Environment Canterbury

As the regional council for Canterbury/Waitaha – our priorities include freshwater management, climate change resilience, emissions reduction, pest control and protection and regeneration of biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Our natural environment in Canterbury forms habitats for a diverse range of native plant and animal life, which supports the health of our unique ecosystems, including our precious braided rivers and wetlands. In turn, helping with climate regulation, carbon-storing, waste decomposition and clean air and water. When you look at all of these benefits, it goes without saying that it’s important we look after it.
The way we interact with nature also guides our culture: for tangata whenua and their kaitiakitanga, and for all New Zealanders. Discover some of the unique nature in your area.
Water
Our seasonal outlook indicates how much water is in Canterbury’s soils, aquifers, rivers and streams, compared to the long-term median for that time of year.
Climate change in Canterbury
Climate change is already having visible effects in the Canterbury region, and these will continue to become more apparent over time. Temperatures are warming and weather patterns are shifting, and these changes will have both positive and negative effects for different activities across the region. It is important that we understand the projected impacts of climate change, so we can factor this into our planning and the work that we do.