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Groundwater quality survey released Environment Canterbury has released its annual groundwater quality survey for 2020 (PDF File, 3.0MB). The report summarises the current state of groundwater quality throughout the region and provides analysis of trends over the past decade. Nitrate and E. coli levels tested Groundwater science manager Carl Hanson said each spring, when groundwater…
Water Zone Committee to focus on new ‘action plan’ for spring Lucy Millar, Chair OTOP Water Zone Committee We know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from the Orari Temuka Opihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee. That’s because we decided to put our public meetings on hold over June and July while the process…
Winter freshwater snapshot shows dry conditions easing Some of the driest conditions ever recorded across parts of Canterbury have eased slightly following heavy rainfall in late May and June. Data from the start of July show a boost in soil moisture and rising groundwater levels. In May, water levels in 93% of the wells we monitor…
Farm fences and kitchen benches – providing support through the farm audit process Staff are on-the-ground, supporting local farmers in preparation for their farm audits. Land management advisor Pete Bradshaw Farmers in Kaikōura who have been working with land management advisor Pete Bradshaw are feeling prepared for their farm audits. Bradshaw has spent a…
From our Chair: Ways to contribute to your Canterbury Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury In the last column I spoke about the value of nature-based education and engaging youth to improve environmental outcomes long term. There is a special case to be made for youth, but the reality is that all Cantabrians can get involved…
Your chance to join the Regional Water Management Committee If you are passionate about finding long-term solutions to protect Canterbury’s wai (water), then this is the chance to play your part. We are currently seeking expressions of interest for up to six community members from across Canterbury/Waitaha to join the Committee. Develop advice on regional…
Join us for planting days along the Ōtūkaikino River Native planting days are being held along the Ōtūkaikino River in the Waimakariri River Regional Park, providing volunteers an opportunity to enhance the waterway’s long-term health. Sustainable Coastlines, in collaboration with Environment Canterbury, is running the family-friendly native planting events in July and August. More than…
Monitoring run captures Canterbury’s coastal beauty Takamatua Bay near Akaroa The routine monitoring and water sampling trips conducted by our coastal team are not just a chance to check water quality in Canterbury’s river mouths, bays and coastal lagoons. They are also an opportunity to take some spectacular aerial photographs of our beautiful region. These…
Protection of rare bird ‘stopover’ complete Rare native birds that love to stop over in some of the Mackenzie Basin’s tiniest alpine lakes and remote wetlands will now have a safer trip, thanks to the completion of a major biodiversity project. Fencing at Swan Lagoon Fencing of two tarns (small alpine lakes) and a large…
July update: Kaikōura Zone Delivery Lead Hear from Kaikōura Zone Delivery Lead Kevin Heays as he updates us on what’s been going on in Canterbury’s most northern district. Kōrero – what works for you? Kaikōura Zone Delivery Lead, Kevin Heays We recently held the second community conversation series event in the Memorial Hall and we…
From our Chair: Floods, climate change and planning ahead Just a few weeks ago, Canterbury/Waitaha was in the thick of an extended dry spell with many farmers desperate for rain. Now, many are facing a long, difficult clean up from the recent downpour and flooding. It’s been a tough time for our rural communities. My…
Twizel River restoration recommended The restoration of a section of Twizel River close to the town has been identified as a key priority for the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee, which is now investigating next steps to get a plan in place. Committee chair Simon Cameron said the group has been discussing the improvement…
From our Chair: Floods, climate change and planning ahead Just a few weeks ago, Canterbury/Waitaha was in the thick of an extended dry spell with many farmers desperate for rain. Now, many are facing a long, difficult clean up from the recent downpour and flooding. It’s been a tough time for our rural communities. My…
Volunteers join the fight to stop wilding conifers in the Mackenzie Basin In the lead up to winter, Mackenzie Basin locals banded together to stop the spread of wilding conifers across the iconic landscape. Over 40 people attended the two volunteer days held by Environment Canterbury and Wilding Free Mackenzie. Volunteers worked with biosecurity professionals…
From our Chair: Participation through nature-based education One of the things that I am most excited about is our Council’s recent commitment to nature-based youth education and engagement. Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury This is part of our commitment to the community under our recently adopted Long-Term Plan 2021-2031 to continue with programmes that improve…
Updated air quality picture for Canterbury now available An updated Air Quality National Picture Summary confirms air quality in New Zealand towns, including Canterbury, is generally good and has improved over the past 15 years. However, the update from LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) also highlights there is still work to be done to reduce levels of…
From our Chair: Thoughts on the recent floods It has been a tumultuous time for those Cantabrians affected by the recent flooding – one of the worst cases the region has seen. My sincere condolences to all those whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by this event. Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury Flooding is…
Understanding farmers is the key to successful conversations We recently farewelled one of our longest-serving experts. Leo Fietje has spent years helping farmers, scientists and planners work together for a better environment. He may be retiring, but his work isn’t finished yet. Find out more about Leo’s time with us. Source link
Leo Fietje has spent years helping farmers, scientists and planners work together for a better environment. Learn more about the time he spent working for us. Source link
Innovative public transport takes out technology award The value of 21st century technology in providing useful new services for the community was demonstrated on Friday night when MyWay by Metro won the Innovation and Technology category at the South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards. South Canterbury Councillor Peter Scott said that the Timaru community has embraced their novel public transport system, and that councils around New…
On-demand public transport approved after trial’s success Timaru’s MyWay by Metro on-demand public transport has been adopted into Environment Canterbury’s Long-Term Plan, following a successful year-long service trial. The trial resulted in a patronage increase of 16% despite COVID-19 disruptions, and a marked increase in accessibility for people throughout the community. Subject to Waka Kotahi…
Priorities and transformational change: Long-Term Plan 2021-31 adopted The Canterbury Regional Council has formally adopted the Long-Term Plan 2021-31.The plan sets the course for the Council’s work in the region – the essential priorities, statutory obligations, and transformational opportunities. What it means for Canterbury “The human impact on the environment is at the forefront of…
Council adopts Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31 Environment Canterbury’s Council has formally adopted the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31 (PDF file, 2.26MB), which places new emphasis on resilience to extreme events and emissions reduction. The Plan guides land transport planning and investment in the region and informs the Government’s development of the National Land Transport Plan…
June update: Kaikōura Zone Delivery Manager Kevin Heays, Kaikōura Zone Delivery Manager I’ve been pleased to see lots of great work being done alongside the Clarence community to deal to some rogue predators that have been wreaking havoc on native ground-nesting birds at the Waiau Toa/Clarence river mouth. Our land management and biodiversity advisor Heath…
Early help encouraged for winter grazing issues Environment Canterbury is encouraging farmers to follow good winter grazing management practices and, if needed, seek advice as early as possible this winter. Recent severe weather, including drought and then flooding, means Canterbury farmers are facing a challenging winter and we are working with industry bodies to offer advice and…
Proud to be finalists for the LGNZ Excellence awards for Environmental Well-being On Wednesday 9 June LGNZ announced Environment Canterbury as finalists for the Air New Zealand EXCELLENCE Award for Environmental Well-being. Ahuriri constructed wetland Our award entry was for our work on the Whakaora Te Ahuriri project; a partnership between mana whenua, community, and…
Weed control protects remnant forest on Kaikōura Plains Photo: Heath Melville – South Island robin are present in Kōwahi Bush Problematic pest old man’s beard has been targeted for weed control in Luke Creek, Waimangarara and Kōwhai Bush to preserve and enhance existing biodiversity values. All three areas are ecologically rich in biodiversity and have many native…
Major multi-agency effort cleans up oil spill in Timaru drain Just a few days before the massive flooding event across Canterbury, our Timaru team was called out to a significant pollution event where oil had spilled into a stormwater drain in the Redruth industrial area. Here’s an update from zone lead Brian Reeves on how…
From our Chair: Climate change and Canterbury Once upon a time, you could have argued that putting climate change to one side was about putting the urgent ahead of the important. But not now – climate change is urgent, and we need to act now to mitigate its effects. Jenny Hughey, Chair, Environment Canterbury The consequences…
Data recorders show impact of Canterbury rainfall As weather improves and clean-up begins following the extreme rainfall of late May, our monitoring is giving a picture of how the weather event affected our rivers and groundwater. We record water levels at sites along Canterbury’s rivers and monitor hundreds of wells across the region to give…