The Latest Breaking News from Christchurch

The Government’s public housing department is about to begin a procurement pilot in an effort to further reduce costs and speed up its delivery of houses.

By dint of a high list placement or being catapaulted into a safe seat, new faces will head to Wellington after October 14’s election. They're the sure things. In the latest part of this occasional series, David Williams talks to Laura Trask, number 10 on the Act Party list.

A hometown boy returns for a true-blue love-in

The Christchurch earthquakes were traumatic but it was the delay in resolving insurance claims that made people feel they couldn't get on with their lives. Those affected by the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle must feel the same with managed retreat, writes Lianne Dalziel

Canterbury’s lines company is heading for trouble, an industry insider says, reports David Williams

Danny and Roberto Jaz convicted on total 69 charges in case that has sparked outpouring of anger

Dividend delayed at request of Christchurch council’s holding company

Phil Mauger isn’t ruling out the outright sale of council-held companies, report David Williams and Jonathan Milne

The Opportunities Party's political fortunes rest on winning a Christchurch electorate seat, writes David Williams

The three 'i's of inflation, interest and now insurance hikes of up to 56% are tipping local authorities into an unprecedented cashflow crisis. Some are leaving halls, pools and libraries uninsured – or looking to sell them off. Jonathan Milne reports.

Lyttelton’s port closed for a staff party – but the company won’t reveal the cost, reports David Williams