Stories by Niva Chittock
News
Concerns for dolphins as SailGP set to begin, many boats expected on water
Described as being like "Formula One without safety barriers", ten high speed catamarans are in town for the New Zealand leg of SailGP this weekend.
Police offer $100k reward in cold case
Police are offering a $100,000 reward for credible information relating to missing Marlborough woman Jessica Boyce, who vanished five years ago today.
Wastewater reveals which towns are drinking most
A close look at wastewater has revealed which towns drink most, and turned up one mysterious, particularly boozy night.
College student pleads for more space as classes held in corridors
A Rolleston College student wept as she told Education Ministry staff about the state of the school.
Timaru company fined for discharging an objectionable odour
Timaru locals had described the stench as like that of a dead animal or offal.
Watch: Nurses demonstrate over payment delays
Health workers are "sick of waiting" for authorities to settle holiday and leave entitlement payments owed, the nurses' union says.
Canterbury bar has liquor licence suspended after drunk patron dies in crash
The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority found bar staff continued to serve the man alcohol despite his level of intoxication.
SailGP fees for Lyttelton event still being finalised
A marine mammal management plan designed to prevent collisions with high speed catamarans is also yet to be completed.
Students light two fires inside Christchurch school
The high school was evacuated this afternoon when students deliberately lit two fires inside a school building.
Gang patch ban: Public want to know how it would be enforced
Public opinion on the coalition government's planned crackdown on gang patches is divided, with some Cantabrians hoping it will make New Zealand safer, while others have concerns over how it will be…
Candles lit for those killed in CTV collapse
The daughter of a woman killed in the Canterbury Television building collapse says 13 years on families are still waiting for justice.
'That place smells': Stench in Timaru being investigated
Canterbury Regional Council is investigating reports of a hideous smell plaguing Timaru.
'We're not fully rested until the fire is out' - Port Hills resident
A Christchurch resident says her bags are sitting packed by the door in case her family gets evacuated from the Port Hills wildfire again.
'Smoke everywhere': Sleepless night for evacuees
It has been another sleepless night for some evacuated Port Hills residents, some who have had close calls in the past.
Relics found buried in coffee jars under Christchurch cathedral
Parts of history found buried under a cathedral in coffee jars will see the light of day again in a Christchurch exhibition this week.
Oranga Tamariki insists it has improved
Its chief social worker says vast advances have been made, while the minister responsible is not promising any more funding.
40% of kids in care not seeing social workers enough
Fundamental requirements for children in Oranga Tamariki's care aren't being met, a new report says.
Operator vows swift response to any odour problems
The company behind the plant in Christchurch is assuring residents it will be designed to manage any unpleasant smells.
Residents cautious about new plant after infamous Bromley stench
A Christchurch residents' association says it wants to see for itself whether the council's new organics processing plant will emit a smell.
Protesters crash council meeting on Commonwealth Games bid
The Christchurch City Council has voted to consider a bid for a future Commonwealth Games.
Why people are avoiding Christchurch Hospital's new car park
Staff and patients at Christchurch Hospital are avoiding a brand new public car park because they cannot afford the fees or find it inaccessible.
White supremacist Philip Arps sentenced to jail after threatening ex-wife's partner
Philip Arps, who has previously served time for sharing footage of the Christchurch terror attacks, was given 20 months for contravening a protection order and a threat.
Bid to keep Christchurch light rail hopes alive
Despite the axing of Auckland's plans, Greater Christchurch councils are hoping to keep their proposal going,
Cruise industry body wants government to explore more ship cleaning options
The New Zealand Cruise Association wants the government to help build safe cleaning facilities to reduce the number of cruise ships barred from entering the country's waters.
'Made me cry': Community paying it forward after stranger's random acts of kindness
A Canterbury town is abuzz about a stranger jumping in to pay for items and then vanishing.