Development of the strategy is being led by the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee - a committee that brings together representatives from Environment Canterbury, the New Zealand Transport Agency and city and district councils in the region. The committee also has representatives to address economic development, safety, public health, access and mobility, environmental sustainability and cultural interests.

As part of the development of the strategy, the Regional Transport Committee is seeking to understand the key challenges facing our transport system over the next 30 years.

Regional Transport Committee chair and Environment Canterbury Councillor Jo Kane says that the committee wants to ensure that plans reflect community needs and those of generations to come.

“The decisions we make now will shape the future for the region’s transport. This is a great opportunity for people to say what they think when it matters – before we start. Your input will help us develop a clearer understanding of the issues so we can then start investigating the best options for managing them,” says Cr Kane.

“Every district will have their own perspective on the transport issues that are important to them. Our job is to collate those views and produce a regional plan that will set out the key transport plans to be progressed within Canterbury over the next 30 years.”

Comments are welcomed until 9 December by:
• Email: transport@ecan.govt.nz
• Online: www.ecan.govt.nz/transport
• Freepost 1201
Transport Issues
Environment Canterbury
PO Box 345
Christchurch 8140

Public input will be used to compile a draft strategy that will undergo further public consultation in 2011.

For more information: Cr Jo Kane, Chair Regional Transport Committee, 027 323 2326.

Work has started on a new strategy to manage Canterbury’s transport system - the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Strategy 2011 – 2041.

Development of the strategy is being led by the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee - a committee that brings together representatives from Environment Canterbury, the New Zealand Transport Agency and city and district councils in the region. The committee also has representatives to address economic development, safety, public health, access and mobility, environmental sustainability and cultural interests.

As part of the development of the strategy, the Regional Transport Committee is seeking to understand the key challenges facing our transport system over the next 30 years.

Regional Transport Committee chair and Environment Canterbury Councillor Jo Kane says that the committee wants to ensure that plans reflect community needs and those of generations to come.

“The decisions we make now will shape the future for the region’s transport. This is a great opportunity for people to say what they think when it matters – before we start.
Your input will help us develop a clearer understanding of the issues so we can then start investigating the best options for managing them.”

“Every district will have their own perspective on the transport issues that are important to them. Our job is to collate those views and produce a regional plan that will set out the key transport plans to be progressed within Canterbury over the next 30 years,” says Cr Kane.

Deputy Mayor Michael Oliver is a member of the Regional Transport Committee and says that there are many issues that will affect transport planning for the Timaru District over the next 30 years.

“We need to consider how we are going to ensure our freight networks (road, rail, and sea) are adequate to service agriculture and its associated processing industries.  How can we meet the needs of our more rural towns if the price of oil rises significantly as it is expected to do?”
 
“I urge you to have your say to ensure that the needs of our district are identified in the overall regional strategy.  The final transport strategy will provide the basis for funding allocations and so it is critical that all the issues that need to be considered are identified at this early stage,” says Cr Oliver. 

 Comments are welcomed until 9 December by:
• Email: transport@ecan.govt.nz
• Online: www.ecan.govt.nz/transport
• Freepost 1201
Transport Issues
Environment Canterbury
PO Box 345
Christchurch 8140

Public input will be used to compile a draft strategy that will undergo further public consultation in 2011.

For more information: Cr Jo Kane, Chair Regional Transport Committee, 027 323 2326.

Development of the strategy is being led by the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee - a committee that brings together representatives from Environment Canterbury, the New Zealand Transport Agency and city and district councils in the region. The committee also has representatives to address economic development, safety, public health, access and mobility, environmental sustainability and cultural interests.

As part of the development of the strategy, the Regional Transport Committee is seeking to understand the key challenges facing our transport system over the next 30 years.

 Regional Transport Committee chair and Environment Canterbury Councillor Jo Kane says that the committee wants to ensure that plans reflect community needs and those of generations to come.

“The decisions we make now will shape the future for the region’s transport. This is a great opportunity for people to say what they think when it matters – before we start.
Your input will help us develop a clearer understanding of the issues so we can then start investigating the best options for managing them.”

“Every district will have their own perspective on the transport issues that are important to them. Our job is to collate those views and produce a regional plan that will set out the key transport plans to be progressed within Canterbury over the next 30 years,” says Cr Kane.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Strategy is an important document to enable the region to plan for a cost effective and efficient transport network to serve the future needs of its residents.

“Christchurch City, through its Long Term Council Community Plan consultation and the development of its own Christchurch Transport Plan, has already identified a number of transport issues for the Greater Christchurch area. Residents and stakeholders clearly identified traffic congestion and safety as key issues but there were polar views on how to resolve them.”

He says both the Strategy and Christchurch Transport Plan will help inform each other and be guided by the Urban Development Strategy which provides the framework for development of the Greater Christchurch area during the next 35 years.

“With our growing and ageing population, heightened environmental awareness and a looming oil crisis, there are many challenges facing the region as it plans for a safe, efficient and reliable transport network.

“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to think about the future, how they will want to travel and become involved in the development of the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Strategy,” says Mayor Parker.

Kaikoura Mayor Kevin Heays has been involved in this strategy since its inception both as a member of its working group and its sub-committee.

“Getting our produce and our people around efficiently and safely has always been on top of my list. Being an important part of the Canterbury region, it is imperative that we all have a say in how this can be achieved well into the future.”

”The District of Kaikoura has unique roading and travel issues, but we still need to be involved as individuals, organisations and communities in the big picture stuff,” said Mayor Heays.

Committee member and Waimakariri District Councillor David Ayers sees the strategy as not just a matter of moving people and goods.

“The environmental impact of various modes of transport needs to be taken into consideration. Traffic congestion, for example, carries with it significant economic and environmental costs.”

“It is vital that community views are canvassed so that we can assess how the transport decisions we make now may impact on communities in the future. Our transport system has to strike a balance to ensure that social, economic and environmental objectives complement each other. This strategy is a pivotal part of the process in achieving that,” says Cr Ayers.

Comments are welcomed until 9 December by:
• Email: transport@ecan.govt.nz
• Online: www.ecan.govt.nz/transport
• Freepost 1201
Transport Issues
Environment Canterbury
PO Box 345
Christchurch 8140

Public input will be used to compile a draft strategy that will undergo further public consultation in 2011.

For more information: Cr Jo Kane, Chair Regional Transport Committee, 027 323 2326.

“The creek flows underneath State Highway 1 and through the Washdyke industrial area so it is important that the area has good flood protection measures in place,” says Environment Canterbury’s Timaru-based natural hazards officer Phil Lees. 

Following the 1986 floods, the Washdyke Bridge on State Highway One was identified as a major impediment to high flows and it was upgraded in 1996. Environment Canterbury and the Timaru District Council have since done a lot of work on removing trees blocking the channel and improving the existing stopbanking.

The next stage relating to channel improvements has required resolution of land ownership matters which are being concluded.

“Once the survey and design work has been undertaken, the next step will be consultation with local businesses and property owners. Work could begin in the next two years, depending on finance being available and consents being approved,” says Phil Lees.

“The position of the new district council sewer pipeline will also reduce potential flooding near the railway bridge.

“The result of this work will be better flood protection that will benefit the whole Washdyke community in the future.”

For more information contact Phil Lees, Environment Canterbury Natural Hazards Officer, 03 687 7800.

The survey gauges understanding of plant pest issues and asks for input on the implementation of the Regional Pest Management Strategy.  The results of the survey help Environment Canterbury’s Biosecurity Section work effectively with the community to manage the control of nassella tussock.
From the returned surveys:
• 85% rated the control of nassella as of high or medium importance
• 72% said that they knew the “grubbing standard” required
• 93% were satisfied with the required standard of control and 76% agreed with the September 30 cut-off for completing control work
• 92% felt that Environment Canterbury’s compliance inspections were instrumental in ensuring land-occupiers meet their control responsibilities
• 80% thought the individual concerned should pay for extra inspections on non-compliant properties

Environment Canterbury pest and biosecurity committee chair Cr Eugenie Sage says that an effective control strategy in North Canterbury is vital.

“If we took our eye off the ball many parts of Canterbury where nassella does not currently occur would be at risk.”

“The commitment of landholders to ongoing grubbing, good information at the right time to remind newer landholders of the nassella threat and a programme of follow-up inspections are central to progressively reducing the nassella population in Canterbury.”

As part of ongoing efforts to maximise community awareness and participation, Environment Canterbury circulates a newsletter “Nassella News” each spring ahead of the September control deadline.

“The positive feedback from our ratepayers is encouraging but we are always open to ways of improving the way we tackle nassella,” says Cr Sage.
 
Background information
Nassella was first recognised as a problem in Canterbury in the 1940s and in the 1950s some farmers were forced to abandon their properties because of it.

Nassella tussock is extremely adaptable and grows in a wide range of habitats. It will displace other plant species and is unpalatable to stock. A mature nassella tussock can produce up to 120,000 seeds which are able to disperse over long distances. Seeds can be wind and water borne, carried via animals or human beings (on clothing), on machinery and in agricultural seed and can remain viable in the soil for more than a decade.

The best method for controlling small infestations is by grubbing – the removal of the whole plant, including all root fragments. This should be carried out prior to flowering as once flowers are present, even if the plant is grubbed the seed will still develop and remain viable. All roots should be removed from the ground and excess soil shaken off. Chemical application with a glyphosate product can be useful for dense infestations and should be applied during the growing season.

For information about the nassella tussock control programme, visit http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/your-land/plant-animal-pests/ or call Graham Sullivan on 03 687 7835.

For further information:  Environment Canterbury Pest & Biosecurity Committee Chair
Councillor Eugenie Sage, (03) 329 3177 or 021 155 3937. 

Geology student Clare Webster has been employed from November to February 2010 to work on the project, which is being managed by groundwater hydrologist Mike Thorley as part of Environment Canterbury’s investigations and monitoring work.

“The project involves identifying and assessing suitable wells and then surveying their water levels,” says Mike Thorley.

“Clare’s initial task will be checking well information and accessibility, which will also involve site visits to check location and owner details.”

The project will need access to some wells on private land to ensure a good spread of data points.  Land-owners will be notified prior to Clare or other Environment Canterbury staff visiting their properties.

“The survey of well pressure will give us a snap-shot of groundwater conditions and allow us to develop a three-dimensional model of the flows under the Rakaia-Ashburton district,” says Mike Thorley.

“Our aim is to understand where groundwater comes from and how it moves through Canterbury’s aquifers, so we can better manage the freshwater resource.”

Clare Webster, who has recently completed her third year at Otago University, says she finds the Canterbury groundwater system very interesting, and is really looking forward to working on the project.

“I completed a research project in hydrology this year as part of my studies, and appreciate the opportunity to gain valuable experience working at Environment Canterbury helping to investigate the nature of the groundwater resource.”

“If people think they may have a well that will provide good information please contact us and let us know the details.”

Clare’s work will also involve setting up the piezometric survey, which is scheduled for March or April next year, and a follow-up survey scheduled for August or September.

* Piezometric – the hydrostatic pressure level of the water in the aquifer.

 
For more information:
Mike Thorley
Groundwater Hydrologist
Phone 03 372-7248

For a photograph of Clare Webster, please contact:
Gerald Raymond
Senior Communications Advisor – Water and Land
Phone 03 363-9354 or 027 261-4827

Broom is an aggressively invasive plant that would spoil the open braided character of the river’s upper catchment and threaten its native plants and wildlife if left unchecked. 

It out-competes native plants for light and space and alters the nature of the riverbed by impeding the natural movement of river gravels. Riverbed birds such as the threatened wrybill and black-fronted tern need clean, weed-free gravels to breed and to be able to detect approaching predators, therefore broom control helps such species.

Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group chair Rosemary Acland emphasises that the group has stewardship at its core and seeks to keep the riverbed in good health for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

This community-initiated control programme has been running for a number of years and has received funding support through the Biodiversity Condition Fund. A collaborative approach is taken between landholders, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), the Department of Conservation with support from Environment Canterbury and the district councils. 

“Landowners in the catchment are certainly doing their part, as are a range of agencies and organisations, but we know there are many other people who frequent the Upper Rangitata. We are hoping to make our “broom blitz” an annual event and would welcome help from the many fishermen, jet boaters, hunters, trampers and four-wheel drive enthusiasts who also enjoy this beautiful river,” says Rosemary Acland.

Environment Canterbury pest and biosecurity committee chair Cr Eugenie Sage says that building on a collaborative approach is the key to the success of the initiative. 

“The energy and continued commitment of the Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group to control broom is impressive. It has major benefits for the riverbed and its wildlife and for the community’s enjoyment of this outstanding landscape,” says Cr Sage.

For more information on assisting with eradicating broom from the Upper Rangitata, please contact Rosemary Acland (03) 696 3857 or Judith Earl-Goulet, Environment Canterbury Resource Care Team Leader Southern on (03) 687 7824.

For further comment, contact Environment Canterbury Pest & Biosecurity Committee chair, Councillor Eugenie Sage on (03) 329 3177 or 021 1553937.

Environment Canterbury chairman Alec Neill said he was delighted that the regional council had endorsed the framework document by ten votes to two at today’s meeting. He believed that the Council needed to show leadership in promoting the strategy as it will play a pivotal role in its implementation.

“It is important that we as a council lead the way to endorse the strategy and I look forward to other local territorial authorities putting their weight behind this important document.

“The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is breaking new ground in bringing together people with wide-ranging water interests seeking a consensus pathway, not an adversarial one dominated by court action. It needs to deliver sustainable solutions for water use in Canterbury which will benefit many communities of interest as well as the environment, not one at the expense of the other.

“The need for people to have confidence in the strategy and its ability to deliver real gains was well made by several councillors today and will be an ongoing necessity for its long-term success.

“Environment Canterbury councillors accept that there is a lot of work to be done. With the implementation comes a cost and it is important that we as a council do not hide from the costs associated with implementation. This needs to be a partnership between Central Government, Environment Canterbury and local territorial authorities. The community will have a say about funding, including biodiversity restoration projects. The regional council will address its funding contribution through a variation to the regional council’s long term council community plan, early next year.

“However today it was good to hear all councillors put forward wide-ranging viewpoints, accept amendments and agree upon the key concerns. It is a positive start for the implementation programme and actions outlined in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy framework document.”

The resolution passed at today’s council meeting is:

That the Council endorses the Canterbury Water Management Strategy – Strategic Framework November 2009, noting in particular the vision statement  “To enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefits from our water resources within an environmentally sustainable framework”, and requires:

• A report to Council by March 1, 2010 on funding principles, models and alternatives to rates for ongoing implementation of the Strategy and progress achieved on how they might be applied in the Strategy,

• Monthly reporting to Council of progress, particularly on
–  the legal powers work,
–  the establishment, accountability and funding of zonal and regional water management committees,
–  supply side arrangements, and
–  implementation of Immediate Steps restoration programme

to enable Council to formulate and decide on any proposals which would affect the Regional Council's role and statutory functions, including the establishment of the water executive,  and/or current implementation of those functions, and

• Advice from each territorial authority as to their capacity to help fund implementation.

• That Council finalises by March 2010 a work programme and draft budget for the 2010/2011 financial year.

For further information: Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury, 0274 403 731 or Canterbury Water Management Strategy steering committee members Crs Eugenie Sage 021 155 3937 or Angus McKay 03 302 8660.

Te read the strategy framework: http://www.canterburywater.org.nz/ or

http://www.canterburywater.org.nz/downloads/Canterbury%20Water%20Management%20Strategy%2005%2011%2009.pdf

Environment Canterbury Rivers Engineering Officer Bruce Scarlett believes the project is the first in the region to utilise river berm tracks (rather than stop banks) for multi-purpose recreational use.

The result is two riverside loop tracks, each about 10 kilometres long along with additional link tracks, that add up to a total of about 30 kilometres of trails stretching between Vance Road and the Upper Orari bridge.

“This project is a great example of how flood protection works, such as our river access tracks, can be a wider community asset,” says Mr Scarlett.

Geraldine Lions president Neville Robertson says the inspiration for the project came from club members who were keen mountain bikers. Teams of Lions volunteers, assisted by local cubs, spent over a year working bees onsite, clearing overgrown sections of the tracks and cleaning up rubbish. Fallen trees were chopped into firewood and given to needy households.

“We can see the track being used not only by locals but by visitors to Geraldine so we’re working at publicising it, including through the Geraldine i-SITE,” says Mr Robertson. 

The project was funded through commercial sponsorship along with some proceeds from the club’s inaugural Geraldine Mountain Bike Challenge that was held along the tracks earlier this year. The Timaru District Council contributed two large signboards at both ends of the track with Lions adding more signs along the routes.

Lions projects convenor Allan Kelly says the trails are already well used. Club members have been especially pleased to see the number of family groups out biking along with people making use of the improved access for walking. The track is graded as relatively easy but several stretches of more challenging trails have also been created for more experienced cyclists.

The Lions Club, again with Environment Canterbury co-operation, are planning to extend the tracks further upstream.

For more information contact Bruce Scarlett, Environment Canterbury Senior Engineering Officer Southern, 03 687 7842, 027 223-4030.
Neville Robertson, Geraldine Lions President, 03 693 9025.

The new baler was opened by Environment Minister Nick Smith.

Agpac has depots all over Canterbury and offers farmers a viable, environmentally preferable alternative to on-farm burning or burying of waste plastic. Farms use and then have to dispose of or recycle many different types of plastics - bale wrap, silage pit covers, feed bags, packaging, HDPE and PET plastic bottles.

“I’d like to congratulate Chris Hartshorne of Agpac on the new depot at Tai Tapu. It’s a great opportunity for farmers to show the way and use this system instead of the old burning or burying of farm plastics. Farmers actually hate having to burn the plastic wrapping. There is now a viable alternative,” Cr Neill said.

 At the same opening, Cr Neill also spoke to a local manufacturer of diesel tanks, Ed Harrison, based in Ashburton. His company, Sebco, makes fully bunded diesel storage stations and oil recovery containers which offer safe, environmentally friendly fuel storage options for the rural sector. 

“I was impressed with the concept and intend bringing its benefits to the attention of Environment Canterbury staff. It is really important in this job to get out of the office and into the field to see some of the really great things that the community are doing to help our environment.”

For further information: Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury, 0274 403 731 or see www.agpac.co.nz or Chris Hartshorne, Agpac Recycling Division Manager,  0274 375 781 or www.sebco.co.nz or Sebco 0800 473 226.

Also see: http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/your-business/managing-waste/Pages/oils-fuels.aspx
http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/General/Infosheet5SilageMarch09.pdf (pdf 89 kB)
http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/your-business/farming/

The case was withdrawn in the Christchurch District Court on September 28, 2009.

Downer EDI Works Ltd uplifted approximately 600 cubic metres of gravel from a Mid Canterbury farm owned by Neville Chalmers during 2008. The gravel had already been extracted from the coastal face. This not only damaged part of the coastline but also invalidated information collected at a coastal erosion monitoring site used by Environment Canterbury compromising important long term data.

The extraction of gravel in this area of the coastline requires resource consent as the property lies within Coastal Hazard Zone 1 and this particular extraction contravened section 9 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Following an investigation by Environment Canterbury enforcement officers in June 2008, Downer EDI Works Ltd admitted they had uplifted quarried material. The company had used the material to build an electricity substation at Bells Road, near Ashburton.  Mr Chalmers admitted that he had given his permission for the removal to go ahead and that he had been paid a fee for this.

Environment Canterbury director regulation Kim Drummond said that Downer EDI Ltd agreed to participate in a public education campaign aimed at raising awareness of the obligations of resource users within the coastal marine area and coastal hazard zones. The campaign will help raise the level of community awareness of the importance of protecting Canterbury's coastlines and sends a strong message that such work needs to be authorised by resource consent.

"Downer EDI Works Limited has prepared an information pamphlet to be delivered to local residents informing them of the requirement to obtain resource consent prior to gravel extraction occurring and Mr Chalmers placed signage on the coastal frontage of his property advising people not to extract gravel," said Mr Drummond.

"Environment Canterbury is committed to the protection of the coastline and will continue monitoring the site and surrounding areas. Both parties realise the significance of the coastal hazard zones and the messages they are delivering to the community represents an appropriate resolution to this case." 

For further information:  Kim Drummond, ECan Director Regulation, 03 372 7232, 027 497 8366.

Environment Canterbury’s chief executive Bryan Jenkins says during the negotiations the best interests of ratepayers was of utmost consideration.

The decision to settle was made because it was the right thing to do when considering the alternative, which involved potentially lengthy and expensive court action. It should not be interpreted as acceptance of liability.

Environment Canterbury’s contribution of the $700,000 settlement with liquidators is $325,000, half of which ($162,500) will be met by its insurers. Two creditors will receive an additional $200,000, of which Environment Canterbury’s contribution is $75,000, bringing Environment Canterbury’s total contribution to the settlement to $237,500.

“Environment Canterbury has always denied the allegations made against it by the liquidators, but in the interests of ratepayers has chosen to agree to the settlement rather than pursue the matter through the courts. Contesting this would have cost Environment Canterbury considerably more.”

Target Pest was established in 1999 as a Council Controlled Trading Organisation with a separate and professional board of directors, as required under the Companies Act. Environment Canterbury was the shareholder, but it was the Board’s role to oversee management and to govern.

Environment Canterbury established Target Pest because of a move in the sector towards a more commercial model for pest management and for it to no longer be the direct responsibility of regional councils. Its establishment also ensured retention of staff pest control skills and expertise in the region.

“We are pleased the parties have reached agreement and we can now move forward,” Dr Jenkins says.

For further information contact: Dr Bryan Jenkins, chief executive, Environment Canterbury, phone 364 9822, Mobile 027 4974973.

Control in high country areas employs a practice called "skid-hopping" where helicopters take specialist contractors into more mountainous areas. Because the helicopters cannot land, chainsaw operators hop on and off the skids to cut down those hard-to-reach trees.

Wilding conifers, or 'weed trees', are self sown trees that have spread from research plots, lakeside amenity plantings and farm plantations. They threaten Canterbury’s high country landscapes, tussock grasslands and pasture productivity by competing aggressively for light and space.

Environment Canterbury biosecurity manager Graham Sullivan says that even at eight years old, some species are able to produce seed. Control then becomes a long-term problem as new seedlings will continue to spring up for years to come.

"Prevention is better than the cure - the amount of work and the cost involved increases dramatically once trees exceed 50mm at the base. It’s important that we deal to these pest trees before they can take advantage of summer growth conditions and produce a new crop of seed," says Graham Sullivan.

Eugenie Sage, Environment Canterbury pest management committee chair, says that $226,000 of ratepayers' money is spent annually on controlling wilding conifers and land-occupiers spend many times that on the problem.

"Community initiatives such as those carried out by the Waimakariri Ecological Landscape Restoration Alliance (WELRA) and Lake Ohau Conservation Trust are also critical in tackling this needle-clad invader," says Cr Sage.

"Environment Canterbury's Resource Care team organises groups of willing volunteers, armed with pruning saws or loppers to deal to trees in open country while they are still small. Every year for the last 13 years, over 200 volunteers have come forward to help. That energy and commitment is hugely important. Without their assistance, areas between Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon or Cave Stream could now be covered by weed trees," she says.

"Canterbury has many special habitats that are worth protecting. Wilding conifers require sustained control on many fronts over many years. The regional council is in this battle for the long haul."

For information about the wilding conifers control programme, visit www.ecan.govt.nz/wildingconifers or call Graham Sullivan on 03 687 7835.

For further information:  Environment Canterbury Pest Management Committee Chair Councillor Eugenie Sage, 021 155 3937.  

The Annual Report Summary showcases the main achievements and highlights for the year to June 30 2009, including:

Environment Canterbury's Chairman, Alec Neill, says "This year's Annual Report shows just how wide-ranging our work is at Environment Canterbury. At times it has been a challenging year for our staff, but Canterbury's ratepayers can be assured that they have stepped up and shown professionalism and leadership in the management of our region’s resources."

Copies of the Annual Report 2009 and the summary are available online at http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Pages/AnnualReport2008-09.aspx
or can be emailed or posted out to you. Call our Customer Services on 03 353 9007 or tollfree on 0800 324 636 for a copy.

The extra services are available from:

• Bus Exchange (every 5 minutes from 7pm)
• The Palms (every 10 minutes from 7pm and every 5 minutes from 8pm)
• Eastgate Mall (every 10 minutes from 7pm and every 5 minutes from 8pm)
• Westfield Riccarton (every 10 minutes from 7pm - 8pm)
• The Hub Hornby (every 10 minutes from 7pm – 8pm)
• Merivale (every 15 minutes from 7.30pm)

Return services are available from Oram Avenue, New Brighton, immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks.
 
The fare for Metrocard holders is $2.10 adult and $1.05 for a child; while the ordinary cash fare is $2.80 adult and $1.40 for a child. SuperGold cardholders travel free.

There will be road closures on Marine Parade, Beresford Street, Oram Avenue, Seaview Road, Hardy, Collingwood, Keppel and Union Streets and part of Hawke Street starting at 6 pm until the closures are lifted. Parking is not allowed on these streets leading up and during the event. People taking their car are advised to park outside these areas or use public transport to avoid congestion.

View a map of the road closures (300kB)

For further information call MetroInfo (03) 366 88 55 or www.metroinfo.org.nz.

Environment Canterbury North Canterbury councillors Jo Kane and Ross Little say the influx of new visitors is welcome.

“Three years ago, the area was home to up to 70 dumped or burnt out cars each month,” says Cr Little. “Today, that number is down to around seven a month and we have a recreational park that caters for many different activities.”

As chair of the regional council's land portfolio, Cr Little said the park was a good way to manage council-owned land around the big braided river. An annual customer satisfaction survey carried out at McLeans Island mid year showed visitors like the range of choices.

“Ninety four percent of those surveyed at McLeans Forest were satisfied with their visit to the park,” says Cr Kane, herself a keen recreational biker.. “The park is an exceptional place, catering for activities that are not always compatible - you've got anglers, nature walkers, whitebaiters, mountain bikers sharing the park and in other areas jet boaters, all terrain vehicles and trail bikers. It's a much safer place with more people using it.”

The river park makes up more than 15,000 hectares of the Waimakariri River and its banks. The Waimakariri River connects the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, while running through the Canterbury Plains. It is of great ecological importance as well as economic and recreational significance.

“There is growing recognition of the park as a valuable environmental and recreational resource,” says Cr Kane. “Templars Island for example boasts kowhai tree regenerating along the river, and the river along this section hosts a number of rare braided river bird species including the black billed gull, black fronted tern and the iconic wrybill.

“McLeans Island alone has 21 recreational clubs or commercial operators, a further two commercial operators in the lower reaches (jet boat and horse treks) and another 12 groups who regularly use the Park such as malamute sled dogs club and orienteering.”

The 10km mountain bike track is the most popular development within the park.
“Not only did the customer satisfaction survey tell us that, it also told us people wanted more technical tracks, which is why a further 5km track has been since opened.” 

The park has been divided into eight development stages - with McLeans, Templars and Kaiapoi Islands' plans underway. But already, the changes have had a dramatic impact on the area and the people who use it.

Development across all eight stages of the park is due to have begun by 2012.

For more information: Cr Ross Little 0274 779 548 or Cr Jo Kane 027 323 2326.

Or see: http://ecan.govt.nz/advice/recreation-and-parks/waimakariri-park/

There are three parts to the handbook – Investigations and Planning, Improving the Stream Environment, and Planning and Maintenance – providing practical advice from planting and fencing to removing willows or reshaping banks. Each book draws on the knowledge and experience of a wide range of people from community volunteers, landscape architects and nursery owners.

Community involvement is the key to restoring and maintaining the health of the 40 “living streams” throughout the region and Environment Canterbury is collaborating with groups, such as local schools, community organizations and land owners to achieve that goal.

“The Living Streams handbooks provide a wealth of information to those groups and individuals,” said Environment Canterbury resource care manager Phil McGuigan. “They cover the entire process of stream care starting with how to assess the health of a waterway followed by advice on planning a particular course of action, how to obtain resource consents if necessary, and how a project can benefit from being part of the wider community effort.”   

Mr McGuigan said the handbooks also provide useful case studies so people can pick up useful tips and learn from the success of others.

“Environment Canterbury staff are available to assist people and groups with any projects aimed at improving stream health,” said Mr McGuigan. “Even those outside of the Living Streams project are encouraged to obtain a copy of the handbook and talk to us about their projects.”

Successful projects undertaken through the Living Streams programme include the restoration of water quality and spawning sites at Harts Creek and Boggy Creek which run into Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora, the Pahau River in North Canterbury and the enhancement of the Taumatakahu Stream in Temuka. All projects were undertaken in collaboration with local communities and with support from Environment Canterbury.

The handbooks are available free from calling Environment Canterbury’s Customer Services on 03 353 9007 or 0800 32 46 36. There are also separate brochures covering hill country, inland basins and lowland streams.

For more information about Living Streams, including case studies, photographs and Resource Care Team contact details, visit http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/local-projects-community-groups/living-streams/

Further information Phil McGuigan, Environment Canterbury Resource Care Manager, (03) 372 7070.

“Since I was elected in late September I have made it very clear that the council will work constructively with both central government and local councils.  We worked closely with the Ministers as to the style of review and to agree on the terms of reference, and they have thanked us for our help in establishing the review.

“The Canterbury Regional Council must work on behalf of the people of Canterbury regarding the management of the region’s natural and physical resources.  It’s a role we take a great deal of pride in and we look forward to being open and frank with the review team about our governance and management policies and processes.”

Mr Neill says the Council is well aware of the challenges it faces regarding effective resource management for the region, and has made significant changes in recent times to improve its performance.  This information will be shared with the review team.

“We see this as a timely opportunity to have what we do reviewed by an independent party.  This review is intended to be solutions-focussed, and will be valuable to both the Ministers and to Environment Canterbury.  The review will make recommendations and we will act on any recommendations accordingly.”

For further information: Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury, 0274 403 731.

Terms of reference for a review of Environment Canterbury’s performance

1. Preamble

1.1. Following the results of the 2007/2008 RMA Survey of Local Authorities, the Minister for the Environment has decided to undertake an investigation of resource consent processing practices in Environment Canterbury (ECan) and a broader review of ECan’s performance under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The Minister of Local Government has also expressed an intention to review ECan’s wider performance under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA02) in response to concerns raised by Canterbury Mayors. The Ministers have agreed to conduct a joint review of ECan’s performance under both the RMA and LGA02.

2. Nature of Review

2.1. This review has two components. The first component is a statutory investigation under section 24A of the RMA that seeks to identify what has led to ECan’s poor performance record over the last survey period and performance subsequently in resource consent processing. It also aims to identify any broader planning, policy and governance matters that may have contributed to the poor performance record of Environment Canterbury during the period of the 2007/2008 survey period in meeting statutory requirements under the RMA.

2.2. The second component is a non-statutory assessment of whether there are wider issues with ECan’s governance, policies or implementation that are contributing to perceived poor performance under the LGA02 or other statutes.

3. Scope of the Review

Investigation of Environment Canterbury’s performance under the RMA and identify possible solutions

• Guidance for applicants and use of Section 88
• Use of Section 92
• Analysis of consent processing systems and practices
• Staffing and use of resources
• Administrative systems and tools
• Internal audits and monitoring
• Relationships between applicants and submitters and ECan
• Relationship of timeframes to quality of decisions
• Other contextual matters, including:
  • The management of sustainability limits and cumulative effects
  • Adequacy of current planning framework for delivering the vision and objectives of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in an effective and efficient manner

• The approach of ECan to meeting its legal obligations
• Adequacy of ECan’s governance
• Adequacy of ECan’s management and decision making processes
• Financial management of ECan
• The relationships between ECan and the territorial authorities in its region, and extent to which ECan and TAs have met their legal obligations for collaborating and co-operating

4. Methodology for Review

• Chief Executive
• Chair
• Councillors
• Investigation and Monitoring Director
• Regulation Director
• Resource Planning and Consents Director
• Finance and Corporate Services Director
• Regional Programmes Director
• Managers and planning, consenting and compliance staff under the above Directors
• Customer Services staff (if applicable)

5. Reporting

5.1. The findings (including any recommendations) from the performance review will form the basis of a draft report to be discussed with ECan before being finalised and presented to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Local Government. A copy of each final report will be provided to ECan.

5.2. The RMA investigation may result in recommendations being made to ECan on ways to improve its performance under section 24A(b) of the RMA.

5.3. The non-statutory assessment may result in recommendations being made to Environment Canterbury on ways to improve its governance, policy or implementation processes under the LGA02 or any other enactment.

5.4. Either set of recommendations may include ongoing monitoring.

5.5. In response to the review’s report, the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Local Government may consider whether there is a case for further intervention under the RMA or the LGA02, if necessary.

6. Timeframe for the review

6.1. The review is planned to take place over a three week period in November 2009, with a report being drafted before the end of the year.

6.2. Any final recommendations on ways to improve council performance will be reported to ECan following officials briefing the Ministers on the final report. This is expected to be in early 2010.

Environment Canterbury's Clean Heat Project provides financial assistance to help homeowners and landlords in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Timaru and Ashburton who are using open fires or older solid fuel burners to change to cleaner home heating.
 
Councillor Jo Kane, Environment Canterbury air portfolio chair, says that the Clean Heat Project could make a real difference to winter air quality in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

Waimakariri Mayor Ron Keating says he is pleased to welcome this initiative to bring the Clean Heat Project to people’s doorsteps. “There’s no doubt that pollution is high at times during the winter and I see this as a helping-hand that can help us address that issue,” says Mayor Keating.
 
“I have pushed for a more direct approach in Kaiapoi and Rangiora and you can’t get much more direct than this. I would like to urge people to take up the opportunity to listen one-to-one to what is on offer and make the best choice for their home heating needs,” says Mayor Keating.
 
“Clean Heat assistance has only been offered to Kaiapoi and Rangiora homeowners for just over a year. We are looking to boost uptake and kick-start the word of mouth recommendations that make all the difference. Everyone benefits from clean air and Canterbury people have consistently told us that clean air is one of their top environmental priorities,” says Cr Kane.

“There are several assistance options for both insulation and cleaner and more efficient heating on offer to Kaiapoi and Rangiora homeowners as well as a variety of Clean Heat approved appliances, including ultra-low emission log burners, pellet fires and flued gas heating as well as heat pumps,” she says.

“There’s more incentive than ever to act now and the Clean Heat Project works all year round, so there’s no need to wait until next winter. Most people are eligible for assistance,” says Cr Kane.

Find out if you qualify and register for a free assessment by calling Clean Heat customer services on freephone 0800 329 276 or visit www.cleanheat.co.nz.

For further information: Contact Cr Jo Kane, Chair Environment Canterbury Air Portfolio Committee on 027 323 2326.

Environment Canterbury's Clean Heat Project provides financial assistance to help homeowners and landlords in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Timaru and Ashburton who are using open fires or older solid fuel burners to change to cleaner home heating.
 
Councillor Jo Kane, Environment Canterbury air portfolio chair says that the Clean Heat Project could make a real difference to winter air quality in Timaru. More than 300 Timaru households having taken advantage of the help on offer to date is a great start.

Timaru Mayor Janie Annear says she is pleased to welcome this initiative to bring the Clean Heat Project to Timaru doorsteps.
 
“There’s no doubt that pollution is high at times during the winter and I see this as a helping hand that can help us address that issue,” says Mayor Annear. “I believe it’s important to have a choice in how we heat our homes. I would like to urge people to take the opportunity to listen one-to-one to what is on offer and make the best choice for their home heating needs,” she says.
 
“Clean Heat assistance has only been offered to Timaru homeowners for just over a year. We are looking to boost uptake and kick-start the word of mouth recommendations that make all the difference. Everyone benefits from clean air and Canterbury people have consistently told us that clean air is one of their top environmental priorities,” says Cr Kane.

“There are several assistance options for both insulation and cleaner and more efficient heating on offer to Timaru homeowners as well as a variety of Clean Heat approved appliances,” she says.

There’s more incentive than ever to act now and the Clean Heat Project works all year round, so there’s no need to wait until next winter. Most people are eligible for assistance,” says Cr Kane.

Find out if you qualify and register for a free assessment by calling Clean Heat customer services on freephone 0800 329 276 or visit www.cleanheat.co.nz.

For further information: Contact Cr Jo Kane, Chair Environment Canterbury air portfolio committee on 027 323 2326.