New Chair for Christchurch West Melton Water Zone Committee The newly appointed Christchurch West Melton Water Zone Committee Chair Kevin Brown thanks outgoing Chair Arapata Reuben for his passion, dedication, and commitment to freshwater management in Christchurch. At our 30 July meeting, I was elected Chair of the Christchurch West Melton Water Zone Committee. I […]
The importance of mahinga kai During our June Zone Committee meeting, Environment Canterbury Tangata Whenua Facilitator Brad Waldon-Gibbons shared a presentation on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) mahinga kai targets and goals for our water zone. Mahinga kai can be difficult to explain in simple English. I often think of mahinga kai as the resources […]
Wetland mapping on Mt Fyffe Farm reveals rare species Recent mapping of a wetland on Mt Fyffe Farm has revealed unique plant species not seen anywhere else in the district. The mānuka-dominant wetland hosts native vegetation including ‘harakeke’ and ‘purei (sedges)’, and ‘swamp astelia’ which is uncommon on New Zealand’s East Coast. The wetland is well […]
$15.5 million boost to Canterbury’s flood protection infrastructure Canterbury will benefit from $15.5 million in central government funding for flood protection measures, keeping communities safer and boosting the region’s economy. The funding will be put towards six projects, which have a total combined value of $24.2 million. The funding forms part of the $210 million for […]
New freshwater policies welcomed We have welcomed the gazetting of a new freshwater policy package announced today by the Government. Chair Jenny Hughey said this step was the culmination of a long period of effort put in by the Government and many others. “We will now concentrate on implementing the new National Environmental Standard for […]
Abundant biodiversity gets boost in Banks Peninsula More than $100,000 of Immediate Steps Biodiversity funding (IMS) spread across four community-led projects will help local people and groups protect and enhance their environment in Banks Peninsula. Three of the four projects will be covenanted through the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust or QEII national Trust, requiring all […]
Stunning Glen Lyon Station further protected from weeds What started out as wilding pine control nearly 20 years ago has blossomed into numerous environmental projects across generations for the family-owned Glen Lyon Station in Upper Waitaki. The 25,000 ha farm sits at the northernmost point of Lake Ōhau, where alpine waters from the Hopkins and […]
Regenerative farming kōrero in Kaikōura In July, Kaikōura’s first regenerative farming event drew interest from farmers, vintners, and industry professionals across the South Island. The event was hosted by local regenerative farming awareness platform Agregenz and sponsored by the North Canterbury Rural support Trust and the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group. Kaikōura Plains Recovery Project also […]
Wilding pines removal provides jobs for COVID-displaced workers Central government funding has allowed for the creation of extra jobs in new wilding pines removal projects in Canterbury, primarily hiring people impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19. Of the $3 million COVID-relief funding made available by the government, $1.9 million went to Canterbury wilding pine […]
Work has started to remove damaged pontoons that have been stored at Naval Point. Christchurch City Council was contacted by a member of the public in November 2019 about the pontoons and has been working to find a permanent solution for their disposal. The damaged pontoons are being broken down and three of the four […]