Latest fromBlenheim

Nick Smith grilled over ETS
Farmers, foresters and others questioned the integrity of the Kyoto Protocol and the theory of global warming at an ETS meeting in Blenheim.

IPCA to probe fatal police chase
The Independent Police Conduct Authority will investigate the death of a 22-year-old man after a brief police chase in Christchurch this morning.

Govt considers buying firm to finish Hercules upgrade
The Govt is considering taking over Safe Air in Blenheim so the air force can finish having its five C-130 Hercules upgraded.

Poor Waihopai spybase saboteurs welcome lawsuit
Three activists are welcoming news the Crown may try to sue them for $1.1 million, despite the saboteurs having around $1000 between them.

Monster truck hearse for beloved grandma
Penelope Rae Phillips - the grandmother who died after being hit by a driver who allegedly took off from a police checkpoint - arrived at her funeral in her monster truck.

Death-crash driver's dad speaks out
A woman who allegedly killed a grandmother after speeding from a police checkpoint had drunk about four vodka energy drinks over two hours, her father has said.

Spy base verdict may prompt law change - PM
The decision to acquit the Waihopai saboteurs surprised Prime Minister John Key who is not ruling out a law change.

'Crush drink drivers' cars'
The oldest son of a mother-of-five killed by a woman fleeing a police check point says it's time to crush drink-drivers' cars.

Woman dies as driver flees police
Blenheim police say a suspected drunk driver who killed another motorist after crashing last night was not being chased.

Spy base attackers 'helping al Qaeda'
An American security expert says that the trio who attacked the Government spy base in Blenheim committed an act akin to protecting al Qaeda and the Taleban.

'Greater good' defence won't work for others - expert
No defendant is likely to succeed with a "greater good" defence again, following the publicity surrounding the spy base case, a law expert says.

Other defendants could use spy base defence - law expert
Other defendants may consider using the same "greater good" defence as three activists who damaged the Waihopai spy base, a legal expert says.

Fire crews battle huge forest fire
Fire crews are continuing to put out hot spots after a forest blaze forced the evacuation of more than 30 people.