November 26, 2025
A creek on the north side of Ashburton is uniting the community through the Mt Harding Creek catchment group, formed in late 2023. Sparked by a meeting hosted by the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective and Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Scheme, our group emerged from local interest in the creek’s future.
After several meetings, we have developed a three-part vision to improve the creek’s future:
Flowing Water – ensuring water continues to flow for future generations.
Landowner Autonomy – enabling landowners to address drainage issues.
Urban-Rural Connectivity – fostering collaboration to improve creek health.
The group’s formation coincided with Ashburton District Council’s announcement to phase out district stockwater races last year.
Mt Harding Creek, historically used for stockwater, faces potential ecological, drainage, and biodiversity impacts from this change.
Environment Canterbury scientists predict the creek won’t flow reliably without stockwater supplementation.
In response, our group has submitted feedback to council, advocating for environmental flows via stockwater and requesting discussions on drainage concerns.
We are seeking a holistic, long-term approach to protect the creek and await with interest what the new council decides.
Surface waterways in Ashburton and Tinwald Domain rely on stockwater for amenity purposes, and our group hopes similar support will be extended to Mt Harding Creek, given its ecological and recreational significance to Methven and surrounding rural areas.
Drainage is another major concern.
Stockwater races help manage overland flow across the plains.
As these are filled in, stormwater and flooding risks increase, especially with limited waterways north of the Ashburton River.
Our group urges thorough investigation before any final decisions are made.
Mt Harding Creek also enhances local amenity and recreation, particularly along the Methven walkway near Thyme Stream subdivision and Mt Harding Road. Investments by landowners and the Methven Lions in riparian planting have created a peaceful environment for locals and visitors, which could be compromised by reduced water flows.
The Mt Harding Creek catchment group emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders.
Our aim now is to engage with the newly elected Ashburton District Councillors and the Mayor to ensure sustainable outcomes that safeguard the creek’s future.
By Steve Veix, Chairman of the Mt Harding Creek Catchment Group
A creek on the north side of Ashburton is uniting the community through the Mt Harding Creek catchment group, formed in late 2023. Sparked by a meeting hosted by the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective and Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Scheme, our group emerged from local interest in the creek’s future.
After several meetings, we have developed a three-part vision to improve the creek’s future:
Flowing Water – ensuring water continues to flow for future generations.
Landowner Autonomy – enabling landowners to address drainage issues.
Urban-Rural Connectivity – fostering collaboration to improve creek health.
The group’s formation coincided with Ashburton District Council’s announcement to phase out district stockwater races last year.
Mt Harding Creek, historically used for stockwater, faces potential ecological, drainage, and biodiversity impacts from this change.
Environment Canterbury scientists predict the creek won’t flow reliably without stockwater supplementation.
In response, our group has submitted feedback to council, advocating for environmental flows via stockwater and requesting discussions on drainage concerns.
We are seeking a holistic, long-term approach to protect the creek and await with interest what the new council decides.
Surface waterways in Ashburton and Tinwald Domain rely on stockwater for amenity purposes, and our group hopes similar support will be extended to Mt Harding Creek, given its ecological and recreational significance to Methven and surrounding rural areas.
Drainage is another major concern.
Stockwater races help manage overland flow across the plains.
As these are filled in, stormwater and flooding risks increase, especially with limited waterways north of the Ashburton River.
Our group urges thorough investigation before any final decisions are made.
Mt Harding Creek also enhances local amenity and recreation, particularly along the Methven walkway near Thyme Stream subdivision and Mt Harding Road. Investments by landowners and the Methven Lions in riparian planting have created a peaceful environment for locals and visitors, which could be compromised by reduced water flows.
The Mt Harding Creek catchment group emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders.
Our aim now is to engage with the newly elected Ashburton District Councillors and the Mayor to ensure sustainable outcomes that safeguard the creek’s future.
By Steve Veix, Chairman of the Mt Harding Creek Catchment Group
