Audit and Risk Committee reviews finances, flood readiness and public safety systems

Environment Canterbury’s Audit and Risk Committee met on Thursday 3 September to receive updates on the organisation’s financial position, emergency preparedness, and regulatory assurance.

The Committee reviewed how the Council is managing key risks and maintaining organisational resilience while continuing to deliver services across the region. 

Provisional year-end result shows surplus and underspend

The Committee received an update on Environment Canterbury’s provisional year-end financial position for 2025/26, subject to audit and final adjustments.

The update showed a provisional surplus of around $15 million and an underspend of approximately $21 million against the Annual Plan budget.

The Committee also noted changes in asset valuations, including forestry assets and Emissions Trading Scheme units, as part of the year-end process.

Flood-warning network supported response during Kaikōura weather event

The Committee heard that Environment Canterbury’s flood-warning system performed well during the July flooding event affecting Kaikōura and parts of the wider region.

Around 96 per cent of hydrometric monitoring sites remained operational during the event.

Where weather conditions affected some monitoring equipment, including two sites in Kaikōura District, temporary monitoring equipment and manual observations were used to support flood-control decision-making.

Planned improvements to site connectivity will continue as part of ongoing resilience work. 

Independent assessment confirms low-risk rating for dam consenting function

The Committee reviewed the outcome of a recent independent assessment of Environment Canterbury’s specialist Building Consent Authority for large dams.

The assessment, undertaken by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), resulted in an overall low-risk rating and found no significant concerns relating to technical decision-making, statutory performance or service delivery.

The review identified six procedural and documentation-related findings, with five already cleared and the remaining item progressing through final review processes. 

Preparations continue for potential bird flu response

The Committee received an update on preparations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1, following its detection in Australia earlier this year.

Environment Canterbury has established a cross-organisational steering group, trained identified first responders in the use of personal protective equipment, and begun planning the organisation's response to the possible spread of the disease now it has been detected in New Zealand.

The work is being coordinated alongside national preparedness activities led by the Ministry for Primary Industries.