The Ashburton water zone is bordered by two large braided rivers — the Rakaia and Rangitata — and divided by the Ashburton and Hinds Rivers. It has been extensively modified over the years to create one of the most productive agricultural regions in New Zealand. Three rūnanga consider the Ashburton zone part of their takiwā – Arowhenua, Taumutu and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. The rivers, lakes and the wetlands that once covered large areas of the zone have always been an important place and food basket for Ngāi Tahu.

• 429.7kB View the 2016 - 2017 Compliance Monitoring Annual Snapshot report
• 1.2MB View the Ashburton Water Zone Committee 2018 Annual Report
• 2.7MB View the Canterbury Water Management Strategy
• 332.6kB View the Ashburton year end work programme progress report 2017-18