Large blaze in central Christchurch
A large blaze broke out in a commercial building in the central city early Thursday morning.
What you need to know:
- Residents in parts of Christchurch are now being warned to stay indoors and keep windows shut.
- Thick smoke billowed through the sky after the blaze broke out in Sydenham.
- Dozens of firefighters were tackling the fire, which is in a building just off Colombo St housing a number of companies including Phoenix Recycling and vehicle certification company Auto Inspection Services.
- The fire is understood to have mainly affected the eastern part of the building, housing Auto Inspection Services. Its owner said he believed the fire had started in the adjacent recycling centre and had spread to his firm’s part of the building.
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident controller Dave Key said the fire was believed to have started in a pile of rubbish, and that the main damage from the blaze was to the building itself. The blaze was contained shortly after 8am, but fire crews would be at the scene for the rest of the day, he said.
Keep up to date on Stuff website. Did you see the smoke from your place?
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
-
41.5% Yes
-
33.7% Maybe?
-
24.8% No
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
🌱✨ Now Enrolling for 2026 — Spaces Filling Fast!✨ 🌱
Looking for a nurturing, community-focused preschool where your child can grow, explore, and shine?
At Cotswold Preschool & Nursery, every child is embraced as a valued part of our Whānau. Our caring, experienced Kaiako create a supportive environment where Tamariki build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning through play.
💛 Small, welcoming group sizes for personalised care
💛 Rich play-based learning that inspires creativity and curiosity
💛 Strong Whānau partnerships and community connections
💛 Passionate, dedicated Kaiako who truly know and understand your child
📍 Proudly located in the heart of Bishopdale, offering a safe, inclusive, and loving space for all families.
37 Colesbury street - down the long driveway, just follow the river mural!
👉 Come visit us! Message us today office@cotswoldpreschool.co.nz or pop in anytime — we’d love to meet you, show you around, and chat about how we can support your child’s journey in 2026!
Loading…