Environment Canterbury

12/06/2026

UPDATE - Marine shellfish biotoxin alert lifted for Banks Peninsula ‼️

New Zealand Food Safety MPI has now removed the public health warning against collecting shellfish on Banks Peninsula. Further sampling of shellfish along this coastline has showed that paralytic shellfish toxins are now at safe levels.

Rāhui from local iwi, Te Rūnaka o Koukourarata and Ngāti Wheke, have also been lifted.

For more info:
MPI shellfish biotoxin alerts: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/where-unsafe-to-collect-shellfish/shellfish-biotoxin-alerts

National Public Health NZ advice: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-alerts/marine-biotoxin-in-shellfish-in-banks-peninsula

11/06/2026

Winter grazing: What do critical source areas look like? 👇

South Canterbury farmer Ruby Cochrane shares a great example from her family’s Waimate farm. A normally dry stream can quickly start flowing after a heavy rain event – turning paddocks into a lake.

➡️ To protect soil and maintain production, they fence the area off to keep stock out and keep it ungrazed throughout the season. A simple step makes a huge difference.

🔗 Learn more: www.ecan.govt.nz/wintergrazing

09/06/2026

Curious about composting offal on your farm?

Join us at Bluff Farm in Oxford for a free, informal walk and talk workshop, co-hosted by Synlait and Waimakariri Landcare Trust.

Gavin and Kylie Bay of Bluff Farm will walk through their setup, placement, and management of offal composting, with practical insights from our composting guidance – available online at ecan.govt.nz/onfarmcompost

This is a great chance to ask about siting, management, and the permitted activity rules under the Canterbury Land & Water Regional Plan.

Light BBQ lunch provided.

📍 Cnr Kimbers Road and Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford
Look for the bright red letterbox – number 926

🕥 11.30am – 2:00pm, Friday 26 June 2026

No RSVP needed. See you there!

07/06/2026

Not all firewood is created equal. 👇

➡️ Wet or unseasoned wood burns poorly, pollutes more, and can cost you more in the long run

➡️ Good wood sets you up for a warmer, smoke-free fire

Do you know what's actually in your stack? Find a reviewed and accredited firewood supplier near you.

🔗 https://www.warmercheaper.co.nz/find-a-merchant

05/06/2026

Winter grazing? Do you backup plan up your sleeve if wet weather hits? 👇

Waihaorunga dairy farmer Lindsay White shares how he stays one step ahead of rain events to protect his stock, soil, and waterways.

➡️ He also winters his cows on kale, using smaller paddocks than normal so the cows aren’t grazing on the crop for long periods of time, which reduces the risk of mud

🔗 Learn more: www.ecan.govt.nz/wintergrazing

04/06/2026

World Environment Day is a chance to reflect on the environment we’re shaping, and the role we all play.

➡️ Air pollution isn't caused by one single source.

It comes from everyday activities: home heating, transport, and industry. Many of these also produce greenhouse gases, so reducing emissions is a win for both air quality and the climate.

At Environment Canterbury, we monitor pollution and take action through planning, education, and collaboration — and we're seeing real improvements.

Small changes, made by many people, can add up to a meaningful difference. 💚

🔗 Read more about where air pollution comes from and what we can do: https://bit.ly/4vuenyN

04/06/2026

Sound like you? We want to hear from you. 👇

Share your feedback on our public transport system and help shape its future.

Feedback closes 24 June.

🔗 https://ecan.govt.nz/metroreview

02/06/2026

🚌 Help us improve public transport

To bus or not to bus? That’s the question we’re asking the people of Christchurch and the surrounding townships in Waimakariri and Selwyn. 👇

Whether you ride every day, occasionally, or never, we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of public transport over the next ten years. 💚

Tell us what would improve Metro service for you.

Feedback closes 24 June.

🔗 https://ecan.govt.nz/metroreview

31/05/2026

FLOOD ADVISORY - As of Sunday, 9 pm

👉 Heavy rain has been falling throughout the day today (Sunday) in the headwaters of the major Canterbury alpine rivers (Ahuriri, Rangitata, Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Waiau-uha). The rain is expected to continue through tomorrow (Monday).

Flows in the upper parts of these rivers have started to rise, but are still to rise in the lower parts. These rivers will be running high tomorrow (Monday).

Beware of increasing flows if you are working or recreating in these riverbeds. Out-of-river flooding from any of these rivers is considered unlikely. This message will only be updated if the situation changes significantly.

💧 Staff will continue to monitor key sites throughout the region.
💧 We encourage those with property adjacent to rivers that have been affected by high flows to continue monitoring their own situation and take action as required.
💧 See the full flood advisory including information about specific rivers.

Find out more information about our recently issued flood warning.

28/05/2026

Come meet some of our Metro team at The Palms!

Share your feedback on our proposed Route 44 and Route 135 changes and go in the draw to win a $300 voucher.

More details in the post below 👇

🚌 Regular bus user? Come chat with the Metro team outside ASB until 3pm today!

They’re looking for feedback on the proposed changes to Route 44 and Route 135. Plus, complete the survey to go in the draw to win a $300 grocery voucher 🛒

Share your thoughts and grab some freebies while you’re here!

Environment Canterbury