TIME names Christchurch and Northland among 'world's greatest places'
Christchurch and Northland have both made TIME’s list of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2021”.
The New York-based magazine and website drew upon its global network of correspondents and contributors to compile the 100-strong list “as a tribute to the people and businesses at the forefront” of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries so badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Christchurch was commended for its ongoing transformation in the wake of the earthquake that reduced much of the city to rubble a decade ago.
While the rebuild is not complete, TIME contributor Jessica Wynne Lockhart noted vacant lots were “regularly filled with creative and interactive installations such as hammock forests and a coin-operated dance floor.”
Do you think Christchurch is one of the world's greatest places? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.2% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed
Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.
KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.
What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.