Ashburton weighs up in-house option

A 32-year-old South Canterbury woman has been charged with the murder of Anaru Moana, who was reported missing in December 2021. She appeared in court and was remanded in custody, with a court date set for April 11. This brings the total to four people charged in connection with Mr. Moana's murder, as police continue to search for his body and urge the public to provide any information they may have. Full Article

DOC has increased trapping at a wild takahē site in Greenstone Valley near Queenstown due to recent stoat predation resulting in four takahē deaths. Despite the challenges, efforts to establish new wild populations continue, with a population of 20 to 30 takahē thriving in the Greenstone Valley for over 18 months. Ngāi Tahu and DOC are committed to protecting takahē and finding new habitats, highlighting the need for predator control and ongoing conservation efforts to...

A grass fire at the intersection of Clifton Road and Whitford-Maraetai Road in Whitford engaged an unoccupied house on a farm property, prompting emergency services to respond. The fire was extinguished by four fire trucks and two water tankers, covering an area of 100 meters by 20 meters and involving a well-known abandoned building. Police assisted with traffic control and initial inquiries, with a fire investigator scheduled to inspect the site the following day. Full...

Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down its agritech subsidiary C-Dax due to declining sales, with operations ceasing for new customers on March 14. A managed sale of assets, including plant, stock, land, and buildings, is currently taking place. Despite being in business for over 30 years and producing award-winning products, increased competition offering similar quality products at lower prices led to the decision to wind down operations. Full Article

Amy Marguerite reflects on gratitude and the complexities of relationships in her new poem "discharge notes (ii)." She contemplates the women who have impacted her life, including those who have caused pain, like Claudia. The poem delves into themes of recognition, self-perception, and personal struggles, culminating in a poignant reflection on loss and healing. Full Article

The major road asphalting project in Ashburton, originally set to start on Sunday, will now begin on Friday due to weather delays. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has announced the resealing on State Highway 1 will run for around five weeks, mainly affecting night-time travel with 30-minute delays after 8pm and short delays during the day. The project will close SH1 from SH77 Moore St intersection to South St starting April 4, with local road...