Environment Canterbury

canterbury sceneryMain business activity

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

Who we are

In New Zealand the protection and sustainable management of the natural environment occurs at the regional level. Local government in New Zealand is represented by regional and territorial (city or district) councils. Regional councils like Environment Canterbury cover larger areas than territorial councils – there are 10 territorial councils within our boundary.

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.

The major focus of our work involves looking after the environment. We manage the effects of people’s use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water. However, we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and ecological well-being of the regional community.

We work co-operatively with city and district councils (territorial authorities). For example, the territorial authorities in the greater Christchurch urban area and the NZ Transport Agency are working with us on the Urban Development Strategy. This looks at sustainable urban development in the Christchurch area 35 years ahead.

Employee benefits

Our staff have a passion for making a difference in the environment where they live and enjoy working in a large and diverse team of highly qualified applied scientists. 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.

In addition we have 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 very small offices throughout the region.

Employment opportunities

  • Resource Management Planners
  • Consent Investigators
  • Scientists and Technicians
  • Engineers and Passenger Transport Planners
  • We also have a whole range of corporate support positions