Latest News
Latest news
Reserve board continues campground review over winter
The Mt Somers Domain campground will remain open until mid-April this year, but close over winter while the Mt Somers Reserve Board explores new ways of operating the facility.
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Cr Jeanette Maxwell: Hard works pays off over time
As we enter into the third month of the year, one thing I can say is that life as a councillor is busy and full of decisions.
Community feedback open on shared spaces
The Ashburton District Council is inviting residents to give feedback on three documents to help shape and protect the district’s shared spaces.
Sandbag stations set up for community ahead of flood events
Next time Ashburton District residents are asked to prepare for a flood event, they’ll be able to make their own sandbags to help prevent surface flooding from entering their homes and garages.
Applications open for community grants
Applications are now open for the Ashburton District Council’s community grants, with funding available until the end of March.
Awards judges give high praise
The judging panel for the 2026 ANZ Business of the Year Awards had high praise for the standard of entries received this year.
Care urged around SH1 road works
Ashburton District residents are being warned about traffic congestion on State Highway 1 this weekend, with extra traffic expected because of an event in Christchurch.
Mayor: We're building a solid game plan
Our Annual Plan discussions will continue into the next fortnight and we expect to have a draft plan ready by 11 March.
Lake Hood manager proposed as research ramps up
Ashburton District Council is proposing to create a dedicated Lake Hood Manager role as part of its draft 2026/27 Annual Plan, reflecting the scale of work required to secure the lake’s long-term future.
Stockwater Exit: Good turnout to info session
There was a good turnout to the public information session at the Ruapuna Hall last week, when about 35 people came along to hear about the future of the Cracroft and Klondyke stockwater intakes.
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 Jeanette Maxwell: Hard works pays off over time
As we enter into the third month of the year, one thing I can say is that life as a councillor is busy and full of decisions.
Mayor: We're building a solid game plan
Our Annual Plan discussions will continue into the next fortnight and we expect to have a draft plan ready by 11 March.
View all columns
Upcoming meetings
BOARD: Methven Community
9 March 2026, 9.00 am
COMMITTEE: Three Waters
11 March 2026, 10.00 am
Workshop
11 March 2026, 1.00 pm
Council
18 March 2026, 1.00 pm
Council - Activity Briefings
25 March 2026, 9.00 am
Road Closures
JOHNSTONE STREET
from 16 Mar 8:00 to 17 Mar 16:00
TREVORS ROAD
from 2 Mar 7:00 to 19 Apr 19:00
SEAFIELD ROAD
from 2 Mar 7:00 to 19 Apr 19:00
SMALLBONE DRIVE
from 15 Mar 6:00 to 15 Mar 15:00
CATHERINE STREET
from 16 Feb 7:00 to 20 Mar 17:00
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...
Shut Up and Write Evenings
Ashburton Library
"Shut Up and Write" evenings are for anyone who has writing to do, or a project that can be done in silence.These are...
FREE Dazzlehands workshop
Ashburton Library
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is coming to Ashburton, and we are super excited to have them holding a dance workshop for the...
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
Stockwater Exit: Good turnout to info session
2026 News
There was a good turnout to the public information session at the Ruapuna Hall last week, when about 35 people came along to hear about the future of the Cracroft and Klondyke stockwater intakes.
Second Ashburton Bridge: Update 18 February 2026
2026 News
This year marks a big step forward for the Second Ashburton Bridge project. We’re gearing up for construction, and a lot of the work happening now is about setting the project up well so the main build can start smoothly.
Stockwater Exit: Info session and progress so far
2026 News
Council will host a public information session on Tuesday 17 February for property owners who receive water from the Cracroft and Klondyke stockwater intakes.
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.
Open for Feedback
Open Spaces Strategy & Bylaw & Brothel Location Bylaw Review 2026
From March 4, 2026 to April 7 2026
Recently Closed
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.