Stories by Adam Burns
News
Christchurch RSA 'forced' to rethink plans amid high debt
Christchurch RSA Holdings Limited, the RSA's local business arm, is in liquidation after the closure of its central city restaurant and bar business Trenches in 2019.
Christchurch sports centre: Contractor loses court bid
The High Court has ruled against building contractors CPB in its bid to suspend or stop work on Christchurch's new sports and recreation centre.
Bringing back old tours could restore rugby 'excitement'
The prospect of resurrecting tours not seen for years has been greeted enthusiastically by some former All Blacks and rugby pundits.
Former Christchurch mayor accuses council of secrecy, agenda to sell assets
Meanwhile, a Christchurch city councillor is calling for greater transparency from the mayor and council executives over proposed cost cutting.
'Poor and slow': Council response to Bromley treatment plant fire
When fire broke out at Bromley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Christchurch City Council's response was "poor and slow", an independent report says.
'Gold-plated project': $503m Scott Base upgrade stalled amid govt-contractor fall out
A polar expert is calling for transparency over why the planned half-a-billion-dollar redevelopment of New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica has stalled at the contract stage.
Govt doesn't know how many migrants have been scammed
The government admits it does not know how many migrants might have been scammed through one of its employer-worker schemes.
Donated air purifiers hoped to help asthmatics deal with Bromley's 'putrid smell'
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has gifted 40 air purifiers to Bromley School, to help pupils with asthma and their families.
Board chairperson refuses to resign after racist insult
An under-fire community board chairperson in Otago has refused to stand down following revelations he made a racist outburst at a local pub worker.
Canterbury scientists working to create 'balls of fruity deliciousness'
Could lab-grown plant cells be part of the solution to population growth and climate change? Audio
New Crusaders' coach 'emotional' over construction of new stadium in Christchurch
Construction of the $683 million Te Kaha Stadium is at full steam after years of planning conjecture and stalled progress.
Health campaigner calls for liquor licensing overhaul after Mama Hooch sexual assault case
A health campaigner is calling for an overhaul of the liquor licensing laws saying the Christchurch Mama Hooch sexual assault case has exposed significant failings.
'They are the real heroes': Assault survivors praised for bravery after brothers sentenced
The women who were subjected to "monstrous" attacks by the Jaz brothers have been lauded for their bravery in speaking up and helping put them behind bars.
How the case against Lauren Dickason unfolded
Lauren Dickason, 42, has been found guilty of the murder of her three young daughters after a month-long trial.
Lauren Dickason trial: Psychiatrist says mother showed delusional psyche
A forensic psychiatrist, who spent 20 hours assessing Lauren Dickason, believes her behaviour showed a delusional psyche in the days leading up to her killing her children.
Lauren Dickason trial: Psychologist says mother who killed daughters was overwhelmed
A clinical psychologist who interviewed Lauren Dickason says she reportedly felt like a psychiatrist was going to lock her up hours before she killed her three children.
Lauren Dickason: Psychiatrist says depression clouded her decision-making
A forensic clinician has told a jury that Lauren Dickason's mental health was badly deteriorating at the time she killed her children, and there is legitimate grounds for an insanity and infanticide… Audio
Psychiatrist says Dickason does not have case for insanity
One of the prosecution's psychiatric experts is steadfast in their view that murder accused Lauren Dickason does not have an insanity nor an infanticide case. Audio
'You have left a giant hole in my heart' - Father reacts to sentence for son's killers
"It's the future Connor I think about so often, about who he was going to become," said the father of murdered teen Connor Whitehead as his killers were sentenced Friday.
Government completes Christchurch red zone transfer to council
Crown-owned red zone land along the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor is being returned to the council, marking the end of the government's post-earthquake responsibilities in the process.
Postpartum depression possible but mum did not kill 'out of love' - expert
An expert forensic clinician has conceded that Lauren Dickason could have been suffering from postpartum depression when she killed her three children.
Lauren Dickason trial: Crown psych expert says no evidence of 'symptoms of psychosis'
The Crown's key clinical witness in the Lauren Dickason murder trial admits he overlooked adding the mother's thoughts of harming the children into his report.
Lauren Dickason trial: Psychiatrist questioned about diagnosis
A jury has heard how Lauren Dickason told a psychiatrist that killing her three children was "part of a package deal".
Detective pressed on checks done to ensure Lauren Dickason was fit for interview
A video recording of the alleged child murderer's police interview played for the jury on Tuesday.
Lauren Dickason trial: Immigration NZ asked for mental health history
The jury heard Dickason had been corresponding with immigration officials the day before the alleged murders.