Latest News
Latest news
Councillors to receive Lake Hood water report
A 75-page report will be presented to Councillors on Wednesday, providing an information update on water quality issues at Lake Hood and the work currently underway to address them.
More news
Night vibe for Methven trees
Two cedar trees and an oak planted in a community space outside the Blue Pub in Methven will soon be bathed in a special glow.
Council hears community feedback on water services
The community has made their views on the future of the district’s water services clear, with 88 percent of submissions supporting the Council’s proposed inhouse delivery model.
Te Whare Whakatere wins architecture award
Ashburton’s library and civic building, Te Whare Whakatere, has been declared a winner in the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards.
Check if you qualify for a rates rebate
Low-income households who have not applied for a rates rebate for the 2024-25 financial year should do so before the end of June – they may qualify for a rebate of up to $790.
CE Hamish Riach: Water work milestones in sight
This week marks an important milestone in our work to implement Government’s Local Water Done Well programme.
Bridge St water treatment plant up next for UV upgrade
Council contractors will begin upgrading the Bridge Street water treatment plant on 26 May.
Stockwater Exit: Bushside Intake public survey open
Council is seeking the views of the wider community on the future of the Bushside stockwater intake.
Plans approved for mini golf course
The final concept designs for the new 18-hole mini golf course at EA Networks Centre have been signed off by Mayor Neil Brown, with a November opening date pencilled in for the project.
Mayors Taskforce For Jobs programme nailing targets
Secondary school teachers and careers advisors spent a day recently hearing about learning-on-the-job opportunities in the Ashburton District.
Council Brief
A weekly roundup of our top news and important notices. Council Brief is published every Thursday in the Ashburton Courier, Ashburton Guardian and on this website.
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Public Notices
Latest Public Notice
From the Mayor & CE
CE Hamish Riach: Water work milestones in sight
This week marks an important milestone in our work to implement Government’s Local Water Done Well programme.
MAYOR: Power of a positive compliment
We sometimes take for granted the things that are good about the Ashburton District – from our stunning high country to our Council facilities and basic services.
Upcoming meetings
Council
21 May 2025, 1.00 pm
BOARD: Methven Community
26 May 2025, 9.00 am
COMMITTEE: Three Waters
25 June 2025, 10.30 am
COMMITTEE: Audit & Risk
25 June 2025, 1.00 pm
Road Closures
WILLS STREET
from 6 Jun 19:00 to 6 Jun 21:30
ELIZA WAY
from 12 May 7:00 to 15 May 18:00
BLANDS ROAD
from 17 May 9:00 to 17 May 16:30
WITHELLS ROAD CLOSURE
from 17 Apr 6:00 to 9 May 18:00
EALING ROAD CLOSURE
from 17 Apr 6:00 to 9 May 18:00
View all Road Closures | Live map
Ashburton District Council Events
Hakatere Noodle Festival 2025
Ashburton District Council
The Hakatere Noodle Festival is back with more yummy dishes and free entertainment.
Light up the Night 2025
Ashburton District Council
Ashburton kicks off the season of Christmas festivities with Light up the Night. Join us for a night of food, fun and the jolly man...
EA Networks Glow in the Park 2025
Ashburton District Council
Save the Date!Glow Up Your Winter! Bring your family and join us for three magical nights of light, music, food and fun for all ages...
Little Splashers
EA Networks Centre
Join us for Little Splashers- a session where you and your Little Splasher have the opportunity to explore the world of water in a parent...
Facilities News
Plans approved for mini golf course
EA Networks Centre
The final concept designs for the new 18-hole mini golf course at EA Networks Centre have been signed off by Mayor Neil Brown, with a November opening date pencilled in for the project.
Art shows combine for reopening night
Art Gallery and Museum
The Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum has been a whirlwind of activity leading up to the opening of four new exhibitions this Saturday evening.
EA Networks Centre celebrates 10 years with free activities for the community
EA Networks Centre
EA Networks Centre is planning a fun day of free community activities to celebrate its 10th birthday on Sunday 11 May.
Fun factor high at Council facilities over holidays
Library
Council’s community facilities were inundated over the school holidays by hundreds of youngsters taking part in activities ranging from Easter egg hunts and inflatable pool play to 3D printing and making colourful, fluorescent lei.
Project News
Stockwater Exit: Bushside Intake public survey open
2025 News
Council is seeking the views of the wider community on the future of the Bushside stockwater intake.
Stockwater Exit: Water balance report commissioned
2025 News
Council has commissioned a water balance report for the Washpen/Mt Harding Creek system, as part of its work on the future of the Pudding Hill stockwater intake.
Stockwater Exit: Pudding Hill wider survey
2025 News
Methven community members who came along to a public meeting about the future of the Pudding Hill stockwater intake are being encouraged to take part in Council’s online survey about the intake.
Stockwater Exit Transition Plan: First intake surveys in the mail
2025 News
Land owners who have water races on or adjacent to their property and who pay stockwater rates for water from the Methven Auxiliary Intake are receiving letters this week asking them to take part in a survey about the future of the intake.
Open for Feedback
Recently Closed
Alerts & advisories
Hinds water treatment plant upgraded
New filtration and UV disinfection equipment at the Hinds water treatment plant will be commissioned this week, with no disruption for those connected to the township’s supply.
Hosing ban for Methven during water plant maintenance
Council is implementing a hosing ban on the Methven and Methven Springfield water supplies from Wednesday 26 February to allow maintenance on one of the reservoirs at the Methven water treatment plant.
Hakatere water notice extended by three days
Council is extending the conserve water notice for the Hakatere drinking water supply for another three days so additional work can be done on the water plant infrastructure.
Overnight disruption for Hinds water supply
The Hinds drinking water supply will be temporarily shutdown overnight (Wednesday 5 February) between the hours of 11pm and 3am, to allow for urgent repairs following the discovery of a leak in a watermain at the water treatment plant earlier today.