Latest News
Latest news
Tinwald viaduct closed up to six months
KiwiRail is advising that repairs to the Tinwald viaduct could be six months away, and the road underneath it will be closed to traffic until then.
More news
Career Fest promises interactive experience
An interactive careers event in Ashburton this October is aimed at showing many of the different industries and jobs that are available in the district, to inspire those looking for work or to upskill or find a new job.
Old Polytech demolition scheduled from 4 August
Contractors will fence off the old Polytech building and carpark on Cameron Street on Saturday 2 August, ahead of specialist asbestos removal and demolition crews moving onto the site.
Check your enrolment details before 1 August
Want to vote in the Local Elections? Time is running out to make sure you are enrolled and your name and correct details are on the preliminary electoral roll for the Ashburton District.
MAYOR: Essential business, as usual
The Local Government conference in Christchurch last week provided a chance for Government to repeat its message to Councils to get back to basics … and that is largely business as usual for us here in Ashburton.
All welcome at business awards launch party
Local businesses, big and small, are being invited to a launch party for the Ashburton District’s Business of the Year Awards.
Last week to avoid late registration dog fees
With just a week to go, around half of the district’s 7000 dogs have been registered and the Council is giving the rest a friendly bark - fetch your form and get cracking!
Grants open for creative projects
Whether you’re producing a play or hosting an exhibition, groups or individuals with a local arts project can apply for financial help through the Creative Communities Scheme from 1 August.
School holiday programmes draw a crowd
Over 1000 youngsters headed along to Council facilities over the recent school holidays, to make snow globes, use a laser cutter or take part in a winter challenge.
Potential for low water pressure as Argyle Park work continues
Parts of Allenton may experience low water pressure over the next three weeks as part of work to upgrade the Argyle Park water treatment plant.
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.
View previous issues
Public Notices
Latest Public Notice
From the Mayor & CE
CE Hamish Riach: It's time for candidates to come forward
Candidates for seats on Council are beginning to emerge, with just two weeks until the nomination period closes.
MAYOR: Essential business, as usual
The Local Government conference in Christchurch last week provided a chance for Government to repeat its message to Councils to get back to basics … and that is largely business as usual for us here in Ashburton.
Upcoming meetings
Workshops
31 July 2025, 9.30 am
ADVISORY GROUP: Biodiversity
4 August 2025, 1.00 pm
Council
6 August 2025, 1.00 pm
BOARD: Methven Community
11 August 2025, 9.00 am
Council
20 August 2025, 1.00 pm
Road Closures
PHILIP STREET
from 28 Jul 7:00 to 8 Aug 18:00
TANCRED STREET
from 14 Jul 7:00 to 29 Aug 18:00
KING STREET, ALEXANDER STREET
from 3 Feb 6:00 to 13 Sep 18:00
View all Road Closures | Live map
Ashburton District Council Events
Opening | Operation Grapple: We Were There
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for the opening of our new exhibition, Operation Grapple: We Were There.In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests...
Operation Grapple: We Were There
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests at Christmas Island and Malden Island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. This series of...
Artist Talks | Bobby Kurb, Chloe Summerhayes, and Sam Walker
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for three artist talks featuring Bobby Kurb, Chloe Summerhayes and Sam Walker.Bobby will discuss his new exhibition Before Black and White there was...
Hakatere Noodle Festival 2025
Ashburton District Council
The Hakatere Noodle Festival is back with more yummy dishes and free entertainment.
Facilities News
Sports centre celebrates 500,000th visitor, new record coming
EA Networks Centre
The EA Networks Centre celebrated a visitor milestone and new record on Wednesday when its 500,000th customer walked through the door.
Splashdeck, toddler pool surface to be replaced
EA Networks Centre
The new surface of the splashdeck and toddler pool at EA Networks Centre is not up to scratch and will be replaced by the contractor who installed it, at no cost to Council.
Your What's On Guide for the winter school holidays
Library
A free family show called The Snow is one of the highlights of a winter-themed What’s On Guide for activities at Council facilities over the coming school holidays.
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.
Project News
Stockwater Exit Transition Plan: Reports available to the public
2025 News
Residents interested in Council’s work to exit its stockwater delivery service can now read three investigation reports related to Pudding Hill, the first of 17 stockwater intakes under consideration.
Drop-in sessions for stockwater exit work
2025 News
Council is holding two drop-in sessions for the public to be part of the discussion about the future of Bushside and Stoney Creek stockwater intakes.
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.
Open for Feedback
Recently Closed
Alerts & advisories
Water pipe renewals under way from 7 July
Work to renew water pipes on Tancred Street and Philip Street in Ashburton will begin on 7 July, with road closures in the affected areas.
Short shutdown for Rakaia water supply
Rakaia residents are being asked to conserve water on Monday 7 July when new UV disinfection equipment at the town’s water treatment plant is being commissioned.
Allenton water upgrade may lower pressure
Some parts of Allenton may experience low water pressure on Tuesday 1 July, while critical connections are made for a UV upgrade at the Argyle Park water treatment plant.
Short shutdown for Argyle Park water plant
The water treatment plant at Argyle Park will be shut down for about four hours on Tuesday 17 June and residents in the Allenton area may notice reduced pressure in the water network.