Updated 18 February 2020: Following formal health warnings for the Ashley/Rakahuri River at SH1 and Pegasus Lake, algal blooms have also been found in the eastern lake of the Kaiapoi Lakes, and from 18 February toxic algae is also present in the length of Ashley/Rakahuri River from Okuku River confluence to Ashley SH1.

The Rangiora-Ashley Community Board attended their first meeting of the New Year last Wednesday night. Staff presented a report to members regarding an upgrade to a section of Ivory Street, between Alfred and Buckham Streets.

The Woodend-Sefton Community Board held their first meeting of 2020 last week with the Woodend Bypass being the hot topic of discussion after the public rally held at the weekend.

The recent events in Australia have shown us the devastating impact that fire can have on animals and livestock. The Waimak Lifestyle Block Group and Waimakariri Civil Defence are hosting a meeting to establish a community-based response plan for emergencies, such as fires.

Waimakariri District Council has been working to update its payment portals so customers can self-serve and save time by paying more online.

The intersection of Oxford Road and Lehmans Road will be disrupted in the coming weeks as contractors work on underground services as part of the Oxford Road improvements project.

The taller parts of framing have started being put up this January giving scale to the size of Stadium Waimakariri.

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) are currently fighting two fires along the Ashley Rakahuri River, in addition to several other fires in the Canterbury region. Updates from them are mirrored below, please check their Facebook page for news and the latest official updates.