Regulations and environmental protection | Ngā mahi tiakina me ngā whakaritenga taiao

Establish a regulatory framework for environmental management

Regional plans recognize the aspirations of Mana Whenua and the Waitaha/Canterbury community, reflect national direction and set out requirements for resource users. They promote the sustainable management of natural resources and contribute to the results we measure.

Granting authorizations in accordance with the regulatory framework

Resource consents, permits and other authorizations are key mechanisms for protecting the environment. They contribute to environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes for our region by ensuring that policies and regulations designed to protect the environment and cultural values ​​are implemented in practice while allowing economic activity to continue.

Ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework

Compliance with the principles of the Regional Plan, National Direction and consent conditions will promote sustainable management of natural resources in Waitaha/Canterbury and help deliver outcomes for our region. To support compliance, we provide information and advice and enable resource users to access information on industry best practice and support that is available to them.

Respond to incidents involving environmental damage

We work to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of specific threats, such as environmental incidents. We typically receive about 3,500-4,000 reports of environmental incidents each year, which are categorized and further assessed to determine the appropriate response.

Lead collective efforts to prevent, reduce or eliminate pests

We work with others to implement the objectives of the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan. This service includes our work to eradicate wild conifers, contain wallabies and respond to invasive organisms.

Partnership to protect and enhance native biodiversity and mahinga kai

We work, often with others, to protect, enhance and restore native biodiversity and mahinga kai. We initiate and manage field projects and conduct monitoring to understand the current state of our biodiversity and what we need to do to protect and enhance it. As a regional council we focus on habitat conservation, particularly freshwater and coastal habitats, and through our regional planning work we lead the way for others (such as city and district councils) to protect terrestrial habitats.

Collect and share high-quality data, information and advice about our environment

To support decisions about how to manage and use resources, we need to understand the state of the environment, measure changes in the environment over time, and share our data and information. We have long-term land, water, and air monitoring networks that monitor our environment and supplement our long-term network with historical data and data from shorter-term monitoring programs and research projects conducted by us and our partners.

Provide resources to support local activities

Everyone has a role to play in improving environmental outcomes, and supporting and empowering local communities to deliver local projects is an investment that makes a significant contribution to achieving these outcomes. We provide access to co-financing for projects consistent with the Council’s strategic priorities, as well as advice and other assistance.

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