Natural character of braided rivers
With historical use and development, the ecological and biodiversity values of Canterbury’s braided rivers have deteriorated over time. Their ecosystems and habitats are threatened by weeds and predators, land use change, river control works, low flows due to water takes, and damage through recreational activities.
Here's how things are progressing against 2025 goals. View information on:
- Braided river character
- Ecosystems, habitats and species in braided river environments and associated riparian wetlands, springs and lagoons
Braided river character
By 2025: Maintain the dynamic braided character and indigenous ecosystems of all Canterbury's braided rivers while:
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maintaining upper catchments of Canterbury's alpine braided rivers as largely natural ecosystems and landscapes
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prohibiting new dams on the mainstem of major alpine braided rivers
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maintaining the extent of active floodplains, flow variability and sediment flow processes including when undertaking river protection (including gravel management) works, land-use change or deliberate vegetation stabilisation and protecting infrastructure
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supporting the dynamics of river mouths and coastal processes
- achieving environmental flows set through the RMA planning regimes that support the above.
Has the goal been met?
Steps have been taken to maintain the character of braided rivers. New dams are prohibited in the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), which has also set environmental flows. The impact on flows is routinely considered by Environment Canterbury in the assessment of consent applications to abstract water. There are several projects, plans and strategies across the region that seek to maintain and/or improve braided river catchments and their ecosystems. Many catchments now have a specific planning framework in place. See Canterbury Maps for progress on these plan changes.
- Refer to the Environmental Limits target for updates on the Canterbury Resource Management Act (RMA) planning framework.
- Braided river revival strategies are being developed.
- Environment Canterbury has developed a monitoring programme to assess the ecosystem integrity of terrestrial aspects of the braided river ecosystems. Two to three rivers will be surveyed each year beginning with the Waimakariri and Poulter rivers.
- Refer to the Environmental Limits target for future work on the Canterbury Resource Management Act (RMA) planning framework.
- Environment Canterbury’s braided river programme aims to deliver on this goal by continuing our work with Ngāi Tahu, agencies, landowners and the community on extensive weed control work in rivers, including alignment with flood resilience and berm transition work (using nature-based solutions to complement engineering works to decrease flood risk, prevent erosion, and improve water quality).
- The braided river monitoring programme will have data on at least ten rivers to improve understanding of progress towards this goal.
- Continue work to mitigate and manage the negative impacts of pests, weeds, land use, gravel extraction and water abstraction activities.
Ecosystems, habitats and species in braided river environments and associated riparian wetlands, springs and lagoons
By 2025: At least five more priority braided rivers from 2020 are under active management to improve habitats by
- increasing the area of habitat including riparian wetlands, springs and lagoons associated with braided rivers and
- increasing habitat for a full range of indigenous braided river flora and fauna including area usable by all species of indigenous braided river birds.
Has the goal been met?
The Braided River Revival/Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi programme has been developed which supports a collaborative approach to protect and enhance the range of values that make our braided rivers unique and important ecosystems. The programme aims to balance flood protection with environmental values by taking a holistic approach to river management, putting the health and mauri of braided rivers at the forefront of our work
- Active management of habitat (mainly via weed and predator control and nesting island refuges, and supporting education, advocacy, and monitoring) is taking place for several priority braided rivers. This is undertaken by a variety of agencies, rūnanga and community groups.
- A draft strategy for the Rakitata/Rangitata revival was consulted on in October 2023, led by Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC). Partners now include Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, DOC, Environment Canterbury, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), Central South Island Fish & Game and Timaru and Ashburton District Councils.
- A strategy for the Ashley River/Rakahuri catchment will be finalised.
- Braided River Revival/Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi –100-Year Rivers Strategy will be finalised.