Latest News
Latest news
Cameron St carpark arrangements under discussion
Councillors have been asked for direction on whether the new gravel carpark on the former Polytech site on Cameron Street should be paid parking.
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Mayor: Annual Plan work and debate getting underway
It’s hard to believe the first month of the year has passed by already.
Councillors begin work on 2026-27 Annual Plan and budget
Councillors will soon begin the first of several workshops to prepare an Annual Plan and budget for 2026-27.
New aerators for Methven wastewater plant
The Methven Wastewater Treatment Plant will have six ageing aerators replaced, and a new inlet screen before winter this year.
Community board backs Line Road as refuse site
The Methven Community Board supports using the Line Road recycling facility as the most appropriate site for a future Methven Refuse Transfer Station.
Underground asbestos discovery delays project
Pipework insulation that contained asbestos was discovered underground at the former Polytech site on Cameron Street, delaying the final stage of demolition of the old classroom block.
Council services over Waitangi weekend 2026
The Waitangi Day public holiday on Friday 6 February 2026 will see temporary changes to operating hours at some Council facilities and to some Council services.
Second short shutdown for Dromore water supply
There’ll be another short shutdown on the Dromore water scheme on Wednesday 28 January to connect new supply pipes to the new water treatment plant on Taverners Road.
Methven to consider options to manage Mt Hutt Memorial Hall
The Methven Community Board is to take over governance of the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, while the community considers other ways to manage the facility.
Explore your business idea at a free enterprise workshop
Council is hosting a free two-day workshop next month, aimed at helping people aged 18-30 learn more about how to start and run a business.
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
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Council Comment
Mayor: Annual Plan work and debate getting underway
It’s hard to believe the first month of the year has passed by already.
Cr Phill Everest: Challenges of a changing Local Government landscape
Well, I’m just over two months into my role as your Councillor for the Eastern ward, a position I took on to give something back to our great community.
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Upcoming meetings
Workshop
3 February 2026, 10.00 am
Council - Agency Presentations
4 February 2026, 9.30 am
Council
4 February 2026, 1.00 pm
Workshop
10 February 2026, 9.00 am
COMMITTEE: Three Waters
11 February 2026, 10.00 am
Road Closures
MAYFIELD VALETTA ROAD
from 9 Feb 7:00 to 13 Feb 18:00
DAVID STREET
from 21 Jan 7:00 to 27 Feb 18:00
FITZGERALD ROAD - SEASIDE ROAD
from 15 Mar 8:00 to 15 Mar 20:00
EALING MONTALTO ROAD
from 26 Jan 7:00 to 6 Mar 18:00
FAIRFIELD ROAD
from 26 Jan 7:00 to 31 Mar 18:00
View all Road Closures | Live map
Council Events
Light up the Night 2026
Ashburton District Council
Welcome in the festive season with our free Christmas celebration!Bring your friends, bring your family and join us in Baring Square East for an evening...
Glow in the Park 2026
Ashburton District Council
This popular family event returns this King’s Birthday weekend, 29-31 May.Immerse yourself in an explosion of colour and artistry as you explore the beautifully lit...
In Plain Site: Memorials and their Stories
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
From traditional monuments to functional buildings, and even living trees, public memorials take many shapes and forms. In Whakatere Ashburton many commemorate wartime sacrifice, while...
The Boy with Wings
Ashburton Library
A comic, touching, and environmental story using the ageless wonder of...
Facilities News
Change proposed for squad swimmers
EA Networks Centre
Council is proposing to stop providing a squad swimming programme at the end of June, following a review of its operation, cost and Council’s future role.
Documenting our heritage: Mid and South Canterbury photo competition
Art Gallery and Museum
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is partnering with Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, in a photo competition to celebrate the special heritage places in Mid and South Canterbury.
Wearable arts with wedding vibe
Art Gallery and Museum
The world of wearable arts is coming to Ashburton … and it has a bridal vibe.
Great Santa Hunt headlines our What's On Guide for summer
Library
Our long-time favourite Christmas event, the Great Santa Hunt, once again heads the list of activities in this summer’s What’s On Guide.
Project News
Second Ashburton Bridge: Update 19 December 2025
2025 News
As 2025 wraps up, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what’s been achieved on the Ashburton second bridge project so far and share some of what’s coming up in the new year.
Stockwater Exit: Large section of Pudding Hill race network to close
2025 News
A large section of the Pudding Hill stockwater race network will close next year, as part of Council ending its stockwater delivery service.
Stockwater Exit: Council to consider partial closure of Pudding Hill race network
2025 News
Council will consider a recommendation from the Stockwater Transition Working Group on 17 December to partially close the Pudding Hill stockwater race network.
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Alerts & advisories
Short shutdown planned for Dromore water supply
The Dromore drinking water treatment plant will shut down for two hours on Tuesday 20 January, as part of work to upgrade the plant.
Conserve water notice for Methven lifted
The conserve water notice for Methven has now been lifted following an outage at the water treatment plant yesterday.
Chertsey water supply restored
Residents on the Chertsey drinking water supply can now use water normally, after earlier being asked to conserve water following an unexpected outage at the treatment plant.
Water restrictions remain as summer heat returns
Ashburton District Council is reminding residents that Level 2 water restrictions remain in effect as hot weather returns to Mid Canterbury.