Features

The great outdoors

The Herald's chief photographer John Bisset has never been one to shy away from a new experience, but his latest left him breathless – in more ways than one.

Russell Gutschlag learned to fly in a Tiger Moth, was only the fourth person in New Zealand to gain his helicopter rating, and these days spends three days a week flying tourists around the Mackenzie Country.

Silence is golden for Sam

Sam Wills has carved a career out of saying very little.

On the edge of an abyss

Noel Guthrie talks about his decades-long battle with depression.

Lighting up South Canterbury

Christmas lights are bringing a festive touch to South Canterbury communities.

Taking on the top job

Peter Nixon has been appointed the Timaru District Council's new chief executive.

Batting away defeat

Julian Blanchard was selling a political party last week, now he's trying to sell himself.

High fives for the Exponents

The Exponents are marking 30 years in the business with a national tour.

Waitaki's political landscape

The Waitaki electorate is at the heart of many of this general election's key debates.

Power of the flame

RHONDA MARKBY - © Fairfax NZ News

Celebrity chef Al Brown is attracting the crowds.

Prolific Waaka family heritage

Arowhenua Marae has hosted a big family reunion.

Sport of Kings

Horse racing has long been known as the sport of kings.

The race is on

Ready to vote? Rangitata candidates talk to The Timaru Herald.

Bittersweet memories

Geraldine's Rachel Meadowcroft is home after volunteering in Zambia.

Power struggle

'Mindset' is the problem

MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD - © Fairfax NZ News

Battle lines are drawn over Transpower pylons in South Canterbury.

At the deep end

After 44 years poolside, swimming coach Paul Jones has thrown in the towel.

Paper trail

Detective Kevin Kirkman followed a conman's paper trail for four years.

Home is where the epicentre is

Earthquakes have affected hundreds of thousands of Cantabrians. But what about those who live right above the epicentre?

Triumph also bit of a brawl

South Canterbury has had a number of proud moments on the rugby field.

After the final go-round

At 78, Richard Langford has decided to call it a day.

When life is forever different

Shilah Parker was stepping into a whole new world.

Whale watch

KIRSTY JOHNSTON

Once they watched for the kill, now they watch for the record.

India leaves a lasting impression

This is India through the eyes of photographer Natasha Martin.

Smith stands down

With 42 years as a police officer under his belt, Pleasant Point senior constable Geoff Smith has called it quits. He spoke to features editor Claire Allison.

Catering to a combat zone

Hamish Griffin is unassuming for a man who travels the world.

On his bike, no sweat

If he's not on his bike, he could well be up a mountain.

24 hours: Peter Burton

Peter Burton is a pharmacist at Roberts Pharmacy. Timaru born and bred, he's been at the pharmacy for two and a half years

24 hours: Stephanie Payne

South Canterbury's last professional jockey Stephanie Payne has swapped the saddle for the starter's ladder.

HIGH achiever

What does it take to climb the world's highest mountain?

POTS of trouble

Timaru man Peter Davy has found himself the poster boy for the medical marijuana debate.

24 hours: Tony Wood

Tony Wood owns Wood's Clocks and Watches and is the last remaining horologist in South Canterbury. -

24 hours: Dianne Cox

Dianne Cox is one of four midwives at SC Independent Midwives.

The steampunk sensation

Oamaru is best known for its blue penguins, Victorian heritage and spectacular architecture.

When the earth moves

Timaru people are looking at the town's historic buildings with new eyes.

24 hours: Susie Brooking

Susie Brooking bikes about 120 kilometres a week as one of Timaru's posties.

24 hours: Alice Sollis

Theatre stalwart Alice Sollis has a busy schedule in between directing shows, employment and moonlighting as a diva.

Ground into sand

Lots of people run for fun, but Stuart Erskine's efforts beat most.

Iranian odyssey

Former Timaru Herald reporter and regular travel contributor Jill Worrall has written a book about Iran that looks at the country in a different way to virtually any other previous work.

A school of definite ideas

A century ago, four sisters opened the doors to a new school in Timaru, and Craighead was born. Features editor Claire Allison looks at the history of the school.

24 Hours: Stacey Day

Stacey Day is a school travel plan co-ordinator, based at the Community and Public Health offices.

24 Hours in the life of Stephen Pye

Stephen Pye has been a territorial soldier for 13 years, is a glazier by trade and father to nine-month old Heath.

Company stays in tune

Thrust into the spotlight by the devastating Christchurch earthquake, staff from the South Island Organ Company talk to reporter Fleur Cogle.

24 Hours in the life of Lance O'Rourke

Lance O'Rourke is the senior partner at taxidermy firm GD O'Rourke and Sons in Pleasant Point.

Get your skates on

Roller skating has been reborn in Timaru, with a $400,000 upgrade of the local rink about to begin.

24 Hours: Adrienne White

Adrienne White has been a forecourt attendant at BP2Go Highfield for five years, and is a mother of five and grandmother of six.

24 Hours: Michael Parker

Listen, respond to what's needed

Michael Parker is the chief executive officer of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury, a multi-million dollar business employing hundreds of local people.

Moving earth for water

Construction has begun on the biggest irrigation project in South Canterbury since the development of the Opuha Dam.

Ready or not?

The scenes of devastation and despair in Christchurch will remain with many of us forever.

24 hours in the life of: Hayley Larsen

Hayley Larsen is the manager of Ballantynes' Timaru store. Since the February 22 earthquake, her role has expanded to take into account the Christchurch store's inability to trade.