First ship of the season arrives at Lyttelton's new cruise berth
Kiwi-only cruises will soon get the green light to set sail, as the first passenger vessel to get a Government exemption docks in New Zealand.
Christchurch-based Heritage Expeditions flagship Spirit of Enderby arrived at the Port of Lyttelton on Monday.
The arrival marked a trifecta of firsts: the first cruise ship of the summer to arrive in New Zealand, the first captained by New Zealand’s first and only female marine pilot, Joanne Laing, and the first vessel to dock at Lyttelton’s new $67 million cruise ship berth.
Lyttelton Port Company general manager Phil de Joux said he was not expecting the berth would be used by a cruise ship so soon.
“Obviously Covid’s had a huge impact on the cruise market, so we’re just stoked really."
The Spirit of Enderby sailed directly from Vladivostok in eastern Russia, and the crew had been in isolation for 43 days now.
“They had two weeks and two Covid tests moored offshore, then 29 days of sailing.”
The crew had another test at 9am on Monday, and remained confined to the ship for now.
The 50-passenger boat will sail to Invercargill to pick up its first passengers on November 24.
It will then head out on an expedition to Fiordland and Stewart Island.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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21.3% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Wilding St, ST MARTINS (multiple houses in street). Sat 30/11/2024. 8.30am (no earlier)
Wilding St, ST MARTINS. A few households in the street are holding garage sales today. Signs out at 8.30am (respectfully no earlier please). Between the households there is Furniture, Sleepyhead Matrix double BED (excel cond), household items, electricals, bric-a-brac, FRUIT Trees & BERRIES plants, unwanted gifts, new items (suitable presents), clothing, books etc... Between the households (4x confirmed so far) too much to mention. Something for everyone. Cancelled if raining but spit & wind ok!
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