1484 days ago

Bad smells from Christchurch's fire-ravaged wastewater plant to continue for years

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Bad smells reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s will continue seeping out of Christchurch’s fire-damaged wastewater treatment plant for years to come, the city council says.

Fire destroyed two trickling filters at the Bromley wastewater plant on November 1.

It was the biggest fire in the city in recent times and led to residents being evacuated and a public health warning issued as thick, black smoke spread across the city.

The filters, which measured 8 metres high and 55m across, played a crucial role in the wastewater process and unpleasant smells have been wafting across parts of the city since the fire.

Christchurch City Council water boss Helen Beaumont told councillors on Wednesday the plant would not get back to a pre-fire level of smell until the trickling filters were replaced or an alternative process brought in, which would be several years away.

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6 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
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3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.9% Complete
  • 69.7% Nah - not for me
    69.7% Complete
815 votes
16 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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