Progress through change: Council adopts Annual Report

Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has adopted its 2025/26 Annual Report, highlighting a year of progress for Waitaha Canterbury during significant change across local government and resource management.

The report outlines the Council's work over the past year, including responding to government reform, strengthening partnerships, investing in critical infrastructure and delivering services that support communities across the region.

Delivering on regional priorities

Chair Dr Deon Swiggs said the Council met 33 of its 36 service targets, reduced debt and markedly improved consenting times, while responding to the biggest reform of local government in a generation.

"We kept delivering while the ground shifted under us. That's the job. Communities still need their floods managed, their buses running and their consents processed, whatever is happening in Wellington," Chair Swiggs said.

Consents processed within statutory timeframes rose from 62.1 per cent to 83.6 per cent and reached 98.7 per cent for applications lodged since January 2026. Council debt fell by $10 million to $81 million. Canterbury also became the first region to roll out Motu Move, the national ticketing system for public transport.

The report is the first for the current council term and highlights progress across a range of priorities, including public transport improvements, flood resilience projects, climate action initiatives and environmental stewardship.

Chair Swiggs acknowledged the previous Council and Chief Executive Dr Stefanie Rixecker for the organisation's impact framework and three core services agreed in 2023.

"It's encouraging to see that approach continuing to mature. It helps keep us focused on delivery of the most important outcomes for the communities we serve," he said.

Partnerships driving better outcomes

Deputy Chair Iaean Cranwell said collaboration remained critical to addressing Canterbury's long-term challenges.

"Many of the issues facing our region don't stop at district boundaries. Managing water, reducing flood risk, improving public transport and caring for our environment all require strong regional coordination and collaboration."

He said partnership continued to be a key strength for the region.

"This year we refreshed the Tuia Agreement, reaffirming our partnership with Papatipu Rūnanga and our shared commitment to the environmental wellbeing of Waitaha Canterbury. Those relationships are fundamental to achieving better outcomes for our region.

Balancing affordability and investment

The report reflects the Council's focus on balancing affordability with the need to continue investing in essential services and infrastructure. The Council lowered its 2026/27 total rates revenue increase to 2.4 per cent, down from the 17.2 per cent originally planned.

"We know households and businesses continue to face financial pressures. That informed the decisions we made to prioritise our work programme, reduce the planned rates increase and focus on delivering the greatest benefit for our region," Deputy Chair Cranwell said.

Chair Swiggs said the reduction came at a cost.

"Getting there meant real choices. Some work was deferred and some paused. We think that was the right call for households under pressure."

Chair Swiggs said the Annual Report demonstrates the importance of taking a long-term view.

"Above all, this report shows a Council focused on delivering lasting outcomes for the people and places of Waitaha Canterbury. Through strong partnerships, responsible governance and a clear focus on the future, we're working to ensure our region remains a great place to live and work."

Download the Annual Report 2025/26