Since the 1970s land-use intensification has increased pressure on rivers and aquifers. Communities have become increasingly concerned about water quality and the cultural health of waterways
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/canterburys-approach-to-water-management/new-beginningsUnannounced site visits to Ōtautahi Christchurch plastic manufactures have revealed significant improvements in the fight to prevent nurdle
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/tiny-pellets-big-problem-how-christchurch-is-fighting-plastics-in-our-waterwaysThe Ashburton Water Zone Committee is supporting a trial using biochar to help improve water quality at Lake Hood. The project, which will be coordinated by the Lake Hood Water Quality Taskforce
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/ashburton/keen-interest-on-biochar-trial-at-carters-creekWaitaha/Canterbury is home to over 400 lakes. Many, such as Lake Ruataniwha, Lake Takapō/Tekapo, and Lake Aviemore are popular with campers, travellers, and boaties. While they are beautiful spots
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/stay-safe-on-the-water-this-summerWe have awarded $400,000 of funding to seven community organisations, for eight different biodiversity-enhancing projects, through the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund 2024/25
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/community-groups-receive-funding-to-protect-indigenous-biodiversityToday Environment Canterbury cancelled an abatement notice issued to Cloud Ocean Water which had stopped it taking water. Cloud Ocean Water, a commercial water bottling operation based in Belfast
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2018/cloud-ocean-abatement-notice-cancelledHaving mana whenua contributing to decisions with their local knowledge of the taiao (environment) of Waitaha Canterbury will continue the progress toward better environmental outcomes. The Canterbury...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/about/your-council/our-team/mana-whenua-representationHapuku Scarp Wetland - one of Canterbury’s best examples of a coastal bush scarp wetland. Most of Canterbury’s natural kūkūwai/wetlands have been lost, with Kaikōura’s kūkūwai areas significantly...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/whats-happening-in-my-water-zone/kaikoura-water-zone/local-projects-and-priorities-in-your-zone/wetlands-in-kaikouraThere are rules in place to conserve and manage Māori rock art sites in the Ōrāri Temuka Ōpihi Pareora (OTOP) Zone in South Canterbury South Canterbury has one of the highest densities of Māori...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/farmers-hub/farming-plans-and-consenting/farm-environment-plans/maori-rock-artThe Harbourmaster’s Office are calling for owners of vacant moorings in Akaroa Harbour to consider whether they still need them. The call comes following several moorings being left vacant...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/call-for-owners-to-relinquish-underutilised-moorings-in-akaroa-harbour