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

Initial work over the last 10 years has included:

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

2021 progress report

Use the links below to see how things are progressing in each of the 10 CWMS target areas towards the 2020 goals. Environment Canterbury reports on progress being made on behalf of CWMS partners. The Targets will be assessed in 2025.

 

Environmental flows and catchment load limits

Environmental limits

Progress towards achieving desired river and stream flows and setting nutrient loss limits for catchments across Canterbury.

Ecosystem health and biodiversity

Ecosystem health and biodiversity

Restoring and preventing further loss of habitat and species in all of Canterbury’s natural aquatic environments.

Natural character of braided rivers

Natural character of braided rivers

Maintaining, supporting, enhancing and protecting our iconic braided rivers and the native species and the habitat they support.

Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga

Working in partnership between government agencies and the rūnanga who have mana whenua over the land in water management and decision-making.

Drinking water

Drinking water

Progress towards meeting national standards for drinking water safety and ensuring groundwater quality.

Recreational and amenity opportunities

Recreational and amenity opportunities

Maintaining and improving existing diversity and quality of recreational sites, opportunities and experiences.

Water use efficiency

Water use efficiency

Achieving high levels of best-practice efficiency in water use for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications.

Irrigated land area

Irrigated land area

Improving the reliability of irrigation water supply and ensuring high standards of nutrient management.

Energy security and efficiency

Energy security and efficiency

Boosting Canterbury’s electricity supply to New Zealand and reducing power generation demand on the region’s waterways.

Indicators of regional and national economies

Indicators of regional and national economies

Achieving a demonstrable increase in economic output due to improved water management for all target outcomes, measured through economic growth and employment.

Related information