Canterbury

Springston School Te Kura o Makonui board says its thoughts are with the child's family, as staff and students are supported.

DOC's Dean Nelson says staff were horrified to see graphic photos of the chicks being eaten alive, as it was unusual for ducks to prey on other birds.

A road remains closed.

Offensive odours have plagued the city's eastern suburbs.

That's thanks to growth in bulk imports and exports.

Council crews are assessing the situation, a spokesperson says.

Enatel's new 8000 square metre factory is situated by Christchurch Airport.

Orana Wildlife Park said 22-year-old sisters Leah and Meeka, and Meeka's 15-year-old son Mambila had died.

The Black Cat Cruises catamaran ran aground in the Akaroa Marine Reserve on Saturday, resulting in the rescue of more than 40 passengers and crew.

Forecast bad weather for the next two days means the Black Cat Cruises vessel will remain lodged on rocks. Audio

Former rower Les O'Connell won the medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics and is appealing to whoever pinched it to give it back undamaged.

A coroner has found the death of Liam Booth, who was sent home from hospital in a taxi after threatening to take his own life, could not have been prevented.

It is the South Island's biggest and longest-running commemoration of Waitangi Day, beginning in 1976.

Environment Canterbury says the boat carried 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel, and about 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines.

There were reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise.

The passenger said he heard a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, followed by a whizzing sound.