Anna Sargent

The local state of emergency in Canterbury's Banks Peninsula was lifted at 12.30pm on Monday.

The main road in to the peninsula has reopened and telecommunications have been restored, but the area remains under a state of emergency.

A local state of emergency was in place for the peninsula, where several hundred people remained without power and many more affected by telecommunications outages.

Bromley community leader Jackie Simons has made an emotional plea to the council for more help to be provided to those affected by the foul stench pouring from Bromley Wastewater Plant. Audio

The smell has left people battling nausea, worsening asthma, sleepless nights and deteriorating mental health. Audio

A putrid stench lingering in Christchurch's eastern suburbs from the city's wastewater treatment plant is expected to persist for at least another week.

Police found the body of an elderly woman at a Burnham property after being called over an assault.

Margaret Batten, 83, suffered a fatal head injury after falling onto a concrete ambulance bay floor when a St John officer lost control of her stretcher.

From circus acts to street theatre and comedy, performers from 12 countries are converging on the city's streets for ten days.

Glenda Sally Douglas, 68, died following the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 73 near Sheffield on 19 November.

There was a sewage leak last week in Corsair Bay when a septic tank overflowed after bottles were flushed down public toilets.

Twenty-one-year-old Matthew Fairbrother clocked up 500 kilometres on the ride on Christmas Day

Behind the postcard-perfect scenery of glaciers, steep cliffs and waterfalls lies a high-stakes operation to keep the road open and safe no matter the weather. Video

The 150-year-old Hurunui Hotel reopened in November after being closed while on the market and unable to find a buyer.

It follows allegations of sheep mistreatment related to shearing practices which are still under investigation.

James Holder will spend at least 11 years and nine months for the murder of David Bridgwater.

It is the first time original Banksy works will be displayed in the South Island, showcasing more than 150 original pieces.

Can the planting of special crops and experiments with new winter grazing systems make a real difference? Audio

A site with a view of the Southern Alps has been selected as the preferred location for the long-awaited memorial. Audio

A site with a view of the Southern Alps has been selected as the preferred location for the long-awaited memorial. Audio

Collins said it was a modern complex that would make it easier for personnel to do their job in an "increasingly complex and very contested world".

Minister Matt Doocey said the frontline workforce had grown by about 10 percent over the past year.

The volleyball team had just finished their games at the South Island junior championships when the crash happened.

Organisers are promising a return to full strength after last year's show was scaled back. Audio

The show's organisers are promising a strong return after last year's downscaled format.