EU-backed environmental project takes root in Christchurch
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 21st October 2026
Three hectares of harakeke (flax) have been planted in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor to test how harvestable native species can deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits on former residential red zone land.
The planting is part of RISE-IN, an EU-funded climate adaptation research initiative, being delivered with the University of Canterbury and ChristchurchNZ.
Christchurch received $2.9 million from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme for the harakeke planting, as well as a second research project testing ways to increase and measure carbon stored in red zone soils.
Dave Little, Manager Residential Red Zone, said it's exciting to see the project move from planning to reality.
"Funding for the project was only secured late last year, so it's fantastic to already have three hectares of harakeke planted and growing.
"Harakeke is well suited to this type of research because it’s a renewable resource. The leaves can be harvested while the plant continues to grow, allowing us to explore whether native planting can provide ongoing environmental benefits as well as a sustainable source of fibre."
Mr Little said the planting will be monitored to measure its benefits for carbon, native bird habitat and soil stability.
"We also want to understand whether harvestable native plantings can create future economic opportunities while helping restore the landscape," Mr Little said.
“Once the plants are established, we’ll be working with mana whenua, community groups and local businesses on uses ranging from traditional weaving to fibre products and bio-based building materials.”
"Christchurch's former red zone is becoming an internationally recognised testbed for nature-based climate solutions, and this project is an opportunity to show how ecological restoration and innovation can work together,” he said.
Acknowledgement: RISE-IN receives funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and Horizon Europe, under Grant Agreement no. 101214441.
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.