Poll: Does Christchurch still deserve the title of the Garden City?
Christchurch is still flying the Garden City flag, but is it still backing it up?
Elizabeth Peacock certainly doesn’t think so.
A past president of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, Peacock tells Frank Film that the state of some of the planted spaces of Christchurch are a disgrace.
Andrew Rutledge, the present head of parks, defends the current approach.
“We’re heading into a much more naturalised phase with a bigger focus on indigenous planting,” he tells Frank Film. “They’re not gardens.”
This, according to Rutledge, is meeting resistance from those who are still after the “highly groomed lawn”.
“I would be ashamed to bring anyone to have a look,” she says. “A garden should be joyous!”
Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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42.5% Yes
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53.5% No
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4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
Gang presence this weekend
International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.
What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.
- Police say they will have ‘considerable resource’ in the region during the event from November 7-10.
- Police in Canterbury have planned a major operation around the event - thought to coincide with a national meeting - from November 7 to 10, and have drafted in staff from two other districts to help.
- Mongols members from across the country are expected to meet at the gang’s original South Island headquarters - a fortified property on SH1, Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
- Canterbury district commander Superintendent Tony Hill says:
“We’re prepared for multiple contingencies. We will be monitoring their behaviour very closely over the period, if they’re not behaving appropriately then we will be taking appropriate action quite swiftly.”
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.8% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below