The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury water zone features a network of spring-fed streams, coastal lagoons, complex groundwater flows, and includes part of the large alpine Waitaki River. The vision for the zone is to restore the health and mauri of Wainono lagoon while realising the gains from consented irrigation schemes and to maintain high water quality in the Waitaki while providing opportunities for new and existing business.
📢 From 2026, new local leadership groups will replace the Water Zone Committees, building on their legacy of community collaboration.
News and events
Check out your zone's latest stories, videos and newsletters via the news and events section of our website.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury water zone committee
Find out about the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Water Zone Committee and its members.
Action in the zone
We deliver work related to the zone committee's recommendations through an on-the-ground team made up of Environment Canterbury staff.
Local planning
Zone committee recommendations for environmental limits are given effect to through the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.
Information for farmers and the community
Visit the Farmers' hub for farming rules and best practice tips.
Subscribe to your water zone mailing list
Are you interested in receiving the latest water zone committee news? Subscribe today.
Integrated monitoring framework (IMF)
The IMF draws on several existing groundwater and surface water monitoring programmes for the Waitaki catchment.
View agendas and meeting papers
Use our Document Library to find water zone committee agendas and meeting papers.
Your natural environment
Discover the natural environment in the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury zone.
Lower Waihao nitrate reduction project
- Find out more about our three core responsibilities.
- Find out more about our unique ecosystem.
- View upcoming meetings.
- Information for farmers in Lower Waitaki.