The Christchurch Chronicle

These Terms of Use govern access and usage of the Christchurch Chronicle website and its associated digital properties. By accessing or utilising any part of this service, users indicate their acceptance of these conditions. Individuals who do not agree with these provisions should refrain from using the Christchurch Chronicle platform.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between the user and Christchurch Chronicle. It is advisable to review these terms periodically for any updates.

This document was last updated in March 2026.

1. About Us

The Christchurch Chronicle is an independent local news publication headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our primary purpose is to provide factual news and information relevant to the Christchurch region.

Our operations are managed by a dedicated editorial team consisting of journalists and reporters. We focus on delivering professional journalistic content.

Christchurch Chronicle is owned and operated by APG, an independent digital media company. Further information regarding APG can be found at APG.

2. Copyright and Content Ownership

All content published on the Christchurch Chronicle website, including articles, photographs, graphics, and other media, is protected by copyright law. This content is the exclusive property of Christchurch Chronicle or its licensors.

Reproduction, distribution, modification, or transmission of any content without prior written permission from Christchurch Chronicle is strictly prohibited. This includes mirroring or framing any part of the site.

Users may access and view content for personal, non-commercial use only. Any other form of use requires explicit authorisation.

3. Subscriptions and Accounts

3.1. Access

Certain sections or features of the Christchurch Chronicle may require a paid subscription or account registration. Access to these areas is granted upon successful registration and payment where applicable.

3.2. Billing

Subscription fees are billed in advance according to the chosen subscription plan. Users are responsible for all charges incurred under their account.

Payment information must be accurate and kept current. Failure to maintain valid payment details may result in the suspension or termination of access.

3.3. Cancellation

Subscribers may cancel their subscriptions at any time. Cancellations will typically take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

No refunds are generally provided for partial subscription periods. Specific refund policies, if any, will be detailed at the time of purchase.

3.4. Account Security

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account login credentials. Any activity occurring under an account is the responsibility of the account holder.

Users must notify Christchurch Chronicle immediately of any unauthorised use of their account or any other breach of security. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from a failure to comply with these security obligations.

4. Acceptable Use

Users agree to use the Christchurch Chronicle website and its services lawfully and in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others or restrict their use and enjoyment of the site. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Engaging in any activity that is illegal or fraudulent under New Zealand law.
  • Distributing spam, malware, or other malicious software.
  • Attempting to gain unauthorised access to our systems or other user accounts.
  • Interfering with the operation of the website, including denial-of-service attacks.
  • Collecting or harvesting personal data from the website without consent.
  • Impersonating another person or entity.
  • Posting or transmitting content that is defamatory, obscene, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable.
  • Using automated systems or software to extract data from the website without prior express written permission.
  • Circumventing any technological measures implemented to control access to any part of the website.
  • Any action that imposes an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on our infrastructure.

Violation of these acceptable use policies may result in the suspension or termination of access to the Christchurch Chronicle services.

5. User-Submitted Content

The Christchurch Chronicle does not accept unsolicited content submissions from the general public. Our content is produced by our employed journalists and reporters.

However, if users provide unsolicited information, feedback, or any other material ("User Content"), they grant Christchurch Chronicle a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such User Content in any media.

This includes any tips, letters to the editor, or general feedback received. Providing such content signifies agreement to this licensing arrangement.

Users confirm that any User Content they provide is original and does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights or other rights of any third party.

6. Accuracy and Editorial Independence

Christchurch Chronicle strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information published. Our journalists and reporters follow professional editorial standards in gathering and verifying news.

Despite our efforts, errors may occasionally occur. The Christchurch Chronicle does not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of all information presented.

The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Christchurch Chronicle. Our editorial decisions are made independently.

For corrections regarding published content, please submit details to legal@christchurchchronicle.co.nz.

7. Third-Party Links

The Christchurch Chronicle website may contain links to external websites and resources that are not owned or controlled by us. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only.

Christchurch Chronicle assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Christchurch Chronicle.

Users access third-party websites at their own risk. We recommend reviewing the terms of use and privacy policies of any external sites visited.

8. Disclaimers

The Christchurch Chronicle website and its content are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Christchurch Chronicle makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the operation of the website or the information, content, or materials included on it.

To the full extent permissible by applicable law, Christchurch Chronicle disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Christchurch Chronicle does not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. We are not liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this website.

9. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Christchurch Chronicle, its owners, directors, employees, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages whatsoever, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from:

  • The use or inability to use the website.
  • Any conduct or content of any third party on the website.
  • Any content obtained from the website.
  • Unauthorised access, use, or alteration of transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of such damage.

This limitation of liability applies to the fullest extent permitted by law in New Zealand.

10. Governing Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any dispute arising under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

11. Changes to Terms

Christchurch Chronicle reserves the right to modify or replace these Terms of Use at any time without prior notification. The most current version of the terms will always be posted on this page.

Users are responsible for regularly reviewing these terms. Continued use of the website after any such changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

12. Contact

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms of Use, please contact our legal department.

Email: legal@christchurchchronicle.co.nz

General editorial feedback or news tips may be sent to editor@christchurchchronicle.co.nz. Please note that this address is not for legal inquiries.

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