Environment Canterbury confirms Annual Plan priorities for 2026/27

Councillors have agreed the key elements of the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Annual Plan 2026/27, confirming a continued focus on core services while keeping affordability front of mind for ratepayers.

The plan, which will be considered for adoption in June, includes a total rates increase of 2.4 per cent - down from the 2.9 per cent proposed during engagement - following a series of targeted savings and adjustments agreed during deliberations.

Chair Dr Deon Swiggs said the decisions reflected Councillors’ focus on balancing affordability with continued investment in the services Canterbury communities rely on.

“We’ve taken a balanced and pragmatic approach to the work that needs to be delivered across the region. Councillors looked carefully at where we could reduce costs, while still making sure we continue investing in the things that matter most to our communities.

“We know households and businesses are continuing to face cost pressures, so keeping the rates increase down was a key consideration. At the same time, Canterbury continues to grow and face increasing climate and infrastructure pressures, so there are areas where continued investment is essential.

“In particular, we’ve committed to supporting improvements to key public transport routes in high-growth areas, making sure services can keep pace with, and help enable, future development across the region.

Key decisions confirmed

Flood protection investment

• Increasing investment in flood protection of up to $2 million for capital works in the Waimakariri River network.

Public transport improvement

• A 12-month trial of additional direct public transport services between Rolleston and Christchurch will go ahead, as originally included in the 2025/26 Annual Plan.
• Councillors have also supported future improvements to Metro services on Route 1 (Rangiora–Cashmere) and Route 5 (Rolleston–New Brighton), focusing investment where it’s needed most. These improvements will not affect rates, as work planned for 2026/27 will be funded from the passenger transport reserve.
• The targeted rate for Total Mobility will reduce, with $1.2 million less revenue required.
• A 12-month public transport trial for the Aranui community will also proceed, funded from existing passenger transport reserves with no added pressure on rates.

Biodiversity funding

• A one-off $100k increase to the existing contestable funds for 2026/27 to support more on-ground biodiversity work across the region.

Community feedback helped shape the final plan

Council considered feedback from 119 individuals and organisations from across Canterbury, alongside wider economic and legislative pressures, in shaping the final package.

Chair Swiggs said feedback highlighted strong interest in environmental outcomes, flood resilience and public transport, while affordability and value for money remained consistent themes throughout.

Feedback from district councils and Ngāi Tahu partners also reinforced the importance of collaboration and a Tiriti-based approach.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback. It helped councillors test the proposed draft against community priorities and affordability,” Chair Swiggs said.

Final decision set for June

The agreed changes reflect Council’s focus on delivering essential services, responding to growth and climate pressures, and balancing investment with affordability.

The final Annual Plan will be presented to Council for their consideration on 24 June.

Want to know more? Annual Plans outline the work councils plan to deliver each year, including key priorities, projects and funding. Learn more about our Annual Plan