News & events

Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2026 by Chair of Canterbury Regional Council, Dr Deon Swiggs

Stench from Christchurch's Wastewater Treatment Plant continues to affect communities. We have told Christchurch City Council to take action.

Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026

Ready to burn? Plan smart! Get permits, check conditions, and keep Canterbury safe. Visit Checkitsalright.nz before you light.

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Monitoring across our seven towns and cities in Waitaha Canterbury shows a clear downward trend in high-pollution days between 2000 and 2025.

Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2025

It might be time to start enjoying your backyard. However, did you know in most parts of Christchurch, using fire pits for warmth or ambience is not allowed?

Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2025

Residents in the Cust and Swannanoa areas are reporting smoke from outdoor burning - learn the rules before you light and keep reporting air quality issues.

Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2025 by Canterbury Regional Council Chair, Craig Pauling

Read Chair Craig Pauling's letter to the Minister for the Environment, requesting the government reviews the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.

Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2025

Final Strategy and Policy Committee meeting covered quarry dust, draft Land Strategy, reforms, and air quality review. Read key outcomes.

Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2025

We’re clearing the air on smoky chimneys and what the rules really mean for Waitaha Canterbury households.

Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2025

Before you light up your rubbish, it's important to know the rules. If your property is under two hectares, you can’t burn outdoors.

Date: Mon, 19 May 2025

If you see smoke or pollution from a fire, report it - it could harm your health and others.

Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2025

Burning chemically treated wood creates toxic smoke and ash that endangers human health and contaminates our environment.

Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2025

Still have crop stubble to burn? Here are some important reminders on how to burn safely.