That’s a wrap – the last Council meeting of the triennium
The Council meeting on Wednesday 17 September was the last of the 2022/2025 triennium. It was a very full session requiring no less than two resolutions to extend the meeting.
There were four Notices of Motion for the Council to consider and a busy public forum, as well as numerous decisions made, and governance matters confirmed for the period between now and the first Council meeting of the 2025/2028 triennium on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Public forum
Drucilla Kingi-Patterson: Spoke about establishing a working party for a new visitors’ and events centre for Christchurch. Council agreed to respond to Drucilla as soon as practicable.
Paul Hodgson and Kevin Belcher: Spoke about their observations of fish screen effectiveness at several locations on the lower Waimakariri River. Council agreed to respond to Paul and Kevin as soon as practicable.
Deputations
Gail Gordon, interim co-chair of Te Rōpū Tuia: Gail spoke about the updated Tuia Agreement, acknowledging the partnership outlined the general agreement from mana whenua and us that “we are better to work respectfully together rather than to disagree”. Council formally considered and approved the Tuia Agreement later in the meeting.
Petitions
Justin Boyd: Presented a petition on behalf of residents in Yaldhurst and the surrounding area, requesting improved bus routes to service the growing area, which he described as currently underserved. The petition proposed extensions to the existing 130 or 140 routes. The Council received the petition.
Notices of Motions
Nitrate emergency declaration
Council voted nine to seven to approve a Notice of Motion from Councillor Vicky Southworth to declare a ‘nitrate emergency’ and for us to take a leadership role in urgently addressing the issue of groundwater pollution impacting drinking water sources and supplies.
The Notice of Motion also requested staff bring a workshop to the new Council to clarify a range of items to enable a well-informed discussion and development of steps they can take to make more rapid progress on nitrate reduction in groundwater.
It also called for advice to be sought on indicative costs to drinking water suppliers and private well owners (nitrate receivers) of treating nitrate-enriched groundwater or sourcing alternatives, and on reallocating these costs so nitrate polluters contribute through rates or levies.
Learn more about the actions we're taking to reduce nitrate in drinking water.
A ‘nitrate emergency’ has been declared, following a successful motion from Councillor Vicky Southworth
Opposition to Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 amendments
Council approved a Notice of Motion from Councillor Tutehounuku Korako to continue to publicly oppose the Government’s proposed legislation to amend the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, including communicating this to selected government officials.
It also called for the Council to advocate for the retention of existing legal pathways under the Act, for any reforms to be done in genuine partnership with Māori.
It also agreed to continue working with mana whenua to uphold their rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Concern regarding reclamation in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour
Council approved a Notice of Motion from Councillor Tutehounuku Korako to acknowledge community and mana whenua concerns about the environmental impacts of the reclamation works in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and note that Council officers are actively monitoring compliance with the relevant consents and that a formal warning has been issued to the Lyttelton Port Company in relation to sediment discharges.
The Notice also requested the Chief Executive provide a report back to Council on the compliance monitoring programme, noting any breaches to date and options for strengthening Council’s compliance and enforcement response where adverse environmental effects are identified.
It also sought to affirm Council’s ongoing partnership with mana whenua in supporting the long-term restoration of Whakaraupō through the Healthy Harbour co-governance programme.
Acknowledging the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour vision
Council approved a Notice of Motion from Councillor Tutehounuku Korako to acknowledge the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour vision and note that the work programme is under a co-governance agreement.
The notice also noted that recent funding has enabled a stage one package of work that will inform the scope and funding required for future work programmes (incorporating the use of a harbour management tool tailored to Whakaraupō using existing data.
It was also requested Council receive regular updates from Whaka-Ora Co-chairs on the progress of stage one.
(Note: the wording of this Notice of Motion was amended during the meeting and differs from the wording in the agenda published before the meeting)
Council decisions
Revitalised Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy
On Wednesday, Council adopted the revitalised Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy, developed through a collaborative process involving community groups, territorial authorities, and mana whenua.
The Strategy lays the foundation for a shared, region-wide approach to biodiversity management in Waitaha Canterbury. Since the Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the revitalisation process in October 2024, a series of workshops and advisory sessions have shaped its content.
A Mana Whenua Advisory Group contributed significantly, including the development of a dedicated Ngāi Tahu chapter.
Councillors have been closely involved throughout, providing feedback to strengthen the Strategy’s clarity, alignment and implementation. The final draft reflects this collective effort and aligns with the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.
Updated Tuia Agreement
Council approved an updated Tuia Agreement, which guides a joint work programme between us and Ngāi Tahu.
The programme is aimed at achieving sustainable environmental outcomes, perpetuating and supporting customary practices, and providing for development and effective iwi participation.
This commitment is based on the recognition that the relationship of Ngāi Tahu with their ancestral land within Waitaha Canterbury is inextricably affected by the powers and functions of Environment Canterbury.
End of triennium governance arrangements
Council signed off on governance arrangements covering the period between elections and the new Council being sworn in.
The new Councillors come into office on Friday 17 October but are not sworn in until the inaugural meeting on Wednesday 29 October.
In the interim, Council authorises the Chief Executive to act on any urgent matters.
🎥 Council meeting recording: Watch the final Council meeting of the 2022/25 triennium, held on Wednesday 17 September 2025.