Environment Canterbury

Canterbury scenery

Main business activity

We are the regional council charged with managing natural resources in the Canterbury region in the South Island of New Zealand.

With 45,239 km2 of diverse landscapes, including New Zealand’s highest mountain, major lakes and river systems, and some of its most productive farmland, Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region.

The population of Canterbury is 552,800 (as of June 2008), of which 368,900 live in Christchurch. This makes Canterbury the most populated region in the South Island and the second most populated in New Zealand.

Who we are

Environment Canterbury works with the people of Canterbury to manage the region’s air, water and land. We are committed to the sustainable management of our environment while promoting the region’s economic, social and cultural well-being.

Environment Canterbury was established in 1989 as one of 12 regional councils in New Zealand, with the responsibility to protect and sustainably manage the natural environment at a regional level.

Our work guides and supports the sustainable development of Canterbury - we want to make sure our region grows and develops in a way that keeps its values safe for future generations. Local government in New Zealand is represented by regional and territorial (city or district) councils. We work co-operatively with city and district councils (territorial authorities), of which there are 10 territorial councils within our Canterbury boundary.

Employee benefits

Our staff have a passion for making a difference in the environment where they live and play. We have a range of policies with work/life balance in mind, such as:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Educational assistance
  • Purchasing additional leave
  • Leave without pay (for that OE)
  • Social club
  • Cafeteria
  • On-site gym in the Christchurch office
  • Graduate and leadership programmes
  • Technical and personal development training courses and opportunities to attend conferences.

Number of employees

Most of our 500 staff are employed in the Christchurch office, with a satellite office in Timaru and a few other small offices throughout the region.

Employment opportunities

  • Resource Management Planners
  • Consent Investigators
  • Scientists and Technicians
  • Engineers and Passenger Transport Planners
  • A whole range of corporate support positions