The environment has emerged as the clear issue of our age, and Environment Canterbury has made its much-demanded return to democracy. Based on the provisional results, the new, 14-strong Council has a 50/50 gender balance and more young faces. A blend of previous councillors – four regional and one city…
Read morePlenty of work still to do to address environmental and climate issues

The job of being a regional councillor is both rewarding and frustrating. When I confess to friends that I have enjoyed the past three years in this role, initially as an elected councillor and then as chair, they express amazement or they say “God, I don’t know how you stand…
Read moreClimate change, public transport, fresh water are ECan’s biggest challenges
Opinion piece by Steve Lowndes, www.stuff.co.nz, Oct 14 2019. Climate change, public transport, fresh water are ECan's biggest challenges OPINION: The environment has emerged as the clear issue of our age, and Environment Canterbury has made its much-demanded return to democracy. Based on the progress results, the new, 14-strong regional council has…
Read moreMahinga kai an opportunity for farmers to add value

I went to a presentation recently about mahinga kai followed by one on farm environment plan audits and came away highly impressed with the progress being made both by farmers and Environment Canterbury. The concept of mahinga kai may be new to some farmers but simply relates to the traditional…
Read moreOpen letter to Christchurch residents about water

Much has been said in recent weeks on the activities of Cloud Ocean Limited, Environment Canterbury’s role in consenting water use, and protecting our water supply. I can assure you that Environment Canterbury is very aware of those responsibilities, and takes them very seriously. An independent Commissioner, the Christchurch City…
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