Whether it is swimming in our rivers, protecting our typical landscapes or preserving the democratic principles of the resource management act, COES is there  as an advocacy group for our environment.

Our primary aims are:

Speak for/Advocate for the protection and preservation of the natural landscape and character of Central Otago, including, but not being restricted to, landscape values, amenity values, aesthetic values and Central Otago’s endemic flora and fauna and their ecological system health and function.

Raising awareness of issues concerning the natural landscape, heritage and resources and their ecological systems of Central Otago with the wider public.

To encourage and support the Government, the Central Otago District Council, the Otago Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and other statutory authorities as appropriate, to establish policies and make decisions which will preserve and enhance the special character of Central Otago’s landscapes, heritage and resources for the benefits of future generations.

You can help too !

If you want to leave a healthy environment to our descendants and are interested in safeguarding the future and freedom of our surroundings then support COES.

You can do this through either becoming a member of COES or by making a donation or both (we are a registered charity).

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss a specific matter.

COES will only ever be as good and active as its members, become part of something worthwhile for Central Otago.

Would you like to become a member? Please fill out our Membership Application Form

Postal Address:

Central Otago Environmental Society
1936a Omakau Chatto Creek Rd
RD 3 Alexandra 93937
Central Otago

COES bank account:

Kiwibank 38 9006 0477812 00
(If depositing direct to our account please provide a reference)

Society Rules for COES – rulhttps://coenvironmentalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/adopted-coes-constitution-agm-5-oct-2024.pdf

Central Otago Environmental Society Incorporated (Reg. No. CC20371)

The founding of COES.

COES was formed in June 2006 to provide a legal vehicle for local residents to express their opposition to a proposed subdivision. During the process of getting involved with the local council’s democratic processes and the sly methods used by some applicants, we realized that we needed a legal entity to represent us in the courts.

We see ourselves as guardians of due process and common sense when it comes to resource consent applications. But we are also active in areas of the district plan (plan changes and plan reviews) and resource management act matters.