Waitaha Canterbury has substantial water resources. They include surface waterbodies, groundwater systems, and an extensive coastal marine area. Water quantity refers to the hydrological system
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/water-storyThis section discusses the topics of soil; hazardous substances and land contamination; and waste minimisation and management. Here we look at the land issues facing Waitaha/Canterbury that inform our...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/landFlooding is Aotearoa New Zealand’s number one hazard and an issue many Canterbury communities live with, particularly those located on floodplains or alongside river systems. Canterbury Regional
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2026/whats-the-story-with-flood-protection-in-banks-peninsulaFrom weekend planting days to stream clean-ups, predator control and education projects, community groups across Waitaha Canterbury are already doing incredible work for the environment - often
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2026/turn-local-ideas-into-environmental-action-funding-closing-soonOur Coast and Harbours section plays a key role in managing cruise ship activity across Waitaha Canterbury. There are four places in Canterbury that get visits from cruise ship ships during
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/playing-a-key-role-in-managing-cruise-ship-activityHapuku 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-kaikouraUrban development and the physical expansion of urban areas can have significant effects on the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Unplanned or poorly planned growth leads
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/urban-development/urban-context-and-policy-directionWaitaha 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