Recent News and Events

Public meeting about nitrate levels in the Ashburton Rakaia Plains area
Environment Canterbury held a public meeting to discuss nitrates in local groundwater following the release of a report  identifying  several areas with high nitrate nitrogen concentrations in groundwater between Ashburton township and the Rakaia River. 
CCC supports Banks Peninsula’ s inclusion in city
Christchurch City Council will ask the Local Government Commission (LGC) to support a call by Banks Peninsula voters for their district to be abolished and become part of Christchurch City.
Youth Justice South Contract  at Rolleston Awarded
The main contract for construction of the new 32 bed youth justice residence in Christchurch, Youth Justice South, has been awarded to Fletcher Construction.

Sites Added

Lincoln Technology
Electronics and biosensor research and development group of Lincoln Ventures. Research and development of biosensors, dielectric sensors and electronic sensors.
Northbrook Waters
Lifestyle block subdivision featuring man made lake suitable for waterskiing. Features site plan and details of facilities.
NZ Walking and Adventure Festival
Annual festival based in Methven in April. Walking/tramping programme for all levels of fitness and related adventure activities.
Environment Enhancement Fund
Fund administered by Environment Canterbury which makes annual grants to individuals and groups working to protect and enhance Canterbury's indigenous biodiversity.

Viewpoint

The Ministry for the Environment  has a 2004 programme entitled Improving the Resource Management Act. On it's website the  Ministry says 

"The Government is now seeking to provide greater certainty and efficiency in the way the RMA operates, while not sacrificing public involvement and protection for our environment. Associate Environment Minister David Benson-Pope has announced a review of the RMA focused on five areas where the Government wants to find practical solutions for problems. Principles to guide the programme of work have been developed. The programme will include opportunities for you to have a say on how you would like to see the Act improved."

Have your say on the RMA:

The Ministry is asking for feedback on improving the RMA. A form is provided to send in your ideas and comments. The Ministry says that "in recent years, action has been taken on a number of problems with the way that the RMA works in practive. If you are providing feedback, have a look at actions already taken to improve the RMA. These are also listed on the  Ministry web site.

Different views

Many organisations have views and or a relationship with the RMA  and provide a range of perspectives on how the act works:

Fish and Game New Zealand

Forest and Bird Society

Federated Farmers

Environment Canterbury

Buried Treasures

Spotlight on some localeye resources ...

localeye's  Ashburton District category is still a work in progress as far as organising it goes, but we have managed to collect a healthy number of local websites representing the business, government, community, educational, sporting, cultural and tourism activities of the district that are on the internet.