Environment Canterbury’s government-appointed commissioners have approved the repair and rebuild of its buildings in Kilmore St, Christchurch.

Q/ Why were democratically elected Environment Canterbury councillors replaced with government-appointed commissioners chosen by Environment Minister Nick Smith?

A large Canterbury water permit has attracted two potential buyers and is expected to sell for around $600,000.

The permit, listed with the Hydro Trader brokerage website, allows 55 litres per second to be taken from the Selwyn-Waimakiriri groundwater zone for irrigation use until 2040.

Hydro Trader director Tony Davoren expected negotiations to conclude over the next few weeks, but stressed that the sale was subject to regional council approval.