By HARTEVELT, John Bruce Humphreys used to dread calls from the Christchurch City Council. "More often that not when we get a call from the council it's because we have to comply with something -- but it's not like that any more," he said.

By BROWN, Giles Low-income families face "transport poverty" as high fuel prices may leave them unable to afford the drive to work or journey to school, a Christchurch academic says.

Congratulations to the previous Christchurch City Council for securing the old post office for the new civic offices. As a traditional Ministry of Works structure, it was built to last. With a little tidying, it will serve the city well for many years.

The Christchurch City Council twice a year embarks on a pillaging, degrading crusade on the spring creeks around Christchurch. Since the last attack in autumn, we have had trout spawn in Smacks Creek. There are also native bullies, eels, fish, insects, birds and plants.

By NORRIS, Joanna If, like me, you last wore a Swanndri at a school camp or when Karen Walker included the plaid in her winter range, you could be forgiven for wondering why irrigation makes people so damn emotional. The answer is, of course, easy. Water is power.