Stories by Adam Burns Allied Press
News
Migrant exodus felt in mid Canterbury
The departure of migrant workers thwarted by visa frustrations offshore is adding sting to mid Canterbury's depleted rural sector.
‘It will take time and money’ – Canterbury floods fallout
Talks around future flood safeguarding in Canterbury are developing after the historic rain event which lashed the region.
Mid Canterbury migrants push for return of work visa
Mid Canterbury's Filipino community is urging the government reintroduce a South Island work visa to help halt an exodus of skilled migrant workers offshore.
Mid Canty rugby boss opposes chipping in for Christchurch stadium
Mid Canterbury rugby's boss has promised some terse conversations with council heads if money is poured into the Christchurch stadium at the expense of local developments.
Hundreds of Ashburton properties monitored for recycling contamination
Ashburton District Council waste managers say residents may have had difficulty "changing back their habits" following a loosening of recycling criteria during Covid-19.
Govt apology: Samoan man's sister was a Dawn Raid officer
An Ashburton man has reflected on the traumatic experiences endured by his family during the infamous Dawn Raids of the 1970s.
National MP alleges climate change cover up: 'The science of bullsh*t'
The National Party's climate change spokesperson has described a government climate change plan as the "science of bullsh*t" during a talk in Ashburton this week.
National MP faces climate-change deniers' wrath in Ashburton
A fiery clash between a National Party MP and an irate climate change cynic raised the temperature of an Ashburton public meeting today.
Weekend flooding: Ashburton River vulnerabilities 'not ideal'
There was a hint of deja vu in the Ashburton district as the South Island was once again clobbered by historic volumes of rainfall.
'Get the shingle out', say Ashburton's flood-hit farmers
Flood-hit farmers in Ashburton's Greenstreet area had a message at a community meeting this week: 'Get the shingle out of the river, then come back with more money'.
'Senseless' - PM disappointed at Ashburton memorial vandalism
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described the vandalism of a memorial for the victims of the Ashburton Work and Income office shooting as senseless.
Harbour bridge cycleway timing 'not the best' for flood-hit region - Labour MP
Labour's Rangitata MP has admitted the timing for the announcement of a new $785 million cycling and walking bridge in Auckland was poor, but is defending the government's Canterbury flooding…
'Soul destroying': Farmer's best mate safe but flood pain remains
A photo of Dave Stewart and family's dog being guided onto a truck circulated international media. While the family is safe and sound, Ashburton River is still running through their farm.
Four-year-old boy rewards 'legend' volunteer fireman
A delighted four-year-old boy in Methven has been reunited with a "heroic" fireman who helped him and his mother as heavy rains flooded the region.
Rural leaders plead for second Ashburton bridge plans
Damaging floods in Ashburton have sparked calls for urgency around a second bridge by the district's rural leaders, with the town's sole overpass at risk.
Methven family escapes flooding with community help
The Williams family were left wondering where they would be spending the night last Sunday after evacuating from their property nearby Ashburton River.
Judith Collins 'jumped the gun' on water reforms, Ashburton mayor says
The mayors of the Ashburton and Selwyn districts have confirmed they have not reached out to Judith Collins around the ownership of water as part of the Three Waters' reforms.
Ashburton may ditch ridiculed 'Whatever it Takes' slogan
The majority of councillors are supporting a move to formalise a possible slogan change in chambers with a few wanting to open it up to the public if necessary.
Councillors 'kept out of the loop' on river committee
A disgruntled Ashburton District councillor believes elected members were kept out of the loop around "important" conversations concerning the Rangitata Awa.
Canterbury irrigation scheme 'will hold farmers to account'
The 10-year consent is subject to conditions including a 15 percent reduction in nitrogen losses by 2025 and 25 percent by 2030, auditing of farm environment plans, and more.
Council funding brings relief for retailers hit by roadworks
Further funding of nearly $200,000, to help reduce the disruption of the Ashburton CBD upgrades, is a possible godsend for struggling retailers.
Ashburton Council 'confident' in speed limit changes
Slower speed limits on busy Mid Canterbury roads should address community concerns, Ashburton District Council says.
Ashburton principal calls for better management of phones
Amid the recent suspension of a Methven secondary school pupil and growing calls from the local community for the use of phones in schools to be banned, a principal says the use of phones needs to be…
Methven school to review phones after student suspended
A pupil at Mount Hutt College has been suspended after they allegedly filmed a fellow student before distributing the footage to others "with the intention of humiliating them".
Ashburton CBD overhaul 'on track'
Ashburton District Council remains upbeat as a multi-million dollar overhaul of the town centre continues to make headway.