'Soft and slumping' Ashburton bridge closed on SH1 after extreme wet weather
Flood-hit Ashburton Bridge on SH1 has now closed and there is currently no alternate route south with other road options also closed.
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said the water in the Ashburton River had got into the piles of the bridge, causing a subsidence in the piles.
“The bridge has dropped and you can visually see one section of the bridge is dropped about four to six inches."
Engineers would assess the bridge to see what was required to fix it.
The bridge closure had divided the town into town and cut off part of the South Island. Staff were working hard to open one route by Tuesday night to get south of Ashburton.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
🌱✨ Now Enrolling for 2026 — Spaces Filling Fast!✨ 🌱
Looking for a nurturing, community-focused preschool where your child can grow, explore, and shine?
At Cotswold Preschool & Nursery, every child is embraced as a valued part of our Whānau. Our caring, experienced Kaiako create a supportive environment where Tamariki build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning through play.
💛 Small, welcoming group sizes for personalised care
💛 Rich play-based learning that inspires creativity and curiosity
💛 Strong Whānau partnerships and community connections
💛 Passionate, dedicated Kaiako who truly know and understand your child
📍 Proudly located in the heart of Bishopdale, offering a safe, inclusive, and loving space for all families.
37 Colesbury street - down the long driveway, just follow the river mural!
👉 Come visit us! Message us today office@cotswoldpreschool.co.nz or pop in anytime — we’d love to meet you, show you around, and chat about how we can support your child’s journey in 2026!
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