A project taking a deep dive into understanding the seabed and marine ecosystems around Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula is underway.
Managing the coastal environment
We are regenerating Canterbury’s coastal environment by working with, and alongside, our partners for effective and integrated coastal management.
This work focuses on three key areas:
- Operation of the Harbourmaster's office which focuses on port and recreational boating safety, marine pollution enforcement, swing mooring management.
- Coastal hazards monitoring and investigations
- Review of the Regional Coastal Environment Plan which forms part of the development of the regional integrated planning framework.
We are also developing a Coastal Zone Delivery Team to more effectively deliver our operational functions within the coastal area in partnership with Ngāi Tahu, the community, user groups and our stakeholders.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 21.1 Ensure our risk assessment regime and Safety Management System is consistent with the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code and compliant with ISO 9001:2015 certification for customer focus, quality management and continual improvement.
- 21.2 Ensure availability of our operational and emergency response function, and a qualified, experienced and independent harbourmaster, so that Papatipu Rūnanga, organisations, user groups and the community receive guidance on the safe navigation of vessels within the region.
How are we doing: For target 20.1, work to undertake external reviews that confirm consistency with the Code and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 was completed in quarter one.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 21.1 Ensure the method used to monitor water quality sites for ecosystem health meets national and local standards.
- 21.2 Ensure the method used to monitor water quality sites for recreational swimming meets national and local standards.
- 21.3 Undertake a marine biosecurity survey in Kaikōura, Lyttelton, Akaroa and Timaru.
- 21.4 Maintain a Maritime NZ-approved marine oil spill response capability and plan.
How are we doing: Regular monitoring has been undertaken; survey is underway; oil spill response readiness has been maintained.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 22.1 Progress a review of the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.
How are we doing: On 2 December 2022, a significant milestone was reached for the development of the regulatory framework, with Te Rōpū Tuia approving the Tuia Protocol – Partnership Arrangements for Phase 1 of the integrated planning programme. The delay in confirming the governance arrangements means, however, that reviewing the Regional Coastal Environment Plan in 2024 remains at risk.
How are we doing on our key initiatives?
How are we doing: Our science partner (University of Otago) has held the second governance hui with partners and presented an overview of the project direction, with the focus of the first phase on understanding the distribution of habitats and the species they support. This will then inform any future research. Field work has begun, and the engagement plan is being prepared.
How are we doing: There are delays with national legislation reviews, which may mean we need to proceed with our review prior to the completion of the national review. This will mean a further Bylaw review will be required once the national legislation review is completed.
Recent highlights and updates
New monitoring equipment will provide useful insights into the health of Lake Benmore.
Members of the Regional Marine Oil Spill Response Team braved cold, wet weather to test their response skills and processes in Lyttelton Harbour last week.
A 40-foot vessel ran aground off the Kaikōura coast overnight Saturday 30 July.