Repairs will allow for future adjustments to Ashburton River bridge
The bridge that severed the South Island’s main transport link will be repaired so it can be easily relevelled in future.
The State Highway 1 bridge over the Ashburton River was closed when heavy flooding caused a pier to slump three weeks ago.
Jessica McFarlane, a network manager at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, said they hoped to close the bridge between 11pm on Monday and 4am on Tuesday to install electronic monitoring devices.
The devices would allow the bridge to be monitored remotely for movement, rather than having to be closed for monitoring to be done.
McFarlane said the agency also hoped to sufficiently smooth the dipped section of the bridge deck so the 50kmh speed limit could be restored.
At that point, it would reassess access for oversize and overweight vehicles. The repairs were due to be completed by August.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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48.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
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41.9% Nah
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9.7% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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