Canterbury

Red-meat co-op Alliance says it will be an "emotional time" for the 55 remaining meat workers at its Smithfield plant today.

The Marlborough Equestrian Park made a request for the irrigation system to the council's Long Term Plan earlier this year.

Canterbury will be under a total fire ban from midday on Monday.

A change in irrigation practices likely contributed to nitrate spikes in Waimate's drinking water, but ratepayers could foot the bill in the long-term.

Clive Gordon repeatedly drove through a large black-billed gull colony, destroying their nests.

It comes after about 650 households were issued a do-not-drink notice due to nitrate levels.

Multiple injuries were reported, including one person in a serious condition who had to be transported to hospital.

The scrub fire at Taylors Mistake was reported shortly after midnight.

Fire-weary Canterbury should get a much-needed respite from high temperatures and gales as a change in the weather arrives, while much of the motu has had a warm start to the weekend, MetService says.

FENZ is reminding people in Canterbury not to spark new wildfires, with hot and windy weather expected this weekend.

A teenager appears to be lucky to be alive after climbing a power pylon in Christchurch.

Thursday's blaze quickly spread to 30 hectares because of hot, dry conditions. Audio

Firefighters from four brigades responded to a grass fire in the suburb of Yaldhurst.

The Canterbury region is so dry fires are taking hold and spreading rapidly, firefighters say. Audio

Canterbury's regional council has added its voice to opposition to the bill.

Residents from three homes who were evacuated have been able to return to their houses after the fire on Thursday.

Five helicopters, 22 trucks, tankers and support vehicles are working on the out of control blaze.

Environment Canterbury's flat-fare trial is being extended to February 2026, with a 50 percent fare increase.

Another person has been treated by paramedics as a result of the blaze in Hornby.