The Selwyn Waihora water zone stretches from the upper Waimakariri basin and the high country around Lake Coleridge down to Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The vision for Selwyn Waihora is to protect its alpine rivers and high country values and restore the mauri of Te Waihora while maintaining a prosperous land-based economy. Te Waihora and its margins are a taonga to Ngāi Tahu due to the high concentration of mahinga kai, wāi tapu and wāi taonga.
📢 From 2026, new local leadership groups will replace the Water Zone Committees, building on their legacy of community collaboration.
Zone news and events
Read about the latest news, columns, events and more for Selwyn.
Local projects and priorities
Find out about the work that Environment Canterbury does in Selwyn Waihora.
Looking for information about Te Waihora lake openings
Find out how and why we mechanically open Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.
Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee
Find out about the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee and its members.
Natural environment
Find out about Selwyn's natural environment and diverse ecosystems.
Information for farmers and the community
Visit the Farmers' Hub for farming rules and best practice tips.
Can I swim here?
Find out about water quality monitoring at popular swimming sites and learn about our summer monitoring.
Subscribe to your water zone mailing list
Keep up to date with the latest news from your zone.
- Find out more about our three core responsibilities.
- Find out more about our unique ecosystem.
- View upcoming meetings.
- Information for farmers in the Selwyn Waihora water zone.