Update on response to Whakaraupō and Akaroa Harbour sewage failures

Last summer, there were several sewage overflows into Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour which were not authorised.

On 20 March 2026, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) issued Christchurch City Council (CCC) with a formal abatement notice requiring action.

The notice directed CCC to set out how it will meet its obligations for operating the wastewater network serving these harbour catchments by 1 June 2026 (later extended to 9 July 2026).

Final update - 31 July 2026: Abatement notice cancelled

We have now cancelled the abatement notice issued to Christchurch City Council (CCC) .We are satisfied with the information received and have a clearer picture of how CCC is managing wastewater overflows in this area. 

CCC currently holds a resource consent which authorises wet-weather overflows from the Christchurch wastewater network but does not cover discharges on Banks Peninsula. This consent expires on 4 March 2029. CCC has informed us that they intend to lodge a replacement application within the statutory timeframes that will include the currently unconsented overflow locations on Banks Peninsula. 

In the interim period, any wastewater overflows into the harbours will be unauthorised and will be investigated with the potential for enforcement action if and where appropriate. 

We understand the concern and frustration these wastewater discharges cause for communities and our Treaty partners, and we will not tolerate unauthorised overflows that impact water quality, kai moana and people being able to safely enjoy the coastline.