There is still an opportunity to come in and talk with Councillors about the Annual Plan over a cuppa and a biscuit, or online.
Sessions available in Christchurch, Timaru and online on 5 and 7 May.
Canterbury’s Annual Plan – Cuppa and Kōrero sessions open
Thank you to everyone across Waitaha Canterbury who took the time to provide feedback on Environment Canterbury’s draft Annual Plan. Your feedback, comments and conversations are a vital part of our decision-making, and they play a meaningful role in shaping the services and investments we deliver on behalf of our communities.
Why your feedback matters
Every year, the Annual Plan sets out how we turn our long-term vision for Canterbury into practical action.
It explains what we will deliver, how we will fund it, and how we will balance affordability with the services people rely on.
Hearing directly from our communities helps ensure the plan reflects real priorities, actual experience and local needs.
What we focus on every day
Our work remains focused on three core responsibilities: environmental regulation and protection, public transport, and community preparedness and response to hazards.
These are the everyday services that protect our water and land, connect people to work, education and services, and help communities prepare for floods, storms and the increasing impacts of climate change.
Navigating a challenging environment
We know the context this Annual Plan has been developed in has not been easy. Like other councils across New Zealand, we are facing rising costs and uncertainty about central government funding, while also keeping a close watch on international developments.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and remain flexible and responsive. Community feedback is especially important in this environment, helping councillors weigh up difficult choices and ensure spending is targeted where it will make the greatest difference.
What we heard from you
Public input has once again provided valuable insight, from how our public transport system is working to flood protection and climate change issues.
That feedback strengthens our understanding and supports more informed, balanced decisions.
Still want to have your say? Join a Cuppa and Kōrero session
What happens next
Council staff will carefully review all feedback and use that to inform and refine the final Annual Plan. This work will support councillors as we deliberate and ultimately adopt a plan that responds to community expectations while remaining financially responsible.
Thank you for being involved
I want to sincerely thank everyone who shared their views. Your involvement helps ensure Environment Canterbury’s decisions are grounded in community voices and focused on achieving the best outcomes for Canterbury.
👉 Annual Plan 2026/27 | Mahere ā Tau – Read the draft Annual Plan, understand the proposed changes, and see what happens next.