Latest News
Latest news
Council services over the 2025-26 holiday period
To help residents and businesses plan for the Christmas and New Year period, here’s a summary of Council services over the holiday period from 24 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 – there are a few temporary changes to operating hours at some facilities.
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Financial outlook AA+ for Council
Fitch Rating Services says Council's AA+ rating leans towards the high end.
Second Ashburton Bridge: Update 19 December 2025
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.
Business awards finalists announced
Finalists have been announced for the ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2026.
Stockwater Exit: Large section of Pudding Hill race network to close
A large section of the Pudding Hill stockwater race network will close next year, as part of Council ending its stockwater delivery service.
Are our dog control rules up to scratch?
With over 6,300 dogs registered in Mid Canterbury, it’s clear that we love our four-legged friends, but it’s important that they’re managed responsibly and so Council is asking residents to complete a quick survey about dog control.
MAYOR: The spirit of Christmas is alive
It’s hard to believe that we are so close to the end of the year, the last two months have gone fast.
Ashburton Domain becomes Garden of Significance
The Ashburton Domain has been recognised as a Garden of Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust and will be promoted to garden tourists, from around the country and the world.
Water plant to be recommissioned after UV upgrade
The new UV equipment at the Ashburton Domain water treatment plant will be commissioned later this week.
Bike skills park sets construction date
Construction of the new bike skills park in the Ashburton Domain is planned to get underway in March.
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: The spirit of Christmas is alive
It’s hard to believe that we are so close to the end of the year, the last two months have gone fast.
Cr Tony Todd: Preparing for the challenges ahead
This week has been another busy one at Council, with the breadth of Council business easily seen in the 109-page agenda of our Activity Briefings.
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Upcoming meetings
Road Closures
THOMPSONS TRACK
from 12 Jan 7:00 to 31 Mar 18:00
MAYFIELD VALETTA ROAD
from 12 Jan 8:00 to 28 Feb 18:00
WINTERS ROAD
from 13 Jan 7:00 to 3 Feb 18:00
WALNUT AVENUE
from 6 Dec 10:00 to 6 Dec 15:00
View all Road Closures | Live map
Council Events
Artist Talk | Kathy Reilly
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for an artist talk with printmaker Kathy Reilly.In the summer of 2021, Kathy travelled to the Subantarctic Islands on a research expedition. For...
Explore Printmaking | Intaglio Print
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for the second session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops!Drypoint...
Explore Printmaking | Mixed Media
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for the third session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops!We...
Explore Printmaking | Block Printing
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for the first session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops! In this workshop we will make...
Facilities News
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.
Mini golf bookings now open online
EA Networks Centre
Mini golf enthusiasts can now book a round at Mini Mid Canterbury, the district's new mini golf course.
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
Water restrictions in force as consumption rises
Level 2 water restrictions have been implemented across the Ashburton District, in response to a jump in water consumption and no significant rain in the forecast.
Short water shutdown planned for Chertsey township
Households on the Chertsey community drinking water scheme will have a short water shutdown next week, as part of important work to commission their new water treatment plant.
Planned shutdown for Dromore drinking water supply
The Dromore community drinking water supply will be shut down on Wednesday 22 October from 9am until 2pm as part of preliminary work to replace the main pipeline that distributes water to households on the rural supply.
Short water shutdown in north-east on Sunday night
Households and businesses in a large part of north-east Ashburton, including all of Fairton, will have a short water shutdown on Sunday night to allow important work on the Bridge Street water treatment plant.