Our rivers team manages, monitors and maintains 58 river and drainage schemes across Canterbury with the aim of protecting people and property from flooding and a total asset value of $850 million.
We build flood protection structures such as rock groynes, stopbanks, floodgates and anchored tree protection and our planting work protects wetlands which support riverbed bird nesting and enhances fisheries.
Our flood warning system draws on a sophisticated network of telemetered rain and river flow gauges, which allows us to provide you with vital up-to-date information. We also manage the rivers’ natural gravel resource as a source of aggregate for commercial or private use.
Climate resilience and flood protection
Find out about our programme to build community resilience to climate-change induced flood events.
Canterbury flood recovery
Find out more about the recovery work being done caused by the recent flood event.
Flood protection and drainage bylaw
The Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaw protects our river control and drainage scheme assets. Read more about the bylaw.
Weed control
Find out how and why we control weeds to protect our rivers.
River-based gravel extraction
River based gravel provides aggregate for commercial or private use. Extraction offers a cost effective method of managing flooding and erosion hazards.
Opening Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
Find out how and why we mechanically open Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.
Stopbanks
Find out more about the importance of well structured and maintained stopbanks.
Waimakariri Flood Protection Project
The $40 million Waimakariri Flood Protection Project will reduce the risk of flooding in Christchurch and surrounding districts.
Drain maintenance
Prevention is better than cure. Keep stock clear and learn how to maintain your drains.
Defences against water Code of Practice
Click here to read more about the Code of Practice and how work on defences against water can be conducted.
River rating districts
Stay up to date with works happening in your rating district.
Current river works
Here you can find information on our current works operations.