Request flood recovery gravel authorisation

A temporary flood recovery gravel authorisation is available to support recovery from the July 2026 flooding and erosion event in North Canterbury. The authorisation will be available until 31 August 2026 and will be reviewed at that time.

What if I just need a small amount to fix my property?

It is a permitted activity to take up to 10m3 per year from most rivers in the Kaikōura area. Contact us at gravel@ecan.govt.nz if you would like us to check the limits in the area you’re proposing to extract from.

What is the flood recovery gravel authorisation?

• It provides a quick approval process for river gravel extraction needed to support community recovery, infrastructure repairs and flood resilience works.
• Each request is assessed on a site-by-site basis to confirm that gravel is available and suitable for extraction and that the relevant requirements can be met.
• Approved applicants will receive written confirmation of the approved extraction location and the maximum volume that can be extracted.

Who can apply?

The authorisation may be used by people and organisations carrying out eligible flood recovery work in North Canterbury:

• Councils
• Infrastructure providers
• Contractors
• Landowners

How to apply

To request approval under the flood recovery gravel authorisation please include:

• the location where gravel is required
• the purpose of the work
• the estimated volume required
• your contact details.

Request authorisation 

Applications will be assessed by Environment Canterbury's Regional Gravel Officer.