Stories from Christchurch · New Zealand

A new stadium hosted rugby matches with sellout crowds of 25,000 people on each day. Approximately seven to eight thousand spectators reportedly flew across the Tasman to attend the event. The event drew fans from across the country and the region.

The Court of Appeal dismissed a request by Brenton Tarrant to appeal his 92 convictions and life sentence without parole for the March 2019 terror attack. The 35-year-old claimed he was forced to plead guilty due to torturous prison conditions and requested a trial.

The perpetrator of New Zealand's deadliest modern-day mass shooting has admitted to carrying out the attack. A court in Wellington has turned down an appeal by Brenton Tarrant, the 35-year-old gunman responsible for the mass shooting that killed 51 people.

New Zealand's Court of Appeal dismissed claims by 35-year-old Tarrant that mental illness and harsh jail conditions led to his guilty pleas for terrorism and murder. The court ruled the claims were not supported by prison staff. The individual claimed the pleas were not supported by prison staff and were intended to secure a corridor. An appeal court panel of three judges dismissed a claim by Brenton Terrence Tarrant to abandon his guilty pleas. Tarrant is the white supremacist who shot and killed 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Christchurch attacker is awaiting trial for murder and terrorism offenses. His father, Sadji Dakhram, was shot dead by police at Bondi Beach at the scene. Fleming on New Year's Day last year during a jury trial at the Christchurch High Court. Crown Prosecutor Mark O'Donoghue alleged the 33-year-old intentionally drove at officers. Defense lawyer Josh Lucas stated Tasca was drunk, homeless, unemployed, and suffering from depression at the time of the crash and was attempting to take his own life. More than 40 witnesses are expected to be called during the trial.

A Christchurch terrorist failed in a bid to appeal 92 convictions. The individual will remain in prison for the rest of his life. The source did not provide the specific name of the individual.

Two wool auctions held at the PGG Wrightsons Wool Store in Christchurch concluded this morning. A total of 9,000 bales of wool were sold during the sessions. The auctions generated $6.6 million in total revenue. The event took place at the Glenamode location in Christchurch.

An intelligence head from the mathematics department at Canterbury University has become the first person from outside the United Kingdom to win a prestigious mathematics medal. The recipient specializes in deciphering and understanding ancient mathematical texts.

New Zealand has become the world's fourth largest payload launcher. The country's space industry has developed significantly since its first launch in 2016. Components for the James Webb telescope were designed in New Zealand's South Island.

ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper admitted the team lost momentum following a 45-12 loss to the Hurricanes in Christchurch last Saturday. Slipper cited a poor kicking display in the first half as a costly factor in the defeat.