Latest from Christchurch

Has Auckland construction peaked?
Latest data raises question of whether Auckland had reached its peak construction capacity

Babysitter trial: 'Reckless killing' in moment of anger
The crown told the jury the injuries don't match the accused's story.

Christchurch a synthetic drug 'hot spot'
Nearly half of users felt dependent on the drugs, more than half say they're easy to get.

How to talk politics and stay friends
Political fallout can go beyond our top public servants.

Christchurch teen crowned NZ's top speller
What word did Lucy Jessep correctly spell to become our latest top teen speller?

Popularity of home food delivery soars
Home delivery is expected to grow at double the rate of dine in and takeaway markets.

World Scrabble championship coming to NZ
The World Seniors Scrabble Championship to be held in NZ for the first time.

Mum: Abortion not the answer to severe birth defects
Her baby died 14 hours after birth with severe health issues - but the mum has no regrets.

Inside the 'boot camp' for the unemployed
Go inside the "boot camp" for jobseekers which is set to double in size.

Powerful speech a cautionary tale about drink driving
"All of this crap in my life could've been prevented."

Police justified in shooting Christchurch man
Inquiry found police were justified in shooting man after he pulled blank pistol on cops.

Teen 'illegally detained', court hears
Bailed youth held in youth justice facility for 51 days.

Night-time ban aimed at bong-smoking dubsters
Residents besieged by young drivers who listen to loud music and smoke cannabis.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch
Michelle Weir checks into a central Christchurch hotel with a 'wow factor' bathroom.

New Zealand farewells a legendary mountaineer
Legendary mountaineer Edmund Cotter passed away on October 19 at the age of 90.

Suspicious fire at Christchurch school
The fire broke out in Linwood North School hall, which was under construction

Woman threatened while walking in Christchurch
A woman was threatened by a man in a car while out walking.

Head Hunters gang pad seized
Gang's Christchurch pad taken by police under civil proceedings.

Potty-mouthed rest home owner apologises
Retirement home owner verbally attacked residents calling them "a pack of bloody kids".

Elderly woman flees blazing Christchurch home
A woman suffered smoke inhalation and at least two homes are destroyed in blazes.

Room check: Heritage Christchurch
Shandelle Battersby checks into an impressive Cathedral Square hotel.

Tirade from rest home owner 'appalling'
Disciplinary action could be on the cards for rest home owner after abusive tirade.

Murderer and rapist loses appeal bid
Richard Genge was convicted in a brutal 1994 attack on a Christchurch woman at a school.

Jail, then deportation, for 'degrading' rape
Rapists showed no pity to traumatised victim.

Truck smashes into house in Christchurch
Police are at the site near Carmen Road in Hei Hei after the incident occurred around 9am.