
Baffling heritage rules mean Christchurch cafe cannot clean windows
A cafe owner is "embarrassed" he cannot clean his windows because of heritage rules.
Christchurch's the Sign of the Takahe reopened as a cafe and bar in September after the nearly 100-year-old building underwent a $2.8 million post-earthquake restoration. The windows have not been properly cleaned since the repair finished in 2017 because they are covered with additional protective glass only a specialist is allowed to remove.
What do you think? Are the rules necessary to protect this special heritage building? Or are they going too far? Tell us in the comments below.

Who has the best Christmas display in Christchurch?
Throwback Thursday: German tourists Andreas and Silke Staehle enjoy the 40 trees on display at the CCS Christmas Tree Festival at the Christchurch convention centre in December 2005.
Have you seen any great Christmas displays in Christchurch this year or know of anyone who has one? Share the details in the comments below.


Another food recall to keep an eye out for this silly season!
Foodstuffs is recalling all batches, dates and flavours of its Pams brand Dairy Dessert - the 1.65 litre. This is due to the possibility of the plastic container breaking and plastic pieces entering the product. This could cause injuries if consumed.
The product is sold nationwide in Pak’n Save, New World, Four Square, Gilmours and Trents. This does not affect any other Pams brand products. Find out more here.

What do you think of Christchurch's stadium plan?
Christchurch's roofed 25,000-seat stadium could be ready within five years but the pressure is now on to get it planned and built right.
The city council's long-awaited investment case says a 25,000 seat mostly clear-roofed facility is the best fit for the city, and could be built within the budgeted $473 million, including running costs. Temporary seating was not included but could be added later.
The chosen option would cost $472.7m to build and $485.3m to run over 25 years, of which $343m would be funded by stadium income, with an annual $4.2m council top-up.
Read more about the plan here.
