Christchurch City Council Highlights RISE-IN Project Milestone: Harakeke Planting in Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor
20 October 2026
Christchurch, New Zealand
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@ 2025 by RISE-IN Consortium
RISE-IN project is part of the EU Missions Community.
Acknowledgement: RISE-IN receives funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and HorizonEurope, 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.
Christchurch City Council (CCC) has published a news article highlighting an important milestone for the EU-funded RISE-IN project: the planting of three hectares of harakeke (flax) in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The planting marks a significant step forward in the project's research activities, exploring how harvestable native plant species can contribute to long-term environmental and economic benefits on former residential red zone land.
In the Christchurch City Council news article, Dave Little, Manager Residential Red Zone, welcomed the progress made in bringing the project to life.
"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."
Photo credit: Christchurch City Council
Read the full news article on the Christchurch City Council website: https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/eu-backed-environmental-project-takes-root-in-christchurch