Plans are under way for a fund-raising concert in Christchurch as a way of boosting the morale of the people affected by the Canterbury earthquake.
Mayor Bob Parker says local acts such as Bic Runga, Opshop and Scribe have offered to play at a concert, but he hasn't ruled out approaching even bigger acts.
It would be a wasted opportunity if the council did not try to ask U2 to play in Christchurch, he says, given that the rock band will be in New Zealand later this year, but he acknowledges that might be a challenge.
Swim champs moved
Swimming New Zealand has moved this month's national age group short course championships to Wellington.
The championships, which are expected to attract up to 1000 swimmers, coaches, officials and supporters, had been scheduled for the QEII Leisure Centre in Christchurch at the end of the month.
But the complex's main building received some damage during the quake.
