Learn how SHMAK kits help Canterbury communities monitor stream health, following a workshop where native fish were unexpectedly discovered.
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Supporting local action
Last updated: 13 May 2026
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Core service: Environmental Regulation and Protection
Everyone has a role to play in improving environmental outcomes, and supporting and empowering local communities to lead local projects is an investment that will make a significant contribution to achieving these outcomes.
We provide access to co-funding for projects that align with Council’s strategic priorities and we provide advice and other assistance.
This service includes contestable funding, and the subsidies we offer to help people transition to cleaner heating options.
It also supports the Soil Conservation and Regeneration programme, environmental infrastructure work programmes and the work to support implementing the Canterbury Water Management Strategy zone committee action plans.
Our youth engagement and education team works to build and strengthen the relationship between young people, our region, and the work we do and, with other providers, delivers the Enviroschools programme.
How are we tracking on our service measures?
Service measure 18: Percentage of applicants satisfied/very satisfied with Environment Canterbury’s contestable funding allocation processes
Target: 80%
How are we doing: It is planned that all applicants to Council’s contestable funds (WAI Fund, Biodiversity Targeted Rate Fund, CWMS Action Plan Fund) will be surveyed in May
On track
More information
To assist local community-led projects, we provide various pathways for environmentally-focused community organisations and landholders to access support, including funding.
We recognise that it is often volunteers who are making applications and we want the process to be efficient, transparent and well aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.
Contestable funds include the Waitaha Action to Impact Fund, the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund and the CWMS Action Plan Fund.
Contestable Community Funding rounds for local community groups, rūnanga, and non-profit organisations have closed.
The Waitaha Action to Impact Fund, with $300,000 to allocate, received 60 applications requesting a total of over $1.2 million. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy Action Plan Fund, with $500,000 to allocate, received 65 applications, requesting a total of around $1 million. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in the coming weeks.