Core services largely on track in Quarter Three despite external pressures

Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has reported that the majority of its core services remain on track in Quarter Three, despite an operating environment shaped by severe weather events, ongoing central government reforms, and rising fuel prices.

Councillors received the Core Services Performance Report for Quarter Three (1 January – 31 March 2026) at the Regional Delivery Committee meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

The Report outlines service performance, financial performance and key achievements for Environmental Regulation and Protection, Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards, and Public Transport.

Most council services on track

By the end of the quarter, 32 of 36 service measures as set out in the Annual Plan 2025/26 were on track to be achieved.

One measure can’t move forward because of a change in legislation, one won’t be met this year, and two are being closely monitored but still expected to be achieved.

Public transport and fuel impacts

The impact of rising fuel prices was most evident in public transport towards the end of the quarter. While patronage is still slightly down overall for the year, March saw a noticeable lift, with 4.3 per cent more trips taken in greater Christchurch compared with March last year.

Services continued to run as usual through this period, and a new Event Direct by Metro service was launched to help people get to major events at the new One NZ Stadium while easing pressure on the wider network.

Environment Canterbury has plans in place to respond to the various phases of the government’s Fuel Response Plan.

Flood response, biosecurity and resilience work continues

There was significant activity across all areas of council work during the quarter:

• Our teams supported communities during February flooding on Banks Peninsula, strengthening emergency preparedness through real-world response and training.
• Flood protection and river resilience projects continued to make good progress across the region despite some weather-related delays. Council also led successful responses to eight vessel incidents, including five marine oil spills.
• Biosecurity teams continued controlling priority pest species across Canterbury, while access to three community funds was improved through a simpler application process.

Why there is a $15.3M surplus

At the end of quarter three, Council recorded a $15.3 million surplus, largely driven by expenditure being $21.6 million below budget.

This was mainly due to:

• lower public transport costs
• paused resource management planning work
• weather related delays to flood and river resilience projects.

Revenue was also $6.4 million below budget due to:

• lower than expected cost recovery from consenting and compliance services
• public transport funding from central government being tied to actual spend.

Unless Council decides otherwise, any surplus will go into reserves.

Overall, quarter three shows an organisation responding to community needs and staying focused on delivering the services Canterbury relies on, whilst adjusting to change.   

Want to read the full? See how council services, projects and performance are tracking on our reporting back page