May

• 
  29 May 2012 Water consent holders must act now to meet government regulations
  Water consent holders with a take of 20 l/sec or more have until 30 June to register with an approved water metering service supplier to ensure they meet government installation deadlines.
• 
  25 May 2012 Successful biodiversity project in South Canterbury
  Environment Canterbury today reported the successful conclusion of a biodiversity project at Levels Valley, near Timaru.
• 
  24 May 2012 Free buses to rugby to continue for the rest of the season
  The free buses before and after rugby games and the park and ride system have proved so successful that the service will continue for the rest of the Crusaders home matches in the Super-15 rugby season.
• 
  21 May 2012 Canterbury Water Kaikōura Zone Committee Meeting
  The Kaikōura Zone Committee will meet at Memorial Hall on Wednesday 23 May for its monthly water management meeting.
• 
  21 May 2012 Ashburton Zone Committee meeting
  The Ashburton Zone Committee will meet at the Ashburton Council Chambers on 22 May for its monthly meeting.
• 
  21 May 2012 Timetable changes on some Metro bus routes
  Metro users will need to check bus timetables as from Tuesday 5 June there will be some time changes on several routes.
• 
  18 May 2012 Environment Canterbury welcomes second report from Land and Water Forum
  Environment Canterbury has welcomed the second report from the Land and Water Forum, released on Friday May 18, which aligns well with the collaborative approach being implemented via the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.
• 
  18 May 2012 Changes to some bus routes in the eastern Central City
  Several bus services will have minor changes to their routes from Monday 21 May to make use of the reopened Madras Street.
• 
  17 May 2012 Public feedback invited on draft river gravel management strategy
  Environment Canterbury announced today that it is seeking public comment on the draft river gravel management strategy.
• 
  16 May 2012 Travel to the game this weekend on a free bus
  Canterbury rugby fans will once again have the chance to take a free bus to the new AMI Stadium, this time to watch the clash between the Crusaders and the Blues on Saturday 19 May.
• 
  16 May 2012 Canterbury Water Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee Meeting
  The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee will have its monthly public meeting in Amberley, at 2pm, on 21 May.
• 
  15 May 2012 Dead eels discovered in Christchurch drain
  Environment Canterbury and City Care staff are investigating the death of more than 130 eels at Curletts Drain, near Magdela Place today.
• 
  11 May 2012 Timaru oil containment update
  Last week Environment Canterbury was made aware of an oil spill at the Port of Timaru from a deep sea fishing vessel.
• 
  11 May 2012 Banks Peninsula Zone Committee meeting
  The Canterbury Water Banks Peninsula Zone Committee will meet for its monthly meeting on Tuesday 15 May in Akaroa.
• 
  10 May 2012 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting
  The Orari-Opihi-Pareora (OOP) Zone Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting (open to the public) at the Opuha Dam Offices on Monday, 14 May.
• 
  10 May 2012 $250,000 in funding for region-wide biodiversity support
  Environment Canterbury announced today that it had recently allocated almost a quarter of a million dollars to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region.
• 
  7 May 2012 Hunters reminded of toxic algae in Lake Ellesmere and Lake Rotorua
  Hunters are being reminded to avoid contact with two Canterbury lakes this duck shooting season because of toxic algae.
• 
  3 May 2012 Oil spill at Port of Timaru
  Environment Canterbury was made aware of a significant oil spill at the Port of Timaru yesterday morning from a deep sea fishing vessel.
• 
  2 May 2012 Major milestone reached for water management in Upper Waitaki
  The Upper Waitaki Zone Committee finalised its water management Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) at its monthly meeting in April.
• 
  2 May 2012 Successful field day at Wainono Lagoon
  Environment Canterbury today reported a highly successful public field day at Wainono Lagoon in South Canterbury on Sunday 29 April.
• 
  2 May 2012 Rubble pile removed
  The controversial pile of rubble on railway-owned land under the Durham Street overbridge has now been removed.
• 
  1 May 2012 Chance to comment on draft land and water regional plan closing soon
  Environment Canterbury said today an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft Land and Water Regional Plan is due to close shortly.
• 
  1 May 2012 Bus still the best option for getting to the game
  Canterbury rugby fans will once again have the chance to take a free bus to the new AMI Stadium, this time to watch the clash between the Crusaders and the Reds on Sunday 6 May.
• 
  1 May 2012 Successful campaign against wilding pine
  Environment Canterbury today announced the successful conclusion of volunteer days to help eradicate wilding pine.

April

• 
  30 April 2012 Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
  The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee will meet for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 1 May, at the Selwyn District Council Offices in Rolleston.
• 
  30 April 2012 Orari-Opihi-Pareora water management recommendations endorsed
  The Orari-Opihi-Pareora (OOP) Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) has been formally received by Environment Canterbury at its council meeting (26 April).
• 
  30 April 2012 Water and land management – progress in greater Christchurch
  Addressing Christchurch City Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Peter Skelton outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  26 April 2012 Public meetings on draft Land and Water Regional Plan
  Environment Canterbury today announced a series of public meetings to discuss the draft Land and Water Regional Plan, on which it is currently inviting public comment.
• 
  24 April 2012 Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee meeting
  The Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee will meet on 26 April for its regular monthly meeting.
• 
  24 April 2012 Environment Canterbury invites public feedback on draft Land and Water Regional Plan
  Environment Canterbury today invited public comments on the draft Land and Water Regional Plan.
• 
  23 April 2012 Canterbury Water Kaikōura Zone Committee Meeting
  The Kaikōura Zone Committee will meet at Memorial Hall on Tuesday 24 April for its monthly water management meeting.
• 
  23 April 2012 Ashburton Zone Committee meeting
  The Ashburton Zone Committee will meet at the Ashburton Council Chambers on 24 April for its monthly meeting.
• 
  17 April 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Mackenzie area
  Addressing Mackenzie District Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Peter Skelton outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  17 April 2012 Anti-social vehicle behaviour not wanted in our parks
  Environment Canterbury manages the Waimakariri and Ashley/Rakahuri Regional Parks along the banks of the Waimakariri and Ashley Rivers, on land owned by Environment Canterbury for flood protection.
• 
  13 April 2012 Public invited to hear about earthquake effects on local waterways
  Christchurch residents are being invited to attend a free public seminar on the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on local rivers and the estuary, in Lincoln on 26 April.
• 
  13 April 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Ashburton
  Addressing Ashburton District Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Caygill outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  11 April 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Lower Waitaki
  Addressing Waimate District Council yesterday, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  11 April 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Orari-Opihi-Pareora
  Addressing Timaru District Council yesterday, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  5 April 2012 Bus still the best option for getting to the game
  Canterbury rugby fans will once again have the chance to take a free bus to the new AMI Stadium, this time to watch the clash between the Crusaders and the Stormers on 14 April.
• 
  5 April 2012 Ashburton dairy farmers scoop Water Efficiency Award
  Ashburton dairy farmers Ben and Shannon Johnson have been recognised for their water efficient practices at the Canterbury regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
• 
  5 April 2012 Hurunui farmers win Habitat and Supreme Awards
  Dan and Mandy Shand of Island Hills Station near Culverden have scooped the Supreme and Environment Canterbury Habitat Improvement awards at the Canterbury regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
• 
  4 April 2012 Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting
  The Waimakariri Zone Committee will meet for its monthly meeting on Thursday (5 April) in Rangiora at 1pm.
• 
  4 April 2012 Keeping warm in an earthquake-damaged home this winter
  People living in an earthquake-damaged home who are waiting for it to be repaired, or are waiting to rebuild their home, should keep themselves warm by the most effective means available to them this winter.
• 
  4 April 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Waitaki
  Addressing Waitaki District Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Peter Skelton outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  3 April 2012 Company fined for illegal extraction of ground water
  A Canterbury farm company has been fined $9,500 for extracting groundwater for irrigation when it was not allowed on a Flaxmere, Ashburton property in October and November 2010.
• 
  3 April 2012 New report highlights need for better water use data
  The Canterbury Water Use Report (2010/11) – released by Environment Canterbury at the Irrigation NZ Conference in Timaru – highlights the need for consent holders to install water measuring systems and to ensure they are working properly.
• 
  2 April 2012 Investigation into stock in Te Waihora completed
  Environment Canterbury reported today that it had completed an investigation into cows that were recently photographed grazing in Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere.

March

• 
  30 March 2012 Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
  The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee will meet for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 3 April, at the Selwyn District Council Offices in Rolleston.
• 
  30 March 2012 Lower Waitaki water management recommendations endorsed
  The Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) has been formally received by Environment Canterbury at its council meeting on 29 March.
• 
  30 March 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Hurunui-Waiau
  Addressing Hurunui District Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Bedford outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  30 March 2012 Rangitata River biodiversity project well supported
  A joint Rangitata River biodiversity protection/restoration project has received a major boost from the Environment Canterbury Immediate Steps funding programme.
• 
  29 March 2012 Christchurch Air Plan back on track this winter
  People in earthquake damaged homes waiting for repair or rebuild can keep themselves warm and healthy by the most effective means available to them.
• 
  29 March 2012 Water and land management – good progress in Selwyn-Waihora
  Addressing Selwyn District Council today, Environment Canterbury Commissioner Donald Couch outlined the good progress being made towards delivery of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) via regional and local implementation programmes.
• 
  28 March 2012 Alder Eradication in Orari Gorge in Sight
  Environment Canterbury is on target to totally eradicate a highly invasive tree species from the upper Orari River catchment.
• 
  27 March 2012 Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee meeting
  The Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee will meet on 28 March for its third monthly meeting of the year.
• 
  26 March 2012 Plans for eradication of Chilean Needle Grass
  Members of the rural community in North Canterbury attended a workshop recently to consider option for dealing with the plant pest Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) on their land. They agreed on setting a goal of eradication while understanding the challenges involved in achieving that.
• 
  23 March 2012 Halswell drainage earthquake repair costs less than anticipated
  Environment Canterbury today reported a significant reduction in the estimated costs of recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes for the Halswell Drainage District.
• 
  23 March 2012 Ashburton locals get two chances to have a say on water management
  The Regional Water Management Committee and Ashburton Zone Committee are each hosting public meetings next week to engage with locals on water management.
• 
  22 March 2012 Strong interest in local water issues
  Last week around 30 people attended a series of community meetings to share their views on the draft Upper Waitaki Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for local water management.
• 
  20 March 2012 Have your say on local water management
  The Kaikōura Zone Committee wants to hear people’s views on local water management issues.
• 
  20 March 2012 Otiake Wetland Restoration Supported
  Otiake Wetland in the Waitaki Valley has recently undergone some much-needed restoration work thanks to funding assistance from Environment Canterbury’s Immediate Steps Programme.
• 
  16 March 2012 Draft Regional Implementation Programme available for feedback
  People around Canterbury are being invited to review the recommendations for water management from the Regional Committee of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.
• 
  15 March 2012 Bus the best option for getting to the game
  Free buses will be available to take ticket holders to the first rugby game at the new Christchurch Stadium.
• 
  15 March 2012 New bus service for the Mackenzie Basin
  Twizel and Tekapo’s new community bus service is up and running.
• 
  15 March 2012 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting
  The Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting (open to the public) at the Mackenzie District Council on Monday, 19 March 2012.
• 
  14 March 2012 Environment Canterbury responds on water transfers
  Environment Canterbury today responded to claims from HydroTrader Ltd that it (Environment Canterbury) had plans to prohibit water permit trading in the draft Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).
• 
  14 March 2012 Lower Waitaki Zone Committee meeting
  The Lower Waitaki - South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee will meet in Waimate this Thursday, 15 March.
• 
  14 March 2012 Metro bounces back
  The numbers of people using Metro services in Christchurch continues to increase. New figures show that more than a million trips (1,058,605) were taken on Metro services across Greater Christchurch during February 2012.
• 
  9 March 2012 Lower Waitaki Zone Committee calls for new member
  The Canterbury Water Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee is looking to appoint a new community member to its committee following a resignation.
• 
  7 March 2012 Upper Waitaki Zone Committee community feedback meetings
  The Canterbury Water Upper Waitaki Zone Committee has released its draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for public feedback.
• 
  6 March 2012 Wainono Lagoon funding welcomed
  The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee today welcomed the great news of the Government’s announcement of $800,000 in funding towards restoration of the Wainono Lagoon in South Canterbury.
• 
  6 March 2012 Painters reminded to keep it clean and out of the stream
  Painters and homeowners around Christchurch are being urged to do the right thing when they clean paintbrushes or dispose of left-over paint to avoid polluting local streams and rivers.
• 
  6 March 2012 Improving biodiversity in Selwyn-Waihora – Seeking more projects to support
  Environment Canterbury announced today the successful conclusion of a biodiversity project in the Selwyn-Waihora area and that the local committee is on the lookout for more.
• 
  5 March 2012 Major milestone reached for water management in Lower Waitaki
  The Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee finalised its water management Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) at its February meeting.
• 
  5 March 2012 Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
  The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee will meet for its second meeting of 2012 on Tuesday, 6 March, at the Selwyn District Council Offices in Rolleston.
• 
  2 March 2012 Upper Waitaki Zone Committee reaches major milestone
  The Canterbury Water Upper Waitaki Zone Committee has released its draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for public feedback.
• 
  1 March 2012 Inaugural Canterbury Dairy Effluent Expo attracts hundreds of people
  Around 550 people attended the inaugural Canterbury Dairy Effluent Expo – a showcase event held on Monday February 20 in Christchurch.
• 
  1 March 2012 Lack of action will cost Hurunui-Waiau water consent-holders
  Only around 36 per cent of Hurunui-Waiau groundwater consent holders – with water takes of 20 litres a second or more – have installed water measuring systems as required by the Government’s National Regulations on water measuring.
• 
  1 March 2012 Time running out to have say on local water issues
  People interested in having their say on the Orari-Opihi-Pareora (OOP) Zone Committee’s draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) have until Friday 9 March to provide feedback.

February

• 
  28 February 2012 New home heating scheme to make Kaiapoi home heating upgrades more affordable
  A new joint Clean Heat project underway this month, will not only make Kaiapoi homes warmer and healthier, but will help improve air quality in winter.
• 
  28 February 2012 ‘Worthy Weedbusters’ sought for Regional Awards
  Weedbusters NZ is calling for groups, organisations, schools and individuals tackling weed issues in their communities to be nominated for the 2012 Regional Weedbusters Awards being run throughout New Zealand.
• 
  27 February 2012 North Canterbury river rating districts – meetings coming up
  Ratepayers in the Hanmer and Kaikoura river rating districts are encouraged to have their say on flood protection and land drainage for their properties.
• 
  24 February 2012 Mid Canterbury river rating districts – meetings coming up for ratepayers
  Ratepayers in the Selwyn and Ashburton districts have the opportunity to have their say on flood protection and land drainage for their properties.
• 
  24 February 2012 Ashburton Zone Committee meeting
  The Ashburton Zone Committee will meet at the Ashburton Council Chambers on 28 February for its second meeting of 2012.
• 
  24 February 2012 New joint home heating scheme to make home heating upgrades more affordable
  A new joint Clean Heat project underway this month, will not only make Timaru homes warmer and healthier, but will help improve air quality in winter.
• 
  23 February 2012 Tūtaepatu Lagoon – a special restoration project on video
  A short video celebrating the ongoing ecological restoration work at the Tūtaepatu Lagoon near Woodend (around 30 minutes north of Christchurch) is now available on YouTube.
• 
  22 February 2012 Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee meeting
  The Christchurch-West Melton Zone Committee will meet on 23 February for its second monthly meeting of the year.
• 
  21 February 2012 Farmers reminded to be prepared for new stock exclusion rules
  In June this year additional and more stringent rules will come into force to ensure stock are kept out of natural waterways to safeguard and improve water quality in Canterbury.
• 
  20 February 2012 Canterbury Water Kaikōura Zone Committee meeting
  The Kaikōura Zone Committee will meet at Woodbury School on Wednesday 22 February for its first monthly meeting of the year.
• 
  17 February 2012 Banks Peninsula Zone Committee meeting
  The Canterbury Water Banks Peninsula Zone Committee will meet for the first time in 2012 on 21 February at Wairewa Marae.
• 
  17 February 2012 Weed control boosted in Ashburton District
  Environment Canterbury announced on 17 February 2012 the successful completion of two important weed control projects in the Ashburton district.
• 
  16 February 2012 Canterbury Water Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee Meeting
  The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee will meet on 20 February in Culverden for its first monthly public meeting in 2012.
• 
  10 February 2012 Further submissions Hurunui-Waiau Regional Plan called for
  Further submissions are invited in support or opposition to those received on the Hurunui-Waiau Regional Plan. A total of 145 submissions were received and a summary of changes requested by submitters can be found at: www.ecan.govt.nz/hwplan.
• 
  10 February 2012 Rakaia Water Conservation Order hearing on application by TrustPower Ltd
  The hearing on TrustPower Ltd’s application to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order begins Monday February 13, 2012. Six weeks have been set aside for the hearing in Christchurch at the Hagley Park Netball Clubrooms, Hagley Ave.
• 
  10 February 2012 Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting
  The Waimakariri Zone Committee will meet for the first time in 2012 on Monday, 13 February, at the Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora.
• 
  9 February 2012 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting
  The Orari-Opihi-Pareora (OOP) Zone Committee will hold its regular meeting (open to members of the public) at the Southburn Public Hall on Friday, February 10 (1.30-3.30pm) followed by a public meeting on the draft Zone Implementation Programme.
• 
  8 February 2012 Upper Waitaki Zone Committee meeting
  The Upper Waitaki Zone Committee will meet on Thursday, 9 February, at the Peppers Bluewater Resort in Lake Tekapo.
• 
  3 February 2012 Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
  The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee will meet for the first time in 2012 on Tuesday, 7 February at the Selwyn District Council Offices in Rolleston.
• 
  3 February 2012 Changes to some Metro services from Saturday February 4
  Metro reminds bus users of new services staring Saturday, February 4, in the Cashmere and Murray-Aynsley areas.

January

• 
  31 January 2012 ORC developing joint approach to Lower Waitaki River management
  The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has resolved to work with Environment Canterbury to take a joint strategic approach to the future management of riparian margins on the Lower Waitaki River.