Freight trains will be operating day and night on the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch from early October. This is in addition to work trains and other high-rail vehicles that use the line to help with the Kaikōura earthquake recovery.

As we head into spring, we once again reach magpie nesting season in Waimakariri. During the next four to six weeks, these intelligent birds will become extremely protective of their territory as they defend their young and they can be prone to swooping on nearby pedestrians and cyclists.

Oxford Ohoka Community Board started their meeting last night with two deputations from community groups.  They also supported key recommendations from staff and again, were delighted to fund a range of community projects.

The first daytime freight trains in almost two years will be running again between Blenheim and Christchurch from next week, marking a milestone in the rebuild effort following the  Kaikoura earthquake.

Council were very disappointed to discover yet more damage from vandalism around our beaches over the last few weeks.  This is becoming a regular occurrence, is causing damage to our natural resources, and costs money to put right.

It’s exciting when you are building a new home and everyone is keen to get going so that they can move in.  However, if you are building in a new subdivision we want you to know about some of the challenges involved.

Civil Defence is conducting a test of its coastal Tsunami warning sirens at 1pm next Monday, October 1. Communities living in beach areas will hear the alarms, which are being tested to ensure they are operating correctly.

Why are we wasting so much food? New Zealanders throw away 12, 547 tonnes of food each year. Amazingly, that’s the equivalent to 213 jumbo jets.