Race to elect new Christchurch city councillor struggles to attract voters
Thousands of people have yet to vote in a by-election to decide who will be Christchurch’s next city councillor.
Just 23 per cent (3891) of the 16,751 eligible voters living in the Coastal ward, which stretches from Brooklands to Southshore, have so far ticked a box.
Seven candidates – Kelly Barber, Celeste Donovan, David East, Katie Hays, Andre Hopman, Caleb Isaacs and Nitro Nikora – are vying for the seat left vacant by James Daniels who left in July to co-host a radio show.
Voting closes at midday on Friday and if people want to post their forms, they need to do so by Tuesday to make sure it gets to the council’s Civic Offices in time, electoral officer Jo Daly said. Read more here.
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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