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Whitebait spawning study in Kaikōura guides protection projects Results of a recent īnanga/whitebait spawning site study in the Kaikōura zone has helped build an understanding of how to protect and manage the future of the species. By protecting spawning sites the species will have a better chance of thriving in our local awa. Conducted by…
Best swimming spots in South Canterbury When you’re heading to the beach, local river or lake to swim this summer, don’t forget to look out for water quality information signs or visit the ‘Can I Swim Here?’ section of the Land and Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website. Check the LAWA website before you go, so you…
Temporary Metro timetable changes to provide certainty for customers Canterbury is the latest region to be affected by a national bus driver shortage, resulting in the unexpected cancellation of some trips. To minimise the number of cancellations and provide a more reliable service for customers, selected Metro routes will be temporarily moving to a Saturday…
Can I swim here? Check the water quality before you get in We monitor over 100 swim sites to keep you informed. Each summer from November to March, we monitor more than 100 of Canterbury’s popular swimming sites weekly to check for water quality issues that can be harmful to people and pets, especially dogs. Canterbury…
December update: Kaikōura Zone Delivery Lead Kaikōura zone delivery lead Kevin Heays Kaikōura zone delivery lead Kevin Heays provides us with some key messages about being safe on the water this summer. Another year has flown by, another some would perhaps happily leave behind given the challenges COVID-19 has presented. As I sign off for…
Winter home heating preparations We want everyone in Canterbury to be warm and cosy in their homes, so getting yourself prepared now is key and will save you time and money in the long run. Now’s good for wood Ensuring your wood is dry and well-seasoned is key to burning a hotter, more efficient fire…
Timaru’s on-demand public transport hits 200,000 ride milestone Shorty Thomas with her twins Kye and Zac using the MyWay service. Innovation has paid off in Timaru as the city’s new on-demand public transport service goes from strength to strength. Environment Canterbury Councillor Peter Scott said that MyWay by Metro was developed as a test case…
Southern black-backed gull control at the Waimakariri River Southern black-backed gull (SBBG) control is part of a regular, successful programme that has been ongoing for many years with the aim of improving the biodiversity values of our region’s precious braided rivers. SBBG are large, predatory birds that have a significant negative impact on the braided river environment…
Join our field trip to learn about Timaru’s key waterways Do you want to learn more about Timaru’s key waterways and local lagoon? Come along to the Orari Temuka Opihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee’s upcoming field trip. Field trip details The event, which will take place on 6 December from 1-4pm, gives you the…
Community conversation’s provide forum for discussion The recent Community Conversation meeting series held in Kaikōura, Waiau and Waimakariri has provided a platform for residents and industry to share their thoughts on all things Environment Canterbury. Northern zone manager Andrew Arps said it was great to meet with a range of residents, business owners, Councillors, and…
Irrigating top tips for the upcoming summer season Summer is just about here and that means irrigation will become more widespread across North Canterbury. Irrigation can support better growth in paddocks, providing more feed for animals and better conditions for growing crops. Water is a precious resource in the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waiau areas –…
Council reviews airport noise contours Noise can impact our enjoyment within Greater Christchurch and it is important to ensure any nuisance noise effects are well managed. We have received updated noise contours we requested from Christchurch International Airport. The draft noise contours report will now be peer reviewed by a panel of independent technical experts. It…
November update: Kaikōura Zone Delivery Lead Kaikōura Zone Delivery manager Kevin Heays Hear from Kaikōura Zone Delivery manager Kevin Heays, who updates us on Kaikōura’s unique coastal biodiversity and how you can help protect it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we live in the most special place in the world. Whether…
More protection for Canterbury’s freshwater and taonga with tightened rules Council has adopted the recommendations of the independent hearing commissioners on Plan Change 7 to the Land & Water Regional Plan (LWRP) and Plan Change 2 to the Waimakariri River Regional Plan. The plan changes build on the operative Nutrient Management and Waitaki Plan provisions…
Boaties urged to always carry two devices to call for help With the warmer weather approaching, boaties are being reminded to carry two forms of waterproof communication on all vessels. Maritime NZ research shows having no effective communications gear is a major factor in 58% of fatalities on New Zealand’s waters. Navigation safety officer, Gordon…
From our Chair: Respecting our precious birdlife Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury I was disappointed to read yet again that some four-wheel drive enthusiasts are putting vulnerable birdlife at risk by taking their vehicles on to the braided rivers – in this case the Ashley River/Rakahuri. A unique place for unique birdlife Our braided rivers…
River works in Kaikōura It’s been a busy time since the Canterbury region-wide floods, with lots of calls from the community about river works. Kaikōura rivers officer, Mike Gilliver provides an update on flooding in Kaikōura, and how river works are funded. The great flood of 1868. Kaikōura – a history of flooding Unpredictable floods…
Electric revolution for Christchurch’s Orbiter fleet The popular Orbiter bus route has seven new electric vehicles joining its ranks, as Christchurch’s fleet of electric and ultra-low emission vehicles grows. By the end of this year, 28% of Metro’s fleet will be electric or ultra-low emission thanks to a further 18 new electric buses, growing to…
All Canterbury public transport drivers to receive the 2021 Living Wage Following Council support for public transport drivers across Canterbury to receive the 2021 Living Wage, we are pleased to announce that we have concluded Living Wage discussions with all contracted public transport operators in Canterbury. Negotiations were concluded in late October with contract variations…
Funded fences and budding biodiversity in Kaikōura Industry funding for two Kaikōura farms means a waterway is protected from its spring source, to its confluence with the Kahutara River. Fonterra’s Sustainable Catchments funding has helped two landowners protect a waterway that runs through both properties, providing a native corridor from the mountains to the sea (ki uta ki…
Join the Twizel canal clean-up The Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee is encouraging locals and visitors to get involved in the Twizel canal clean-up on Saturday, 20 November. Join the canal clean-up and receive a reusable picnic bag. Committee members are taking part in the working bee, which will see litter cleared from the area…
Proud youth representative at water zone committee The Orari Temuka Opihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee has proudly welcomed its youngest member yet. Bailey Lissington has been appointed as a youth representative to the committee. Bailey Lissington A bit about Bailey The 20-year-old is currently in his second year of computer engineering at the University…
New chairs for the CWMS Regional Committee The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) Regional Committee has two new co-chairs – Jane Demeter, and Iaean Cranwell acting as the interim Ngāi Tahu co-chair. These roles came about following a review of the committee’s structure and membership which took place to ensure the committee is best placed…
Foxs Creek planting day brings community together Collaboration between the Sefton Saltwater Creek Catchment Group (SSCG), whānau and industry group NZ Landcare Trust saw a successful planting day at Foxs Creek in the Waimakariri District. Hill-fed Foxs Creek, a tributary of Saltwater Creek, which feeds into the Ashley River Rakahuri – Saltwater Creek Estuary (Te…
Successful planting in Springston Some of the team getting stuck in to the task at hand. Staff and members from our Waterwise network got their hands dirty recently, all for a good cause. Members of our Youth Engagement and Education, and Events team joined Waterwise members to spend an afternoon planting at a Springston Te…
New swimming and paddle area in Rāpaki Bay A new swimming and paddle craft area has been established and is now open in Rāpaki Bay, Lyttelton Harbour for a ten-month trial period. The area from the eastern side of the boat ramp, adjacent to the Rāpaki wharf and directly across to the eastern headland, has…
Farmers – let’s talk about mahinga kai & biodiversity Want to learn more about mahinga kai? Come along to our Shed Talk in the Waimakariri zone this November. You may already have areas you’re taking special care of as part of your current farming operation – but there will be more. Join our cultural land…
New faces at the table protecting water quality Community members from South Canterbury have joined their local water zone committees to share their ideas for protecting water quality and the habitat of precious wildlife. Jakki Guilford and Jonnie Rutherford of the Lower Waitaki Committee Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury and Orari Temuka Opihi Pareora (OTOP)…
From our Chair: Getting ready for Essential Freshwater Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury You’ll no doubt be aware of the government’s Essential Freshwater package that was released in August 2020. It’s a new nationwide approach to improve the quality of our freshwater within a generation. At its heart is the concept of Te Mana o…
Public transport drivers to receive Living Wage In July this year Council approved to support public transport drivers to receive the 2021 Living Wage. Environment Canterbury Chief Executive Officer Stefanie Rixecker says Council supports the move to ensure driver wages reflect the role they play in this essential service. “Our drivers are consistently getting high…