The research claims cigarettes are the most littered item in Canterbury.
87% of litter across Canterbury is cigarettes and accessories relating to them, while only 5% is takeaway packaging.
This represents the highest amount of cigarettes littered in the country.
As a response KNZB is today launching its first anti-litter campaign since the nineties after volunteers collected enough rubbish to fill 120 rugby fields from a one-week long clean up.
The Ministry for the Environment is funding the project which will be endorsed by comedian David Fane who will play a boisterous character called 'Mama Nature' to promote the new campaign.
KNZB will also be at Westfield Riccarton Mall on Wednesday April 11, to encourage anti-litter behavior in Christchurch.