victim assaulted in aggravated robbery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Tough time': Mother of mosque attack victim assaulted in aggravated robbery
Police are asking the public for help to find two men who allegedly robbed the store.
!['Bloody hassle': Vape shop hit by teenage ram raiders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Bloody hassle': Vape shop hit by teenage ram raiders
The offenders looked to be aged between 14 and 16.
!['Just gutted': Portaloo, traffic management gear stolen from marathon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Just gutted': Portaloo, traffic management gear stolen from marathon
The first-ever Selwyn Marathon was held over the weekend.
![Desperate attempts to save 7-year-old killed in river crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Desperate attempts to save 7-year-old killed in river crash
Jurael Tutere Paul Jeffrey Bennett died at the scene.
!['I wish I could've saved you': Mum's tribute to son, 7, killed in Canterbury river crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I wish I could've saved you': Mum's tribute to son, 7, killed in Canterbury river crash
The vehicle plunged off the road and into the Waipara River on Sunday night.
![Watch: Two people, two dogs winched to safety as river swells](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Two people, two dogs winched to safety as river swells
The people are reportedly in the Pinchgut Track area near the Okuku Range.
!['Gut punch': Cost of Christchurch stadium jumps $150m, delayed until 2026](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Gut punch': Cost of Christchurch stadium jumps $150m, delayed until 2026
The new $683 million price tag puts project at risk.
![St George's Hospital maternity ward to remain open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
St George's Hospital maternity ward to remain open
A decision on the possible closure of the facility was released today.
!['Absolutely terrified': Family shaken after gunshots fired in gang dispute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Absolutely terrified': Family shaken after gunshots fired in gang dispute
Police called to a fight at the Turf and One Good Horse restaurant in Parklands.
![One person injured, trapped in 'nose to tail' crash in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
One person injured, trapped in 'nose to tail' crash in Christchurch
The person was trapped due to injury and had to be freed with the help of St John.
![Canterbury dairy targeted by thieves for third time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Canterbury dairy targeted by thieves for third time
Items were taken and police are making inquiries into the incident.
![Brrrr: Sub-zero temperatures across the country as winter looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Brrrr: Sub-zero temperatures across the country as winter looms
The coldest temperature of the year has reportedly been recorded this morning.
![Christchurch multi-million dollar stadium opening delayed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Christchurch multi-million dollar stadium opening delayed
It was previously expected to be finished by mid-2025.
!['Critical injuries': Explosion at rural property in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Critical injuries': Explosion at rural property in Christchurch
A pipe being cut caused the explosion.
![Teenager missing in Christchurch for a week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Teenager missing in Christchurch for a week
Teen named Madaysha was reported missing from her Burwood home.
![Icy blast hits NZ: 849 lightning strikes, flooding - and big swell, snow on the way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Icy blast hits NZ: 849 lightning strikes, flooding - and big swell, snow on the way
Strong winds, heavy rain across NZ, and brace for a temperature drop down south on Friday.
![Single point of failure led to commercial jet boat crash that injured two](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Single point of failure led to commercial jet boat crash that injured two
The jetboat belonged to Queenstown company KJet.
![Vehicle crashes into barrier on Christchurch motorway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Vehicle crashes into barrier on Christchurch motorway
The crash is causing considerable delays southbound.
![Former Christchurch mayor Sir Bob Parker's apartment sold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Former Christchurch mayor Sir Bob Parker's apartment sold
The "gritty, recklessly urbane warehouse accommodation" fetched $1,120,000.
![Rail line 'washed away' in heavy rain, repair work under way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rail line 'washed away' in heavy rain, repair work under way
Severe weather hit the area on Monday causing slips and road closures.
!['Great surprise': Rare glimpse of humpback whale near Akaroa Harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Great surprise': Rare glimpse of humpback whale near Akaroa Harbour
Humpback whales are not often seen near the harbour.
![Two people injured after serious crash on rural Canterbury road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two people injured after serious crash on rural Canterbury road
The car appears to have rolled some distance.
![Lighting show, fireworks spectacular among winter events in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Lighting show, fireworks spectacular among winter events in Christchurch
Key events include Tirama Mai, a big fireworks show and the Go Live music festival.
!['Like an earthquake': Car crashes into sleeping man's bedroom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Like an earthquake': Car crashes into sleeping man's bedroom
Emergency services were called to the incident in Richmond at about 3.50am.
![One dead after vehicle goes down bank on West Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
One dead after vehicle goes down bank on West Coast
Another person in the vehicle suffered moderate injuries.
![Canterbury house prices still rising, may escape downturn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Canterbury house prices still rising, may escape downturn
The average property value in the region grew 2.9 per cent this quarter.
!['Made everyone proud': Funeral for third teen killed in Invercargill crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Made everyone proud': Funeral for third teen killed in Invercargill crash
Friends and family gathered for his funeral at the Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff.
![23 Covid deaths, 9830 cases as Omicron wave continues in South](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
23 Covid deaths, 9830 cases as Omicron wave continues in South
Yesterday there were 6380 new cases in the community.
![Queenstown-Glenorchy road to temporarily reopen after slip caused by storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Queenstown-Glenorchy road to temporarily reopen after slip caused by storm
The road was closed at about 8am yesterday leaving Glenorchy cut off.
!['Lovely' young ambulance officer dedicated life to others, parents say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Lovely' young ambulance officer dedicated life to others, parents say
22-year-old Sean Dickey was killed in a crash on Tuesday.
![22yo killed in crash was St John ambulance officer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
22yo killed in crash was St John ambulance officer
The crash in Aidanfield, Christchurch, involved a vehicle and two motorcycles.
![DHB staff urged not to get complacent as Covid cases begin to drop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
DHB staff urged not to get complacent as Covid cases begin to drop
Covid cases in Canterbury had plateaued at around 1000 over the past few days.
![NZ's most stolen car: I took the risk - and it got nicked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ's most stolen car: I took the risk - and it got nicked
OPINION: 'It was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.'
!['Nightmare': Woman with bad vaccine reaction reveals booster struggle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Nightmare': Woman with bad vaccine reaction reveals booster struggle
The woman had a bad reaction and has to get the booster under medical supervision.
![Man rescued after becoming trapped on cliff face](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Man rescued after becoming trapped on cliff face
The man was well equipped to spend the night but could not move from where he was.
!['Pretty excited': First dusting of snow for the year falls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Pretty excited': First dusting of snow for the year falls
Ski fields in Queenstown woke to a nice surprise this morning.
![1000ha Waituna blaze threatens 'significant' wetland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
1000ha Waituna blaze threatens 'significant' wetland
Wetland used by generations as a giant food basket and mahika kai site.
![Police investigate sudden death of woman in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police investigate sudden death of woman in Christchurch
Officers are at a property on Wolcot St in Bromley.
![Covid cases peak in Canterbury, expect a 'slow and steady' decline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covid cases peak in Canterbury, expect a 'slow and steady' decline
The CDHB area has the highest number of active cases in the country.
![Search ramps up for missing Milford Track tramper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Search ramps up for missing Milford Track tramper
The man was reported overdue after a planned tramp to the Devils Armchair.
![Police search for tramper: Missing on Milford Track since Sunday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police search for tramper: Missing on Milford Track since Sunday
Extensive searches were not successful yesterday.
![McCaws show support for maternity ward over possible closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
McCaws show support for maternity ward over possible closure
Both of their daughters were born at the hospital.
![Covid cases have peaked in Auckland. Here's NZ's new Omicron epicentre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covid cases have peaked in Auckland. Here's NZ's new Omicron epicentre
One DHB has reported 2172 new cases in the region today.
![South Island yet to pass Omicron peak, cases still rising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
South Island yet to pass Omicron peak, cases still rising
All of the DHBs in the south had a higher number of new cases today than yesterday.
![Hot air balloon accidents: Pilots ejected due to not wearing harnesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hot air balloon accidents: Pilots ejected due to not wearing harnesses
Everyone on board was in danger after the balloons became pilot-less, TAIC says.
![Man who fled scene of fatal car crash found by police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Man who fled scene of fatal car crash found by police
The 29-year-old is reportedly assisting officers with inquiries.
![Survivor completes Walk for Peace on anniversary of mosque attacks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Survivor completes Walk for Peace on anniversary of mosque attacks
He has fundraised more than $60,000 for three charities.
![Nelson homicide victim identified, police investigating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nelson homicide victim identified, police investigating
A 56-year-old man was found deceased at Eden's Road Fruit orchard in Hope.
![Person seriously injured in crash near Lyttelton Tunnel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Person seriously injured in crash near Lyttelton Tunnel
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
![Hundreds of hay bales catch fire in Canterbury](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hundreds of hay bales catch fire in Canterbury
A trench was dug for the bales to be pushed into.
!['Moving quite fast': Fire crews battle large blaze in Arthur's Pass](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Moving quite fast': Fire crews battle large blaze in Arthur's Pass
Blaze moving quickly, but no threat to the highway yet.
![Covid-19: 'Challenging' weeks ahead for Christchurch Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covid-19: 'Challenging' weeks ahead for Christchurch Hospital
150 staff have tested positive for the virus.
![Anti-mandate protesters in Christchurch agree to leave by Thursday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anti-mandate protesters in Christchurch agree to leave by Thursday
A large number of protesters have been at the square since February 14.
![Person flown to hospital in serious condition after crash with truck](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Person flown to hospital in serious condition after crash with truck
A St John helicopter has been sent to the scene.
!['Appalled': Man exposed to Covid-19 by roommate at Southland Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Appalled': Man exposed to Covid-19 by roommate at Southland Hospital
The hospital apologised for the distress it had caused.
![Anti-mandate protests ramp up in Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anti-mandate protests ramp up in Christchurch
About 26 tents are now pitched in Cranmer Square.
![Tent cities popping up in south in support of Wellington](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tent cities popping up in south in support of Wellington
There are protests in Dunedin, Christchurch and Picton.
![Fans separated into pods of 100 at Black Caps vs South Africa test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fans separated into pods of 100 at Black Caps vs South Africa test
Under the red setting, events are only allowed up to 100 people who are vaccinated.
![Dunedin parties locations of interest, attendees told to isolate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dunedin parties locations of interest, attendees told to isolate
This morning, the University of Otago confirmed the news.
![Anti-mandate protest in Christchurch goes into day four](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anti-mandate protest in Christchurch goes into day four
A number of tents have been set up in Cranmer Square.
![Covid case confirmed on Milford Track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Covid case confirmed on Milford Track
The case is a staff member of a guided walking business.
![Anti-mandate protesters set up in Chch, council working 'closely' with police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anti-mandate protesters set up in Chch, council working 'closely' with police
A small number of tents appear to have been set up on Tuesday morning.
![Less than 3 hours of sun a day seen in Christchurch in February](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Less than 3 hours of sun a day seen in Christchurch in February
The city has seen just 28.6 hours of sunshine.
![Weather records smashed by historically wet weekend across NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Weather records smashed by historically wet weekend across NZ
One town recorded more than 120mm in 24 hours.
![Heavy rain possible for West Coast after week of deluge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Heavy rain possible for West Coast after week of deluge
Warnings include Tasman district west of Motueka, Marlborough Sounds, Rai Valley.
!['Be wary': Rain-soaked West Coast back in firing line](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Be wary': Rain-soaked West Coast back in firing line
MetService says the area is still saturated from last week's flooding,