Waitaha/Canterbury has a diverse range of environments with unique biodiversity, including the Kā Tiritiri-o-te-moana/Southern Alps, foothills, plains, braided rivers, wetlands, coastal lagoons...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/biodiversityEach of Waitaha/Canterbury’s water zone committees has an action plan which outlines how they will work with the community to deliver their aspirations for freshwater as outlined in the Canterbury
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/whats-happening-in-my-water-zone/orari-temuka-opihi-pareora-water-zone/orari-temuka-opihi-pareora-water-zone-progress-reportOur vision is that the mauri (life force) of braided rivers is revived ki uta ki tai, mountains to sea, and collective action is aligned at a landscape scale to achieve this vision. Whakahaumanu Ngā
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/biodiversity-and-biosecurity/biodiversity/braided-rivers/braided-river-revivalLarge areas of the Rakaia River berm remain as tākata whenua might have experienced it when making rugged Aotearoa their home and our project aims to keep it that way. Sections of the awa escaped
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/ancient-treasures-of-rakaia... in the habitats where they are found, but rivers, lakes and wetlands have been extensively modified (for example, regulated flow regimes in rivers). Here are the current issues faced by our freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity in Waitaha. ...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/plans-strategies-and-bylaws/what-we-know/biodiversity/freshwaterWe’re here to help community groups, rūnanga, and organisations take action for Waitaha Canterbury's environment. You can apply for contestable funding through our key funds or access other forms
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/community-funding... programmes have made measurable achievements in environmental restoration and partnership. Highlights to date Expansion of existing programmes including Te Mōkihi, Whakaora Te Waihora
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/measuring-cwms-progress/kaitiakitanga... programme of work in the Ahuriri catchment, to protect the ongoing health of Lake Benmore as well as working with landowners to protect wetlands, enhance biodiversity and identify critical habitats...
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/tightening-the-nitrogen-loop-in-the-mackenzie-basin