Here you can find information on our current works operations. Dates given are indicative as weather may delay works completion.
We also provide a monthly workplan. This plan is an overview of upcoming and current river works operations by area and river. Download workplan - Kaikoura to Waitaki (PDF file, 268.08KB)
For any queries call 0800 324 636.
In March we are starting a programme to remove invasive willows from a 15km section of the Waipara River between Barnetts Road and the Waipara River mouth.
We will be using helicopters for targeted aerial spraying in March, followed by mechanical clearance from April and follow-up spraying in October.
Weed control clears the active part of the river channel that carries fast flowing water during floods. Clearing the active channel also allows for better habitat and improved biodiversity. The riverbeds will be surveyed and only targeted weeds will be sprayed.
Access to the river may be limited while the works take place for health and safety reasons.
WHAT: Aerial spraying of willows, followed by mechanical clearance
WHERE: Waipara River, between Barnetts Road and the Waipara River mouth
WHEN: Spraying from early March, mechanical clearance from April with follow-up spraying in October
The Regionwide Berm Transition Project aims to increase the berms' value, resilience, and function. It is one of six projects in our Climate Resilience Programme of Flood Risk Management Projects. The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa) is funding 64 percent of this project.
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 46ha and planting 19,000 native plants.
WHERE: Four sites along the berms of the Rakaia River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 170ha and planting 21,000 native plants.
WHERE: Five sites along the berms of the Ashburton River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 26ha and planting 6,000 native plants.
WHERE: Two sites along the berms of the Hinds River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
The Regionwide Berm Transition Project aims to increase the berms' value, resilience, and function. It is one of six projects in our Climate Resilience Programme of Flood Risk Management Projects. The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa) is funding 64 percent of this project.
Orari River
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 116ha and planting 14,000 native plants.
WHERE: Three sites along the berms of the Orari River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
Waihī River
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 26ha and planting 6,000 native plants.
WHERE: Four sites along the berms of the Waihī River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
Ōpihi River
WHAT: Targeted weed control over 146ha and planting 28,000 native plants.
WHERE: Six sites along the berms of the Ōpihi River.
WHEN: July 2022 until the end of November 2023.
In winter 2021, constant, heavy rainfall led to flooding throughout Waitaha Canterbury, particularly between the Waimakariri District through to the Mackenzie Country. The extreme weather event caused damage to homes, land and flood protection infrastructure.
Immediately following the 2021 midyear floods, we assessed Environment Canterbury-owned flood protection and erosion control infrastructure across Waitaha.
The remaining infrastructure repair works have been given a high, medium or low priority to assist with work scheduling. We have an interactive map where you can find more information about our flood repair works, including finished works.
As part of the Central Government COVID-19 recovery programme, we have an additional $24.2m investment in river enhancement occurring across Waitaha, as part of the Resilient River Communities Programme. There are six projects being delivered as part of this Programme.
This collaborative funding investment being made over three years, is enabling us to undertake significant upgrade work, construct new infrastructure and improve existing natural infrastructure, that would have otherwise taken many years to fund through rates.
As the flood remediation works are completed, communities across Waitaha will benefit from increased flood resilience and protection, and enhance biodiversity in our river corridors.
Updates on the six projects that make up our Climate Resilience Programme can be found on the project webpages.