Christchurch to be 'forced' to chlorinate remainder of water supply, mayor says
Christchurch’s water supply may become permanently chlorinated after the national water regulator indicated it will reject the city council’s exemption applications.
In 2022, the Christchurch City Council applied to Taumata Arowai for chlorine exemptions, but on Tuesday was told these will fail.
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said he and fellow councillors were “outraged” and described it as the council being “forced to chlorinate our water supply.”
To be exempt from chlorination, the council would need to make substantial and expensive upgrades to its water supply network, according to a council statement.
“[E]ven then, it may not be possible,” it said.
Read the rest of reporter Sinead Gill's story on The Press' masthead site (subscription required) here and find more on this issue on The Press site and in the paper on Wednesday.
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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0% 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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