The Western News, which covers the Riccarton area, is one of the free Christchurch suburban papers published by the Star group of companies. As with many small papers, it had to cease printing when Lockdown 4 was introduced, but later began publishing online. It has now started printing again, but if you previously received it in your letterbox, you may be wondering why it's no longer coming.

Before, it was delivered on a Tuesday as a separate item. Now, delivery has begun on a Thursday, as an insert into the Christchurch Star. So if you don't get the Star, you won't get the Western News. However, you can arrange to receive both, still free, by phoning the Star office at 379 7100.