Night closures for Ashburton River Bridge as flood repair work continues
Motorists should expect delays on the Ashburton Bridge over the next few weeks as recent flood damage is repaired.
The Ashburton River/Hakatere Bridge (SH1) showed signs of slumping when it was damaged in a huge flooding event in Canterbury in late May, which triggered a local state of emergency.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional maintenance contract manager John Keenan said one of the bridge’s piers (a type of structure that extends to the ground below or into the water) settled slightly in the flooding.
He said motorists should expect “short delays” because the bridge would be down to one lane, under stop/go traffic management and a 30km per hour speed limit will be enforced from 9pm to 5am on August 2, 8 and 9, so repairs to the pier could continue.
A full night closure would then follow on August 15 and a signposted detour route for overnight travellers would be made available on the night, he said.
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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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% 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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