A $4.8m project to improve drinking water quality in north-west Christchurch could be sped up in the wake of the Havelock North gastro outbreak.

Growing colonies of pigeons in empty buildings such as the Cathedral are proving a potentially lethal problem for Christchurch pilots.

Queenstown is not in danger of having too many shops, a developer says, as as a $100m project is unveiled.

Convicted wife killer Colin Bouwer has launched a bid to prevent him being deported upon his release from jail.

After four years of waiting, Rangiora finally has its Farmers back.

From eco tours to distillery visits, there's plenty to fill a holiday here.

The mother of murdered Owaka teen Kylie Smith says she is "absolutely delighted" to have five years off from having to argue to keep

A 33-year-old Dunedin psychology student appeared in court in relation to a wild car ride which left a trail of destruction.

A man who drank a bottle of bourbon before driving his vehicle to a police station to talk to police was jailed for six months.

The man who raped and killed Owaka teenager Kylie Smith will remain behind bars for at least another five years.

A 33-year-old Dunedin psychology student appeared in court yesterday in relation to a wild car ride which left a trail of destruction in Mornington.

COMMENT: Everyone knows Christchurch has been through a difficult time. Despite everything and despite what some people say the place can be really fun.

Caroline Quirey looks like a normal 11-year-old but behind her smile the Dunedin school pupil is fighting a rare bone marrow disorder.

Christchurch has been rocked by two earthquakes within an hour of each other.

Sherlock and Berlin are four and eight year-old chocolate labradors. They are two of more than 4600 labradors in the city, the most popular dog breed this year.

Suspected gang members raided serial burglar Luke Reich's home looking for stolen firearms while he was on remand in jail, The Star can reveal.

The flu has hit elderly Cantabrians hard in the last month, with the highest hospitalisation rates from the virus since 2012.

Environment Canterbury is publishing credit card expenditure on their website in a bid to increase its "openness and transparency."

Pavlina Pizova, who survived a month in a remote hut on the Routeburn Track, broke down in tears as she spoke about her fight for survival.

This lovely spot comes with barrels of history, some of it millions of years old, as Elisabeth Easther discovers.

A tramper has told of "pretty bad" conditions including snow up to a metre high near where a Czech woman was rescued after waiting five weeks in a Doc hut after her partner's death.

Police trace movements of Czech tramper - and her partner - who waited a month at hut following his death on Routeburn track

Those attempting the southern Routeburn Track are warned alpine experience is essential over winter.

Tennessy Weir checks into a lakefront hotel with a beautiful garden.

A Timaru contractor has been given the task of shepherding two Waitaki film sets to their final resting place - the landfill.

There are claims of theft, teabag rationing and poor treatment of staff at Woodhaugh Rest Home and Hospital in Dunedin.

Chinese national Limin Ma has admitted causing the death of Dunedin man Riley Baker in a head-on crash when he crossed the centre line to view the ocean.

Convicted killer Colin Bouwer will remain behind bars after requesting parole be declined at his latest hearing.

A dozen vehicles have been stolen around Southland over the past three weeks and police are urging drivers to protect themselves from

A fire fighter was lowered into the natural limestone shaft - just 40cm wide - to rescue Middy who had been missing since Saturday.