A Collaborative Approach to Stormwater Management - A Canterbury Tale

There are many challenges associated with achieving stormwater management outcomes for both District and Regional Councils. In Canterbury, these challenges include new regional plan requirements for stormwater network consents, the lack of best practice guidelines specifically designed for the unique Canterbury environment and achieving affordable yet environmentally sustainable outcomes. The Canterbury Stormwater Forum has been established to improve urban stormwater network consenting processes, stormwater management and associated environmental outcomes throughout the Canterbury region. The Forum includes representatives from the Canterbury Regional Council and district councils and also includes representation from our key cultural regional partner, Ng?i Tahu. The Forum has established collaborative working groups to identify and promote best practice, share resources and achieve stormwater management solutions that are affordable for the community, environmentally sustainable and culturally acceptable. This paper discusses the development of the Forum, the lessons learnt and the success of adopting this collaborative approach to resolving stormwater management issues across a region.