Long-Term Plan 2021–31

Consultation has concluded

On 17 June 2021, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) formally adopted the Long-Term Plan 2021-31.

You can download the Long-Term Plan 2021–31 (PDF, 21MB) from our website

The plan sets the course for the Council’s work in the region – the essential priorities, statutory obligations, and transformational opportunities.

You can view all submissions on the Long-Term Plan online, or a summary of submission points in the Submissions Report (PDF, 7.4MB).

What's in the plan

Key initiatives in the plan include:

  • Implementing the Government’s Essential Freshwater Package, and developing a new Regional Policy Statement and Regional Coastal Environment Plan.
  • Implementing the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan, plus surveillance initiatives to reduce the risk of pests becoming established.
  • Accelerating the protection and regeneration of the natural environment, including community-based initiatives, such as Me Uru Rākau, that enable landowners and groups to protect and regenerate ecological catchments.
  • Developing a climate change action plan.
  • Continuing to design, build and maintain high-quality flood protection, land drainage and erosion control infrastructure.
  • Delivering quality, cost-effective public transport that meets the needs of the community and increases patronage.
  • Promoting community participation in Council decision making, including investment in youth engagement and education, such as through the Enviroschools programme.

Our work is grouped into five portfolios: Water and Land; Biodiversity and Biosecurity; Air Quality, Transport and Urban Development; Climate Change and Community Resilience; and Regional and Strategic Leadership.

We produce a new Long-Term Plan every three years, as required by the Local Government Act 2002.

On 17 June 2021, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) formally adopted the Long-Term Plan 2021-31.

You can download the Long-Term Plan 2021–31 (PDF, 21MB) from our website

The plan sets the course for the Council’s work in the region – the essential priorities, statutory obligations, and transformational opportunities.

You can view all submissions on the Long-Term Plan online, or a summary of submission points in the Submissions Report (PDF, 7.4MB).

What's in the plan

Key initiatives in the plan include:

  • Implementing the Government’s Essential Freshwater Package, and developing a new Regional Policy Statement and Regional Coastal Environment Plan.
  • Implementing the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan, plus surveillance initiatives to reduce the risk of pests becoming established.
  • Accelerating the protection and regeneration of the natural environment, including community-based initiatives, such as Me Uru Rākau, that enable landowners and groups to protect and regenerate ecological catchments.
  • Developing a climate change action plan.
  • Continuing to design, build and maintain high-quality flood protection, land drainage and erosion control infrastructure.
  • Delivering quality, cost-effective public transport that meets the needs of the community and increases patronage.
  • Promoting community participation in Council decision making, including investment in youth engagement and education, such as through the Enviroschools programme.

Our work is grouped into five portfolios: Water and Land; Biodiversity and Biosecurity; Air Quality, Transport and Urban Development; Climate Change and Community Resilience; and Regional and Strategic Leadership.

We produce a new Long-Term Plan every three years, as required by the Local Government Act 2002.

  • CLOSED: The consultation is now closed.


    Kia ora. We invite you to make a submission on Environment Canterbury's draft Long-Term Plan 2021-31. Your submission will help our Council decide on future activities and how they will be funded. Submissions close on Sunday 11 April 2021.

    It will take 10-15 mins to complete the form. We suggest that you register if you think you may need to save your submission to complete later. 


    Consultation has concluded