The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) targets – and goals within these – were set in 2010 to make a positive difference to our environment and how we manage our natural resources. 

The targets (PDF file, 0.93MB)(external link) – which cover 10 broad areas – are an agreed way to measure progress against the vision, priorities and principles of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. 

The targets have a set of goals for 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2040.

In 2019, goals for 2025 and 2030 were added. 

The goals cover long-term environment, social, economic and cultural areas reflecting a sustainable development approach. 

CWMS partners(external link), agencies and communities are responsible for delivering these. The goals are ambitious and require collaboration and shared resourcing. 

Work over the last 10 years has included:

• establishing 10 Zone Committees(external link) and a Regional Committee(external link) 
• setting priorities, policies and rules through RMA(external link) plans, zone implementation programmes and other strategic documents 
• gathering information and data to support the development of work programmes and activities. 

2025 progress report

Use the following links to see how things are progressing in each of the 10 CWMS targets towards the 2030 goals. Environment Canterbury reports on progress being made on behalf of CWMS partners.  

Targets will next be assessed in 2030. 

Note: some goals were revised to align with changes to Papatipu Rūnanga aspirations and legislative reform.