Land drainage, Parks and playgrounds, Water  |  12 Dec 2025

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The Addington Brook renewal project has been successfully completed, marking a major step forward for one of the most polluted waterways in Christchurch.

Spring and stormwater-fed Addington Brook winds through industrial land in the city’s south-west, before passing through South Hagley Park and flowing into the Ōtākaro-Avon River.

Previously, the brook faced several challenges within the park including slumping banks, limited drainage capacity, poor biodiversity, and blockages caused by trees.

In some areas, the narrow waterway was difficult to distinguish, with a three-metre-high drop creating a hazard for pedestrians and cyclists using the park.

With the renewal now complete, the ongoing benefits will include:

  • Flattened and stabilised banks that improve drainage, enhance waterway health, and increase park safety
  • New native riparian strips which protect against erosion and filter contaminants
  • New ecological habitat for eels and fish, providing shelter from predators and resting spots during storm flows
  • 500 new trees which will allow for a range of tree species of various ages and heights along the waterway
  • A renewed pathway meandering along the top of the southern bank, perfect for walkers
  • New access points to the waterway at select, gently sloped, grassed locations for easier identification and use

In two to three years, the area will be flourishing as trees and plants become more fully established.

The project team will continue monitoring and maintaining the site and will carry out additional planting during next year’s season to ensure the landscape thrives.