Extension to Christchurch tram allows patrons to circle the city
The extension to Christchurch's tram has finally been completed and was opened to the public on Thursday.
Trams now continue travelling from the corner of Manchester St along High St, up Tuam St and turning into Poplar St before heading back down Lichfield St.
Christchurch City Council head of transport and waste management Lynette Ellis said the project had "really added to the special character of High St".
A new tram stop and shelter had also been installed at the intersection of Tuam and High
streets intersection
The life-sized bronze corgis that were installed in High St
in 2003 to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee have been moved to sit
beside the new shelter.
Jewel Lewis, 78, made the most of her time hunkering down at home during Covid to create a special tribute to Christchurch's tram.
"Forty years ago, while driving down the long drive into the Canterbury Sun Club at Rolleston, I was always taken with an old tram sitting in a paddock and used as a shed. Our Pop was particularly fond of it as he used to drive the same tram on the Sumner route many years before," she said.
"It has since been on my bucket list to replicate this in miniature and I have finally done so. I researched it, drew up all the plans ... and sent it through to my 85-year-old friend who has a laser cutter in his back shed."
She then made kits for her miniaturist-loving friends. The photos below show one tram in pristine form "as a lady shed snug" and one in "bashed form where it turns into an old decrepit shed".
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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63.9% Yes
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33.6% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
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Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz