Hundreds of kerbside bins in Christchurch getting missed for collection
From reporter Steven Walton:
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Kerbside bins are being missed for collection in hundreds of Christchurch streets.
Throughout November, December, and January, 756 streets did not get their bins emptied on the designated day, according to the Christchurch City Council.
The worst of those months was January, when 370 streets had their bins missed – an average of about 17 streets being missed each working day.
The council’s kerbside collection contractor, Waste Management, has a contractual target to miss less than an average of 1.5 streets per working day throughout a month. If a bin is missed, it is expected to be collected by the end of the next working day.
The council's resource recovery manager Ross Trotter said in a statement that the reason for the missed bins was “resourcing due to driver shortages”. He did not elaborate further.
Amalgamated Workers’ Union assistant secretary Lindsay Chappell said the pay for drivers was OK, but the issue was excessive hours.
Chappell said Waste Management was introducing new drivers to the industry, but they were not lasting because of the long hours. Continue reading 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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100% 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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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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