David Bruce

Nigel and Jennifer de Geest are relieved that "after an exasperating five and a-half years" they can finally go ahead with their plan to establish apartments at Oamaru Harbour.

The Pacific Island community re-entered the Oamaru Christmas parade for the first time in three years and again had immediate success, its float winning the supreme award - even with only half its Christmas tree.

They huffed and they puffed . . . and tried to establish a world record last night for blowing up balloons.

A civil defence exercise in the Waitaki district threatened to turn into the real thing yesterday when heavy rain pelted the upper Waitaki Valley and isolated a camp of school pupils and their teachers in the Temple Valley, at the top of Lake Ohau.

Community group volunteers in the Waitaki Community House in Oamaru have had their spirits lifted.

Meridian Energy Ltd yesterday received interim approval to take water from the lower Waitaki River for its $900 million north bank tunnel-concept power scheme on the lower river, sources said.

Basil and Betty Wastell were driving along "minding our own business" when a truck fell on their diminutive Suzuki hatchback in Oamaru yesterday.

A rogue population of wallabies found outside their South Canterbury containment area has Environment Canterbury biosecurity staff worried.

Two Japanese climbers remain trapped on Aoraki/Mount Cook today as rescuers wait for a break in the foul weather to attempt to pluck them to safety.

Meridian Energy Ltd is "delighted" to be getting water for a new $900 million power scheme it wants to build on the lower Waitaki River, but other parties are "gobsmacked".