Ashburton earns advanced welcoming community status

Neon's new series, Secrets of Red Rocks, captures the essence of 80s kids' adventure shows with a modern twist, following young Jake as he discovers a mysterious sealskin and embarks on a supernatural adventure in Wellington. The series blends Māori myth and Celtic legends, featuring a mix of mystical elements and coming-of-age themes against the backdrop of New Zealand's rugged coastline. With a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic kidult dramas, Secrets of Red Rocks offers...

Madeleine Waddell, daughter of Olympic gold medallist Rob Waddell, won the national title in the 400m at the New Zealand Track and Field championships with a record-breaking time of 52.62s. She also claimed victory in the U20 200m event, clocking 23.91s, showcasing her exceptional talent and potential in the sport. Waddell, coached by her mother Sonia, is a rising track star who has broken multiple age group records and continues to impress with her remarkable...

One person was taken to Christchurch Hospital in critical condition after a single-car crash at Ruapuna Speedway on Hasketts Rd around 7pm, with St John confirming their attendance. The sprint car event at the speedway was canceled, with the remainder of the event also called off as a reminder of the dangers of motorsport, and thoughts were sent to the driver's family for a quick recovery. Full Article

Kaitāia man Rory Collings won $30,000 by landing a 6.635kg snapper at the 2025 Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza, beating Skarn Hokai's 6.62kg catch. Over 1200 anglers participated in the contest, vying for a share of $200,000 in prizes, with Hokai also winning $4500 for his efforts. The event, held annually, raised funds for Paparore School and has grown in popularity since its inception in 2011, with all 1200 tickets selling out within hours of...

A serious crash involving an e-scooter rider and a car on Kerrykeel Drive in Flat Bush has left the rider in critical condition, prompting the involvement of the police's serious crash unit. The incident occurred around 2pm on Saturday afternoon, leading to road closures and traffic diversions as emergency services attend to the scene. Counties Manukau Police are actively managing the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Full Article

The global conservative backlash is leading to setbacks in women's rights, with gender disparities worsening and legal protections lagging behind. In the US, the overturning of Roe v Wade threatens abortion rights, while initiatives like Project 2025 aim to restrict reproductive health services. Online abuse and harassment against women are also on the rise, impacting mental health and safety. Women in New Zealand are not immune to these challenges, with concerns about potential restrictions on...