Let's all work
together
Me mahi tahi tātou katoa
Central Plains Water Trust (the Trust) was established by Selwyn District Council and Christchurch City Council to facilitate the sustainable development of Central Canterbury’s water resources.
With a focus on sustainable water use and regional wellbeing, the Trust promotes agricultural and horticultural diversity while enhancing ecological, social, and recreational values.
The Trust holds the resource consents for irrigation water and licenses them to Central Plains Water Limited (CPWL). Monitoring CPWL’s compliance with these consents and providing transparent reporting to support community oversight and accountability.
Stewarding
water for future generations
Ensuring accountability through oversight
Supporting sustainability in communities
Balancing
land, water,
and community
Our Purpose
The Trust was formally established on 15 April 2003 by Christchurch City Council and Selwyn District Council. Its primary purpose is to safeguard community and environmental interests in relation to water enhancement across the Central Plains region.
The Trust holds the region’s resource consents for water use and licenses them to the Central Plains Water Limited. By retaining public ownership of these consents, the Trust ensures long-term community guardianship, kaitiakitanga over these water resources, supporting sustainable management for current and future generations.
As outlined in the Trust Deed, the objects of the Trust are:
To promote the development of agriculture in the Central Plains area for the benefit of all inhabitants of Canterbury by:
Encouraging, supporting, and facilitating:
- Sustainable development of water resources in the area;
- Agricultural and horticultural diversity in the Central Plains area; and
- An appropriate balance of the benefits of agricultural development with the enhancement of ecological, social, and recreational values in the Central Plains area;
- Facilitating education to the inhabitants of the region in relation to water issues and sustainable agricultural development.
Trust Deed
The Central Plains Water Trust Deed sets out the purpose and guiding principles of the Trust, including the protection of community and environmental interests through public ownership of irrigation water consents.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Trust and CPWL was renegotiated and signed in 2016. This agreement outlines the terms under which the Trust licenses the use of the consents CPWL. It also formalises the Trust’s role in monitoring CPWL’s activities and publicly reporting on environmental performance. The MOU ensures these functions are fully funded by the CPWL.
Download the Trust Deed here.
The Trust
Sustainability Report
The Trust Sustainability Report has been prepared by the Trust for Selwyn District and Christchurch City Councils, and the wider community. It takes a broader view of the environmental outcomes associated with CPWL, with a focus on transparency and long-term wellbeing.
Access the Central Plains Water Trust Sustainability Report here.