Current environmental incidents

We respond to a variety of environmental incidents in the region that affect our air, water and land. Here you can find the latest serious environmental incident alerts.

This page covers alerts for unexpected or urgent incidents involving discharges to land, air, and water, where we need the public to avoid a particular area. Here's how you can report an environmental incident.

If you are looking for warnings related to toxic cyanobacteria or faecal contamination at recreational water sites, see our health warnings.

Minor oil discharge in Addington Brook

Ōtautahi Christchurch

Incident date: 15 December 2025

Last updated: 19 December 2025

We are currently cleaning up a small discharge of engine oil in Addington Brook, visible from the southwest corner of Hagley Park.

In response, a containment boom has been installed, and sorbent pads are in place to absorb the contaminant.

No wildlife has been affected.

Warning signage has been placed to advise people and their animals to avoid the area while cleanup efforts continue.