The bad weather bashing New Zealand has delayed the arrival of Canterbury's first major cruise ship of the summer season.

A serious motorbike crash has closed State Highway One in North Canterbury this afternoon.

A shallow earthquake has jolted Cantabrians this morning, even though it measured less than four on the Richter Scale.

Ministry for Primary Industries officials have approved an incursion programme in mid-Canterbury following a spillage of one of Europe's most invasive arable weeds - black grass - found in a consignment of imported fescue seed.

Apparently, our salmon are vicious fish that attack people and we like to be lacquered in molasses and feathers while hunting eggs.

Elisabeth Easther checks out the wine and produce in the Gateway to North Canterbury.

Electricity remains out for 1000 homes in Canterbury after last week's storm battered the network.

The search is on for the people who shaved a family cat in Christchurch and marked a swastika on its back.

About 5000 Canterbury earthquake claims remain incomplete, unresolved or not scheduled for completion, according to figures from the Insurance Council of New Zealand.

A bracing southerly rushing over New Zealand this morning - bringing storms, gales, snow, and hail - will be a short, sharp cold snap, weather forecasters say.

A truck laden with newspapers ignited in a dramatic fire in Canterbury early this morning.

The earthquake-damaged Christchurch Town Hall has been saved after city councillors unanimously voted in favour of a $127.5 million full restoration plan today.

A restoration plan to save the earthquake-damaged Christchurch Town Hall has been hailed as a "masterpiece" by the internationally acclaimed building's architect.

Winston Aldworth takes some unique tours of a re-shaped Christchurch.

A man has died this morning after he was run over by farm machinery on a North Canterbury property.

The Government has confirmed it will appeal a landmark High Court decision which ordered it to reconsider an offer for vacant, uninsured red-zoned land.

The Government has lost a landmark legal battle over its 50 per cent offer for vacant red-zoned Christchurch land and uninsured properties.