Christchurch gamers to compete in esports nationals
From reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
Five Christchurch high school esports players will compete in front of a live crowd of hundreds this month when they represent the South Island at the New Zealand Esports Hyperfibre League tournament in Auckland.
It is the first time that high school gamers from around the country have the opportunity to compete in-person and on stage in an open-entry New Zealand-only esport tournament.
The Christchurch team competed in a remotely run national tournament last year – making it to the semi-finals – and this year, they’re out for a tilt at the schools’ title.
The South Island team comprises Burnside High School’s esports team combined with two Christchurch Boys' High School (CBHS) players, who took out the southern League of Legends competition undefeated.
Burnside High teacher Fin Cresswell said the team represented the “cream of the crop” of South Island gamers.
The team fly to Auckland to compete in both the high school and all ages open divisions, which take place at SkyCity Theatre October 7 to 9.
The venue has a 700-seat capacity that is expected to sell out, making for an atmosphere none of the players have experienced before, after last year’s nationals were held online because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Competing in front of a crowd of hundreds hasn’t dented the team’s confidence instead team member Tianze Wang, 18, said it might boost them.
“I don't get nervous that much, I feel like more excited,” he said. “So, I think I'll have a better performance playing on stage.”
Cresswell, who oversees the team with CBHS teacher Andy Thawley, expected everyone to be a little nervous playing in front of a live crowd, but said they were “strong, strong, strong contenders” to do well in both national finals.
The Burnside esports team members had been competing together in person at Christchurch libraries for their weekly esports matches, rather than competing remotely from home.
Allen Qin, 17, said being able to play next to teammates gave them “a better connection, for sure”.
The Christchurch City Council was the first council to back esports competitors by turning public libraries into gaming hubs each week, giving high school esports teams a physical ‘field’ to compete from equipped with high speed internet and high-spec gaming computers.
“The libraries have been amazing,” Cresswell said. “Their support has just been absolutely incredible.”
The Burnside team is looking for redemption against last year’s finalists Botany Downs Secondary College, to whom they lost in last year’s semi-final.
“This year is like revenge,” Wang said. “We can beat them and take back our glory.”
It was also an opportunity for the team to showcase their skills with the best of the best in New Zealand, Cresswell said.
“It's hard for people who have no conceptual understanding of esports to really get how insanely well our students are performing.
“We're about to prove that.”
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
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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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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91% Yes
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9% No
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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