Elisabeth Easther visits the South Island's sealife mecca.

Heroic Cantabrians were recognised at a police awards ceremony yesterday for their brave efforts from pulling an unconscious driver out of a submerged ute to wrestling a shotgun off an offender.

Almost 200 Christchurch businesses have been opened or reopened since January and the population is growing as the Canterbury city continues its recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

The wonderful Waipara Valley produces remarkable handcrafted classic wines, writes Paul Rush.

Anti-depressant prescribing in Christchurch is at an all-time high and there are "grave concerns" for the ongoing psychological struggles of the city's residents.

Almost 180 Christchurch landowners have chosen not to accept the Crown offers on their red-zoned properties.

Elisabeth Easther on a charming southern town.

Angry Christchurch red zone property owners are launching a legal battle to force Gerry Brownlee to change his mind over compensation, but he says it is "wishful thinking".

Prime Minister John Key says it will be "bleak" for Canterbury residents who chose not to take up the Government's buy-out offer for land in the red zone.

A Kiwi rapper has caused anger by suggesting Jesse Ryder may have provoked the attack that left him with a fractured skull and punctured lung.

A businessman is confident he can win a 20-year, $4 million legal battle with Inland Revenue.

Cameron Shaw, owner of Renalldoors, a family run business based in Carterton, Wairarapa.

A game keeper who sold off thousands of dollars' worth of antlers without permission has lost his claim of unfair dismissal and been told to pay up thousands.

As summer fades into autumn and the season of mist and mellow fruitfulness, it's time for hay to be saved, harvests to be gathered and, best of all, have festivals to attend.

Two years on. One year on from the one year anniversary, the city feels very subdued, writes James Dann. There is no big civic memorial ceremony.

Police believe offenders responsible for a spate of rural mail thefts targeting North Canterbury residents are from the North Island.