Keiller MacDuff

The car may still be king, but new figures show that more Christchurch residents are biking to work than ever — and in some places, at the highest rates in the country.

Residents of Lyttelton fear a return to the cruise ship chaos of two years ago after learning the regional council will not subside extra buses or staff this season - a week out from the arrival of the first ship.

The region's water quality may not see clear improvement for up to two decades, as the regional council warns things could get worse before they get better.

Freshwater planning by regional councils could include things like nitrate and pollution levels in waterways. (File pic) Photo: Claire Concannon / RNZ

The new Youth Hub will provide wrap-around care for the city's young people. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Hundreds of people across three regions will be responding to the aftermath of a major Alpine Fault quake in a civil defence exericse this week.

The shaking, which lasts for nearly two minutes, finally stops. The Alpine Fault has ruptured over 400km from Fiordland to Lewis Pass, nearly the length of the South Island.

The loud and sporadic noise made by fireworks can cause anxiety for animals. Photo: Pixabay

St John. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Hundreds of civil defence, emergency responders, social services and council staff around the South

Photo: 123RF Confusion reigns as the nation's bus operators announce an indefinite nationwide ban on the use of bike racks starting tonight.