Contestable funds now open to boost community-led environmental actions Community groups across Waitaha Canterbury can now apply for three contestable funds. Whether you’re restoring native bush and wetlands, improving local waterways or delivering catchment-scale action, these funds are designed to back practical, on-the-ground initiatives that make a measurable difference. Source link
Christchurch City Council has credit rating reaffirmed
Today S&P Global Ratings (S&P) affirmed its AA- long and A-1+ short-term issuer credit ratings for both the Council and Christchurch City Holdings Limited with a stable outlook. “We forecast Christchurch will maintain very strong operating surpluses over the next two years, reducing its overall cash deficits and debt compared with those of peers, despite…
Canterbury scientist makes history with national medal
Canterbury scientist makes history with national medal One of our most respected scientists has received national recognition for decades of dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems. Dr Adrian Meredith, principal scientist for water ecology, received the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society Medal, marking the first time a regional council scientist has achieved this honour….
The Little Street Art Festival Returns
Seven headline artists will take to Ōtautahi Christchurch’s streets from 5-14 December, creating works that extend from poetic garments and a Pasifika-inspired navigation trail to surprising signs and playful characters. Works will include an unplayable golf course, space-bending calligraphy and even an automated art machine – all exploring the smaller scale and material diversity of…
Gear Up Ōtautahi wins national prize
Gear Up Ōtautahi took out the top spot in the Outstanding Community Recreation Programme category at the 2025 Recreation Awards. The awards celebrate the projects, programmes, facilities, and people who are shaping the future of recreation across Aotearoa. “This is a fantastic result for a project that has helped hundreds of tamariki across Christchurch and…
Enjoy the first weekend of summer
Christmas on the Peace Train Santa is coming to the Botanic Gardens – on the Peace Train! This Sunday, Santa is (temporarily) trading in his reindeer for an electric engine and taking the wheel of the Peace Train. Grab a photo with Santa as he makes his festive rounds this Sunday. The train will run…
Council reaffirms our Tuia agreement committing to working well together
Council reaffirms our Tuia agreement committing to working well together Representatives of Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) and Papatipu Rūnanga within Waitaha Canterbury signed an updated Tuia Agreement on Friday 5 December, committing to working well in partnership together. “Having a close working partnership with mana whenua is deeply important to us at Canterbury Regional Council….
Unpacking your options to get to One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha
Unpacking your options to get to One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha We will offer pre-booked event shuttles to help you get to One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha when it opens in April 2026. Shuttles from predetermined locations The shuttles are a managed service that you can book online prior to the…
Metro fares to go up in January for Timaru and Temuka customers
Metro fares to go up in January for Timaru and Temuka customers All South Canterbury Metro services fares, including MyWay by Metro, Timaru school services, and the Temuka-Timaru service, will increase on 26 January 2026. New fares MyWay MyWay adult: $3.00 MyWay child: $2.00 MyWay Community Services Card holder: $1.50 Temuka-Timaru service Standard: $4.50 Child:…
QEII covenant helps conserve soil and protect waterways in Blythe Valley
QEII covenant helps conserve soil and protect waterways in Blythe Valley Photo credit: Nicki Murray A 43-hectare area of retired farmland in Blythe Valley has been permanently protected to support native biodiversity, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. With a new QEII covenant and deer fencing in place, native birds and vegetation are returning to…
Plans for New Regent St extension
Christchurch City Council has purchased a 378m2 piece of land from the Catholic Diocese, which owns the city block bordered by Manchester, Armagh, Colombo and Oxford streets. The Diocese has subdivided the site and offered the Council a 12m wide lot directly opposite New Regent Street for a laneway. “This is a really great opportunity…
Public transport improvements included on national priority list
Public transport improvements included on national priority list Public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch are a step closer after being included on a list of nationally important infrastructure priorities. Project accepted into draft National Infrastructure Plan In April 2025, the Greater Christchurch Partnership lodged a joint application with Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission for the inclusion…
New variable speed zones will make it safer to get to school
Over the next six months, Christchurch City Council is installing new variable 30km/h speed limit signage outside school gates. The variable speed will apply approximately 150 metres either side of each school gate. In 2024, the Government introduced a new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. This rule requires us to implement variable speed limits of…
Public transport improvements included on national list
In April 2025, the partnership lodged a joint application with Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission for the inclusion of the Improvements to the Greater Christchurch Bus Network project. The Greater Christchurch Partnership comprises Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Regional Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Mana Whenua, and central government agencies NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi…
Give chicks a chance this Crate Day
Give chicks a chance this Crate Day Crate Day might ritualistically mark the beginning of summer for many Cantabrians, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable times of the year for some of the world’s rarest birds — and they’re nesting right under our feet. Source link
Summer’s calling: Stay safe on the water
Summer’s calling: Stay safe on the water With summer just around the corner, thousands of us will be heading out to enjoy our region’s stunning lakes and rivers. Whether you’re jet boating on the braided rivers or paddling close to shore, one thing is clear: safety matters every single time you hit the water. The…
Council welcomes local government review
“Canterbury needs a more integrated and efficient system capable of delivering long-term environmental, economic, and community outcomes. We believe it is the right time to be having this conversation and Christchurch is fully committed to engaging in it,” said Mayor Phil Mauger. However, the Council has concerns about the proposed transitional Combined Territories Board (CTB)…
New plans for the mall at New Brighton
Work to revamp the pedestrian mall area has been in the pipeline for a decade. Now, with recent projects like He Puna Taimoana, the City to Sea Pathway, Marine Parade, the New Brighton Beachside Playground all contributing to New Brighton’s steady regeneration, and new developments like the Village Green Project and Pierside underway, the time is right to…
Join the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū for 2026
Join the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū for 2026 If you’re a young person aged 14–24 who wants to make a difference for the environment and your community, the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū is your chance to take action, grow your leadership skills, and influence real decisions. The Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū (EYR) is a group…
Statement on rate capping from our Chair Dr Deon Swiggs
Statement on rate capping from our Chair Dr Deon Swiggs Today’s rates capping announcement needs to be understood alongside the challenges and changes proposed for local government, including the new resource management legislation due in coming weeks. Source link
Water and roading infrastructure in the northwest is being upgraded
Starting early next year, pipe replacement and transport projects in the area will get underway as part of a coordinated work programme spanning two years. “By combining pipe replacement and transport projects, we’re delivering smarter, safer and more cost-efficient improvements,” says General Manager City Infrastructure Brent Smith. “We know road works can be frustrating. That’s…
Fund open to support sustainable community initiatives
The Fund is open to community organisations, schools, social enterprises and businesses for projects that meet the Council’s targets and eligibility criteria. The key objectives of the Fund are to meet the challenge of climate change through every means available, to help our community understand and prepare for the ongoing impacts of climate change, benefit…
New chapter for Libraries summer reading challenge
Running through December to the end of January, the Mānuka Stories programme encourages tamariki (children) to read and listen to stories, visit a library and get involved in events throughout the warmer months. Each activity completed earns a sticker and once the entry form is complete, entrants go in the draw to win some prizes. …
Flood resilience ramps up – key projects underway to boost our defences
Flood resilience ramps up – key projects underway to boost our defences We’re set to kick off a summer of action on flood resilience projects co-funded under the second round (Tranche 2) of the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Funding (RIF), administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. RIF is a co-investment programme designed…
Native plant restoration flourishing at Takapō Regional Park
Native plant restoration flourishing at Takapō Regional Park Takapō Regional Park’s new native plantings are not just surviving — they’re thriving, thanks to careful planning, local partnership, and dedicated care from our park staff. Since September 2024, 12,000 native plants have been installed around the park as part of a long-term plan to replace pest…
Milestone as Lancaster Park Community Centre opens
The facilities, positioned in the park’s northeast corner, were officially opened today. Local sports clubs who provided valuable input during the planning process were among those in attendance. “We know sports clubs have been excitedly waiting for work to be completed. While they have already been utilising the sports grounds, having the community centre and changing facilities will cement Lancaster Park’s ongoing position as…
Get out and about this weekend
Author talk: Kristen Phillips Join author and poet Kristen Phillips for an honest and intimate look at her new book Dad, You’ve Got Dementia – Conversations With My Father – a book that is not about what is being lost on a daily basis but what there is still to find. Kristin Phillips will be…
Online water tool launches
The tool called Wai map – Ngā wai o Ōtautahi me Te Pātaka o Rākaihoutū has been designed to help the community, especially key waterways-focused groups, understand the Council’s water quality measurements. The map shows Christchurch and Banks Peninsula’s seven distinct water catchment areas. “The name is fitting, with Wai standing for Waterways Assessment Index and of course wai meaning water in te reo Māori,” says Gavin Hutchison, Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters. “The tool will display data from the…
Second stage of willow control in Ahuriri catchment
Second stage of willow control in Ahuriri catchment This summer, we’ll be doing a second controlled operation to spray willows in the Ahuriri catchment as part of efforts to improve the flow and health of waterways feeding into Lake Benmore. In collaboration with landowners, we will focus on the invasive crack willow in smaller waterways in the…
Pets on board! Small pets welcome on buses and the ferry from 1 December
Pets on board! Small pets welcome on buses and the ferry from 1 December From Monday 1 December 2025, small pets will be allowed on public transport at off-peak times in Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn. Pets must be in a carrier that fits on your lap or under the seat in front of you. Small…

























