How to talk to your regional council

We welcome hearing the views of community organisations from across the region and we will listen to what you have to say.

Ways to have your say

Online engagement

Environment Canterbury's online engagement site and community panel is a place where you can have your say on any current topics and the management of Canterbury's environment and resources. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Canterbury, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Current consultations

Find out about policies, plans or strategies that we are currently consulting on and have your say on the management of Canterbury's environment and resources.

Attend a Council meeting

Come and talk to the Council at one of their meetings, in what's known as a Public Forum. The Council or any of the committees may receive a deputation from representatives of a group who would like to come and present information.

This is a formal process and the rules can be found in Council’s standing orders (PDF file,719.02KB).

In summary, permission must be granted beforehand, there can be up to two speakers, and the total speaking time allowed is generally 10 minutes.

Find out more about speaking at a Public Forum.

Contact a Councillor

Our governing body of Councillors focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions.  You can find contact details on our Councillor page.

Attend a water zone committee

The ten Canterbury Water Management zone committees are made up of representatives from local community, rūnanga and the councils with jurisdiction in each zone.

They act as a conduit for community discussion and involvement in developing solutions across the region. Environment Canterbury is a member of each of the committees. Committees meet monthly.

Contact customer services to speak to a zone committee facilitator if you would like to attend or speak at a meeting.