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310 days ago

Poll: Should Christchurch have a permanent police helicopter?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Could a permanent police helicopter be in the pipeline for Christchurch?

As authorities in the city grapple with a wave of car thefts and reckless driving by youths, top brass haven’t ruled it out.

In the last 10 months, police in Christchurch have chartered commercial helicopters to help catch rampant young offenders on four occasions, most recently on Wednesday when a trio of youngsters in a stolen car left a trail of havoc from Heathcote to Belfast – ripping up a sports field, forcing a school into lockdown, and closing part of a highway.

They allow fleeing drivers to be tracked from the air, meaning officers don’t have to engage in risky pursuits, particularly when roads are busy during the daytime. It also spares their patrol cars from being damaged by youth offenders, who’ve shown a willingness to ram their way out of tricky situations.

Read the full story from reporter Blair Ensor here and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should Christchurch have a permanent police helicopter?
  • 91.8% Yes
    91.8% Complete
  • 7.4% No
    7.4% Complete
  • 0.9% Maybe/something else (tell us in the comments)
    0.9% Complete
570 votes
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Why are ghosts such bad liars?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

...You can see right through them.

No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.

So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...

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3 days ago

Do you have a quick question for a lawyer?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

On Thursday each week we hold free lawyer clinics.

These clinics allow you to see a lawyer at no cost for 10 mins. So, if you need help understanding a legal document or deciding whether to pursue a legal case, then this is a great starting point.

- 1pm - 133 Brighton Mall (entrance on Union Street, SBA office) – 03 366 6490
- 6.15pm - 8 Goulding Ave (Hornby community centre) – 03 349 5236

You will be given a number when you arrive, so everyone is seen in order and usually the lawyer can see 5-7 clients.

If you need a specialist lawyer or advisor for immigration, employment or ACC then email christchurchclinics@outlook.com to make an appointment with the separate clinics.

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1 day ago

A message from Christchurch Police

The Team from Canterbury Police

Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.

When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.

Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).

"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.

Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.

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