Water Race Closures
In this section
WATER RACE CLOSURE APPLICATIONS PAUSED
Updated 3 September 2025
We are currently reviewing the water race network, including re-mapping, a strategic review, updates to ratings, and property details during the 2025 / 26 summer.
We will not be accepting water race closure applications at this time. This page will be updated once applications reopen.
DISCONTINUANCE OF A STOCKWATER RACE
Updated Wednesday 21 May 2025
Water Race Closure Hearing and Deliberation
In September 2024, Council received objections to the proposed closure of three sections of the Paparua and Malvern water race network; 684 Telegraph Road, 987 Telegraph Road, and Highfield Road.
As a result, a public hearing will be held on Tuesday 27 May 2025, 4:00 - 6:00pm, followed by Council deliberations on Thursday 29 May 2025, 9:00am.
Both sessions will take place at the Council Chambers - 2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston and will be live streamed on the Council's YouTube channel.
June 2024 - Water Race Closure Process
We are now accepting requests for the closure of a water race.
If you are interested in applying, please provide the following information to the Surface Waters Team:
- Map of the proposed closure (a map of your race can be found via Canterbury Maps Scheme WaterRace - Overview (arcgis.com))
- Agreement to close water race form for each affected landowner – noting that all landowners downstream of the closure point will be affected and applications must receive 80% agreement to progress
- Reason for closure
- Initial closure plan for physical closure i.e. leaving channels open, installing soak pits etc.
- Agreement between all affected landowners on how the costs associated with the closure will be covered
Please submit your information to SurfaceWaters@selwyn.govt.nz before 5pm Monday 1 July 2024.
Any applications received after the Monday 1 July 2024 will incur a cost as outlined in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
Additionally, if you do not provide the full information required, as listed above, you may incur this cost if this application is formalised after the Monday 1 July.
24 June 2025
Upper Ellesmere Water Race Closure
Further closures have been progressed as part of the Council-led Upper Ellesmere water race scheme closure plan. In June 2025 stage 3 (shown in blue in the linked map) has been permanently closed following ecological survey and salvage work. This section of the water race ran from approximately midway down Mitchells Road to Rakaia Selwyn Road. An updated map of the current closure plan can be found here.
December 2024
Upper Ellesmere Water Race Closure
Further closures have been progressed as part of the five year closure of the Upper Ellesmere water race closure. The water race along Rakaia Terrace Road and North Rakaia Road (from Morgans Rd down to Breadings Road) has been closed, as shown in the map, please view it here.
September 2024 - Public Initiated Water Race Closures
The Selwyn District Council, in accordance with the special consultative procedure as outlined in the Local Government Act 2002, advises their intention to discontinue the stock water race(s):
1 - 3.02 km in the Malvern scheme, Telegraph Road
2 - 2.2 km in the Malvern scheme, Telegraph Road
3 - 6.32 km in the Malvern scheme, Minchins Road
4 - 5.73 km in the Paparua scheme, Highfield Road
The discontinuance of these stock water races will be subject to the consultation process.
1. Submissions close on 7 October 2024.
2. To make a submission please email SurfaceWaters@selwyn.govt.nz or contact Council.
3. View our Summary of Proposal detailing this proposal and the sections of stock water race to be closed.
4. Maps showing the extent of each individual race can be viewed in the Summary of Proposal document.
Updated 24 April 2024
Public Initiated Water Race Closures
The Selwyn District Council, in accordance with the special consultative procedure as outlined in the Local Government Act 2002, advises their intention to discontinue the stock water race(s):
1 - 2.78 km of race through 12 properties between Hasketts Road, Pound Road, and Buchanans Road (Christchurch).
2 - 1.53 km of race through 2 properties between Maddisons Road and Jones Road.
3 - 2.8 km of race through 14 properties between Selwyn Road and Springston Rolleston Road.
4 - 5.75 km of race through 7 properties between Old West Coast Road and Tramway Road.
5 - 0.51 km of race through 3 properties between Cowans Road and Bealey Road.
The discontinuance of these stock water races will be effective from July 2024, subject to the consultation process.
1. Submissions close on 15th of May 2024.
2. To make a submission please email SurfaceWaters@selwyn.govt.nz or contact Council.
3. View our Summary of Proposal detailing this proposal and the sections of stock water race to be closed.
4. Maps showing the extent of each individual race can be viewed in the Summary of Proposal document.
Updated 26 September 2023 | Upper Ellesmere Water Race Closure
Due to changes in land use, and with the introduction of Central Plains Water (CPW) Irrigation Scheme, there has been demand for Selwyn District Council to close large portions of the Upper Ellesmere water race scheme.
Following public consultation, as part of the 2022 / 2023 Annual Plan, a decision was made by the Council to close this scheme, excluding the strategic water race. This map shows the areas affected and the timeline for the closure: Upper Ellesmere Water Race Closure Map.
For affected landowners, the Council recommends leaving dry water race channels open and maintained to help manage surface water flows during rain events. The maintenance of this channel will fall to the landowner. If you wish to fill the old channel, landowners must construct a soak hole at the upstream end of the channel to dispose of water that could have entered/been conveyed by the race.
Should property owners construct a soak hole and subsequently experience ponding or backflow, it will be the responsibility of the landowner to take all prudent steps to dispose of that excess water.
If you have any further questions, please send these to waterraces@selwyn.govt.nz, or call our Customer Services Team
on 0800 735 996.
Public Initiated Water Race Closures
The Selwyn District Council, in accordance with the special consultative procedure as outlined in the Local Government Act 2002, advises their intention to discontinue the stock water race(s):
1 – 2.1 km in the Paparua scheme, Selwyn Road
2 – 1.1 km in the Paparua scheme, Tancreds Road
3 – 0.1 km in the Malvern scheme, Reynolds Road
4 – 1.2 km in the Paparua scheme, East Maddisons Road
The discontinuance of these stock water races will be effective from mid-September 2022, subject to the consultation process.
1. Submissions close on 19th August 2022.
2. To make a submission please email surfacewaters@selwyn.govt.nz or contact Council - 0800 735 996.
3. Submitters may be heard in support of their submission by a sub-committee of Council.
4. View our Summary of Proposal detailing this proposal and the sections of stock water race to be closed.
5. Maps showing the extent of each individual race can be viewed in the Summary of Proposal document.