Environment Canterbury adopts new strategic direction
“Without purpose of direction, we are nothing but an overhead. A strategy is a guiding star.”
That from Councillor Nettles Lamont as she moved to adopt the Strategic Direction for Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).
The Strategic Direction will guide the organisation's decision-making and development of the Long-Term Plan 2027–37. It has been updated to provide clear priorities for the organisation at a time of significant change for local government, while ensuring Environment Canterbury remains focused on delivering for Canterbury communities and the environment.
Providing clarity in a changing environment
Chair Dr Deon Swiggs said the adopted Strategic Direction gives both councillors and staff a clear framework for future planning and investment decisions.
"Canterbury is facing a range of challenges and opportunities, including climate change, population growth, affordability pressures and uncertainty around the future shape of local government.
"This Strategic Direction is deliberately focused on the areas where we can make the greatest difference while continuing to deliver our core responsibilities for Canterbury communities," Chair Swiggs said.
The three strategic priorities
The Strategic Direction retains Environment Canterbury's vision, purpose and values while establishing three priorities:
- Efficient and evident delivery of core statutory requirements.
- Effective catchment-based management and stewardship ki uta ki tai.
- Coherent and accessible data and services that support readiness for reform.
Chair Swiggs said the priorities reflect councillors' desire for a simpler, more focused strategic framework.
"Our role is to protect and enhance Canterbury's environment, support thriving communities and make good decisions on behalf of our region.
View Strategic Direction framework
"The Strategic Direction recognises the importance of staying focused on those responsibilities while making sure we're prepared for future change," he said.
Guiding the Long-Term Plan 2027-37
Chief Executive Dr Stefanie Rixecker said the Strategic Direction will play a key role in shaping the Long-Term Plan 2027–37.
"The Strategic Direction provides a strong foundation for our long-term planning and helps ensure we're investing our time, effort and resources in the areas that matter most.
"It also reinforces the importance of trusted science, credible data and effective partnerships with mana whenua, communities and stakeholders as we plan for the future," Dr Rixecker said.
The Strategic Direction was developed through a series of councillor workshops during May, June and July and reflects extensive discussion about the changing context facing both local government and Canterbury.
What’s next
While it will guide future planning and decision-making, the Strategic Direction does not change Environment Canterbury's statutory responsibilities or services. It will now be incorporated into organisational planning, engagement activities and the development of the Long-Term Plan 2027–37.
Learn how the Long-Term Plan guides our work