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Story: Soil erosion and conservation

South Canterbury Catchment Board

Video file

The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941 preceded the establishment of catchment boards, which were responsible for soil conservation and flood control in their region. This 1952 film clip, made for the South Canterbury Catchment Board, is typical of promotions of the time aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging adoption of proven techniques.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: South Canterbury. National Film Unit. 1952

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

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How to cite this page

Paul Gregg, Soil erosion and conservation – Legislation and catchment boards: 1940s–1950s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/19799/south-canterbury-catchment-board (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Paul Gregg, published 1 March 2009.