774 days ago

No cash on buses from mid-2024

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch public transport users will not be able to use cash on city buses and ferries from mid next year.

The move has prompted concerns about the impact on those who prefer to use cash, especially the elderly and homeless. The proposal also defies a survey that found three-quarters of public transport users believe cash is important.

However, ECan staff say cash handling is consistently raised by drivers, operators and unions as an issue for driver safety and wellbeing, and that it makes sense to take advantage of the roll-out of a new nationwide public transport card to rid the system of cash. The National Ticketing Solution will be introduced in Canterbury in mid-2024.

What do you think of our city's buses and ferries going cashless? Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full story here (subscription required) and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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More messages from your neighbours
37 minutes ago

Do you recognise these men?

The Team from Canterbury Police

Christchurch Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the two males pictured.

Police would like to speak to these two males in relation to an incident that occurred on Wainoni Road on 31 October.

If you recognise these people or have any information, please contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251031/1056.

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1 hour ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from Canterbury Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.

Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.

If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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22 hours 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? ☀️🥝
  • 72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.6% Complete
  • 17.7% Hmm, maybe?
    17.7% Complete
  • 9.7% Yes!
    9.7% Complete
237 votes