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.

In an operating environment of severe weather events, ongoing central government reforms and, more recently, rising fuel prices, Environment Canterbury has continued to deliver well across its core services.

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.

Majority of services measures 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. More detailed performance reporting is available on the Council’s Reporting Back page.

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.

Teams busy across council

There was a lot happening across all areas of council work. Teams supported communities during the February flooding on Banks Peninsula, and emergency preparedness was strengthened through the flood response and staff training. Our significant flood and river resilience projects also made good progress across the region despite some delays, and we led a successful response to eight vessel incidents  including five marine oil spills. Our biosecurity work continued to control priority pest species across the region, and access to three community funds was improved through a simpler application process.  

Quarter Three underspend explained

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, and weather related delays to flood and river resilience projects.

Revenue was also $6.4 million below budget, largely   because of lower than expected cost recovery from consenting and compliance services, and the fact that public transport funding from central government is 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.   
We provide report updates on performance in our reporting back website page.