Christchurch gamers to compete in esports nationals
From reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
Five Christchurch high school esports players will compete in front of a live crowd of hundreds this month when they represent the South Island at the New Zealand Esports Hyperfibre League tournament in Auckland.
It is the first time that high school gamers from around the country have the opportunity to compete in-person and on stage in an open-entry New Zealand-only esport tournament.
The Christchurch team competed in a remotely run national tournament last year – making it to the semi-finals – and this year, they’re out for a tilt at the schools’ title.
The South Island team comprises Burnside High School’s esports team combined with two Christchurch Boys' High School (CBHS) players, who took out the southern League of Legends competition undefeated.
Burnside High teacher Fin Cresswell said the team represented the “cream of the crop” of South Island gamers.
The team fly to Auckland to compete in both the high school and all ages open divisions, which take place at SkyCity Theatre October 7 to 9.
The venue has a 700-seat capacity that is expected to sell out, making for an atmosphere none of the players have experienced before, after last year’s nationals were held online because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Competing in front of a crowd of hundreds hasn’t dented the team’s confidence instead team member Tianze Wang, 18, said it might boost them.
“I don't get nervous that much, I feel like more excited,” he said. “So, I think I'll have a better performance playing on stage.”
Cresswell, who oversees the team with CBHS teacher Andy Thawley, expected everyone to be a little nervous playing in front of a live crowd, but said they were “strong, strong, strong contenders” to do well in both national finals.
The Burnside esports team members had been competing together in person at Christchurch libraries for their weekly esports matches, rather than competing remotely from home.
Allen Qin, 17, said being able to play next to teammates gave them “a better connection, for sure”.
The Christchurch City Council was the first council to back esports competitors by turning public libraries into gaming hubs each week, giving high school esports teams a physical ‘field’ to compete from equipped with high speed internet and high-spec gaming computers.
“The libraries have been amazing,” Cresswell said. “Their support has just been absolutely incredible.”
The Burnside team is looking for redemption against last year’s finalists Botany Downs Secondary College, to whom they lost in last year’s semi-final.
“This year is like revenge,” Wang said. “We can beat them and take back our glory.”
It was also an opportunity for the team to showcase their skills with the best of the best in New Zealand, Cresswell said.
“It's hard for people who have no conceptual understanding of esports to really get how insanely well our students are performing.
“We're about to prove that.”
Poll: Should the Christchurch Southern Motorway have a 110kph speed limit?
The government wants to increase the speed limit on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway to Rolleston to 110kph.
The proposed change would apply from the Curletts Rd interchange in Addington to the Weedons Rd interchange in Rolleston.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said it would mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Christchurch.
“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. This proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this key South Island freight route.”
“We know how critical this connection is for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that this state highway enables people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
Brown said the Southern Motorway was built to a high safety standard, with features “that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash”, including a flexible median barrier, and a smooth alignment which offers good visibility for drivers.
In July, Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton wrote to the Ministry of Transport, Brown and Act Party leader David Seymour suggesting the speed limit be increased to 120kph.
“Whether it is for general traffic, direct public transport services, or moving freight ... increasing the speed ... will assist in improving efficiency and connectivity while still being safe,” he wrote.
“This is reflected in generally higher average speeds above 100kph we already observe along the motorway.”
Consultation on the increased speed limit begins on September 3 and closes on October 1.
Read more local news at thepress.co.nz |thepress.co.nz|.
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45.4% Yes
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52% No
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2.6% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
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83.2% It's fine!
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14.9% It annoys me!
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Meet Councillor Genevieve Robinson - Ōhoko/Christchurch Central constituency
A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.
Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.
youtu.be...
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