19 Jun 2024

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A plan which sets out how the stormwater entering waterways in the Ōtākaro Avon catchment will be improved has been finalised.

Christchurch City Council has today approved the Ōtākaro Avon Stormwater Management Plan, the sixth of seven prepared for each of the district’s stormwater catchments. 

Public consultation on the plan ran from 21 February until 22 April 2024. The Council received 27 submissions – 18 from individuals, six from organisations, and three from community boards.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says the plan plays an important role for managing stormwater and cleaning up the catchment. 

Stormwater management plans lay out what the Council will do to reduce the amount of contamination entering our waterways.  

“Waterways can get polluted from many sources including roads, roofs, car tyres, construction, and house and garden products,” says Mayor Mauger.  

“This catchment stretches from Bexley to the airport and includes the central city. It’s the heart of our city and includes our most built-up area. This high level of development is a significant consideration in the plan.” 

“It’s also home to the Avon River – the spine which runs through the city. So many people enjoy the river, the walkways, parks and businesses along it, as well as the habitat it provides for native wildlife.” 

“We all have a role to play in improving the health of our waterways. Doing things like disposing rubbish properly, choosing environmentally friendly building materials, washing your car on the lawn and picking up litter can make a big difference to how much pollution ends up in our rivers.” 

“The ongoing maintenance and improvement of our stormwater network is key to ensuring we retain the unique features of the catchment, better manage stormwater in flooding events, and that over time our city becomes a safer and healthier place to live.” 

The stormwater management plans set out the ways in which the Council will meet the requirements of its 25-year Comprehensive Stormwater Network Discharge Consent (CSNDC), which was granted by Environment Canterbury in 2019. 

Learn more about the plan and potential sources of contamination on our website.