[8] The inaugural chairperson was Richard Johnson, who led the councillors from November 1989 until he retired at the 2004 local elections.

[13] Both were from the Christchurch West constituency and the by-election caused by Yeoman's death was held over so that both positions could be filled at the same time.

Donald Couch resigned in April 2015 as he was to move to Canada and in August 2015, he was replaced by Elizabeth Cunningham.

[30] In March 2014, a statutory review in ECan was begun, and the National Government released a public discussion document in March 2015 outlining a proposal for the regional council's future, with a stated preference for a mixed model of seven elected members and six members appointed by the Government.

Louise Upston, as Associate Minister for Local Government, justified the mixed model as it "could provide the necessary stability for Canterbury from 2016".

Former district councillor and now member of parliament Sage criticised the government backdown as denying Cantabrians the right to make their own decisions.

Artist Sam Mahon, who is a strong opponent of the sacking of the councillors, gave his opinion as the proposal presenting "just status quo, that gives the perception of democracy".

[33] Two of the existing commissioners retired (Bazley and Williams), with Bedford, Caygill, Cunningham, Lambie and Skelton reappointed.

[36] The councillors and commissioners for the 2016 to 2019 period were as follows:[33][34][36] The composition of the board following the 2019 local elections was: The current composition of the board following the 2022 local elections is:[37] On 3 May 2024, Cr Peter Scott stepped down from his position Environment Canterbury's chair after admitting he was illegally irrigating part of his South Canterbury farm during a Newstalk ZB radio interview.

[38][39] Scott resumed his role as chair in July,[40] but stepped down again in September after it was revealed he had exceeded the speed limit 678 times in his council-provided car since January.

[41] Stefanie Rixecker was appointed Chief Executive in August 2020, taking over from Bill Bayfield who took up the position in June 2011.

[53] The 'backlog' or number of applications for consents being processed, is recorded daily on the Environment Canterbury web site.

[54] The sharp increase in applications in June 2007 was due to the review of 400 existing resource consents in the Rakaia-Selwyn groundwater allocation zone.

[55] Canterbury Regional Council received the lowest rating given by rural ratepayers in a Federated Farmers survey on local authorities.

[56] The grade took into account the council's level of approachability, degree of bias, provision of roads, value for money, and implementation of the RMA.

[58] In March 2010, after the release of the "Creech Report" the government chose to appoint a panel of commissioners to replace the elected Councillors, as described above.