Have your say  |  23 Mar 2022

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A newly released plan aims to guide future development and management of the lower Ōpāwaho Lower Heathcote River.

Consultation on the lower Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Guidance Plan, which covers the area from the Opawa Road Bridge to the Ferrymead Bridge, opened on 22 March and runs until 19 April.

The draft plan aims to reverse the ecological damage caused by decades of degradation.

It has been developed by Ōpāwaho Lower Heathcote Working Party of the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board and included members of the community and organisations with an interest in the waterway alongside Christchurch City Council staff.

Working Party Chair and Councillor for the Linwood Ward, Yani Johanson welcomed its release.

“This draft plan is focused on ensuring that the ecology, water quality, and the ability for people to enjoy the river is enhanced. It aims to strengthen the historic and cultural values of the river between the Council and the community so that everyone is working constructively to improve the environmental and recreational benefits of it. I thank the working party members for their contributions to date and encourage people to make submissions on what is proposed.”

 Key goals:
  • Prioritise the natural environment.
  • Increase space available for river margin.
  • Intensify native planting and reduce the volume of lawn.
  • Reduce exotic trees and intensify native tree canopy.
  • Increase shading of the river.
  • Provide habitat for native fauna.
  • Create a place of education. 
  • Improve connectivity to the river and between activities.
  • Enhance social connections.

Malcolm Long, Secretary of Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network says, "The lower reaches of Ōpāwaho Heathcote River are a unique and important part of Christchurch from not only an ecological perspective, but in terms of how the community around the river can interact more positively with it.  There is so much that we can improve if we respect the river in our lives."

Board Chair Alexandra Davids says the plan has been four years in the making and aims to provide better integration and cohesion in how the river is developed and managed. 

“It sets out clear priorities and actions, allowing individual groups to understand their role within the broader vision and for Council and other agencies to support those groups in their efforts.”

The framework builds on significant work and activity already underway.

“This would not have been possible without the enormous contribution from community volunteers over many years,” Ms Davids says.

Have your say on the guidance plan