Planning to travel between Picton and Christchurch?
State Highway 1 (SH1) north of Kaikōura is now open to daytime traffic. This means you have two options for travel between Picton and Christchurch: SH1, where two sections remain closed at night as a safety precaution, or the alternate route (via state highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass) which is open 24/7.
Make sure you allow enough time for your journey, whichever route you choose. For real-time travel information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Some Choice News!
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!
Poll: How do you feel about outdoor murals?
🌟 Something big and colourful has arrived on Manchester Street!
A brand-new five-storey mural has just gone up — the first of many outdoor artworks set to appear around Christchurch in the lead-up to February’s climate art festival.
We want to know: How do you feel about outdoor art?
Interested in the new works that will decorate the Garden City? The Press has you covered.
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89.9% All for it! They make our spaces interesting
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10.1% Nah - not for me
Have you seen Rowena?
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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