Latest News
Latest news
Safe passage for Hampstead students
Hampstead School has a new student crossing on Oxford Street, with fixed signs and student patrols that can stop traffic.
More news
Winners announced for Zonta Ashburton Art Awards
This year’s premier award at the Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards has been won by Miranda Parkes, for her colourful work dreamchaser.
Diggers primed for bike skills park project
Safety fences will go up in the Ashburton Domain over the next two weeks around the pump track and surrounding area that is to become a new bike skills park.
Mayor Liz McMillan: Here's how the Annual Plan 2026-27 is tracking
Following another big workshop yesterday, our Annual Plan for 2026-27 is really taking shape and I’d like to update you on how things are tracking in terms of rates and important projects.
Apply for our grants, urges Methven Community Board
The Methven Community Board has $25,000 to give to community projects and is encouraging non-profit groups and organisations in Methven to apply for a slice of it.
CE Hamish Riach: Water projects and pipe renewals
Rain or shine, our water services team and their contractors are busy keeping drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks running smoothly.
Councillors on tour: Airport to irrigators
Councillors spent a day on the road this week, getting a closer look at the Ashburton Business Estate, the Wilkins Road wastewater treatment plant and several other important Council assets and infrastructure.
Live on the Lawn strikes right chord
Live on the Lawn is ready to hit the high notes as it returns for its second year to the Ashburton Domain with an outstanding lineup of homegrown talent on Saturday 28 March.
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.
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.
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
CE Hamish Riach: Water projects and pipe renewals
Rain or shine, our water services team and their contractors are busy keeping drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks running smoothly.
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.
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Upcoming meetings
Workshop
18 March 2026, 11.00 am
Council
18 March 2026, 1.00 pm
Council - Activity Briefings
25 March 2026, 9.00 am
Workshop
31 March 2026, 10.00 am
Workshop
31 March 2026, 2.00 pm
Road Closures
FAIRFIELD ROAD
from 26 Jan 7:00 to 19 Apr 18:00
CATHERINE STREET
from 18 Mar 8:00 to 24 Apr 18:00
TANCRED STREET
from 23 Mar 7:00 to 27 Mar 18:00
JOHNSTONE STREET
from 16 Mar 8:00 to 17 Mar 16:00
TREVORS ROAD
from 2 Mar 7:00 to 19 Apr 19:00
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...
Card making with die cuts
Ashburton Library
Come along and create beautiful cards and gift tags under the guidance of experienced die cutter Diane.These sessions are held on the first...
Artist Workshop | Botanical Watercolour with Julia Holderness
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
Join us for a special workshop with artist Julia Holderness!Learn some watercolour painting techniques, and then have the chance to paint a botanical study or...
Facilities News
Winners announced for Zonta Ashburton Art Awards
Art Gallery and Museum
This year’s premier award at the Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards has been won by Miranda Parkes, for her colourful work dreamchaser.
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.
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.