Council updates, Dogs, Housing, Water  |  Yesterday

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Here are the key decisions from the Wednesday 3 September Council meeting.

Dog Control Bylaw and Policy Review

Ōtautahi Christchurch dog rules will change on 3 November 2025.

Council adopted updates to the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy today, following extensive consultation and considering recommendations of the hearings panel.

Most changes reflect the ways in which the city has changed since the previous bylaw and policy review in 2016. Since then, the city’s dog population has risen, new shared pathways have been built, and there has been a strong community focus on habitat restoration and wildlife protection.

Staff will notify all registered dog owners of the changes in late October and update information on the Council’s website when the new rules come into effect.  

Hagley Avenue parking trial extended

A time-restricted clearway trial on Hagley Avenue has been extended for six months.

The trial, which began in March this year, allows parking for about 18 vehicles between 7:30pm and 7:30am each night. The clearway, on the north side of Hagley Avenue between Riccarton Avenue and St Asaph Street, is part of ongoing efforts to improve parking near Christchurch Hospital.

During the extended trial, staff will investigate the impact of the soon-to-open Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre on parking and traffic flows in the area. Staff will also look at ways to make it clearer to the public that the clearway allows overnight parking

Key stakeholders and members of the public will be consulted towards the end of the trial. A report will then go to Council to inform their decision on the future of the clearway.

A small change to the Cemeteries Handbook

The Council has tweaked its Cemeteries Handbook to provide for water cremation, which is a relatively new option for disposing of human remains.

The change updates the definition of ‘ashes’ – previously, the Handbook specifically linked ‘ashes’ to flame cremation, and therefore didn't provide for the burial or interment of the ‘ashes’ created by water cremation. The change means the Council can meet its legal obligations.

East Christchurch Housing Trust

Christchurch City Council land in South Brighton is set to be utilised for new, affordable housing. 

The East Christchurch Housing Trust will be granted a lease for land at 81 Blake Street to develop five relocatable one-bedroom homes. 

The land is currently held for community housing, however damage from the earthquakes mean there are site constraints around flood and liquefaction risk which prevent traditional, permanent residential development. 

The Trust's relocatable design offers a solution to these limitations to make use of the land, as well as aligning with Council housing strategies, supporting climate resilience, and delivering community benefit at minimal cost. 

Surface Flooding Reduction Programme

A programme aiming to address reoccurring surface flooding in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will get under with four ‘quick win’ projects. 

Today Christchurch City Council approved the first tranche of work in the Surface Flooding Reduction Programme, which has $20 million per year to reduce regular surface flooding issues experienced by communities.

Projects include:

  • Flockton Street Area - Stormwater pump station
  • Bells Creek – Stormwater pump station and overland flow controls
  • Greenpark – Stormwater network upgrades
  • Emmet Orcades - Stormwater network upgrades and diversion

Two further tranches of work have been identified and will be investigated.