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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Tess McClure in Christchurch

‘All the worst things you can think of’: Christchurch residents stricken by city’s stench

Christchurch stench illustration
An unpleasant smell in Christchurch has been a feature of the New Zealand city for years. Illustration: Avinash Weerasekera/Jacky Winter Group

Paul Drurie stares into the distance for a moment, trying to come up with the words. “Think of the very worst festival toilet you can think of,” he says, finally. “Completely filled to the brim – and people are still using it, to the point where it is starting to overflow. It’s been sitting there for a day-and-a-half. That will come within the ballpark.”

“All the worst things you can think of, all wrapped into one – with a sort of pickled cabbage,” says local councillor Celeste Donovan.

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