Latest news

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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Time to toast our local businesses

It’s less than a month now until the ANZ Business of the Year Awards gala dinner on 20 February.

Scientists return to Lake Hood to prepare for full study

Scientists will return to Lake Hood this week to supervise setting up the site of a full scientific study of products designed to control algae.

Council lifts water restrictions

Council has lifted water restrictions for households and businesses connected to its community supplies around the district.

Repairs underway for damaged stockwater intakes

High rainfall in the foothills over the weekend has led to Pudding Hill and Methven Auxiliary stockwater intakes being washed out on Sunday, resulting in reduced stockwater flows across the Methven to Chertsey areas.

Extra NZTA funds for local roads

Council will rehabilitate another section of Fairfield Road and upgrade the Oak Grove roundabout after receiving additional funding from NZ Transport Agency.

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.

Chief Executive: Shaping up for the new year

The new year has arrived, heralding the usual annual discussions about budget and work programmes but also talk about reforms for local government.

Rakaia salmon sculpture takes on fresh sparkle

Artist Phil Price has been busy at his Christchurch workshop leading the restoration of Rakaia’s landmark salmon.

Health warning issued for Lake Hood

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after potentially toxic harmful blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) were found in Lake Hood.

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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.

Latest Issue, Council Brief 22 January 2026

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Public Notices

Latest Public Notice

Proposal to close road(s) to vehicular traffic - Wakanui Bent Sprint

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Council Comment

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.

Chief Executive: Shaping up for the new year

The new year has arrived, heralding the usual annual discussions about budget and work programmes but also talk about reforms for local government.

View all columns

Upcoming meetings

Workshop

23 January 2026, 10.45 am

BOARD: Methven Community

26 January 2026, 9.00 am

Council - Activity Briefings

28 January 2026, 9.00 am

Workshop

28 January 2026, 1.30 pm

Workshop

3 February 2026, 10.00 am

Road Closures

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

ELIZABETH AVENUE (RAKAIA)

from 19 Jan 7:00 to 27 Feb 18:00

View all Road Closures | Live map

Are our doggy rules up to scratch?

Complete a quick survey and enter the draw for a $100 Prezzy card!

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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...

Botanical Correspondents: Crossing time with Julia Holderness and Emily Cumming Harris

Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum

In this exhibition, ZAWAA25 Premier Award winner Julia Holderness considers and responds to the work of Emily Harris, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s...

Live on the Lawn 2026

Ashburton District Council

Grab your picnic blanket and soak up the sounds of Mid Canterbury’s finest musicians in the beautiful Ashburton Domain!Celebrate homegrown talent and autumn vibes with...

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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.

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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.