Environment Canterbury

Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Constituency
Environment Canterbury is the regional council for Canterbury. It makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of up to 16 councillors. are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region), including two councillors from the Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi  constituency. Up to two councillors can be appointed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Environment Canterbury election.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

  • Deliver outcomes, not targets.

    Issue consents that actually achieve outcomes in terms of protecting freshwater at source and minimising pollution.

  • Continue to invest in flood warning alert systems.

    Manage water protection zones to ensure safe drinking water supplies.

    Encourage more coordinated planning between urban development and the consequential effect on downstream flooding and water pollution.

  • Deliver outcomes, not targets.

    Issue consents that actually achieve outcomes in terms of protecting freshwater at source and minimising pollution.

  • Continue to invest in flood warning alert systems.

    Manage water protection zones to ensure safe drinking water supplies.

    Encourage more coordinated planning between urban development and the consequential effect on downstream flooding and water pollution.