Latest fromAshburton

Man who raped woman beside her sleeping child appeals sentence on ‘character’ grounds
Gabriel Apolonio's lawyer said he deserved a shorter jail term due to 'good character'.

‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k from 22 victims for Kenya-based scammers
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children but in reality, he fed his addictions.

The long road to safety: Rakaia’s fight against speed-limit hike
NZTA Waka Kotahi is reviewing Rakaia's speed limit after a community backlash.

Woman’s 10-year experiment living without money
'There were two main reasons I decided to do this experiment,' says Jo Nemeth.

Winning formula: HB family’s unbeaten run in horse racing
The Andersens enjoyed a 100% winning rate this past week.

Government backpedals on some automatic speed reversals, says consultation now possible
'There is local support for the speed limits to stay lower,' says Chris Bishop.

Cat crackdown could be on the way for Mid Canterbury
Ashburton District Council asked to investigate introducing a cat management programme.

‘I am not an oligarch’: Russian millionaire on coming to NZ
Alexandre Germanovich sits down with Kurt Bayer after a decade of being miscast.

Blues, board games and Find & Go Seek this weekend
A roundup of events happening in Gisborne-Tairāwhiti this weekend, beyond and regularly.

Russian oligarch buys former Ashburton council building
The Russian business also owns a high country station in Mid Canterbury.

‘Family man above all else’: Wife’s tribute to farmer who died after electric shock
Chris Allen is known for his contributions to environmental work in the farming space.

Respected Canterbury farmer electrocuted in 'freak accident' fixing garage door
'He was articulate and passionate... but above all else he was just a lovely man.'

'It’s a tragedy': Respected farmer dies in accident
'His contribution was massive outside and beyond the farm gate.'

Emergency services scramble to sudden death in Canterbury tonight
Emergency services were called to the address at 5.25pm.

Canterbury on Lotto streak as three winners become millionaires in four days
It's been a massive week of Lotto wins across the region.

Four injured following jetboat crash on Rakaia River, Mid Canterbury
Emergency services received the report around 7pm.

Best of Premium Sport: North v South - NZ's top sporting schools revealed
Which island holds the balance of power in secondary school sports? Mike Thorpe reports.

Flying Southlander wins Ashburton shearing final
The Ashburton show attracted 44 shearers, with 14 in the open class.

'A commitment': Meatworker's riverside restoration
Ross Hawthorne and a group of volunteers have already planted 4900 native seedlings.

New Zealand's best pacer Merlin aims for victory ahead of $1m Cup
Merlin faces Don't Stop Dreaming in the $60,000 Flying Stakes; both are strong contenders.

North v South: NZ's best sporting schools revealed
Which island holds the balance of power in secondary school sports? Mike Thorpe reports.