CWMS Targets Report, 2017

Canterbury Water
Management Strategy
Targets Progress
Report 2017
Foreword
There is an old saying what gets measured gets done. Regular measurement and reporting not only ensures focus, but the enhanced access to information improves results and
activity outcomes. Measurement and reporting have always been a cornerstone of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and the partners and wider community involved in this
process expect comprehensive reporting to ensure appropriate alignment of activities.
The 2017 CWMS Targets Progress Report shows that as a community we are making headway towards achieving the strategy approved by the Mayoral Forum in 2010. This is the third report
produced by Environment Canterbury and it shows good, solid performance towards achieving our 2040 targets.
The overarching vision for the strategy is to gain the greatest cultural, economic, environmental, recreational and social benefits from our water resources within a sustainable framework
both now and for future generations. Each of the target areas reported on in this document contributes to achieving that vision and, it is important that as a community we continue to
commit to this significant and priority project for our region.
I want to thank our partners in this process including each of the regions local authorities, Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu and local Rnanga. In addition, so many individuals from within
our communities have contributed their time to participate in the Zone Committee process and many interest groups have also contributed resource to this programme of work.
At the risk of sounding trite we do need to keep up the good work, as achieving the vision of the CWMS is the legacy that our generation can leave for the future.
Steve Lowndes
Acting Chair of Councillors, Environment Canterbury
3
Executive Summary
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) sets challenging targets for Overall, this report shows the strategy is on track for the medium term. Progress
collaborative and sustainable water management in Canterbury, based on community-led has followed the path and timeframes set out in the CWMS in 2009. Over the past
decision-making across ten defined zones within the region. seven years the collaborative, community-led approach to water management has
put the community at the heart of the process and seen progress in working through
The overall desired outcome of the CWMS is:
solutions to improve water management.
To enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic,
recreational and cultural benefits from our water resources within an environmentally There was a focus, in the first years of the CWMS, on updating the regulatory framework
sustainable framework for water management in Canterbury by working with the community to set limits. The Land
and Water Plan (LWRP), notified in 2012, places controls on the loss of nitrate and other
To ensure progress, the CWMS set out ten broad target areas; nutrients to water. At the local level, communities are involved in developing more detailed
1. Environmental Limits (sub-regional) rules which will put in place local solutions for local problems.
2. Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity The collaborative effort extends across the primary sector with the development of agreed
3. Natural Character of Braided Rivers Good Management Practices (GMP). These commonly agreed definitions of GMP have
4. Kaitiakitanga resulted in a shared understanding of the impact of intensive farming and a variety of
5. Drinking Water management methods to reduce nutrient losses to water.
6. Recreational and Amenity Opportunities With agreed limits and a common understanding of GMP in place, the planning framework
7. Water-use Efficiency is now set to provide an essential basis for improved water quality upon which many of the
8. Irrigated Land Area CWMS targets can be achieved.
9. Energy Security and Efficiency
On the ground action
10. Indicators of Regional and National Economies
Planning and decision making need to be supported with practical work, and communities
Each target area contains several targets for achievement from 2010 through to 2040. want to see improvements. Longer-term outcomes (e.g. reducing nutrients or clawing
Monitoring progress against CWMS targets is critical to ensuring that the strategy is back over-allocation) will take time and it is important to undertake short-term actions
making a difference and is adapted to changing circumstances and new information, to maintain progress.
while at the same time maintaining the confidence and trust of all the parties.
Practical examples of this include planting trees, fencing streams, installing water meters,
This report focuses on the upcoming 2020 targets while continuing to report on the protecting well heads, implementing Farm Environment Plans (FEPs), building new irrigation
related 2015 targets. Progress is shown on each of the targets on a simple scale of schemes, improvements to drinking-water supplies, and mapping and monitoring in order
Started through to Achieving with commentary provided for each. to show actual environmental outcomes over time.
4
In terms of tangible action on the ground, the most visible work has been done under the The strategy is not only dependent upon the goodwill of iwi, community groups and
Immediate Steps biodiversity programme, which is focused on restoration of ecosystems agencies but also on the private sector. Significant investment in irrigation scheme
and native biodiversity. Some $6.8 million has been allocated to over 400 projects across upgrades, from open channels to piped networks, has reduced the need for electricity
a number of ecosystems including projects covering riparian planting, nanga spawning, and improved water supply reliability.
predator and weed control and habitat enhancement for native species. On-farm investment has improved water use efficiency with over 50% of all farming
Many community groups and agencies have been working long term to support the health operations using efficient irrigation equipment and only 5% still engaged in the use of flood
irrigation. In addition, 83% of all water takes are telemetered, providing daily information
and restoration of waterbodies across the region and restoration of ecological health of the
on water use across the region. For some farms getting to GMP is likely to require on-farm
lakes and rivers depends on their continued goodwill and support. Growing the partnership
investment, or changes in practice, to ensure nutrient limits are met. To date over 3,000
with these groups and agencies is essential to ensuring that targets are achieved for braided farms have completed FEPs and with the help of irrigation scheme managers some 300
rivers, and the restoration of the health of lowland and high country ecosystems. have been audited.
A key restoration programme is Whakaora Te Waihora an extensive restoration for
Challenges and opportunities
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The Te Waihora co-governance agreement includes
Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu, Environment Canterbury, Selwyn District Council and There are still some challenges ahead to achieve the targets as specified. Additional work
Christchurch City Council who are working together to achieve rehabilitation and on understanding recreational values, working together to improve the management of
restoration of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. See www.waihora.org for more information. braided rivers and continued effort on mahinga kai values are areas for further development.
Improved monitoring and reporting of ecosystem health and biodiversity outcomes needs
Ngi Tahu values are central to the CWMS to be established so that outcomes rather than activities can be reported. Monitoring and
reporting on the achievement of nutrient efficiency targets is also important as improved
Working with mana whenua is core to the CWMS. The entire Canterbury region lies water quality underpins progress in ecosystem health, recreational, mahinga kai and
within the takiw of Ngi Tahu, and there are 10 Papatipu Rnanga represented on CWMS drinking water targets.
committees. Environment Canterbury is continuing to build relationships with Ngi Tahu
This report signals that the next few years need to focus on implementation. Primary
in order to ensure good CWMS outcomes for rnanga. The CWMS kaitiakitanga targets
industry groups, NGOs, councils, iwi, voluntary groups, health boards and many others
underpin the work that is done, based on the importance of water as a taonga and the
have a part to play. It takes time to build trust with these agencies, but implementation of
importance of the Ngi Tahu ethic ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea). community recommendations is impossible without working together. National agencies/
The district and city councils are also key partners in the development and implementation industries often have greater resources and coverage than NGOs and this needs to be
of the CWMS and have significant responsibilities in providing secure drinking water supplies considered to ensure equal participation of all groups.
and managing the impacts of urban stormwater run-off. Both are major undertakings This report covers progress against the targets specified in the CWMS but describes only part
involving commitments to long term infrastructure and funding and are essential to the of the story. There are many additional projects underway at a local level which contribute to
success of the CWMS. the success of the CWMS. To learn more visit www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Environmental Limits ........................................................................ 8 Chapter 5: Drinking Water ................................................................................ 30
Environmental Flows and Catchment Load Limits Source Water Quality Targets
Catchment Nutrient Load
Chapter 2: Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity ................................................. 12
Chapter 6: Recreation and Amenity Opportunities ........................................... 34
Freshwater Species and their Habitat
Water Based Recreational Opportunities
Wetlands
Recreational Water Flows
Drylands
Freshwater Angling
Hpua, Lagoons, Estuaries Recreational Water Quality
Lowland Streams and Lakes
Chapter 7: Water-use Efficiency ....................................................................... 40
High Country and Foothill Streams and Lakes
Best Practice and Benchmarking
Understanding Emerging Contaminant Risks
Chapter 8: Irrigated Land Area .......................................................................... 42
Chapter 3: Natural Character of Braided Rivers ................................................ 23 Land Area and Reliability
Braided River Character Infrastructure
Ecosystems, Habitats and Species/Riparian Wetlands, Springs and Lagoons
Chapter 9: Energy Security and Efficiency ........................................................ 46
Chapter 4: Kaitiakitanga .................................................................................... 26 Energy Security and Efficiency
Marae Water Supply Chapter 10: Indicators of Regional and National Economies ............................ 47
Working Together in Partnership Added-value from Water
Whi Taonga and Mahinga Kai Externalities and Opportunity Costs
6
Fig 1: Canterbury Water Management Strategy Water Zones
A collaborative Canterbury process brought to you by:

Kaikura
Ashburton District Council Papatipu Rnanga Zone Clarence
River
Christchurch City Council -- Arowhenua -- nuku
Environment Canterbury -- Kaikura -- Rpaki
Hurunui District Council -- Koukourrata -- Te Taumutu
Kaikura District Council -- Moeraki -- Wairewa
Hurunui
Mackenzie District Council -- Ngi Thuriri -- Waihao Waiau Zone Waiau
Selwyn District Council River
Timaru District Council Hurunui
River
Waimakariri District Council
Waimate District Council
Waitaki District Council
Waimakariri
Canterbury Mayoral Forum Zone Waimakariri
Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu River
Christchurch -
Selwyn West Melton Zone
Waihora Zone
Ashburton
Zone Banks
Rakaia
Peninsula
River Zone
Orari-Temuka-
Opihi-Pareora
Zone
Upper Waitaki Rangitata
Zone River
Lower Waitaki
- South Coastal
Cover photo: Canterbury Zone
Taken from above the
Rangitata River looking Waitaki
towards Peel Forest. River
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Chapter 1: Environmental Limits
Environmental Flows and Catchment Load Limits

Collaborative process is at the heart of the CWMS. It empowers communities to make their own decisions about how best to meet agreed, region wide and local targets. Through the
CWMS, the process of setting Environmental Limits (including environmental flows, allocation limits and nutrient loads) provides an opportunity for the community to take local ownership
of water management, and to work together through complex information, to reach decisions around priority outcomes and values.
Zone Committees and communities are working collaboratively through the Resource Management Act (RMA) plan development timetable. This intensive process transfers the priority
outcomes and values into resource management plans, supports Environment Canterbury to meet its statutory responsibilities, and achieves sustainable management of the regions
water and land resources and aligns the planning framework to CWMS targets. For a summary of this process see page 10.
T2,3 T1
Targets Progress to 2020 Not started Started Progress Good progress Achieving
By 2015:
Target 1: Set environmental flows for surface streams, Target 1: Environment Canterbury has made significant sector over several years to define acceptable
rivers and groundwater that are consistent with the progress towards setting environmental limits through farming practices. These 'Good Management
fundamental principles of the CWMS. the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP). The LWRP, Practices' (GMPs) now provide farmers and council
effective from January 2012, sets environmental limits with a shared understanding of how to limit nutrient
Set catchment load limits for nutrients for each
that require farmers and other land users to 'hold the losses and manage environmental impacts.
water management zone that are consistent with the
line' and not increase nitrate losses. Zone committees are central to developing the
fundamental principles of the CWMS. Established and
begun to implement a programme to apply environmental The LWRP provides a region wide planning framework planning framework, and are focused on a work
flows to existing consents. within which catchment specific plan changes (sub- programme to deliver a range of on-the-ground
regional chapters) are added which introduce local projects to improve water quality, see page 11.
By 2020: limits. Several catchment specific plan changes Target 2: Catchment loads and flows are being
Target 2: Review of environmental flows and catchment are either completed or underway in each zone, see monitored by Environment Canterbury through
load limits in response to changing monitoring information, fig 2 for progress on these numbered plan changes. the regular state of the environment monitoring
new understanding and technologies, and if requested by The sub-regional chapters are developed via a detailed programme. Water levels and river flows and water
regional and Zone Committees. and intensive community engagement and planning quality are monitored monthly and include over
process, outlined on page 10. 100 recreational sites. Zone committees are regularly
Target 3: Established and begun to implement a programme
In addition to sub-regional plan changes, a suite of updated with this information which is used for
to review existing consents where such review is necessary
improvements has been made to the LWRP through decision making for the sub-regional plans.
in order to achieve catchment load limits.
the Omnibus change (Plan change 4), relating to Target 3: Specific catchment load limits have been,
By 2040: improved biodiversity outcomes, protection of nanga or are being, set in sub-regional plans; for progress,
spawning habitat, storm-water management, drinking see fig 2. Environment Canterbury continues to monitor
Review of environmental flows and catchment load limits water source protection, and the exclusion of livestock and model catchment loads and work through zone
in response to changing monitoring information, new from lakes and rivers. committees to determine whether consent reviews are
understanding and technologies, and if requested by
The latest update to the LWRP (Plan change 5) will necessary to achieve catchment load limits. Because
Regional and Zone Committees. Environmental flow and
require farmers to reduce nutrient losses and manage there have been several recent updates to the planning
catchment load limits achieved in all water-bodies.
their land in an environmentally sustainable way. framework the approach has been to set consent
Environment Canterbury has worked with the primary durations to deliver on catchment load limits.
8
Environmental Limits: Chapter 1
Fig 2: Progress on Catchment Level Environmental Limit-setting
Hurunui Waiau
Environmental limits for Hurunui and Waiau rivers established in 2013 Plan.
Collaborative process underway to address aspects of 2013 Plan.
Kaikura
Waimakariri
Zone Committee developing solutions package through community collaborative phase.
Working towards recommending Solutions Package of environmental limits
and complementary on-the-ground actions in 2018.
Plan change to be notified in 2019.
Hurunui Waiau
Selwyn Waihora/Wairewa (Plan Change 1 and 6)
Environmental limits in place (environmental flows, allocation
limits, nutrient limits for phosphorus and nitrogen).
Communications campaign underway in Selwyn Waihora.
Resources for farmers in place for both catchments. Waimakariri
Hinds Catchment (Plan Change 2)
Council has adopted Hearing Panel recommendations. Christchurch - West Melton
Council working with Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation and
Rangitata Diversion Race to resolve their appeals.
Selwyn Waihora
Orari-Temuka-Opihi-Pareora /Wairewa
Zone Committee developing solutions package
through community collaborative phase.
Working towards recommending Solutions Package Ashburton to Rakaia
of environmental limits and complementary
on-the-ground actions by early 2018.
Plan change to be notified in late 2018. Hinds Plains
South Coastal Canterbury (Plan Change 3)

Council has adopted Hearing Panel recommendations. Orari-Temuka-Opihi-Pareora Environmental Limit Setting
Appeals have been resolved. Submissions and
Media campaign underway and resources. Independent Hearings
to support farms are being developed. South Coastal Canterbury Drafting Catchment
Specific Plan Changes
Waitaki (Plan Change 5, Part B)
Community
Council has adopted Hearing Panel recommendations. Waitaki Collaboration
Media campaign for environmental limits underway. Zone Implementation
Research into complementary on-the ground actions has begun. Programmes
9
Chapter 1: Environmental Limits
The Collaborative Process

The CWMS provides an opportunity for the community, through Zone Committees, to take local ownership of water management and work together through complex information to reach
decisions on priority outcomes and values, and to develop catchment-specific action plans (solutions packages). The solutions packages include a range of measures to inform catchment
specific resource management rules. Typically the solutions packages include environmental flows, allocation limits, and catchment nutrient load limits. Environmental flows include
minimum flows at which abstraction must cease, and allocation limits that set the total volume of water allocated for abstraction. Catchment nutrient loads set limits in terms of total
nutrients that can be absorbed in the catchment. Land use activities must be managed to meet these limits.
There are four stages to the collaborative process:
Zone Implementation Programmes (ZIPS)

The collaborative community process is supported by ten catchment based Zone Committees, established as joint committees of the District or City Councils and Environment Canterbury,
with membership from local rnanga and five appointed community members. Each of these committees has developed a non-statutory Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) that identifies
priority outcomes and practical water management actions for their zone. Implementation of these ZIPs by committees, councils and other agencies is underway throughout the region.
Community Collaboration
Options for environmental limits are considered by the community with consultation led by Zone Committees. Using the outcomes and values described in the ZIP and with technical,
facilitation and administrative support from Environment Canterbury, the community explores a range of scenarios to determine the social, cultural, economic and environmental
consequences of setting limits. Community members work together to understand complex technical information and incorporate local knowledge to arrive at meaningful options
for water management.
The process is intensive, typically requiring between 70 and 100 community and stakeholder meetings and workshops, over a period of 18 months to 2 years. Each meeting requires
considerable preparation and involvement of Zone Committee members and interested people from the community as well as scientists, planners, and facilitators. A full range
of social, economic, environmental, recreational and cultural values and interests are taken into account during decision making.
The final output from this process is a solutions package comprising actions on the ground, and recommendations for changes to regional plans. The solutions package is formally
adopted by the local council(s) and by Environment Canterbury and work priorities and programmes are reorganised and developed to facilitate implementation.
Drafting Catchment Specific Plan Change

The solutions package is used as the basis for drafting catchment policies and rules to incorporate into the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP). Council planning staff liaise with the
Zone Committee to check if there are issues of inconsistency or conflict. As the plan change is drafted, particular regard is given to the vision and principles of the CWMS (incorporated
in the Environment Canterbury Act 2010). Once drafted, the council notifies the plan change in line with RMA requirements, providing time for further public consultation.
Submissions and Independent Hearings

The plan change goes through a rigorous process of public consultation, with submissions and further submissions being made. All material is then considered by an independent
hearing panel. Hearings commissioners are appointed for their understanding of the law, technical expertise and knowledge of tikanga Mori. The independent hearing panel makes
recommendations to Environment Canterbury. These recommendations are then adopted as the Council's Decision. Unlike other parts of New Zealand where merits of decisions are
appealable first to the Environment Court, decisions of Environment Canterbury can only be challenged on points of law to the High Court. This has proven to be a key driver in focusing
stakeholders on investing considerable resource into the collaborative community process. Once appeals to the High Court are resolved, Council formally adopts the plan change and
it becomes operative.
10
Environmental Limits: Chapter 1
Fig 3: Work Programmes by Zone
Action on the Ground

The ten zone committees (largely based on river catchments) are tasked with
Clarence
implementing the targets in each zone. Every committee has now developed a River
Work Programme, setting out how they want to see progress made in their area.
Zone teams have a mix of skills and backgrounds and have been established to
support actions on the ground.
Zone teams work programmes cover all CWMS target areas and include work on;
community outreach, lowland stream health, promoting and encouraging industry-
agreed Good Management Practice (GMP), biodiversity projects, support for community Waiau
River
groups, hapua & lagoons projects, work on braided rivers and drinking water protection.
Progress reports are available online at ecan.govt.nz/myzone Hurunui
River
The Zone teams are instrumental in facilitating the on-the-ground changes in farming
practice which will protect and ultimately improve water quality and ecosystem health.
Having set the rules, the approach, is to work with farmers to measure and understand
whats happening on their farms, take responsibility for any nitrates leaching from their
farm, and show how they are dealing with it through a Farm Environment Plan (FEP). Waimakariri
River
Zone teams also work closely alongside industry organisations like
DairyNZ, Fonterra, Beef & Lamb and Irrigation New Zealand to support
farmers through the changes. Information on the new planning rules
is now available at canterburywater.farm. With the establishment
of industry-agreed good management practices for farming
and approved auditors in place, there are now over 3,000
FEPs in place and more than 300 farms audited. Rakaia
Biodiversity officers are members of Zone teams River
and, working with community groups and individuals,
have supported the development of more than
400 restoration projects, awarded funding totalling Rangitata
River
$6.8 million, to deliver 420km of fencing to protect Work Programme Type
over 1,700 ha of stream riparian margins, wetlands, Biodiversity Lowland Streams
lagoons and native bush. Braided Rivers Mahinga Kai
Compliance Monitoring Recreation
Drinking Water RMA Planning
Good Management Practice Science & Monitoring
Infrastructure Stormwater
Waitaki
River Lake Interventions Wetland Protection
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Chapter 2: Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity
Freshwater Species and their Habitat

Freshwater environments and their inhabitants have considerable ecological and cultural value. Several of our native freshwater species are in decline, or are nationally threatened.
Other introduced species are of significant value to recreational fisheries but can pose a threat to native freshwater fish. A regional habitat restoration programme is underway and
takes a catchment-based approach to restoring the habitat of freshwater fish species.
T1,2 T3,4
From 2010:
Implement actions to correct the decline in freshwater Target 1 & 2: Salmon spawning sites have been nanga spawning sites and erect fish barriers. The next
species, habitat quality or ecosystems. mapped and are set out in Schedule 17 of the phase of the initiative will focus on long-finned eel/
Land and Water Regional Plan. tuna. Monitoring has helped to understand the impact
By 2015:
The annual Fish & Game NZ Salmon Monitoring of these projects.
Target 1: No further reduction in the number and areas
Programme is focused on maintaining sustainable Target 3: Environment Canterbury has a
of existing salmon spawning sites.
populations of harvestable species and monitoring comprehensive monitoring programme for water
Target 2: Increasing annual trout spawning counts in spawning numbers in important areas. Fish & Game NZ quality and invertebrates which does not include
identified important areas (based on a 5-year average) data shows that across the range of spawning surveys a native fish monitoring programme; it falls across
as an indicator of habitat availability for salmonid and completed over the past 9 years, there continues to be several agencies (e.g. DOC, Fish & Game, NIWA).
indigenous fish species. a significant downward trend in spawning numbers. Invertebrate monitoring, done as part of ecosystem
By 2020: Through Plan Change 4, Canterbury now has a health monitoring (see page 20) tells us about aquatic
comprehensive set of rules for stock exclusion from biodiversity but is not designed to specifically target
Target 3: An upward trend in diversity and abundance
waterways. Fish & Game NZ is working with high biodiversity. Environment Canterbury has begun
of native fish populations.
country landowners, to protect and restore riparian discussion with Zone Committees to scope fish
Target 4: Increased the length of waterways with areas and minimise intensive farming practices monitoring requirements.
riparian management appropriate to aquatic upstream and adjacent to spawning streams. Target 4: Over 50% of the Immediate Steps Biodiversity
ecosystem protection by 50% from 2010 figures.
The LWRP has identified nanga Spawning Habitat projects since 2010 are dedicated to fencing and
on the planning maps and contains specific rules planting, see fig 4.
for excluding stock from nanga spawning habitats DairyNZ and Environment Canterbury have developed
on the bed and banks of lakes, permanently or guidelines for land management in riparian margins.
intermittently flowing (but not ephemeral) rivers, Fonterra are currently developing technologies for
artificial watercourse, coastal lagoons or wetlands. farmers to report progress on fencing waterways and
Under the direction of the Zone Committees, the planting riparian margins. Synlaits certified Lead
Immediate Steps Biodiversity programme invested with Pride farms programme sets procedures for
in 60 projects aimed at improving fish habitat. riparian management. The Water Accord includes
Between July 2014 and June 2017, Environment commitments for riparian planting plans, effluent
Canterbury coordinated a regional fish habitat initiative. management, comprehensive standards for new dairy
15 key projects leveraged over $340,000 support from farms and measures to improve the efficiency of water
landowners and partners to protect mudfish and and nutrient use on farms.
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Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity: Chapter 2
Fig 4: Immediate Steps Projects by Zone
Immediate Steps Programme

Launched in 2010, the Immediate Steps biodiversity protection and Clarence
restoration programme continues to be an integral part of the CWMS. River
Through Immediate Steps, $2 million is available annually for protecting
and restoring biodiversity in and around freshwater habitats.
Funding is allocated to on-the-ground actions aimed at halting or reversing
the decline in indigenous biodiversity.
Project recommendations are considered by Zone Committees and the Regional Waiau
Committee, with guidance from Environment Canterburys biodiversity officers River
working in zone delivery teams and working alongside Canterbury Biodiversity Hurunui
Strategy partners. River
Why is Immediate Steps needed?

Freshwater ecosystems provide an important habitat for many fish, insects,
plants and birds. They act as corridors and stepping stones that connect
different habitats and ecosystems. Native biodiversity has declined over Waimakariri
River
many years. Increased intensive land use such as vegetation clearance, Rakaia and Rangitata Regional
water and gravel abstraction along rivers and streams, has degraded the Upper Catchments Projects
natural habitat and caused pollutants to enter these freshwater
ecosystems. The CWMS has highlighted declining health of the regions
freshwater ecosystems and the loss of native biodiversity as a key
community concern for which specific targets have been set.
Immediate Steps flagship projects Te Waihora/
Rakaia
River Lake Ellesmere
The Regional Committee has decided on three flagship
projects to support over the next five years: Te Waihora/
Lake Ellesmere enhancement project; The Braided River
Rangitata
Flagship with a focus on enhancement of the upper River
catchments of the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers; and
the Wainono Lagoon project. Project Type
Progress to date Braided Rivers Intermontane Streams
By May 2017, more than 400 projects had been Wainono Coastal Lakes, Hpua, Lowland Streams
awarded funding totalling $6.8 million through the Lagoons and Estuaries
Lagoon Wetlands
Immediate Steps Fund. These projects will see more Drylands
than 480,000 native plantings and the erection of almost Flagship Projects
High Country Lakes
420km of fencing to protect 1,700ha of stream riparian Waitaki
margins, wetlands, lagoons and native bush. River Hill Country Catchments
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Wetlands
Wetlands, riparian margins and other areas of indigenous vegetation create habitats for indigenous fauna and have important natural character values. In Canterbury, less than 10 percent
of the regions previously-extensive freshwater natural wetlands remain. Drivers of change, particularly wetland loss since European settlement, include drainage, diversion of water, infilling,
reclamation, urban development, flooding, fire, vegetation clearance, cultivation, grazing and spread of introduced species. The mapping of the wetlands, and wetland projects helps us
paint a picture of where remaining wetlands are, whether they are protected and identification of gaps to be filled. Planning provisions that protect the biodiversity values of natural wetlands
are critical and are included in Canterburys regional policy statement and plans. The Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) requires the protection and maintenance of wetlands
that contribute to cultural and community values, biodiversity, water quality, mahinga kai, water cleansing and flood mitigation.
From 2010:
Prevent further loss of area of naturally occurring wetlands. Through the Immediate Steps Biodiversity Wetlands remain subject to the core provisions of
programme, wetland protection and restoration the RMA that apply to freshwater bodies and the
By 2015:
projects continue to be implemented for two or Coastal Marine Area. Planning provisions that offer
Protected all and restored at least two significant wetlands more naturally occurring wetlands, every year, additional protections are in place through the Land
in each zone. in each CWMS zone. and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) including policies
Funding is available annually for protection and where intensively farmed stock must be excluded
By 2020/2040: from lakes, rivers and wetlands.
restoration of biodiversity on private and public
Protected all wetlands. Potential ecological impacts on wetlands are assessed
land, including for naturally occurring wetlands.
Approximately $1.7m of Immediate Steps Biodiversity during consents processes and development.
funding has been invested in 132 wetland projects Over 3,000 Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) have been
across the region. Of these wetland project sites, completed across the region. FEPs are developed by
46 have legal protection. farmers to identify at risk areas on farms. FEPs also
Threatened wetland areas have been identified outline actions needed to improve management of
and Immediate Steps projects prioritised according nutrient, soils and water bodies including wetlands.
to ecological and cultural rankings. The goal is to have all farms at Good Management
Practice (GMP).
The Regional Wetlands map has been compiled
from the Freshwater Ecosystems of New Zealand
(FENZ) wetland spatial layer for Canterbury.
The map also includes results of field surveys,
mapping and descriptions of the regions coastal
wetland habitats. The wetlands of Canterbury have
also been mapped and described using the systems,
techniques and classifications of Johnson & Gerbeaux
(2004), Clackson et al. (2003) and Atkinson (1985).
Primary classification was based on vegetation
structure (e.g shrubland, reedland, herbfield).
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Drylands Fig 5: Wetland and Dryland Projects

Drylands are unique ecosystems that provide habitat for rare and threatened species.
Presently only around 3% (60,000ha) of dryland ecosystems in Canterbury are protected.
Projects for protection and restoration are underway. Priority needs to be given to effective Clarence
planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure no further loss of remaining dryland biodiversity. River
Target and Progress to 2020

From 2010: Maintain existing high quality indigenous aquatic and dryland ecosystems
in intermontane basins and on the plains.
Waiau
River
Not started Started Progress Good progress Achieving Hurunui
River
Zone Committees have awarded $360,000 Immediate Steps Biodiversity
funding to 29 projects at 19 locations for dryland ecosystems including
work on weed and pest control, see fig 5.
The Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy (CBS) has carried out an additional Waimakariri
52 projects, with $390,000 of CBS funding. Only 60ha of land across River
the Canterbury Plains are protected dryland ecosystems.
The Mackenzie Basin is recognised for its extensive dryland
ecosystems. While large areas of high value habitats for
indigenous biodiversity still remain, there has been
significant loss of habitat on low-altitude flats and
valley floors as a result of land-use intensification.
Rakaia
Both the Upper and Lower Waitaki Zone Committees River
set community outcomes to protect and enhance the
biodiversity of water bodies and high quality drylands.
The resulting rule framework, Plan Change 5, limits Rangitata
the scope of dryland development and could result River
in fewer areas of high biodiversity disappearing and
may provide better opportunities for ecological
linkages across the drylands.
DOC has an initiative called the Mackenzie Drylands
Park which shows how dryland ecosystems can be
restored. Landcare Research, together with a number Project Type
of agencies, has also been investigating how dryland Wetlands
ecosystems function and how they can be restored. Waitaki
River Drylands
15
Hpua, Lagoons and Estuaries

Hpua, lagoons and estuaries are examples of coastal aquatic environments where the mix of coastal, surface water and groundwater systems produces an often dynamic environment
from freshwater through to brackish and saline conditions. These areas provide an important habitat for a diverse array of native plant and animal species including mahinga kai species
such as tuangi (cockles), pipi which is endemic to New Zealand, harakeke (flax), and tuna (eel). They also provide important nursery and spawning grounds for marine and freshwater
fish species such as nanga (whitebait), tuna (eel), ptiki (flounder) and margin habitats for the kowaro (Canterbury mudfish). Examples in Canterbury include hpua river mouth lagoons
such as the Rakaia and Ashburton river mouths, Waituna type lagoons or coastal lakes such as Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and Wainono Lagoon, tidal estuaries such as the Avon-Heathcote/
Ihutai or freshwater river mouths such as the Clarence River.
Te Waihora is one of New Zealands most important wetlands and is internationally significant for its abundance and diversity of wildlife. Te Waihora is a tribal taonga, central to Ngi Tahu
culture, and is valued for its recreation and cultural worth, and unique ecological value. There are many active organisations and agencies involved in work to protect, restore and enhance
the lake. Whakaora Te Waihora is a joint programme of work between Environment Canterbury, Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu, and the Ministry for the Environment to restore Te Waihora/Lake
Ellesmere. The Te Waihora Joint Management Plan Mahere Tukutahi o Te Waihora is a joint land management plan between the Crown and Iwi for integrated management of the
Selwyn Waihora catchment.
T2 T1
From 2010:
Implement actions to prevent further loss of ecosystem Target 1: Whakaora Te Waihora is a joint programme Key phase one achievements include:
health in river mouths and coastal lagoons. of work to restore the mauri and ecology of Te Waihora/ Planted over 200,000 plants across 81 sites.
Lake Ellesmere. Phase One (2012-2017) has been funded
By 2015: Re-establishing Te Repo Orariki (Taumutu Wetlands)
by the Government, Environment Canterbury, and
Target 1: Accelerate the current riparian restoration and in partnership with Te Taumutu Rnanga.
Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu, and the programme is
management programme for Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere governed by the Te Waihora Co-Governance Conducted willow control at priority sites. Due to
and tributary streams. Group (members include Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu, combined efforts in recent years, willows have largely
Environment Canterbury, Selwyn District Council, been controlled on the eastern shore of the lake.
By 2020:
and Christchurch City Council). The programmes Progressing the pioneering trial establishment of
Target 2: A significant protection and restoration goals are to: macrophyte beds, where macrophytes are being
programme is in place on the most ecologically significant planted behind wave-barriers.
Accelerate the restoration of ecosystem health;
river mouth or coastal lagoon in each management zone.
Start the process of restoring and enhancing specific An assessment of fisheries management.
By 2040: cultural sites and mahinga kai; Supporting Lincoln University on the development
Examples of thriving coastal lagoons and lowland or Protect and restore lowland tributary and lake and implementation of an integrated monitoring plan.
spring-fed ecosystems in each water management zone. margin wetland habitats; Re-battered 31.7km of waterways to reduce sediment.
Improve land catchment management See the programmes website www.tewaihora.org,
practices; and, including stories on further achievements.
Establish a robust monitoring and investigations Target 2: See fig 6. A significant project is underway
programme. in each of the water management zones.
16
Fig 6: Significant Projects on River Mouths or Coastal Lagoons
Significant Projects by Zone

1. Waikau/Lyell Creek: In 2012 the Kikoura Zone 8. Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon: An action plan has Clarence
Committee made cleaning up the Waikau/Lyell Creek a been developed which includes a water quality monitoring River
priority. Love the Lyell made significant progress in 2015/16
1
programme, enhancement of nanga spawning habitat,
through esplanade development along Lyell Creek/Waikau feasibility of developing wetlands and development of
through riparian planting and walkway development. a walking and biking track.
2. Waipara River Hpua Action Strategy: An action plan 9. Wainono Restoration Project: This regionally significant
was developed following a recommendation of the Zone coastal wetland provides habitat to white heron, royal Waiau
Committees working group. An opening protocol, centred spoonbill, wrybill, pied stilt, grey teal, eels and nanga River
around flooding and fish passage, has been agreed and a (whitebait). The Hook Catchment and Wainono Water Hurunui
consent progressed for opening the Waipara River mouth. Users groups have had significant involvement in the River
3. Ttaepatu Lagoon: Project began in 2010 and has restoration. Projects have included weed control, willow
clearance, fish barriers and work alongside farmers in
included the removal of weeds and control of predators 2
allowing room for native species such as kahikatea, the catchment to minimise sediment and nutrient losses.
mudfish, morepork and bittern to thrive throughout the 3 Waimakariri
lagoon area. Over 30,000 native trees have been planted. River
4. Whaka naka Causing Whitebait: The project
improved naka/ whitebait spawning in Christchurch 4
rivers. Over 200 straw bales were set out along spawning
stretches of the waterways at the start of the 2016 spawning
season. Ongoing work by the Avon-Heathcote Estuary 6 5
Ihutai Trust includes a range of projects to restore and
Rakaia
enhance the estuary. River
7
5. Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth Catchment: The Banks
Peninsula Zone Committee has made significant progress
with several partners: Work includes Plan Change 6 to the Rangitata
River
LWRP, consent to continue to use the canal, opening to
the sea and work to clear willows blocking the kana River. 8
6. Whakaora Te Waihora: (See main text for progress.)
7. Ashburton River/Hakatere: Environment Canterbury,
the Department of Conservation and the Ashburton Branch
of Forest & Bird have raised awareness of the value of the 9
large black-billed gull colony near the SH1 bridge, and Project Type
reduced the impacts of woody weeds and mammalian Waitaki Coastal Lakes, Hpua,
predators on a particularly high-value reach of the river. River Lagoons and Estuaries
17
Lowland Streams and Lakes

Lowland streams and rivers have lower ecosystem health and habitat quality than those in the high country as they are impacted by multiple stressors. These include low flows, habitat
degradation and declines in water quality due to diffuse discharges of agricultural and urban contaminants. Land use is of greater intensity in the flatter low country. Contaminants
accumulate in groundwater, which re-emerges in lowland streams. Spring-fed streams tend to meander through farms and urban areas, and are susceptible to both localised and diffuse
contaminant sources. Actions are underway at numerous sites, catchment-wide, to effect change in land use management that will support all waterways.
From 2010:
Identify and prioritise protection for lowland streams Zone Committees are identifying priority areas Freshwater outcomes for Canterbury Lowland lakes
ecosystems in each zone. according to ecological and cultural rankings. have been set in the Land and Water Plan. Each
By 2015: By 2017, Immediate Steps has allocated $900,000 lake has a set Trophic Level Index (TLI) based on its
to 60 sites across Canterbury. characteristics. Five lowland lakes are monitored
Protect and enhance the ecological health of the best
examples of lowland streams ecosystems in each zone. Aquatic Ecosystem Health (AEH) (page 20), habitat for water quality in Canterbury; none meet the TLI
Improve ecosystem condition in at least another and Water Quality Index (WQI) (page 21), is being targets. Efforts are being made by landowners to
10% of lowland streams in each zone. monitored by Environment Canterbury throughout reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen
the region. Sites are selected to represent different entering the lakes. This includes significant work
By 2020: river types that encompass various sources of flow,
with landowners surrounding Te Waihora and
Improve condition and water quality in at least 60% of elevations and land uses.
Wainono Lagoon. Mudfish, eels, weeds and willows
lowland streams and 60% of lowland lakes in each zone. Lowland streams and rivers have low AEH scores.
have been the recent focus of the team working at
Around 36% of lower hill-fed streams and 67% of
By 2040: spring-fed streams on the plains are indicative of Wainono Lagoon on Te Rnanga o Waihaos Te Mana
100% of lowland areas and spring-fed streams with poor condition. 32% of sites have shown a general O Te Wai Project. The work on improving water quality
at least good aquatic ecosystem health, or showing decline, while 17% have shown an improvement. around and in Te Waihora is summarised on page 16.
an upward trend. The WQI, indicates that around 15% of lowland Five lowland lakes are monitored for water quality
streams are in poor or very poor condition. 38% of in Canterbury. Four out of five lakes are currently
lowland sites have shown a general improvement considered Hypertrophic, with one considered
in WQI grades, while 4% of sites indicate a general Eutrophic using the Trophic Level Index (TLI).
grade decline.
Environment Canterbury provides data on the state
There are currently eight monitoring sites in urban
streams. In 2016, three sites had very poor AEH of Canterburys waterways to the national database
grades, and one poor AEH grade. Two sites had Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA). For more
a good WQI grade, while one site is fair and the information on local to national state and trends
other poor. of water resources, visit www.lawa.org.nz.
18
High Country and Foothill Streams and Lakes

Water quality in the high country is variable among river types, predominantly influenced by sediment inputs and associated contaminants from overland run-off and stock access. Aquatic
ecosystem health and water quality is typically higher than in lowland streams, particularly for streams that receive a large volume of flow from higher up in the catchment. Spring-fed streams
in the high country are particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and siltation through stock access, upwelling of groundwater and associated contaminants or runoff from intensive land
use. Hill-fed streams may be hampered by inflowing spring-fed tributaries or fluxes of contaminant sources during high flows. Alpine and hill sourced rivers are generally less impacted by
contamination sources due to a large volume of flow originating high up in the catchment.
By 2015:
Highlighted any high country spring-fed or foothill By 2017, Immediate Steps has allocated $1.4m to Freshwater outcomes for Canterburys High Country
streams where ecosystem health is declining, and 65 sites in high country and intermontane streams. lakes have been set in the Land and Water Plan.
identified the cause with an action plan in place. Aquatic Ecosystem Health (AEH) (page 20), habitat Lakes have a set TLI based on their characteristics.
TLI is calculated using monthly measurements over
and Water Quality Index (WQI) (page 21), is being
By 2020: summer of three separate factors: total nitrogen, total
monitored by Environment Canterbury throughout
All foothill rivers and high country rivers and/ or lakes phosphorous, and chlorophyll-a. 15 of the 27 regularly
the region. Sites are selected to represent different
either in good ecological health or better, or showing monitored lakes are currently below their target TLI.
upward trends. river types that encompass various sources of flow, There are specific provisions within the planning
elevations and land uses. framework that set rules for the management of land
By 2040: Smaller high country rivers and streams have variable activity around sensitive lake zones in Canterbury
Maintained upland spring-fed streams and lakes in very AEH and WQI, depending primarily on the intensity whereby farming activity will require a resource
good aquatic ecosystem health (no decline from 2010). of land use along their banks. consent. Environment Canterbury is working with
80% of other rivers/streams and lakes with very good landowners in these lake zones to improve land
aquatic ecosystem health. The AEH grades indicate that around 50% of sites are
management practices and improve water quality.
graded good or very good. 19% of sites have shown
a general improvement in aquatic ecosystem grade, There are specific provisions in the Land and Water
Regional Plan, relating to vegetation clearance, stock
while 23% of sites have shown a general decline.
exclusion and earthworks on river margins.
The WQI indicates that 64% of high country and
Environment Canterbury is working with landowners
foothill streams are in good or very good condition.
to protect and maintain riparian margins. It is a now a
38% of sites have shown a general improvement non-complying activity for intensively farmed stock to
in AEH grades, while 3% of sites have shown a use and disturb the bed and banks of any lake.
general decline.
Environment Canterbury provides data on the state
The Trophic Level Index (TLI) indicates that 92% of Canterburys waterways to the national database
of high country lakes are between Ultramicrotrophic LAWA. For more information on local to national state
to Mesotrophic. and trends of water resources, visit www.lawa.org.nz.
19
Fig 7: Aquatic Ecosystem Health (AEH) Grade of Lowland and High Country Streams
Aquatic Ecosystem Health monitoring is carried out annually, in spring/early summer, at around 200 sites throughout Canterbury.
Streams are chosen to represent the full range of waterways in the region; alpine, lowland, spring-fed and hillfed.
Clarence
Ecosystem health is determined according to the number and types of aquatic organisms present at a site. The score for each stream River
type is standardised against the score from a reference, or best available, site to control for natural variability which affects all streams.
Lowland Streams
Lower hill-fed Spring-fed plains and
streams urban streams Waiau
River
Hurunui
River
2015-16
2015-16
2014-15
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2016-17
2016-17
2012-13
2012-13
2010-11
2010-11
2011-12
2011-12
Waimakariri
River
High Country and Foothill Streams
Banks Peninsula Alpine
streams streams
Rakaia
River
Grade
2015-16
2015-16
2014-15
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2016-17
2016-17
2012-13
2012-13
2010-11
2010-11
2011-12
2011-12
Rangitata Very Good

River
Upper hill-fed Spring-fed Good
streams upland streams
Fair
Poor
Very Poor
E Improved
No Change
2015-16
2015-16
2014-15
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2016-17
2016-17
2012-13
2012-13
2010-11
2010-11
2011-12
2011-12
Waitaki
_ Declined
River
20
Fig 8: Water Quality Index (WQI) Monitoring Programme of Lowland and High Country Streams
A Water Quality Index (WQI) is used to summarise physical and chemical water quality for river and stream sites in Canterbury.
The index compares raw water quality data to recommended water quality guidelines of six key parameters1.
Clarence
When deriving a WQI score for a site, the number of parameters that dont meet the water quality guidelines are taken into consideration, River
as well as the frequency and magnitude of transgressions. This score is ranked to give a single grade from 'very poor' to 'very good'2.
Lowland Streams
Lower hill-fed Spring-fed streams
streams on the plains Waiau
River
Hurunui
River
2008-10
2008-10
2009-11
2009-11
2010-12
2010-12
2015-16
2014-15
2015-16
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2011-13
2011-13
Waimakariri
River
High Country and Foothill Streams
Banks Peninsula Alpine upper and
streams lower streams
Rakaia
River
2008-10
2008-10
Grade
2009-11
2009-11
2010-12
2010-12
2015-16
2015-16
2014-15
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2011-13
2011-13
Rangitata Very Good

River
Upper hill-fed Spring-fed upland Good
streams and basin streams
Fair
Poor
Very Poor
E Improved
2008-10
2008-10
No Change
2009-11
2009-11
2010-12
2010-12
2015-16
2014-15
2015-16
2014-15
2013-14
2013-14
2011-13
2011-13
Waitaki
_ Declined
River
1
Nitrate+nitrite nitrogen, Escherichia coli, Ammonia-nitrogen, Suspended Sediment, Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus, Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen. 21
2
The WQI is intended to provide a summary of key water quality parameters, but should be used only as an indicator of overall water quality.
Understanding Emergent Contaminant Risks

Managing emerging contaminants is fundamental to ensuring safe drinking water. District health boards, Environment Canterbury, territorial authorities and water suppliers are conducting
ongoing monitoring and reporting, are implementing and enforcing catchment load limits and are working with communities to improve water quality.
By 2015:
Understood any emerging contaminant risks and identified Environment Canterbury undertakes various Environment Canterbury is now working through
any at-risk areas for targeted management. monitoring programmes to assess the state of the options to identify chemical markers for EOCs to
environment (SoE), to understand environmental determine concentrations in selected streams.
By 2020/2040: status and trends and to measure the effectiveness Low concentrations of metals are common
Understood any emerging contaminant risks and identified of policies and plans. contaminants in road run-off, but may be found
any at-risk areas for targeted management. Currently monitoring programmes include legacy in very high concentrations in association with
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) but do not industrial sites, official and unofficial waste disposal
Note: In the CWMS targets, the Emerging Contaminant include Emerging Organic Contaminants (EOCs). facilities. There are many metals which may be toxic
Risk target is repeated under the Drinking Water targets. However, mounting evidence suggests some EOCs to ecosystems and routine monitoring of the full suite
It is reported once only in this report, here under the may cause harmful environmental effects. is not practical. However, Environment Canterbury
Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity targets. regularly tests for metals during investigations based
With no current national strategy on EOCs,
each regional council needs to provide their own on potential presence and requires strict monitoring
impetus to ensure they are meeting their obligations as part of consent conditions during construction,
for environmental protection. Consequently, maintenance or remediation of potentially
Environment Canterbury worked with Auckland contaminated sites.
Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council Environment Canterbury monitors pesticides and
to initiate a review completed in 2016. The review hydrocarbon contaminants in some parts of the
summarised recent national strategies to identify region, and conducts more detailed investigations
EOC research priorities, along with national and in specific areas where contamination has been
international legislation and guidelines. It provided detected. Results are used to assist Canterbury Public
recommendations for future monitoring of EOCs Health to implement and evaluate communicating
in urban environments. potential risks with the community.
22
Natural Character of Braided Rivers: Chapter 3
Braided River Character

Braided rivers are iconic features of the Canterbury landscape. The braided river floodplain, or braidplain, comprises both the active channels, less recently disturbed islands and lateral
areas with more mature vegetation. The active riverbed includes the network of braided channels, islands and river margins that are inundated during flood events. There are a number
of programmes underway to assist with maintenance of the braided rivers.
T1,2 T3 T4
From 2010:
Maintain the braided character of all Canterburys Target 1: Monitoring in the upper catchments of Target 2: Flow variability for floodplain
braided rivers by: braided rivers indicates vegetation clearance and morphodynamics is routinely considered by
land use intensification is occurring. Environment Canterbury when setting flows
Target 1: Maintaining the upper catchments of
in all regional plans and in the assessment of
Canterburys alpine braided rivers as largely natural Plan Change 4 of the Land and Water Regional consent applications to abstract water.
ecosystems and landscapes. Plan (LWRP) has strengthened the rules for stock
Environment Canterbury manages flood defence
Target 2: Maintaining the extent of active floodplains, grazing and vegetation clearance in braided rivers work and gravel extraction considering potential
flow variability and sediment flow processes including and on-farm activities. impacts of changes to channel morphology,
when undertaking river protection works, land-use
A group of agencies managing publicly owned land vegetation cover and sediment supply.
change or deliberate vegetation stabilisation.
and including Fish & Game NZ, Land Information Target 3: As of 2017 Environment Canterburys
Target 3: Supporting the dynamics of river mouths
New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, monitoring has indicated only natural variability in
and coastal processes.
Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu, Forest & Bird and Federated the dynamics of river mouths and coastal processes.
Target 4: No new dams on the main stem of major
Farmers, is focussing on the consistent management Works such as the Waihao Box repairs enable
alpine braided rivers.
permanent access for water from the Waihao River
of all land in, and on, the margins of Canterburys
By 2020: and Wainono Lagoon to the ocean, maintaining
braided rivers. coastal processes necessary to aid in the restoration
Canterburys braided rivers show the dynamic, braided
Weed control is undertaken on the upper Rangitata, of a significant coastal lagoon.
nature typical of such rivers.
Rakaia and Clarence rivers to maintain natural The management of river mouths to control water
character. This work is funded through the Immediate levels is funded by some rating districts. There is an
Steps programme. More work is needed across the increasing awareness of the need to manage river
region to control pests and weeds in and around mouths for other values including water quality,
mahinga kai, salmon spawning and maintaining
braided rivers, see fig 25.
biodiversity values. The coastal plan does not provide
Continued significant ongoing work on weed for Environment Canterbury to carry this work
and predator control, construction of wetlands, out or to maintain its river protection infrastructure.
and research and monitoring programmes through Target 4: Damming of water in riverbeds of alpine
Project River Recovery in the upper Waitaki Basin. rivers is prohibited under the LWRP.
23
Chapter 3: Natural Character of Braided Rivers
Ecosystems, Habitats and Species/Riparian Wetlands, Springs and Lagoons

Braided rivers are a distinctive feature of New Zealands eastern South Island and have considerable biodiversity value. The braided rivers are characterised by ever-changing channels
which are home to many species of birds, fish, invertebrates and plants that have adapted to live in this challenging and dynamic environment. Rare native birds such as wrybill, black-billed
gull and black-fronted tern depend on braided rivers for their survival, but they are increasingly under threat. The riverbeds, riparian margins, floodplains and associated wetlands and springs
support many of the region's endangered and rare species.
From 2010:
Implement actions to correct the decline in usable The enhancement and protection of habitat on -- The Braided River Flagship is focused on the Upper
braided river bird habitat. braided rivers is a long game. A number of projects Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, regionally important
and organisations are involved in maintaining and rivers with exceptionally high ecological values and
By 2015:
supporting populations of threatened species by encouraging local community and agency support.
Enhance and protect breeding populations of indigenous controlling pests, managing weeds and restoring The Braided River Flagship project on the Rangitata
braided river birds. and enhancing terrestrial breeding habitats. Projects and Rakaia Rivers has received almost $650K in
also include recreation management (e.g. restricted funding over the past six years.
By 2020:
access for four wheel drives), communication and -- The Braided River Regional Initiative program
Protect significant habitat for a full range of indigenous education for river users. includes three large scale projects across the
braided river flora and fauna.
Under the Immediate Steps Biodiversity Programme, region (Clarence, Rangitata, and Lower Waitaki)
By 2040: Zone Committees have committed more than and three smaller investigations to inform future
$1.6m to 54 projects covering the main activities management, see fig 9.
All indigenous braided river-dependent species
such as predator control, weed control, and habitat The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement outlines
showing positive trends in abundance and health.
restoration, see fig 9. objectives to halt the decline, restore and enhance
Increased habitat area usable by all species of
braided river indigenous birds. All of the projects and programmes are undertaken ecosystems and protect significant indigenous
in partnership with other organisations and agencies vegetation and habitats. The recent Plan Change 4
who provide support and leadership. These include of the LWRP updates the definition of river margins
local landcare and rivercare groups, CWMS Zone and rules for stock exclusion.
Committees, local landholders, DOC, Fish & Game Environment Canterbury has recently mapped the
NZ, LINZ, TAs, and contractors who often donate habitat area useable by all species of braided river
extra time and resources. These partners all actively indigenous birds. The purpose of the mapping project
lead projects and source funding for projects is to provide a 2012 measure of extent of useable
that contribute significantly to the protection and braided river bird habitat across the region, as a
enhancement of braided rivers. baseline for monitoring progress toward the 2040
The Braided River Flagship programme, and the target. It focuses, in particular, on the habitats
Regional Braided River Initiatives funding, are focused associated with braided river beds that are utilised
on braided river ecosystem health and breeding by native ground-nesting, wading birds, gulls and
bird habitat. terns during their breeding season.
24
Natural Character of Braided Rivers: Chapter 3
Fig 9: Braided River Projects
Significant Projects
1. Region wide survey of black-billed gull (investigation): Three year program Clarence
to determine numbers and distributions of breeding colonies of black-billed gulls
3 River
(classified as nationally critical) in Canterbury.
2. Region wide survey of black-billed gull (investigation): Investigate the population
structure of the black-billed gull. Samples from over 700 birds at 27 colonies have
been collected.
Waiau
3. Clarence Island habitats: Creating or enhancing habitat islands for breeding birds trial River
combined with predator control trial. Initial results show both trials have been successful.
Hurunui
4. Rakaia River: Aerial and ground weed control to increase braided river bird habitat. River
5. Upper Rangitata: Landscape scale predator control involving significantly

improved breeding success this season for both wrybill and black-fronted tern. 4
6. Upper Rangitata: Southern black-backed gull control was Waimakariri
led by the local land care group and supported by DOC. River
7. Upper Rangitata: Aerial and ground weed control to increase 5, 6, 7
braided river bird habitat. Mature Russell lupin numbers have
been reduced. Good progress in the Rangitata for broom and
gorse control. Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group has also
undertaken a significant amount of work.
8. Mackenzie Basin robust grasshoppers: Rakaia
River
Robust Grasshopper is a nationally endangered species
work has been done to improve the success of future 8
conservation translocations and to develop more Rangitata
accurate monitoring techniques. River
9. Lower Waitaki Island habitats: Creating or enhancing

habitat islands for breeding birds trial combined with
predator control trial. Initial results show both trials
have been successful.
10. Lower Waitaki River Mudfish: Lower Waitaki River 9
Management Society has a range of initiatives in relation 10
to this project. Planting days completed and weed Project Type
Waitaki
control completed. River Braided River Projects
25
Chapter 4: Kaitiakitanga
Marae Water Supply

Ensuring good quality drinking water at marae is an important Kaitiakitanga target. Looking after visitors/manaakitanga includes ensuring a safe drinking water supply.
Previously this target has been measured by compliance with the drinking water standards. This has proved to be a complicated measure as the standards include criteria that are
unrelated to the quality of the water and so a rating of 'non-compliant' can be misleading. The targets will now be measured using indicators more closely related to the quality/
quantity of the water bodies used as the drinking water supply.
From 2010:
Prevent further decline in the quality or quantity of The thirteen marae within Canterbury have -- Resources available to support the self supply
water bodies used as a drinking water supply to marae different types of drinking water supplies. marae develop Water Safety Plans, investigate
and associated papakinga. emergency response needs, maintain and upgrade
Rnanga, Community Public Health, Territorial
current water supplies and treatment systems,
Authorities and Environment Canterbury are
By 2020: and any other actions needed to provide confidence
working together to improve access to quality to marae of a safe drinking water supply.
All marae and associated papakinga have access
drinking water. Work is focused on self-supplies
to high quality drinking water. -- Initial investigations on how to monitor and protect
which are not required to be registered with marae drinking water supplies.
the Ministry of Health, and can need resourcing
-- Raising awareness of the impact new consenting
and support.
activity may have on the water supply by clearly
Collaborative actions to improve access to quality identifying where water supplies may be influenced
drinking water include: by land use activities.
Marae Type of Supply Registered Source Water

Mangamaunu, Kaikura Self Supply No Rainwater
Takahanga, Kaikura Kaikura Yes Surface Water
Thuriri Self Supply Yes Groundwater
Ng Hau e Wh Christchurch City Yes Groundwater
Rehua Christchurch City Yes Groundwater
Rpaki Christchurch City Yes Groundwater
Wairewa Little River Yes Groundwater
nuku Network Supply Yes Surface Water
Koukourrata Self Supply Yes Rainwater
Taumutu/Ngti Moki Self Supply Yes Groundwater
Hakatere, Fairton Fairton Yes Groundwater
Te Aitarakihi/Timaru Timaru Yes Surface Water Table 1: Marae Drinking
Arowhenua Self Supply/Arowhenua Yes Groundwater Water Supplies status
Waihao Lower Waihao Rural Yes Groundwater as at May 2017.
26
Kaitiakitanga: Chapter 4
Working Together in Partnership

Since signing the Tuia Relationship Agreement between Ng Papatipu Rnanga and Environment Canterbury in December 2012, the nature and extent of the relationship continues to grow
and develop. Investing in the relationship by bringing capacity and capability to bear, ensures all parties continue to move closer to achieving partnership in the management of the regions
natural, physical and freshwater resources. The cultural values return, from mana whenua engagement and participation in the CWMS collaborative process, will continue to be challenged
by the inevitably slow and incremental pace of any real or tangible improvement at the flax roots level in terms of mahinga kai and customary use.
T5,6,8 T2,7 T1,3 T4
From 2010: Formally recognise Te Rnanga o Ngi Tahu
Freshwater Policy and, in each zone, work towards Target 1: The Tuia Relationship Agreement between Waihora. Whakaora Te Waihora brings together the
resolving issues related to Ngi Tahu policies. Ng Papatipu Rnanga and Environment Canterbury tikanga responsibilities of Ngi Tahu and the statutory
By 2015: Target 1: Protocols for the recognition and exercise recognises the mana whenua status of ng rnanga and responsibilities of Environment Canterbury.
of mana, including kaitiakitanga within the provides for the development of operational protocols Target 5 & 8: A system for appointing Ngi Tahu
Ngi Tahu rohe, are implemented. for any of Environment Canterburys functions, powers
Target 2: Iwi Management Plans (IMP) are in place for tangata tiakiwai (water guardians) is not yet in place
or responsibilities, including for specific parts of the but is being considered. To date there has been strong
north and mid Canterbury. A separate Waitaki IMP has region or specific kaupapa. For example guidelines
been drafted but is still waiting sign off from the iwi leadership around the Zone Committee table by rnanga
have been developed on resource consent processing
authority before it can be lodged with the Councils. representatives which has seen the emergence of greater
to support rnanga in their role in providing advice.
No formal IMP for area between Ashburton and Waitaki. understanding of tikanga across the committees.
Target 3: Institutional capability within local government Target 2: Iwi Management Plans (IMP) are in place
Target 6: No further co-governance initiatives are
to adequately recognise and provide for the principle of for the northern and middle parts of the region.
being considered across Canterbury at this stage.
kaitiakitanga in water management. The Upper and Lower Waitaki Zones do not have
Target 4: A formal co-governance arrangement complete IMP coverage and work is continuing on Target 7: Ki uta ki tai environmental management
(developed in partnership by Ngi Tahu, the Crown and an IMP for the Waitaki catchment, which may be philosophies are integrated into zone and regional
Canterbury local government) for the active management extended to the rest of South Canterbury. planning through the active committee membership
of Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) and its catchment. of rnanga representatives and an emerging
Target 3: The Tuia Joint Work Programme has resulted
Target 5: A system for appointing Ngi Tahu tangata understanding by all community members of these
in changes in organisational culture, processes and
tiakiwai (water guardians) who have formal recognition principles. Feedback from rnanga representatives
and support from local government is established. engagement practices and improved relations and
interaction with Ngi Tahu, particularly at a rnanga signals strong support for their role in being at the
By 2020: Target 6: Further co-governance arrangements level. Zone Delivery teams are supporting the principle table in water management issues and there
(developed in partnership by Ngi Tahu, the Crown and of kaitiakitanga on the ground and the Selwyn Waihora remains broad support for the demanding but
Canterbury local government) for the active management Zone recently appointed a Cultural Land Manager rewarding CWMS process.
of nominated waterbodies in North and South Canterbury. Advisor to work with land owners. Ng rnanga are represented on each zone committee
Target 7: Integrated Ki Uta Ki Tai environmental management
Target 4: Whakaora Te Waihora (a joint programme and supported by two tangata whenua facilitators. Te
philosophies into zonal and regional management planning.
of work between Environment Canterbury, Te Rnanga Rnanga o Ngi Tahu has increased its support for the
Target 8: At least one Ngi Tahu tangata tiakiwai is
appointed within each zone. o Ngi Tahu, the Ministry for the Environment rnanga representatives providing service support to
and Papatipu Rnanga) arose from a formal co- CWMS rnanga representatives and working directly
By 2040: Kaitiakitanga is a normalised and an integrated governance arrangement Mahere Tukutahi o Te with representatives on sub-regional planning.
practice of water management.
27
Chapter 4: Kaitiakitanga
Whi Taonga and Mahinga Kai

Kaitiakitanga is about the active protection, sustainable use and responsibility for freshwater bodies and their related natural and physical resources by tangata whenua. Active participation
of Papatipu Rnanga in CWMS activities and decision-making is pivotal to success. Iwi Management Plans, co-governance of environmental resources and restoration of mahinga kai and
whi taonga are pioneering examples of shared governance and management responsibilities between Ngi Tahu and Environment Canterbury.
T1, 2, 5, 6, 7 T3 T4
From 2010:
Prevent further loss or degradation of Ngi Tahu Target 1: Involvement of Papatipu Rnanga continues Target 4: Cultural preferences for river and stream
nominated whi taonga. through various community, Te Rnanga and Zone flow are being determined. Plan Change 3, provides
Committee initiated programmes to restore degraded for management of water in the Waitaki River in
By 2015:
waterways and whi taonga sites. Highlights include times of low flow, reserves water for enhancement of
Target 1: All degraded whi taonga and mahinga kai mahinga kai and associated tangata whenua values,
work on Wainono Lagoon, Te Waihora, Koukourrata,
waterways nominated by Ngi Tahu have an active and provides for augmentation flows into Wainono
Tutaepatu Lagoon and Awarua Creek/Arowhenua that
restoration programme in place that responds to Lagoon. The cultural monitoring of mahinga kai is a
involve collaboration between Te Rnanga o Ngi
cultural priorities. key project, co-delivered by Whakaora Te Waihora
Tahu, Papatipu Rnanga, Environment Canterbury,
Target 2: A report on the health of all Ngi Tahu and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric
the Department of Conservation and other parties.
nominated water-bodies using the Ngi Tahu Cultural Research (NIWA). The project focuses on protecting,
Health Monitoring Tool. Target 2, 3: Cultural Opportunity Mapping and rehabilitating, and enhancing mahinga kai in
Assessments (COMAR) have been undertaken in Te Waihora, with four key project strands:
Target 3: Identified customary uses (current and
potentially restored) for all waterways. ten catchments, see fig 10. The COMAR method is -- Monitoring the relative abundance of tuna (eel),
dependent upon active engagement with Ngi Tahu. ptiki (flounder) and nanga (whitebait) at the
Target 4: A programme for identifying cultural
The design and application of the process explicitly lake and tributaries.
preferences for river and stream flow agreed
recognises Ngi Tahu as kaitiaki. -- Quality of mahinga kai Lake Cultural Health
in each zone.
Target 5: Work and research has commenced on There are a range of tools used in Canterbury for Index questionnaire for customary users.
establishing a mahinga kai food gathering standard. assessing the Ngi Tahu values associated with water -- Monitoring mahinga kai safety, testing tuna,
body health, customary use and flow preferences. ptiki, ducks, and aua (yellow-eyed mullet)
By 2020: COMAR has been used in many catchments. There for heavy metal and pesticides.
Target 6: Increased the abundance of, access to and are also examples of Cultural Health reports and -- Distribution of declining mahinga kai species
use of mahinga kai. other monitoring tools. Ngi Tahu has made steady waikura (freshwater crayfish) and waikkahi
Target 7: A mahinga kai food gathering standard progress with a long-term Cultural Mapping GIS (freshwater mussel) in the focus catchments
is confirmed and implemented as a water quality based project. This will enable access to stories and additional lowland waterways.
monitoring tool. and place names that record Ngi Tahu history in Target 5, 6, 7: Planning work for preparation of
Te Waipounamu to provide guidance on where a mahinga kai food gathering standard is ongoing.
By 2040:
cultural values exist, in order to improve the This requires multiple agency involvement but
Protection, in accordance with Ngi Tahu values and possibility of protection. will be led by Ngi Tahu.
practices, of whi taonga and mahinga kai waterways.
28
Kaitiakitanga: Chapter 4
Fig 10: Iwi Management Plan and COMAR Study Locations
Waterways with COMAR Studies Completed

1. Ashley River and Tributaries: 2016 Clarence
River
2. Selwyn Te Waihora Catchment: 2012
3. Wairewa Catchment: 2014
4. Ashburton/Hakatere River: 2013
5. Hinds Plains: 2012
Waiau
6. Orari River Catchment: 2012 River
7. Opihi River Catchment: 2016 Hurunui
River
8. Waihao River and Wainono Lagoon Catchment: 2015
9. Northern Streams: 2015
10. Waitaki Catchment: 2015 1
Waimakariri
River
2
4 3
5 Rakaia
River
6
7 Rangitata
River
10
Location and Areas

9
8 Te Rnanga o Kaikura
Environmental Management Plan
Mahaanui Iwi Management Plan
Waitaki
River COMAR Studies Completed
29
Chapter 5: Drinking Water
Source Water Quality

The quality and quantity of drinking-water supplies depends on the management of point sources and non-point sources of contaminants in drinking water supply catchments and aquifers,
land-use in the catchment and/or recharge area, and on the treatment provided by the local authority. Actions to protect drinking water differ for groundwater from a secure source and
surface water sources. The percentage of the regions population with access to safe drinking-water is high, but there are numerous smaller water supplies, supplying smaller communities,
that are non-compliant.
T2,4 T1,3 T5
From 2010:
Target 1: For those communities that currently have access Target 1: Protecting sources of human drinking water significant determinand. For Nitrate (N03), the
to untreated and safe drinking water, implement actions is one of the key priorities identified by the CWMS number of supplies in Canterbury that are monitored
to ensure the source water quality remains high enough and is addressed via the rules and Schedule 1 of the as part of the Priority 2 Chemical Determinands
to meet the current Drinking Water Standards for New LWRP. It is also subject to the Resource Management Identification Programme has increased from
Zealand without treatment. (National Environmental Standards (NES) for Sources one in 2010/2011 to ten in 2016/17.
of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007. Target 3: A lot of work has been carried out over
Target 2: Prevent further decline in source water quality
for those communities that currently have to treat drinking- Plan Change 4 to the LWRP updates the definition and the past five years to improve the accuracy of the
water, such that this requires increased level of treatment protocols for protection of Community Drinking Water information on existing Community Drinking Water
or monitoring requirements. supplies. The change to the definition of Community Supplies. Provisional drinking water protection
Drinking Water supply means any supply listed on the zones for Community Drinking Water Supplies
Target 3: No new activities in a drinking water catchment
drinking water register, and which supplies drinking have been mapped. These provisions increase
that reduce access to sufficient quantities of drinking
water to no fewer than 25 persons per year is treated the level of protection for drinking water sources.
water supplies.
as a community drinking water supply. The previous
definition provided protection only to supplies that Territorial Authorities are undertaking actions
By 2020: to ensure source water quality remains high and
served more than 500 people. Some activities
Target 4: A demonstrable decrease in nitrate concentrations distribution systems supply water that meets
within the protection zone of a community drinking
in shallow groundwater in priority areas is achieved. Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (DWSNZ).
water supply will now require consent. Provisional
Target 5: There is an increase in the percentage of the drinking water protection zones have been mapped As a key partner to the CWMS, Territorial authorities
population supplied with water that meets the New Zealand for community supplies in Canterbury. These are prioritising their work to update infrastructure
Drinking Water Standards for health based determinants. provisions increase the level of protection for to ensure water quality remains of the highest
drinking water sources. standard through activity and assessment
management planning.
Target 2: Canterburys Territorial Authorities
operate 165 treatment stations across 133 supplies. The Canterbury Drinking Water Reference Group
Microbiological contaminants are monitored for all (CDWRG) has been established following the
supplies and are known as Priority 1 determinands. contamination incident in Havelock North. The
Priority 2 determinands, are specified for additional CDWRG includes representatives from all councils,
monitoring where supplies exceed half the maximum Environment Canterbury and the Canterbury District.
allowable value (MAV) for a particular health- Health Board. The CDWRG was directed by the
30
Drinking Water: Chapter 5
Fig 11: Nitrate Concentration Trends

Mayoral Forum to report on public drinking
water supplies in Canterbury, co-ordinate Annual survey wells (2006 to 2015)
contingency planning and implement
Each year in the spring, when groundwater levels tend to be
amendments to current practices. Clarence
highest, Environment Canterbury collects groundwater samples River
Target 4: Risk maps are produced and updated from wells across the region. The samples are analysed for a
as part of a joint communication plan between range of water quality parameters.
Community & Public Health and Environment The survey provides data for evaluating long-term, regional-
Canterbury to provide information to show scale changes in groundwater quality. It also provides
risk of nitrate contamination in groundwater. an annual snapshot of groundwater quality in the
The risk maps were last reviewed in 2015. Canterbury region. Waiau
River
For more information see www.cph.co.nz/your- Data is forwarded to the Ministry for the Hurunui
health/drinking-water/ Environment and is incorporated into River
Environment Canterbury monitors nitrate levels national statistics on the state of
across groundwater in Canterbury annually. the environment in New Zealand.
See fig 11 for the long-term trends in nitrate For more information visit
concentrations on data collected each spring www.ecan.govt.nz.
Waimakariri
from 2006 to 2015. From the 224 wells sampled River
in 2015, analysis shows that, nitrate concentrations
have been increasing in 55 (about 25%) of those
wells. The Selwyn Waihora and Ashburton CWMS
zones have the highest proportions of wells with
increasing nitrate trends. Overall, nine wells (4%)
showed decreasing concentrations. 160 (71%)
Rakaia
in the annual survey had no decreasing River
or increasing trend in nitrate concentrations.
Target 5: Community Public Health assesses
Rangitata
water suppliers compliance with the Drinking River
Water Standards for New Zealand across 133
registered Canterbury community water supplies.
Each supply serves a different population size.
10 Year Trend
Across Canterbury, of the supplies that were
in place in 2012, there has been an increase in Increase
the number of compliant supplies by 37%, Decrease
supplying to approximately 40,000 people No Change
(8% of the population). Waitaki
River Cenozoic Sediments
31
Chapter 5: Drinking Water
Catchment Nutrient Load

Intensification of land use has necessitated the need to set catchment loads, limiting the amount of nitrate and phosphate that can be leached or discharged from farmland.
Environment Canterbury continues to monitor water surface quality and groundwater flows to improve understanding of risks to drinking and recreational water quality and make this
information publicly available. Work continues with water supply and health authorities and CWMS committees to meet a range of outcomes including the CWMS drinking water targets.
T3,4 T1 T2
By 2015:
Target 1: Identified areas where catchment load limits for The LWPR, notified in 2012, provides clear direction sector organisations have worked together to
nutrients are not met, prioritised areas and implemented on how land and water are to be managed in the describe what GMP looks like for different farming
actions to ensure there is no further enrichment. region, including limits on the discharge or leaching types, see www.ecan.govt.nz/mgm-gmp.
of nutrients. Everyone in Canterbury now needs to Every farmer is encouraged, and largely required
Target 2: Demonstrated, and included in implementation
be working in accordance with the new rules for by the rules, to complete a Farm Environment
programmes, how land within the zone will be managed
farming activities relating to nutrient management. Plan (FEP) which includes an assessment of the
to achieve catchment load limits.
The rules maintain current water quality and prevent environmental impacts of their farming activities.
Target 3: Achieved nutrient efficiency targets for the zone further increases in nutrient losses.
on all new irrigated land and 50% of other rural properties Farmers can use their FEP to work out what they
(and of properties within urban boundaries that apply Target 1: Individual catchment loads are currently can do to improve water quality for example,
nutrients over significant areas). being set on a zone by zone basis and are being fencing and planting waterways and drains may
added as sub-regional chapters to the LWPR as help control sediment loss and smarter irrigation
By 2020: they are completed. The priority zones have been systems that improve water management can also
Target 4: Achieved nutrient efficiency targets for the zone set based on the Nutrient Allocation Zones map help control nutrient leaching
on all new irrigated land and 80% of other land in major identified in the LWRP, see fig 12. Plan Change 5 requires farmers to register their
rural land uses (pasture, major arable and major horticulture Target 2: As part of the limit setting process Zone farming activities on the Farm Portal. The Portal
crops), and have 100% of rural properties working towards Committees work with their community (see page provides access to farm specific nutrient management
those targets (and of properties within urban boundaries 10) to develop a Zone Implementation Programme information and a report to help them get a resource
that apply nutrients over significant areas) (ZIP). The ZIP includes recommendations on how consent if required.
land within the zones is to be managed to achieve Farms that require a resource consent will need to be
By 2040: catchment load limits. The recommendations are audited by a certified auditor. Each farm then reports
Achieved nutrient efficiency targets for the zone on then included in the zones sub-regional plan a nutrient loss number and a grading on how well a
all new irrigated land and 100% of other rural properties change to the LWRP. farm is being managed to GMP. Auditing frequency
(and of properties within urban boundaries that apply depends on performance.
Target 3 & 4: In addition to the sub-regional
nutrients over significant areas).
chapters, Plan Change 5 makes amendments to By 2020, Environment Canterbury will be able to
the nutrient management rules and sets industry- report on how the region is progressing towards
agreed Good Management Practice (GMP) as the nutrient efficiency at a broad scale. To date, over
minimum standard for all farming activities on 3,000 FEPs have been completed and more than
properties larger than 10ha. Primary industry 300 farms have been audited.
32
Drinking Water: Chapter 5
Fig 12: Nutrient Allocation Zones Land and Water Regional Plan
Water Quality Status and Associated Land Area

The map shows that nearly a quarter of Canterburys
fresh water quality is unacceptable and almost another 23% Clarence
River
half is at risk.
Much is already being done, to improve water quality
in both urban and rural areas including; 46%
Setting limits for nutrient levels in
fresh water to protect the environment Waiau
Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems,
22% River
focusing strongly on water quality Hurunui
River
Driving improved practices on farm
Introducing rules and regulations
4%
based on community expectations
Simplifying the rules to make it easier
to decide whether resource consent 2% Waimakariri
River
will be needed for an activity
Working with communities on innovative
solutions for our fresh water issues.
The Nutrient Management and Waitaki plan change
(Plan Change 5 to the Canterbury Land & Water
Regional Plan) sets industry agreed Good Management
Practice as the minimum standard for all farming Rakaia
activities in Canterbury. River
Rangitata
River
Water Quality Status

Acceptable
At Risk
Unacceptable
Unclassified
Waitaki
River Lake Zones (Sensitive Areas)
33
Chapter 6: Recreation and Amenity Opportunities
Water Based Recreational Opportunities

Canterburys rivers and lakes are highly prized for recreation and used throughout the year by locals and visitors. Recreational and amenity opportunities provide social, cultural,
health and economic benefits. CWMS Zone Committees have identified actions and desired outcomes for recreational opportunities and information is being gathered to advance
work programmes to support recreation targets.
From 2010:
Maintain existing diversity and quality of water based The CWMS Regional Committee has re-established From this work; the group is formulating a more
recreation sites, opportunities and experiences. a Recreational and Amenity Working Group (RAWG) integrated and better resourced work programme
to further work programmes on the availability and with the aim of providing better leadership on
By 2015/2020: diversity of recreational sites within the region. The delivering CWMS Targets on Recreation and Amenity.
A positive trend in the availability and/or quality of aims of this working group are to initially develop Zone committees have provided their priorities for
recreational opportunities in each zone. a better understanding of recreation and amenity recreational development options in each zone.
values and trends. Zone Committees have provided valuable input
By 2040: Trends in availability of recreation opportunities into this process, building on the information
Restored at least one major fresh water recreational are being quantified. The Regional Committee has outlined in Zone Implementation Programmes
opportunity in each zone that is not currently recently completed comprehensive reporting on where they identified action required for recreational
available in 2010. kayaking values in the region and on jet-boating opportunities in their zone, including; enhancing
values and flow requirements. Work is almost sport fishery opportunities, supporting flow regimes
complete on a third report summarising the lake that prevent river mouth closures, maintaining
and river swimming opportunities in each zone. recreationally attractive river mouths, environmental
Information is being gathered on recreational flows suitable for kayaking, jet boating and other
opportunities across Canterbury including a full recreational water sports, and ensuring key
catalogue of river access sites. This data is being swimming and recreation areas are included in
categorised and is available on Canterbury Maps. seasonal monitoring.
34
Recreation and Amenity Opportunities: Chapter 6
Freshwater Angling
Freshwater angling is a popular recreational activity in Canterbury rivers with brown trout, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon a sought-after catch. The Rakaia River is one of the best
salmon fisheries in New Zealand and the upper reaches are set amidst spectacular scenery. Lake Coleridge is a large, exposed high country lake that is heavily fished for its landlocked
Chinook salmon. Both the Waiau River and the Hurunui River have some of the most productive reaches of trout fishing in New Zealand and are popular for their seasonal sea run salmon.
The Waimakariri River is an excellent trout and salmon fishery in close proximity to Christchurch. Canterbury high country lakes provide fishing in a remote and uniquely scenic environment.
Smaller, localised fisheries also exist for other introduced salmonids.
By 2015:
Information on angler usage of lake and river fisheries sea-run salmon angling on the four main salmon-
A positive trend in the availability and/or quality is conducted by NIWA on behalf of Fish & Game NZ producing rivers (Waiau, Hurunui, Waimakariri, and
of freshwater angling opportunities. and the Department of Conservation (DOC). The Rakaia) accounting for 49% of total effort in 2014/15
An increase in freshwater angler numbers 2014/15 National Angling Survey was the fourth to Central South Island
(or catch rates) assessed over a five year average. have been completed since 1994/95.
-- Total effort for the Central South Island region in
The survey measures angling through a questionnaire 2014/15 was spread across river (29%), canal (30%)
By 2040:
focussing on location and duration (days spent on and lake fisheries (29%). Angler effort was focused
Restored fishing opportunities in most lowland each water body) resulting in estimates of angler-
streams in each water management zone. mainly around the Waitaki catchment, which
days across New Zealand. accounted for around 80% of the regional total,
Total angling effort for the 2014/15 season showed followed by the Rangitata catchment (10%).
a trend in all regions (New Zealand wide) of a steady -- Following the regular NIWA survey, Central South
decline in effort on lowland river fisheries of about Island Fish & Game surveyed the canal fishery in
50% from 1994/95 to 2014/15. 2015/16 to improve understanding of the increase
Two Fish & Game NZ regions are contained within in demand on the hydro canals. The survey showed
the Canterbury region - North Canterbury and that there has been a 16-fold increase in effort on
Central South Island. Although the survey tends the upper Waitaki hydroelectric canals with over
to focus on large-scale national trends rather than half the effort from outside of the region.
regional trends the survey showed; -- Effort on rivers has been variable, and shows some
North Canterbury evidence of a decline over the period. Excluding
-- Total effort for the North Canterbury region canal fisheries, trends show that lake fishing has
was dominated by the Waimakariri and Rakaia increased in popularity, and is linked to the large
catchments, which accounted for 78% of the hydroelectric lakes on the Waitaki River - lakes
regional total. The Hurunui and Waiau catchments Benmore, Aviemore, and Waitaki.
made up 13% and the Selwyn catchment 3%. For more information see: Unwin, M.J. (2016)
-- River fisheries attracted 84% of the regional total Angler usage of New Zealand lake and river fisheries:
while Lake Coleridge was the most heavily fished results from the 2014/15 National Angling Survey.
lake. North Canterbury is heavily dependent on NIWA Client Report.
35
Recreational Water Flows

Different recreational activities, interests, and users require different water flows at different times. Some require a wilderness experience; others need white-water conditions or safer flows
and tranquil places. Most rivers and streams in Canterbury are at, or near, full allocation for reliable run-of-river takes.
By 2015: Identified where environmental flows are not
met or require change to meet recreational outcomes and The National Policy Statement for Freshwater The minimum flows provide trigger levels for
implemented actions to rectify. Management 2014 (NPS-FM 2014) requires regional determining when consents must cease abstraction
councils to set freshwater objectives and limits by and they are specific to each river. They protect a
By 2020: Made progress towards achieving identifying values and applying limits for freshwater range of values within waterways (e.g. ecological,
environmental flows. quality and freshwater quantity, and to ensure each cultural and recreational) and protect the reliability
has a monitoring plan with at least one representative of supply for existing water users. Restrictions are
By 2040: Achieved all environmental flows.
site to monitor progress. applied to consents when recordings at minimum
Specific environmental flow and allocation limits flow sites are breached. Partial restrictions can be
have been set for Canterbury rivers with flow sensitive applied above the minimum flow to allow some
catchments and catchments where water bodies abstraction while preventing the minimum flow from
have been assessed for high natural atributes. being breached. The management of flow regimes is
A range of the latest monitoring and technical complex and is simplified in the 60 day snapshot of a
information covering recreational, cultural and flow regime in fig 13.
biodiversity thresholds is referenced when flows Environment Canterbury provides real-time
are set during the planning process. information on irrigation restrictions for over
The Canterbury LWRP outlines minimum flows 320 sites across most rivers in Canterbury.
for a range of rivers across Canterbury. National www.ecan.govt.nz/data/irrigation-restrictions.
guidelines recommend setting minimum flows as a It is the consent holders responsibility to understand
percentage of 7dMALF the seven day mean annual the minimum flow conditions on water consents.
low flow which in simple terms is the average over
a number of years, of the annual lowest daily flows.
Environment Canterbury records water levels at 145
river and lake sites in Canterbury, from the Clarence
River/Waiau Toa in the north to the Waitaki River in
the south. River flow is measured at 131 of these sites
and this information is combined with water level data
to produce continuous flow records. This is reported
alongside data from 18 other sites recorded by partner
agencies such as the National Institute of Water and
Atmospheric Research and Christchurch City Council.
36
Fig 13: Example of Water Take Restrictions (January/February 2016)
Minimum Flow Sites

Restrictions on the volume that can be taken from rivers is the most significant method
Clarence
for maintaining instream environmental values such as, natural character, recreation, River
cultural values and aquatic ecology. These components are given statutory backing in
regional plans and consents.
Information obtained from telemetered river flow sites, manual river flow gaugings or
calculated flows is used to set and manage restrictions on the abstractions of water.
As an example, the map shows a snapshot of the flow sites in Canterbury over Waiau
the January/February (summer) period when low flows trigger restrictions. River
For more information visit www.ecan.govt.nz. Hurunui

River
Number of minimum flow sites by Zone

80
70
Waimakariri
60 River
50
40
30
20
10
0 Rakaia
KAI HW WAI CWM BP SW ASH OTOP UW LW River
Rangitata
River
State of Minimum Flow Sites

All Days on Restriction
Some Days on Restriction
Waitaki
River Not on Restriction
37
Recreational Water Quality

The recreational water quality monitoring programme follows the national guidelines for marine and freshwater recreational areas, assessing the microbiological quality
of water bodies and associated health risks to water users. Monitoring is conducted in the summer seasons at popular river and lake bathing sites throughout Canterbury.
From 2015:
At least 80% of river bathing sites graded as suitable The Recreational Water Quality monitoring The CWMS Regional Committee has commissioned
for contact recreation. programmes assesses the general condition of work to identify local fresh water swimming sites
a site at any given time in relation to recreational across Canterbury to improve understanding on
By 2020: water quality. Sites graded very good, good the availability, characteristics and quality of
Of the lake and river sites used for contact recreation, and fair are considered suitable for contact recreational opportunities.
an increase in the percentage that meet recreational recreation; sites graded poor and very poor The general condition of lake sites for contact
water quality guidelines. are considered unsuitable. recreation is higher, with 88% of lake sites
The report has reviewed data available since 2009 considered generally suitable for contact
across consistent recreation sites. Results show recreation in the 2015/16 monitoring period.
a decrease in recreational water quality, with
58% of river bathing sites graded as suitable for
contact recreation in the 2015/16 monitoring
period compared to 70% in 2009/10.
38
Fig 14: Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Programme (2015/16)
Suitability for Contact Recreation

The recreational water quality monitoring programme follows the national guidance provided by the Microbiological
Clarence
Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Freshwater Recreational Areas (MfE & MoH, 2003). These guidelines address River
the microbiological quality of water bodies and associated health risks to water users. A grade is based on the
risk of faecal contamination to a site, supported by water testing for faecal indicator bacteria. Grades calculated,
based on the monitoring data for the 2016-17 summer monitoring season, were not available for targets reporting.
Cyanobacteria
Swimming water quality grades do not cover toxic algal blooms including cyanobacteria that are Waiau
widespread in many lakes and rivers. Cyanobacteria are found in a wide range of water quality River
conditions, including relatively clean waters. Over the 2016-17 summer there were 17 recreational Hurunui
sites that reached action mode, requiring warnings to be issued. Because affected sites River
can change, visit maps.ecan.govt.nz/waterquality/ for the latest sites warnings.
Waimakariri
River
Rakaia
River
Rangitata
River
Swimmable Un-swimmable Water Quality

Very Good Poor E Improved
Good Very Poor No Change
Waitaki
Fair Insufficient Data _ Declined
River
39
Chapter 7: Water-use Efficiency
Best Practice and Benchmarking

In Canterbury, irrigation complements variable rainfall. Careful water application boosts productivity while minimising drainage and water abstracted from aquifers. Minimising drainage helps
to minimise nutrient losses as required by regional planning rules across Canterbury. Investment by farmers in modern overhead spray systems has displaced less efficient surface methods.
Region wide benchmarks for water use, based on water metering data, are now beginning to inform policy rather than volumes historically allocated or consented. Improvements in application
methods and irrigation systems are being driven by Irrigation schemes, Irrigation New Zealand, Industry sector organisations using industry led applied research, practical field programmes
and irrigation efficiency testing on-farm.
From 2010:
No decline in the efficiency of water use. Detailed irrigated area reporting, shows an accurate Stock-water race closure processes are underway
snapshot of actual irrigated area and irrigation in the Selwyn and Ashburton Districts. Alternative
Initiate the development of models/ benchmarks
types for 2014/15. Irrigated area in 2015 was estimated stock-water supply options are being considered
of reasonable and efficient use of water in irrigation.
at 507,000 ha. Of this area only 5% is surface via piped irrigation scheme distribution.
By 2015:
irrigation which was once the dominant irrigation Irrigation NZ has established Irrigation Design
Sixty percent of water used for irrigation is operating type in Canterbury, see fig 15. Code of Practice and Standards which outline
according to best practice water use. the required level of design to enable irrigators to
During the summer of 2016/17 Environment
Established and reported against a benchmark of Canterbury supported an irrigation efficiency pilot achieve industry and wider community expectations.
current water use efficiency for irrigation, community A National Certificate in Irrigation Design is now
programme in Ashburton District. This summer
(potable, industrial and commercial) and stock water. available covering this Code of Practice.
student programme tested over 130 on-farm irrigation
systems using new tools developed through Irrigation The Blue Tick programme has been introduced
By 2020:
NZ. Service providers reported an increased uptake and promoted by Irrigation NZ to give irrigators
Eighty percent of water used for irrigation and stockwater confidence that irrigation system design and
is operating according to best practice water use. of system improvement services as farmers acted on
installation complies with the Guidelines for the
the results of their participation in the programme.
Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes 2014
By 2040: By late 2016 Canterbury farmers had invested
An MBIE supported programme, Justified Irrigation,
Implemented best practice water use on all irrigation, an estimated $50 million to achieve compliance
(AgResearch, NIWA, INZ, ESR) is using a co-innovation
stockwater and industrial/commercial use in Canterbury. with Water Measuring National Regulations. It is approach to cross-reference information on irrigated
Increased the benefits gained per unit of water so that estimated that 99% of allocated water volume is land area, soil type, weather (e.g. forecasting) and
the volume of water beneficially used (used in production metered with approximately 83% of these takes climate, to enable farmers to improve water use
of crops, electricity, or commercial uses) in each zone on telemetered systems. efficiency and provide information for benchmarking.
as a proportion of the volume of water taken is, on average,
LWRP includes region-wide limits that apply across Christchurch city water consumption has been
25% greater than that achieved in 2010.
most of Canterbury. These limits require farming benchmarked against figures for major Australian
Reduced water used for community water supply by 20%
activities to be at industry-agreed Good Management cities. All territorial authorities collect information
(measured in litres per person per day) compared to that
Practice (GMP) and include nutrient and water on urban water usage by population to enable year
used in 2010.
management. See page 32 for more details. on year comparisons.
40
Water-use Efficiency: Chapter 7
Fig 15: Irrigated Land Area and Estimated Water Use Efficiency
Estimated Efficiency
Across the 507,000 hectares of mapped irrigation in Canterbury, there has been
a move towards irrigation systems that operate at higher efficiency. 51% Clarence
River
Region-wide estimates of best practice water use or efficiency are not available
from existing data sets. However, reasonable estimates of water use efficiency
can be based on irrigation type. 44%
Irrigation types have been grouped into high, medium and low estimated efficiency;
High (80-90% efficient) is comprised of; drip/micro, lateral, pivot and solid set Waiau
Medium (50-85% efficient) includes; gun, k-line/long lateral, linear boom, 5% River
rotorainer, side roll Hurunui
Low (20-60% efficient) contains; borderdyke and wild flooding. River
The map shows that 51% of the irrigated land area in Canterbury is estimated to
be operating at high efficiency, 44% at medium efficiency and 5% at low efficiency.
Waimakariri
River
Rakaia
River
Rangitata
River
Estimated
Irrigation Efficiency
High
Medium
Waitaki
River Low
41
Chapter 8: Irrigated Land Area
Land Area and Reliability

The CWMS sets an indicative outcome for 2040 of at least 95% reliability of water supply. Increasing irrigated area and reliability requires progress to be made in water management at farm
and scheme levels. This includes developing cooperative arrangements between the various water management interests, adopting improved management systems, improving the operation
of existing infrastructure and the development and reliability capacity (storage) within these systems. Methods being used include the piping of formerly leaky unlined earth canals and
the use of small and medium scale storage as well as improved methods for operating existing large scale storages. Efficient on farm water use results in water storage being able to supply
reliability to larger irrigated areas. More land benefitting from irrigation, both directly and indirectly through mixed irrigation and dryland farming systems, builds resilience into the local
economy making it less susceptible to both long-term climate change and short term dry spells, while widening the range of land use options.
From 2010:
No reduction in irrigated land area in Canterbury There has been significant movement in on-farm Across Canterbury, reliability improvements are
or in overall reliability within each zone. application systems, away from inefficient surface being achieved through development of both
irrigation (border dyke) to more efficient spray storage and piping of new and existing schemes.
By 2015:
Examples include;
Increased the area of irrigated land and/or reliability irrigation systems.
1. Operation of Lake Coleridge by Trustpower
of irrigation. Over the five years, from mid-2010 to 2015, the to store water on behalf of multiple irrigation
amount of efficient spray irrigation went from entities including Central Plains Water (CPWL)
By 2020:
371,000ha to 479,000ha, an increase of 29%. and Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation (BCI).
Improved reliability of supply for at least 50%
Total irrigation went from 425,000ha to 507,000ha. 2. Significant development of on farm storage.
of irrigated land.
Over the same period there was a 48% reduction 3. In-scheme storages built (Mayfield Hinds 6.0Mm3,
By 2040: in the amount of surface (border dyke) irrigation Rangitata South 16.5Mm3), in construction stage
A substantial increase in the reliability of supply and from 54,000ha to 28,000ha. (Sheffield (CPWL) 2.1Mm3, Akarana (BCIL) 1.6Mm3)
the area of land irrigated in Canterbury all of which Highly efficient irrigation systems such as pivots and under investigation (WIL 8.2Mm3, RDRML up
has demonstrated high standards of riparian, nutrient to 53Mm3, Hurunui Water Projects 25Mm3).
and laterals, with potential efficiency of 80-90%,
and water use management, and has been shown to On farm storage enables active farm management
be consistent with the principles of the strategy. are now by far the principal irrigation system used
to efficiently use a limited volume of water. On-farm
An indicative target is 850,000 hectares of irrigated in Canterbury. Medium efficiency irrigation systems,
storage ponds in Canterbury are estimated to have
land with at least 95% reliability. Improved reliability such as roto-rainers and K-line systems, with potential a combined capacity of some 39Mm3. This is a very
of supply for all irrigated land. efficiency of 50-85% make up much of the remainder, significant volume as it adds to the overall capacity
with only around 5% surface water irrigation. and reliability of water supply.
42
Irrigated Land Area: Chapter 8
Fig 16: Irrigated Land Area Reliability Improvements
Irrigation Scheme Storage

1. Hurunui Water Project (potential)
Clarence
2. Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd. (potential) River
3. Lake Coleridge
4. Central Plains Water Ltd.
5. Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Ltd.
6. Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd. (potential)
a 130km Waiau
7. Valetta and Mayfield Hinds Irrigation Ltd. River
8. Rangitata South Hurunui
1 25Mm3
River
9. Opuha Water Ltd.
Piped Distribution
a. Amuri Irrigation Ltd. 3 100Mm + 3
2 8Mm 3
Waimakariri
b. Central Plains Water Ltd. River
c. Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Ltd. (stage 2) 4 2.1Mm
3
d. Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Ltd. (stage 2)

e. Valetta Irrigation Ltd. b 500km
c 64km
6 53Mm 5 3
f. Waihao Downs 1.6Mm d 30km 3
On-farm Storage 7 6Mm e 80km+ 3
9 90Mm 3 Rakaia
River
Zone Area 8 16.5Mm 3
Kaikura 0Mm3
Hurunui Waiau 2Mm3 Rangitata
Waimakariri 7Mm3 River
Christchurch West Melton 0Mm3
Banks Peninsula 0Mm3
Selwyn Waihora 2Mm3
Ashburton 20Mm3
f 41km
Orari-Temuka-Opihi-Pareora 5Mm3
Lower Waitaki 2Mm3 Storage & Piped Distribution
Upper Waitaki 1Mm3 Irrigation Scheme Storage
Waitaki
Table 2: Estimated On-farm Storage by Zone River Piped Distribution
43
Chapter 8: Irrigated Land Area
Infrastructure
The CWMS identifies infrastructure as a means to contribute to all CWMS target areas, not just the supply of water for irrigation and hydro-electricity. Infrastructure can also address
future-proofing issues such as ecosystem support in a changing climate and water quality management through enhanced reliability and distribution efficiency. While the CWMS is a
collaborative process involving all councils across Canterbury, infrastructure development is based on cooperation and coordination, while recognising the commercial goals
of the parties involved. Infrastructure options are being considered and progressed with a vision for an integrated water infrastructure across Canterbury.
By 2015:
A system of regionally distributed rural water Infrastructure Environment Canterburys CWMS Infrastructure team intersect. Interactions between multiple groups
for the storage and distribution of water that provides continues to facilitate the development of a regional and organisations around nodes enable refinement
reliable water to all irrigated land has been designed, infrastructure solution that aligns with all the targets of concepts to address the full range of outcomes
timetabled, costed and staged. The system has been of the CWMS and the recommendations in the zone anticipated by the CWMS.
demonstrated to align with the principles and targets and regional implementation programmes. Component parts of South Canterbury and Hurunui
of the strategy. Most infrastructure investment across the region infrastructure options still require further work.
Decide mechanisms for funding infrastructure and the has been focused on improving in-scheme reliability Environmental Infrastructure projects are underway
on-going operation of the strategy. through piping and storage upgrades. In addition to to future proof water quantity and water quality in
improving reliability, the in-scheme developments key groundwater and surface water bodies. The key
Started on the infrastructure (or reconfiguration of existing
have, in most cases, increased irrigated area and CWMS target areas supported by these projects are
consents) that facilitates efficiency improvements and is
also reduced power consumption related to irrigation.
linked into the regional storage plan. aquatic habitat (native and introduced), biodiversity,
There are currently three major infrastructure projects drinking water and recreation (e.g., swimming and
Specified, for each zone, their infrastructure requirements
at various stages of development across the region fishing). A Managed Aquifer Recharge (recharging
consistent with the regional storage plan, and the
including Hurunui Water Project, Central Plains Water groundwater through a purpose- built leaky basin)
principles and targets of the strategy.
(Stage 2+) and Hunter Downs Irrigation. pilot project is underway in the Ashburton Zone.
By 2020: A Regional Distribution Model (RDM) has been This project receives its water supply via irrigation
Started construction of regional storage and improved completed and supports decision making across the distribution infrastructure. An expansion of this
reliability of supply for at least 50% of irrigated land. Canterbury network. The model provides a systematic concept for the Hinds-Rangitata plains is underway.
view of the interactions between climate, surface A Targeted Stream Augmentation (solar power
Started construction of infrastructure identified in zonal
water, groundwater and water infrastructure. supplied groundwater to a spring-fed stream when
implementation programmes.
This 'network approach to Canterbury's water the springs are dry) pilot project is underway in
infrastructure has enabled multiple interests the Selwyn Waihora Zone. Combinations of these
to identify new shared concepts at each node concepts, known as Near River Recharge (where
that balance both economic (affordability) and a river system is augmented through basin and/or
environmental effects (nutrient loads). The nodes dry river bed sections), are being considered across
are areas where multiple infrastructure concepts multiple CWMS Zones.
44
Irrigated Land Area: Chapter 8
Fig 17: Integrated Regional Water Infrastructure Key Projects
Hurunui Node Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Ltd Waitaki Node

Partners include Ngi Tahu Farming, anticipates completion of a 30,000ha Hunter Downs Irrigation (HDI) is refining
Hurunui Water Project (HWP) and piping project by 2017. a scheme design to meet commercial Clarence
River
Amuri Irrigation Company Limited (AICL). Rangitata Node and environmental objectives.
Ngi Tahu Farming are considering Partners include Rangitata Diversion Race Waihao Downs Irrigation has completed
options for their land holdings and Management Ltd (RDRML), Rangitata South construction of a piped network that
exploring water supply options. Irrigation Ltd (RSI), Opuha Water Ltd (OWL), is supplied from the Morven Glenavy
HWP continue to investigate options and Trustpower. Ikawai scheme to irrigate 3,500ha.
for a 21,000ha mixed land use scheme. RDRML has proposed a 15-60Mm storage
AICL have constructed a 130km piped 1 Waiau
option at Klondyke which could open River
distribution, reducing distribution up options to provide water into South
water losses and energy use. Hurunui
Canterbury while improving reliability in 2 River
Ashley Waimakariri Node mid-Canterbury. A notable feature of the
Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) RDRML concept is the commitment to
is developing a proposal to store upgrade fish exclusion systems to meet
Lake
rnanga, recreational, biodiversity and
8.2Mm that will increase reliability
wider community expectations.
Coleridge 3
(up to 92%). Waimakariri
The Rangitata South scheme has River
Rakaia Node completed construction to provide
water to irrigate up to 16,000ha.
b
Partners include Trustpower, Central
Plains Water Ltd (CPWL), Barrhill Chertsey
4 a
Irrigation Ltd (BCIL) and the Rangitata
5
Diversion Race Management Ltd (RDRML).
d
A range of irrigation parties have Lake 6
agreements with Trustpower to store, Tekapo
7 c Rakaia
and supply via Lake Coleridge, improving 8 River
reliability of supply. Lake
During the 2015/16 irrigation season, Pukaki
CPWL Stage 1 resulted in 75% of Environmental Infrastructure
Lake Rangitata
groundwater being replaced by scheme Ohau River a. Targeted Stream Augmentation Waikirikiri/Selwyn
water; electricity disconnections 9 b. Near River Recharge Waikirikiri/Selwyn
exceeded 7MW. c. Managed Aquifer Recharge Ashburton Hinds
Construction of CPWL Sheffield Scheme d. Near River Recharge South Hekaeo/Hinds
(4,000ha) and Stage 2+ (20,000ha)
commenced in 2017. Irrigation Schemes 6. Ashburton Lyndhurst Ltd.
Valetta Irrigation Ltd and Mayfield Hinds 1. Amuri Irrigation Company Ltd. 7. MHV Water Ltd.
Irrigation are merging; Valetta recently 10 11 2. Hurunui Water Project Ltd. 8. Rangitata South Irrigation Ltd.
completed piped distribution system 3. Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd. 9. Opuha Water Ltd.
supplying 13,200ha. Waitaki 4. Central Plains Water Ltd. 10. Waihao Downs Irrigation Ltd.
River 5. Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Ltd. 11. Hunter Downs Irrigation Ltd.
45
Chapter 9: Energy, Security and Efficiency
Energy Security and Efficiency

Canterburys high country lakes provide a largely natural water storage capacity that can act as an enabler for other renewable generation technologies, such as wind, which rely on
the generation from hydro storage being available on demand. Electricity generation is generally, but not always, a non-consumptive use, making it highly complementary to irrigation.
Investigating hydro power options, particularly where they have additional benefits or dual use of the water (e.g. in combination with farm irrigation) is encouraged. New infrastructure
options must include consideration for hydro-electric power generation and where possible, feature design that utilises the landscape to convey water under pressure. This can minimise
the need for pumping and, as a result, can improve energy efficiency.
From 2010: Maintain Canterburys existing contribution
to New Zealands security of electricity supply. New Zealand has set a target to generate 90% Eight of the larger irrigation schemes have
Seek opportunities, as part of design and planning for of its electricity from renewable energy sources investigated options for hydro-electric power
new infrastructure, to reduce electricity used in the use by 2025. Overall, Canterbury continues to supply generation as part of their upgrade projects.
of water and to provide for multiple use. 54% of all hydro electricity generation while Some have incorporated in their design, scope
providing a 26% baseline component of the for future development options however, none have
By 2015: Started projects to generate electricity from
national electricity generation capacity. Canterburys been developed beyond feasibility stage stating the
existing irrigation infrastructure.
power consumption remains relatively unchanged inclusion of generation was not economic. This is
Identified and implemented opportunities to reduce from 2010 at approximately 14% of national demand. due to seasonal demand, the low utilisation of the
electricity used in the use of water. generation kit and the current market economics for
Opportunities to reduce electricity, used in the
use of water, have been realised across Canterbury. power generation, which do not provide sufficient
By 2020:
Most existing large schemes are either underway return for the level of investment required.
Target 1: Generate at least 40-45% of the power used
or have already upgraded their infrastructure by At this stage, there are only estimates available
by irrigation in Canterbury from irrigation infrastructure
replacing open irrigation channels with piped of the on-farm power savings from the piping of
(including multi-use hydro and irrigation systems) within
networks or by substituting groundwater for irrigation networks and supplying water under
Canterbury and other renewable on-farm sources.
newly available surface water, minimising the pressure. Further assessment will be required
Target 2: Maintain or increase Canterburys contribution need for pumping, see fig 16. These infrastructure to report on the productivity impact per unit of
to New Zealands security of electricity supply. developments improve energy efficiency, and have electricity per hectare.
Increased the productivity per unit of electricity a significant impact on water use efficiency and
per hectare consumption for irrigation sector and when accompanied with improved storage,
equivalent measures in other sectors. provide for improved irrigation reliability.
By 2040:
Target 1: Factored efficient use of electricity in all
irrigation infrastructure.
Target 2: Reduced the energy used per hectare for
irrigation in Canterbury compared to that used in
the 2010/11 season.
46
Indicators of Regional and National Economies: Chapter 10
Added-value from Water

Indicators for Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment growth are readily available, regularly updated and show positive trends. However, direct measures of the
value added impact of water on the regional economy are not yet readily available.
From 2010:
No decline In the contribution water makes to Most of the available economic analysis of the Economic impact assessments have been
the Canterbury economy as measured through CWMS recognises the importance of water to regional completed as part of the feasibility analysis by
value added (economic Impact). economic growth through its impact on agriculture. proposed irrigation schemes. Central Plains Water
Various methodologies have been used. state for example: Once the Central Plains Water
By 2015:
An AERU report in 2012 (The economic value Limited scheme (60,000ha) is fully operational,
Increase the value and employment added per annual direct and indirect regional agricultural
of potential irrigation in Canterbury, Sanders &
unit of water. output is expected to increase by $264m per
Saunders) estimates that the total value add for
an additional 250,000ha (CWMS outcome) was in annum. A proportion of this agricultural output will
By 2020:
the order of $3.0 billion from 2014 through to 2031. be processed, generating an additional $328m per
Increased production through the direct application annum, a combined increase of $592m per annum.
of water to agriculture contributes an additional The report draws on a number of studies based in
The impact on the wider economic activity
$0.4 billion per annum value-added to the the early to mid 2000s by MAF (2004), Harris et al
is assessed at approximately $1b to $1.4b per annum.
Canterbury economy. (2006) and Morgan et al (2002), to assess the value
See www.cpwl.co.nz/economic-benefits.
of irrigation. It included factors such as uptake,
By 2040: increase on-farm returns, land use change and the By this analysis alone the addition of Central Plains
wider impact on the regional economy. Water achieves the target.
Increased production through the direct application of
water to agriculture contributes an additional $1.7 billion This 2012 report was the last analysis of potential
per annum value-added to the Canterbury economy. impact of irrigation for Canterbury. It is appropriate
Increased Canterburys contribution to national GDP from that this analysis is updated based on the ten years
15% to 20%, of which 2% is attributable to increased of the CWMS in the 2019 targets report.
production and better water management. A demonstrable
increase in economic wealth due to biodiversity protection
and improvement, and increased recreational use of water
resulting from implementation of the CWMS.
47
Chapter 10: Indicators of Regional and National Economies
Externalities and Opportunity Costs

The opportunity cost is the value of something that is forgone in order to achieve something else. In resource management this is the value that is lost by pursuing one use of a resource
at the expense of a possible alternative use. All resources can have an alternative use, which means that every action has an associated opportunity cost.
An externality arises if the activity of one person is affecting another person without compensation. An adverse effect is called a negative externality and a beneficial effect is known
as a positive externality. The discharge of nutrients from farmland can end up in water bodies which then contributes to declining water quality. This can have negative impacts on the
users of water bodies (e.g. use for drinking water or recreational activities) which is an example of a negative externality.
From 2010:
Any assessments of regional economic value factor In A summary of the estimated opportunity costs and externalities as they have been costed through the sub-regional
externalities (e.g. water quality treatment costs, climate planning processes includes the following examples are a mix of both capital and operational costs;
change emissions, changed recreational values) as well Plan Change 1 (Selwyn Waihora) Plan Change 2 (Hinds/Hekeao Plains)
as the costs of environmental repair and restorations. The cost of impacts on drinking water is calculated Potential cost for bottled water for pregnant and
using the cost to deepen wells to achieve a secure breast feeding population (for 15 months) to avoid
By 2020:
drinking water source to avoid drinking shallower high levels of Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in
Measures in place to assess the economic wealth groundwater. The capital cost for the owners of drinking water ranges from $0.321.42 million.
benefits of freshwater biodiversity (and other ecosystem potentially affected bores is $2.5 million. The cost of impacts on drinking water is calculated
services) and recreational use of water.
The Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and using the cost to deepen wells to achieve a secure
By 2040: Targeted Stream Augmentation (TSA) have been drinking water source to avoid drinking shallower
proposed as tools to help achieve an imbalance groundwater. The capital cost for the owners of
Recognised and reported on the employment benefits
between quantity (declining groundwater levels potentially affected bores is $11.2 million.
(direct and indirect) that arose from the CWMS.
and lowland streams flows) and quality (high Three types of impacts of agricultural activities;
concentrations of Nitrate-nitrogen in groundwater health risk of pathogens, excess nutrients and low
and lowland streams) outcomes for this area. flow impacts of irrigation were assessed and costs
The estimated cost is $1.1 million. for improvements to rivers and streams ranges
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere has huge amounts from $13-29 million.
of phosphorus sediments on the lake bottom. A suite of non-regulatory measures was costed to
The cost of inactivating these phosphorus sediments exclude stock access to water bodies (fencing),
is estimated to be $5 million. riparian restoration, habitat restoration, spring head
A suite of non-regulatory measures was costed protection, river mouth opening and to protect
to exclude stock access to water bodies, riparian remnant indigenous dryland biodiversity. The total
area restoration, restoration of ecosystem in cost for these measures is in the order of $76 million.
waterbodies and to protect spring heads. The total
cost for these measures, including cost of land for
riparian margins, is in the order of $142 million.
48
Environment Canterbury offices
Christchurch Timaru Kaikura

200 Tuam Street 75 Church Street 96 West End
PO Box 345 PO Box 550 PO Box 59
Facilitating sustainable development Christchurch 8140 Timaru 7940 Kaikura 7340
in the Canterbury region P: 03 365 3828 P: 03 687 7800 P: 03 319 5781 Report number: R17/15
www.ecan.govt.nz F: 03 365 3194 F: 03 687 7808 F: 03 319 5809 Environment Canterbury 2017

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Canterbury Water

A collaborative Canterbury process brought to you by:

Environmental Flows and Catchment Load Limits

Fig 2: Progress on Catchment Level Environmental Limit-setting

South Coastal Canterbury (Plan Change 3)

The Collaborative Process

Zone Implementation Programmes (ZIPS)

Drafting Catchment Specific Plan Change

Submissions and Independent Hearings

Fig 3: Work Programmes by Zone

Action on the Ground

Freshwater Species and their Habitat

Fig 4: Immediate Steps Projects by Zone

Immediate Steps Programme

Why is Immediate Steps needed?

Drylands Fig 5: Wetland and Dryland Projects

Target and Progress to 2020

Hpua, Lagoons and Estuaries

Fig 6: Significant Projects on River Mouths or Coastal Lagoons

Significant Projects by Zone

Lowland Streams and Lakes

High Country and Foothill Streams and Lakes

Rangitata Very Good

Rangitata Very Good

Understanding Emergent Contaminant Risks

Braided River Character

Ecosystems, Habitats and Species/Riparian Wetlands, Springs and Lagoons

Fig 9: Braided River Projects

5. Upper Rangitata: Landscape scale predator control involving significantly

9. Lower Waitaki Island habitats: Creating or enhancing

Marae Water Supply

Marae Type of Supply Registered Source Water

Working Together in Partnership

T5,6,8 T2,7 T1,3 T4

Whi Taonga and Mahinga Kai

Fig 10: Iwi Management Plan and COMAR Study Locations

Waterways with COMAR Studies Completed

Location and Areas

Source Water Quality

Fig 11: Nitrate Concentration Trends

Catchment Nutrient Load

Water Quality Status and Associated Land Area

Water Quality Status

Water Based Recreational Opportunities

Recreational Water Flows

Fig 13: Example of Water Take Restrictions (January/February 2016)

Minimum Flow Sites

For more information visit www.ecan.govt.nz. Hurunui

Number of minimum flow sites by Zone

State of Minimum Flow Sites

Recreational Water Quality

Fig 14: Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Programme (2015/16)

Suitability for Contact Recreation

Swimmable Un-swimmable Water Quality

Best Practice and Benchmarking

Land Area and Reliability

Fig 16: Irrigated Land Area Reliability Improvements

Irrigation Scheme Storage

d. Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Ltd. (stage 2)