Workers were evacuated and nearby residents told to close windows, as firefighters battle a huge fire at Ravensdown's fertiliser plant in Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says forty firefighters and 10 trucks battled the blaze on Main South Rd in Christchurch.

Around 40 kapahaka groups from nearly 30 schools throughout North Canterbury have been performing at the annual festival held at the Ohoka Community Centre near Rangiora this week.

The festival was founded 13 years ago by the small Tuahiwi School.

The event was established because the big Christchurch festival was too expensive for North Canterbury schools to get to and didn't meet the outcomes they wanted.

The local format is flexible enough so school groups can have as much time as they want on stage, tickets are cheaper, and the whole event is family friendly.

Training sessions in heavy lifting are being held for competitors at the upcoming Hororata Highland Games.

The event is now the largest Highland Games in New Zealand and attracts competitors from Australia and beyond.

Alpacas from throughout the South Island lined up in all their colours in Christchurch over the weekend.

Over a hundred and fifty alpacas plus more than seventy fleeces were judged at the South Island Alpaca Colourbration Show at Canterbury Agricultural Park at Wigram.