news features

essence , April 2010, 1373 words It wasn't so much a putsch - more a bloodless coup d'etat arranged behind closed doors. The region's council leaders plotted the demise of Environment Canterbury (ECan), even as they shared collegial cups of tea and mouthfuls of cream cake with regional councillors around the morning tea table. At least, that's how ousted ECan deputy chairwoman Jo Kane describes events leading up to the Creech Report, the sacking of ECan's councillors and their replacement by seven politically appointed commissioners. It's a tumultuous time for Jo, who shares her thoughts on family, politics and life outside politics with essence reporter Kim Newth Jo Kane's eight siblings have a nickname for their fiery, straight-shooting, fast-talking sister: 'The General'. She's never been afraid to speak her mind
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Avenues, March 2010, 1100 words Science and high-end fashion are meeting on the catwalk, thanks to the innovative work of Lincoln's AgResearch team. Kim Newth meets the scientists who are weaving wonders in the lab
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Avenues, December/January 2010, 1600 words Take a supernatural tale written by Margaret Mahy, combine it with Banks Peninsula's world-class scenery and a top film crew, and you have the makings of a gripping television series
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Avenues Magazine , February 2009, approx. 1500 words. A North Canterbury ridge has massive potential as the next clean energy source, but is it too precious to disturb? Kim Newth reports. It is a hauntingly beautiful landscape of limestone outcrops and native bush. Apart from trampers and scientists, not many people know Mount Cass ridge, near Waipara in North Canterbury. The ridge, with its three peaks of Mt Cass, Totara Peak and Oldham Peak, forms part of a low coastal range that shelters Waipara’s vineyards. On the ridge itself, rare eco-systems exist in limestone pockets and include at least eight highly threatened bird, lizard and plant species
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essence magazine, July 2009, 1400 words. Using ‘army-type’ facilities and military training for the country’s worst offenders is how the current government plans to tackle serious youth crime. Will this hardball approach to youth justice deliver success? Those familiar with how things work in North Canterbury might well respond ‘not without the Dads!’
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Avenues, July 2009: Little Battlers, 1369 words. When John and Amy Crowe learnt something was terribly wrong with Amy’s pregnancy, they did everything they could to save their unborn daughters. They went to hell, and Australia, and back. Kim Newth tells their story
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Essence, October 2009 approx 1400 words. Riding the River of Change Last month, Kaiapoi hosted the Small Town Conference 2009. essence reporter Kim Newth went along to get a taste of the ideas being presented. She also takes a look at how our towns are preparing for the future...
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