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November

October

  • Environment Canterbury releases Living Streams handbooks.
    30 October 2009 Environment Canterbury releases Living Streams handbooks
    Environment Canterbury has released its 'Living Streams: A guide to restoring rural waterways' handbook; a 3 part series that assists people and groups to improve and maintain the health of the region's waterways.
  • Environment Canterbury committed to working constructively with Government review.
    28 October 2009 Environment Canterbury committed to working constructively with Government review
    Environment Canterbury Chairman Alec Neill has welcomed the review announced by Environment Minister Nick Smith and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide this afternoon. He says the Council will work co-operatively and do everything it can to make sure the review team gets the information it requires as quickly and as easily as possible.
  • Clean Heat reaches out to Kaiapoi and Rangiora.
    23 October 2009 Clean Heat reaches out to Kaiapoi and Rangiora
    Environment Canterbury will be on the streets of Kaiapoi and Rangiora for 6 weeks from October 19 to promote its Clean Heat Project. During this time, Clean Heat representatives will call on households in the towns, offering to make an appointment for a free, no-obligation assessment. All Clean Heat representatives will be wearing Clean Heat uniforms and show ID cards.
  • Clean Heat reaches out to Timaru.
    23 October 2009 Clean Heat reaches out to Timaru
    Environment Canterbury will be on the streets of Timaru to promote its Clean Heat Project for six weeks from October 19. During this time, Clean Heat representatives will call on households in the city, offering to make an appointment for a free, no-obligation assessment. All Clean Heat representatives will be wearing Clean Heat uniforms and show ID cards.
  • Proposed temporary by-law change for Lake Ruataniwha.
    21 October 2009 Proposed temporary by-law change for Lake Ruataniwha.
    Environment Canterbury is proposing short term navigation safety regulations for Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel to be trialled over the summer. The proposals are in response to concerns from the public and Environment Canterbury’s boat safety team about the hazards facing water users, especially for non-powered craft.
  • Improvements Christchurch Metro services from November.
    21 October 2009 Improvements Christchurch Metro services from November
    Environment Canterbury is making improvements to its Christchurch Metro services from Monday, November 2. They include more frequent services, more direct routes and new services in some areas.
  • Swimmers to benefit from willow clearing.
    19 October 2009 Swimmers to benefit from willow clearing
    Extensive willow clearing carried out recently in the Twizel River near the township and State Highway 8 will have a positive spin-off for locals and holidaymakers wanting a dip over summer.
  • Environment Canterbury releases aquaculture management report.
    16 October 2009 Environment Canterbury releases aquaculture management report
    Environment Canterbury has released a report outlining the statutory framework for how the Invited Private Plan Change process can be used for the creation of Aquaculture Management Areas and obtaining coastal permits for aquaculture activities. The report also documents the policies and procedures that will need to be developed or undertaken by regional councils when undertaking this process.
  • Report identifies sources of contaminants in Avon River.
    13 October 2009 Report identifies sources of contaminants in Avon River
    An Environment Canterbury-commissioned report, conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), released today highlights 2 main sources of faecal contaminants in Christchurch’s Avon River/ Otakaro.
  • Central Plains Water resource consents' hearing resumes.
    9 October 2009 Central Plains Water resource consents' hearing resumes next week
    Resumption dates: October 12-16 2009 (start at 9.30am) Venue: Holiday Inn on Avon, 356 Oxford Tce, Avon Loop, Christchurch The schedule for the week: The applicant group will be presenting information on Monday...
  • Tsunami monitoring Canterbury Coast 3 pm update October 8 2009.
    8 October 2009 Tsunami monitoring Canterbury Coast 3 pm update October 8 2009
    Canterbury Emergency Management Co-ordination Centre is maintaining a watching brief but is not anticipating any tsunami-related issues following two earthquakes off Vanuatu after 11 am today.
  • Tsunami monitoring Canterbury Coast 1.15 pm update.
    8 October 2009 Tsunami monitoring Canterbury Coast 1.15pm update October 8 2009
    Canterbury Emergency Management Co-ordination Centre has been activated and staff are monitoring the situation following two earthquakes off Vanuatu after 11 am today.
  • Banks Peninsula goat population on its last legs.
    6 October 2009 Banks Peninsula goat population on its last legs
    A partnership between Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation and the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust has significantly reduced feral goat numbers on Banks Peninsula.
  • Goodwill trip to touch base with southern mayors.
    5 October 2009 Goodwill trip to touch base with southern mayors
    The new chair of Environment Canterbury, Alec Neill, is making a goodwill visit to South Canterbury’s mayors and Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew on Tuesday, October 6.
  • Visit award winning farm.
    2 October 2009 Visit award winning farm this month
    People are being offered the opportunity to visit Nick and Michelle Ward’s award winning arable farm in South Canterbury this month.
  • Illegal dumping and burning results in sentence of community work.
    2 October 2009 Illegal dumping and burning results in sentence of community work
    Unauthorised dumping and burning of waste led to a Yaldhurst man being sentenced to 150 hours of community work in the Environment Court this week.

September

  • Tsunami Update
    30 September 2009 Tsunami Update - Tsunami Advisory Now Cancelled
    The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management tsunami advisory regarding the earthquake in Samoa has been lifted.
  • Environment Canterbury new chair, deputy chair unchanged.
    24 September 2009 Environment Canterbury new chair, deputy chair unchanged
    Cr Alec Neill, former MP for Waitaki and a Canterbury regional councillor since 2003, has been elected chair of Environment Canterbury, 8 votes to 6. Cr Jo Kane, representing North Canterbury on the regional council, was re-elected deputy chair unopposed, having earlier tendered her resignation from that position.
  • Mayors’ letter to Minister out of left field.
    23 September 2009 Mayors’ letter to Minister out of left field
    Environment Canterbury says comments made by Canterbury’s mayors in a letter to Local Government Minister Rodney Hide are specious.
  • Young scientist’s turf roof project wins Wrybill Trophy for Canterbury.
    23 September 2009 Young scientist’s turf roof project wins Wrybill Trophy for Canterbury
    The Wrybill Trophy for the top Canterbury science fair project, as judged by Environment Canterbury, was presented today to a Timaru teenager - Samantha Olley, of Craighead Diocesan.
  • Updated information regarding Upper Waitaki hearing available on website.
    22 September 2009 Updated information regarding Upper Waitaki hearing available on website
    Information regarding the Upper Waitaki hearing is being updated daily on the Environment Canterbury website.
  • Team effort planned to tackle alders, Sunday October 18, new date.
    22 September 2009 Team effort planned to tackle alders, Sunday, October 18, new date
    The spread of alder, an invasive introduced tree, is threatening the natural environment of the Orari Gorge and local people are teaming up with Environment Canterbury to tackle the problem. An alder control day is being held on Sunday, October 18, from 9 am.
  • Bird breeding time arrives on braided riverbeds
    18 September 2009 Bird breeding time arrives on braided riverbeds
    If you are out on the river in coming days, watch out for the region’s endangered and rare riverbed nesting birds, says Environment Canterbury.
  • Young scientists’ research ranges from the supermarket to the Faroes
    17 September 2009 Young scientists research ranges from the supermarket to the Faroes
    An inspirational idea to help supermarket shoppers remember their reusable bags has won two Timaru 12-year-olds a first prize from Environment Canterbury at Timaru’s Sanford Central South Island Science and Technology Fair today (Wednesday).
  • Illegal vegetation clearing heightens Waitaki flood risk
    17 September 2009 Illegal vegetation clearing heightens Waitaki flood risk
    At least 20 per cent of vital vegetation cover along the banks of the Waitaki River has been illegally cleared, increasing the risk of severe flooding, say Environment Canterbury (ECan) river engineers.
  • Lake Benmore
    16 September 2009 NIWA and Environment Canterbury reports to help safeguard Canterbury water
    Environment Canterbury has released two reports by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). The first report models nutrient loading into Lake Benmore and its associated lakes, the second is a literature review of nitrate toxicity to freshwater species.
  • Consent compliance timeframes improved
    15 September 2009 Consent compliance timeframes improved
    Environment Canterbury has significantly improved its compliance with resource management consent processing timeframes in the last 12 months, the organisation’s acting chief executive Ken Taylor says.
  • Outdoor burning
    15 September 2009 Spring weekend spoilt by thoughtless backyard burning
    Some Christchurch and Rolleston residents upset their neighbours over the weekend by burning garden waste, says Environment Canterbury.
  • Science fair
    15 September 2009 Swine flu issues have an effect on school science projects
    Entries included tests for the bacteria-busting capacity of hand wash gels as well as levels of bacteria at different parts of a shopping mall – trolleys, escalators, money machines. Students also focused on daily concerns like which business made the hottest cup of takeaway coffee, whether or not living in an all-black house would be a good idea summer and winter, and ways to reuse the old green recycling crates.
  • Restoration Day
    14 September 2009 Canterbury Restoration Field-days September 19 and 20
    Environment Canterbury has joined forces with key partner organisations to stage the biodiversity event of the year – the Canterbury Restoration Field-days. They will be held next Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, on Motukarara Domain, 20 km south of Christchurch.
  • Lower Waitaki farmers to discuss water metering
    10 September 2009 Lower Waitaki farmers to discuss water metering
    Farmers in the Lower Waitaki will have the chance next week to quiz Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff about the introduction of compulsory water metering.
  • Beard gets more than just a trim
    4 September 2009 "Beard" gets more than just a trim in Governors Bay.
    Environment Canterbury is continuing trim the evasive plant pest Old Man’s Beard in Governors Bay. The regional council is working alongside the Governors Bay Landcare Group, Governors Bay Community Association and Christchurch City Council.
  • Water management strategy
    3 September 2009 Environment Canterbury congratulates region on Canterbury Water Management Strategy
    The Canterbury Mayoral Forum launched the draft Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) in Christchurch today. The draft strategy is a collaborative effort between Environment Canterbury and territorial authorities and aims to deliver better management of the region’s water resources while upholding environmental, conservation, customary, recreational and economic values.

August

July

June

  • Let’s change our ways to change our waterways in Christchurch
    30 June 2009 Let’s change our ways to change our waterways in Christchurch
    Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council have today launched a public awareness campaign to help make Christchurch’s waterways healthier.
  • 30 June 2009 Let’s change our ways to change our waterways in Christchurch
    Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council have today launched a public awareness campaign to help make Christchurch’s waterways healthier.
  • Clean Heat Project expands thanks to new Govt funding
    26 June 2009 Clean Heat Project expands thanks to new Govt funding
    Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project will continue to offer significant levels of financial help to Christchurch’s lowest income householders, councillors agreed today.
  • 26 June 2009 Rates 6% overall, long term plan changes agreed
    Environment Canterbury (ECan) councillors this week adopted the long term council community plan and struck the rates for 2009/10.
  • Electronic ticketing contract awarded Metro Christchurch and Timaru
    25 June 2009 Electronic ticketing contract awarded Metro Christchurch and Timaru
    A new electronic ticketing system that allows people to load credit onto their Metrocard by internet is being introduced by Environment Canterbury (ECan) on buses and ferries in Greater Christchurch and Timaru.
  • 24 June 2009 ECan repair work in full swing on Rangitata
    For the past month, a 460 horsepower bulldozer has been repairing some of the damage caused by April and May floods on the Rangitata River. The Rooney Contracting 56 tonne machine completed most of the important repairs to flood protection works at the end of last week.
  • 24 June 2009 MEDIA ADVISORY – June 24, 2009. - CPW Commissioners Minute
    Central Plains Water – Minute 8 of Commissioners setting out directions relating to an independent review of nitrate and other contamination issues.
  • 24 June 2009 Positive Outcome after Awakino Station burning.
    Environment Canterbury will not proceed with a prosecution against a North Otago pastoral farm after a burning incident near Kurow got out of control.
  • 18 June 2009 Billion-dollar transport plan in wings
    The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee this week finalised its recommendation on levels of funding and priorities for all transport activities in Canterbury over the next three years, by approving the region's first Regional Land Transport Programme.
  • 18 June 2009 ECan scheme leads way for others nationwide
    Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat home heating and insulation scheme has had a significant influence on central Government’s insulation package, confirmed in Christchurch today by Prime Minister John Key.
  • 17 June 2009 Culverden meeting Waiau catchment flow reviews June 23
    Environment Canterbury is holding a public meeting in Culverden, to outline the review of environmental flows for the Waiau catchment.
  • 12 June 2009 Regional Planning Committee response to Lower Waitaki Hearing Panel minute
    Environment Canterbury councillors have signaled their intent to make future changes to the Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan. This may lead to an increase in the annual allocation limit for the Waitaki River and its tributaries between the Waitaki Dam and Black Point.
  • 11 June 2009 Thorough review of consents process leads to improving result
    Environment Canterbury (ECan) has undertaken a thorough review of its resource consent processing procedures and is already seeing the benefits in terms of achieving compliance with statutory processing timeframes.
  • 10 June 2009 Timely air quality stds review, but let's keep ball rolling for healthier air
    Environment Canterbury (ECan) is welcoming the Minister for the Environment’s review of air quality standards in relation to fine particles or PM10. These particles are produced during solid fuel burning and make up around 80 per cent of winter air pollution in most Canterbury towns and cities.
  • 8 June 2009 North Canterbury Company fined for burning tyres
    A North Canterbury company has been fined $2500 after pleading guilty to a charge of causing air pollution by the illegal burning of rubber tyres. The case was heard in the Christchurch District Court earlier this year and occurred in June 2008.
  • 5 June 2009 Overall rate rise of 6% proposed for 2009-10
    Environment Canterbury (ECan) councillors this week spent 14 hours debating the shape of the council’s work programmes and how they will be funded for the next ten years. They were deliberating upon 606 submissions received on the draft long term council community plan.
  • 5 June 2009 Open fires and solid fuel burners 15yrs+ to be banned in Kaiapoi from May 2011
    Environment Canterbury councillors have agreed that a new rule aimed at achieving improved air quality for Kaiapoi will be enforced from May 1 2011. The new rule prohibits the use of open fires and older and non-complying solid fuel burners from May 1 2010. The exception is when a home is sold; the new owners then have to comply with the new rule immediately. Before May 1 2011, owners of smoky chimneys may still be subject to enforcement action where a complaint is upheld.
  • 3 June 2009 Environment Enhancement Fund applications open.
    Environment Canterbury’s Environment Enhancement Fund opened earlier this week, and landowners and groups working to protect and enhance native biodiversity throughout the region have until August 31 to apply for contestable grants of up to $5,000.

May

  • 28 May 2009 Fisheries company fined for oil spill
    A Christchurch fisheries company has been fined $20,000 after pleading guilty to discharging a contaminant into Lyttelton Harbour. The case was heard in the Christchurch District Court last month.
  • 28 May 2009 Ashburton hydro scheme gains consents
    The Ashburton Community Water Trust (ACWT) and Ashburton District Council have been granted resource consents to use Rakaia River water to generate electricity. The Rakaia Terrace hydro scheme proposes to take up to 40 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) from Highbank and discharge it at Barrhill.
  • 25 May 2009 Company director fined for dumping waste.
    A Christchurch company director has been fined $3000 and ordered to pay costs of $13,892 after pleading guilty to a charge of discharging contaminated material to land that might have entered water. The case was heard in the Christchurch District Court last month.
  • 20 May 2009 Strong response to Timaru Metro strategy.
    Environment Canterbury and Timaru District Council have received a strong response from Timaru residents regarding the future direction of their Metro bus services.
  • 20 May 2009 Central Plains Water Trust hearing resuming October 09
    The Commissioners appointed by Selwyn District Council and Environment Canterbury to the above resource consent application have issued a Minute relating to the hearing process following the resumption on May 11, 2009.
  • 19 May 2009 From the Mountains to the Sea: A Canterbury Cycleway
    Canterbury has an opportunity to tap into the Prime Minister’s request for responses from the regions for potential “great ride” cycleway developments.
  • 19 May 2009 Report assesses nitrate discharge into Canterbury groundwater
    A report has been released assessing nitrate discharge into groundwater on the Canterbury Plains from rural land uses.
  • 18 May 2009 Update on South Canterbury river flooding Waitaki and Rangitata
    Environment Canterbury’s Timaru-based flood control team are warning farmers and land-owners around the Lower Waitaki River to keep a close eye on the river, which is likely to remain at high levels for some time.
  • 17 May 2009 Flood update South Canty Sunday am May 17
    Significant rain in the Main Divide headwaters of the Rangitata and Waitaki rivers, coupled with heavy nor-westerly overspill rain falls in the foothills, has seen Environment Canterbury issue flood warnings for several rivers in the region.
  • 15 May 2009 Warning to users of Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora and the Selwyn River
    Environment Canterbury is warning recreational users and dog owners that potentially harmful cyanobacteria are still present in Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora and the Selwyn River.
  • 12 May 2009 Proactive Timaru businesses equip oil spill response trailer
    Timaru’s port now has a new array of equipment to combat fuel spills in its harbour. Two local companies, The Front Store (a division of Andar Holdings) and South Eastern Resources, have combined forces to build and equip the port’s second oil-spill trailer unit.
  • 12 May 2009 Southern Area river committee elections coming up
    Notices of meetings for all river ratepayers in Environment Canterbury’s Southern Area will soon be in the post, and in the public notices columns of local newspapers as dates are set to elect the river liaison committees in the area.
  • 8 May 2009 Central Plains Water hearing update, resumption May 11
    The Environment Canterbury response to the Central Plains Water Trust's applicant’s statement and recent Commissioners’ Minute will be on the ECan website Friday afternoon May 8. Submitters’ evidence is also going up on the web as it arrives pre the resumed hearing May 11.
  • 6 May 2009 Sustainable water management with metering advances
    Water metering on Canterbury farms and by industry has taken a significant step forward.
  • 5 May 2009 Waimate farmer agrees to trial justice programme
    Environment Canterbury has withdrawn charges against a South Canterbury farmer after he agreed to participate in a trial process aiming to involve those affected and remediate damage.
  • 5 May 2009 ECan improves consent application times, reduces backlog
    Increased efficiency and improved application methods have enabled Environment Canterbury to reduce the time involved in processing resource consent applications.
  • 1 May 2009 Valetta stopbanking work approved
    Environment Canterbury has been granted resource consent to construct stopbanks and flood protection works along the South Branch of the Ashburton River at Valetta.

April

  • 30 April 2009 Waitaki River high level warning, also algal warning
    Flows in the Lower Waitaki River, downstream of the Waitaki Dam, are expected to run at around 1400 cubic metres per second (cumecs) until around 6 pm tonight. This is about four times the normal flow.

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