Parking is a huge issue in Riccarton, which is one of the most difficult areas in suburban Christchurch. As a result of the earthquakes, many Central City businesses have moved to the suburbs, particularly in the west, and this pressure is added to by the large mall and Canterbury University.

Some of the play equipment at Harrington Park is up for renewal. In order to put together an initial landscape plan for the park, the City Council would like to find out how the park is currently being used, and what type of activities people in the community would like to do there.

The 'Our Riccarton, Our Community, Let’s Have Fun' community day is one of the highlights of the year in our neighbourhood. The day-long event is a wonderful opportunity for people new to the district and long-time residents to meet and make friends, and enjoy an afternoon of free activities.

Migrants frequently find it hard to get a job in New Zealand, sometimes because of language skills, sometimes because employers want "New Zealand experience", and so on... One way in is to do volunteer work, which provides valuable work experience in a New Zealand context.

By Anan Zaki, Nor-West News, 2 October

Riccarton addiction advocate Damian Holt recently received a community award from the city council for his public artwork. The 57-year-old spoke to reporter Anan Zaki about his love of art and how it helped turn his life around.

Korean culture was to the fore when the Korean School held a fun day at Kirkwood Intermediate School, Riccarton Rd, on Saturday 29 September. The school holds its weekly classes at Kirkwood on a Saturday.

Seven years of building community in the Riccarton area were celebrated at the end of September by the Oak Development Trust. Starting with just one paid employee – Manager Carol Renouf – the trust now has six staff, and is active through around 12 programmes.