Latest News
Latest news
Lake Hood: Water quality trials prepare for second phase
Six shipping containers that have been helping scientists prepare for an algal-control trial in Lake Hood will be removed on 18 December, as the first phase of work comes to an end.
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Big projects ahead for water services
A water meter trial in Rakaia will run alongside 14 significant water services projects to be delivered by Council in the 2026-27 financial year.
Stockwater Exit: Council to consider partial closure of Pudding Hill race network
Council will consider a recommendation from the Stockwater Transition Working Group on 17 December to partially close the Pudding Hill stockwater race network.
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.
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.
Cr Russell Ellis: How do we roll with change?
It was great to be part of the happy crowd that filled Baring Square East on Saturday night to see the lighting of the giant Christmas tree.
Warm welcome for top women golfers
Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan welcomed 60 of New Zealand’s best amateur women golfers yesterday, ahead of the inter-provincial teams tournament being hosted by the Ashburton Golf Club this week.
Parking changes for Methven Chertsey Road
A no parking zone is to be created on Methven Chertsey Road outside Methven’s new elder care facility.
Wearable arts with wedding vibe
The world of wearable arts is coming to Ashburton … and it has a bridal vibe.
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
Cr Russell Ellis: How do we roll with change?
It was great to be part of the happy crowd that filled Baring Square East on Saturday night to see the lighting of the giant Christmas tree.
CE Hamish Riach: Changes ahead for regional government
The big news nationally in local government this week has been the changes Government is proposing for regional councils, like Environment Canterbury.
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Upcoming meetings
Workshop
16 December 2025, 1.00 pm
Council
17 December 2025, 1.00 pm
Council
4 February 2026, 1.00 pm
Road Closures
THOMPSONS TRACK
from 12 Jan 7:00 to 31 Mar 18:00
WINTERS ROAD
from 13 Jan 7:00 to 3 Feb 18:00
FORKS ROAD
from 15 Dec 7:00 to 17 Dec 18:00
PHILIP STREET
from 1 Dec 7:00 to 19 Dec 18:00
OAK GROVE (WEST)
from 15 Dec 7:00 to 19 Dec 18:00
View all Road Closures | Live map
Council Events
Juicy Summer Reading Challenge
Ashburton Library
Our teen summer reading challenge has never been sweeter!Is there anything better on a hot summer's day than an ice-cold Juicy?Well, score one for FREE...
Sand Court
EA Networks Centre
All day, everyday!Serve, spike and have fun this summer. The outdoor sand volleyball court at EANC is open for everyone to enjoy and totally free.Grab...
Mini Mid Canterbury
EA Networks Centre
All day, everyday!Tee off on a big (but little) adventure at Mini Mid Canterbury! Our brand new 18-hole mini golf course features miniature versions of...
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
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.
Mini golf promises major fun
EA Networks Centre
Mini Mid Canterbury, the district’s new mini golf course, is on track to open on Saturday 22 November.
Project News
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.
Second Ashburton Bridge: Update on trial pile
2025 News
We’re getting ready to install a ‘trial pile’ near the Ashburton/Hakatere River as part of early works for the Second Ashburton Bridge. This test helps us understand how the ground behaves so we can design the right foundations to safely support the new bridge.
Stockwater Exit: New reports for Methven stockwater network
2025 News
Two new reports about the Methven Auxiliary water race network have been published on Council’s website, as part of the stockwater exit transition work programme.
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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.