Recently, we've been spotting chemically-treated pallets and other treated timber in burn piles on properties across Waitaha/Canterbury. Burning chemically-treated timber, painted wood, MDF, plywood
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/treated-wood-if-in-doubt-leave-it-out-of-the-burn-pileA project to improve the health of the Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon catchment has continued to attract keen interest from the Timaru community, with a recent series of workshops completing the key
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/our-waitarakao-workshops-complete-busy-yearOur wallaby programme leader, Brent Glentworth, recently spotted something much rarer and far more welcome than a wallaby on the loose—a matuku-hūrepo or Australasian Bittern. This native bird
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/secretive-bird-a-welcome-sign-in-waitarakaoAs winter sets in, the air around us can change in ways we can't always see. Even when the air looks clear, very small particles that are not visible to the eye, can still be present and affect air
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2026/whats-hiding-in-your-winter-airAir pollution comes from both natural and human-made sources. The contaminant of most concern to human health in Waitaha/Canterbury is particulate matter (PM). What is particulate matter? PM
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/air/ambient-air-qualityA new catch crop project in the Ahuriri catchment is bringing farmers, scientists and us together to explore smarter nitrogen (N) management in winter forage systems. Smarter nitrogen use Led
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/tightening-the-nitrogen-loop-in-the-mackenzie-basinAll property owners in Canterbury pay rates. We use these rates to pay for important work to protect the health of our environment and shape a thriving, resilient Canterbury. Find out more about...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/long-term-plans/your-ratesWaitaha Canterbury is home to a rich diversity of freshwater and coastal ecosystems, supporting a wide range of indigenous plants, invertebrates, fish, river-nesting birds, and marine species.
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/biodiversity-and-biosecurity/biodiversity/our-biodiversity-work/freshwater-biodiversity-habitat-projects