1707 days ago

We Say/You Say: Floods

Reporter Northern Outlook

Hi Canterbury,

How's your community doing after the floods? Are you satisfied with the emergency response?

It's been over a week since 400% of the monthly average rainfall caused flooding in Canterbury, with multiple districts plunged into a state of emergency.

River engineers are working across the region, with sites being strengthened by machinery. Environment Canterbury Rivers manager, Leigh Griffiths, says that teams are continuing to monitor rainfall and river levels across the region.

"We're working closely with Civil Defence and the MetService to monitor the situation and will be posting rainfall and river flow updates on our website as the situation develops. We suggest that people avoid rivers and check the road conditions before travelling," he said.

The weather event triggered a state of emergency, hundreds of evacuations, and closed roads and bridges throughout the region. The red heavy rain warning was issued on Saturday night, the second since the warning's inception.

Share your experiences below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Northern Outlook.

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22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
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2503 votes
26 days ago

Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.

So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)

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Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
  • 31.7% Yes!
    31.7% Complete
  • 68.3% No thank you.
    68.3% Complete
180 votes
6 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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