Poll: Does Christchurch still deserve the title of the Garden City?
Christchurch is still flying the Garden City flag, but is it still backing it up?
Elizabeth Peacock certainly doesn’t think so.
A past president of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, Peacock tells Frank Film that the state of some of the planted spaces of Christchurch are a disgrace.
Andrew Rutledge, the present head of parks, defends the current approach.
“We’re heading into a much more naturalised phase with a bigger focus on indigenous planting,” he tells Frank Film. “They’re not gardens.”
This, according to Rutledge, is meeting resistance from those who are still after the “highly groomed lawn”.
“I would be ashamed to bring anyone to have a look,” she says. “A garden should be joyous!”
Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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42.5% Yes
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53.5% No
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4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
Poll: Canterbury is thriving on paper... but are you seeing evidence of Canterbury's improving economy?
As reported in the Press, Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman recently gave a shout-out to our region, calling Canterbury a "stand-out" for how we recover from tough times. With tech firms growing and exporters investing, the business side of things is looking bright!
👉 But we know that "business growth" doesn't always mean the weekly shop gets any cheaper. While the city expands, many families feel like they’re just trying to keep their heads above water.
We want to know: With the business buzz of 2026, do you feel like things are finally looking up for your household, or does it still feel like a climb?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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100% In some areas ...
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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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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