The Environment
Pied Shags. |
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Naturalised spring, Papanui Stream. |
Christchurch has a unique biodiversity and diverse range of natural areas, including the Port Hills, beaches and coastal areas, tussock grasslands, regional parks, waterways and wetlands. These natural areas, their habitats and species have been considerably modified over time. There is a growing awareness of the need to maintain Christchurch’s biodiversity, and the city has an active programme of protection and restoration to address this need.
Protection and restoration are two key goals in the Biodiversity Strategy that is currently underway. Council produces a botanist newsletter, weed guides, planting guides, and actively monitors natural areas including its Ecological Heritage Sites and the Styx River. There are also a range of protection measures available such as conservation covenants and esplanade strips.
- Biodiversity strategy
New Zealand's unique biodiversity is internationally important. It is also under threat and declining. Long term geographic isolation has meant that many of our native species are endemic (found only in New Zealand).
- Black Map [PDF 260KB]
Christchurch area showing waterways, wetlands and vegetation cover in 1856.
- Botanist newsletter
Information on Ecological Heritage Site monitoring, weed strategy, rare plants, biodiversity workshops, plant identification and more. Prepared by Kate McCombs.
- Canterbury weed guide
A weed identification guide, with lots of pictures, information on how to tell the weeds apart from similar looking plants and some general guidance on control methods.
- Conservation covenants
This guide aims to encourage local authority staff to consider using conservation covenants as a tool to protect conservation values.
- CREAS - Christchurch River Environment Assessment System
CREAS is a GIS-based strategic management tool for Christchurch waterways developed by ecological consultants, NIWA, and EOS Ecology. The purpose of CREAS is to provide natural asset management data of Christchurch’s waterways.
- Ecological Heritage Sites
In Christchurch, 500 places with remnant native vegetation have been surveyed and evaluated. The top 50 sites are listed and mapped in the City Plan as Ecological Heritage Sites. About two thirds of the sites are in public ownership.
- Egeria guide
Egeria is an invasive aquatic weed that has recently become established in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is known to be in the vicinity of Kerrs Reach, lower Avon River.
- Purple Loosestrife guide
Purple loosestrife is a serious weed of wetlands and waterway margins. Purple loosestrife has now become established in several locations in New Zealand, including Canterbury.
- Riparian Maintenance Templates
The Riparian Maintenance Templates include four diagrams with a list of detailed instructions for Council staff, consultants and contractors to use. The purpose of the templates is to improve the quality of environment by prescribing appropriate treatment for the establishment and ongoing care of streamside plantings throughout Christchurch.
- Streamside planting guide
The streamside planting guide will help you know what to plant where, and how to plant and maintain your streamside. You will be contributing to a natural, more sustainable Christchurch!
- Styx River monitoring
The project involves observing for headwater flow patterns along the upper reaches of the Styx River and its tributaries.
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