20 MARCH 2008 - Year Nine students interested in the New Zealand Vegemite Spelling Bee still have plenty of time to prepare says Janet Lucas, event manager of the Spelling Bee.

The regional Spelling Bees kick off in less than three weeks time.

This year the Festival is moving three weeks later in the season, with the Fair Day on Sunday 6 April, Kilbirnie Sale Days on Friday and Saturday 4,5 April, the Beach Sports Day on Sunday 30 March, and a range of other community activities around that time.

6 MARCH 2008 - Despite the fact there will be several changes from recent years at the 2008 Bluff Oyster & Food Festival on Saturday 24 May many of the old favourites of past Festivals will remain.

From 7.45 pm on 29 March the bells of Christchurch Cathedral will ring out across the city heralding the approach of Earth Hour. At 8 pm Mayor Bob Parker will throw the switch on the lights in Cathedral Square, marking the arrival of Earth Hour.

4 April 2008 - One of Hollywood's most famous stars is giving his money away. Movie star Paul Newman, who is rumoured to be battling cancer, will be donating NZ$100,000 to New Zealand charities via the Newman's Own Foundation.

1 May 2008 - The LG Mystics have introduced a six man cheerleading squad, the LG Mystics Hip Hoppers, who have been hip hoping around courtside, to get LG Mystics fans moving and shaking in support of their team.

1 May 2008 - New Zealand Music Month 2008 was launched today by Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard. The launch, organised by the New Zealand Music Commission, was held at Cuba Mall's the Matterhorn and featured a live performance by Chris Knox.

Christchurch City is throwing its weight behind this year's New Zealand Music Month.

New Zealand music will be everywhere in Christchurch during May. As well as gigs in pubs across the City, nearly every day in May live New Zealand music will be played at local libraries.

12 MAY 2008 - Wellington City is the home of hot comedy and last night's glittering New Zealand Comedy Awards proved it again.

12 May 2008 - Talented young poets, songwriters and lyricists have just three weeks to enter their best work into the New Zealand Post National Schools Poetry Awards.