Responding to environmental harm incidents

We work to protect the environment and to mitigate the impacts from specific threats such as environmental incidents.

Typically, we receive around 3,500 – 4,000 reports of environmental incidents each year. Based on the initial incident report, events are categorised as standard or elevated. Further assessment is then carried out to determine the appropriate response.

More information

Reports are received from various sources, often some time after the event. We assess all reports for the risk of harmful effects and categorise them as standard or elevated, according to agreed criteria. Then we assign staff to respond, or refer to other agencies, with priority given to the most serious incidents. Staff undertake further investigation of all reports, including attendance if required, and allocate a compliance grade to the incident. Follow up action is taken where appropriate, including advice and education, written warnings, abatement notices, infringement notices or prosecutions.

Quarter three saw five Tier 2 oil spill responses. A Tier 2 oil spill response is undertaken when the spill is within 12 nautical miles of the coast and a Tier 1 response is not adequate, and when Environment Canterbury can respond adequately to the spill with the resources available (Tier 1 is when the spiller can adequately manage the spill). 

Of particular note were two incidents: the Black Cat on 31 January 2026 and HMNZS Te Kaha, on 8 March 2026.

At the end of the quarter, the responses for both incidents were still in progress with observations occurring weekly before formal termination of the responses, likely around mid-April.

The remaining three oil spill incidents occurred in February and were related to recreational vessels in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour.

If you are aware of an environmental incident that seems time critical, please call our incident line on 0800 765 588 (24 hours). For non-urgent issues, please report it via our report it form.