1461 days ago

Three Christchurch electorates backed cannabis reform

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Cantabrians were almost as divided as the nation over cannabis reform, with three electorates voting for legalisation and four against.

In Banks Peninsula 51 per cent of voters backed cannabis legalisation, while in Christchurch Central and Christchurch East it was 54 per cent.

The preliminary results of the cannabis referendum, released on Friday October 30, showed 53.1 per cent of voters said “no” to a question of whether the Government should legislate to legalise recreational cannabis.

In the suburbs of Ilam and Wigram, 53 per cent and 51 per cent voted no.

In the mid-Canterbury electorates there was a more resounding response, with Selwyn (58.9 per cent) and Waimakariri (58.3 per cent) voting no.

Christchurch Central’s 54 per cent backing of cannabis reform contrasts with Wellington Central, where 72 per cent voted yes.

And in Auckland Central – where Green Party drug reform spokeswoman Chloe Swarbrick is the MP – 67 per cent of people voted yes.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.5% Yes
    64.5% Complete
  • 33.2% No
    33.2% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
2147 votes
1 day ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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

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23 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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