830 days ago

Poll: Should Christchurch have a permanent police helicopter?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Could a permanent police helicopter be in the pipeline for Christchurch?

As authorities in the city grapple with a wave of car thefts and reckless driving by youths, top brass haven’t ruled it out.

In the last 10 months, police in Christchurch have chartered commercial helicopters to help catch rampant young offenders on four occasions, most recently on Wednesday when a trio of youngsters in a stolen car left a trail of havoc from Heathcote to Belfast – ripping up a sports field, forcing a school into lockdown, and closing part of a highway.

They allow fleeing drivers to be tracked from the air, meaning officers don’t have to engage in risky pursuits, particularly when roads are busy during the daytime. It also spares their patrol cars from being damaged by youth offenders, who’ve shown a willingness to ram their way out of tricky situations.

Read the full story from reporter Blair Ensor here and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should Christchurch have a permanent police helicopter?
  • 91.8% Yes
    91.8% Complete
  • 7.4% No
    7.4% Complete
  • 0.9% Maybe/something else (tell us in the comments)
    0.9% Complete
570 votes
More messages from your neighbours
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1 hour ago

Christmas Market - 14 December

Gail from Cashmere

11.30am to 1.00pm, at Cashmere Presbyterian Church, 2 Macmillan Ave.
Featuring finely crafted Christmas decorations, Christmas baking, jams, pickles, and gifts.

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15 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 71.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    71.6% Complete
  • 18% Hmm, maybe?
    18% Complete
  • 10.4% Yes!
    10.4% Complete
328 votes