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Improving the health of Addington Brook

Date: | Author: Arapata Reuben, Zone Committee Chair

After much hard work from a group of absolutely committed individuals, the Christchurch West Melton Zone Committee was delighted to receive and review the Addington Brook Living Catchment Management Plan at our June meeting.

About the Addington Brook Catchment Plan

This is a non-statutory plan (PDF file, 1.63MB) that builds on existing work undertaken within the catchment and takes account of planned activities.

It has been developed by the zone committee to address previously agreed priority aspects for the catchment and ensure a coordinated approach between agencies, individuals, and the community to improve the health of the brook.

Addington Brook priorities include:

  • safeguarding groundwater quality and flows
  • enhancing and managing waterways for recreation
  • relaxation and amenity
  • improving surface water quality
  • enhancing degraded ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity and making efficient use of water.

Christchurch West Melton Zone Committee focus

Addington Brook was selected as a focus for the zone committee because it is one of the most polluted streams in the zone and it flows directly into the Ōtākaro/Avon River.

The brook is fed by spring and stormwater sources and is typical of a waterway winding through an area that is largely commercial and industrialised.

The plan provides a road map for work to address issues over the next three years and to help achieve the vision of a waterway that thrives with life and, in turn, positively contributes to the health of the Ōtākaro/Avon river.

Implementation of the plan

Implementation includes key aspects like establishing a process to track progress, maintain and develop stakeholder relationships, deliver on-the-ground projects, encourage and educate the community about best practice, and continue with research to improve our knowledge.

Some projects are already underway including a zinc-reducing 'Storminator' trial in conjunction with the University of Canterbury at Hagley College.

This is a living document that provides us with a comprehensive path to move forward in addressing issues on this valued inner-city waterway. I want to thank all the zone committee members, in particular, members of the urban contaminants group, and CCC and Environment Canterbury staff for their work on the development of the plan.

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