Rural Canterbury community gets clean water in time for Christmas
After having to boil their water for nearly a year, a rural community in North Canterbury finally has a new bore and clean water.
The Oxford Rural Number 1 water scheme – supplying homes around Thongcaster, Woodstock and Domain roads near Oxford – previously took water from the Waimakariri River. The district council put affected residents on a boil water notice after E coli was found in the water supply in January.
The water is now sourced from a 105 metre-deep well in McPhedrons Rd, which yields enough clean water to supply the current scheme and meet predicted growth over the next 50 years.
Resident Erica Willoughby says the community is thrilled to have their water back.
"It has been a long time of having to buy drinking water and using water collected from a rain water tank for showers, but now the water coming out of the tap is great."
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
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.
Poll: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
The Press reports that Canterbury is right in the middle of a construction boom, with activity forecast to peak around 2027 and major investment flowing into transport, water and energy infrastructure.
We want to know: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
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43.1% Yes
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56.9% No
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