Changes coming for freshwater farm plans
In 2024, the government paused the rollout of freshwater farm plans while improvements to the system were finalised.
We have been working with industry, regional councils, and Māori to design a system that is fit-for-purpose, flexible, and catchment-focused.
Plans will still manage environmental impacts, but without unnecessary red tape.
Upcoming changes to freshwater farm plans are designed to make things easier and more practical for farmers.
The changes are being progressed through the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform process.
These changes will:
- reduce duplication
- allow existing farm environment plans and industry assurance programmes to be recognised
- give farmers more flexibility to choose freshwater solutions that suit each farm and catchment
- support catchment-wide approaches, with local communities having a stronger role in leading freshwater planning
- review certification and audit rules to help lower costs.
Government media releases
Government moves to improve freshwater farm plans – Beehive
First RMA Amendment Bill passes third reading – Beehive
Farming to get easier with improved freshwater farm plans – Beehive
The plans will help us improve waterways
Freshwater farm plans will build on the hard work already being done by many farmers to improve land management and waterways.
They’ll help identify specific, practical actions on-farm to manage and reduce the impact of farming on local waterways.
Farmers will need a freshwater farm plan if they have:
- 50 hectares or more in pastoral, arable, viticultural, orcharding, or mixed-use land
- 5 hectares or more in horticultural use, or
- a commercial dairy farm.
About 8,000 smaller, lower-risk farms will no longer require a freshwater farm plan following changes to the system.
Farmers will hear from their regional councils when they need to start developing a freshwater farm plan.
However, freshwater farm plans are still required in Southland. Farmers should contact Environment Southland to understand what they need to do and by when.
Streamlining certification and audits
Certification will be more targeted.
It will only be needed for certain activities, farms in certain catchments, or for farmers using their plan to meet other regulatory requirements.
Government ministers are taking decisions on what amendments will be needed to the regulations to give effect to the changes.
Recognising industry programmes
Industry organisations can now be approved by the Environment Minister to certify and audit plans.
This replaces regional council approval. Farmers shouldn’t have to complete multiple plans.
The change will reduce duplication and cost for farmers who are already part of robust industry assurance programmes such as NZGAP or Fonterra’s Tiaki plans.
Organisations will need to meet requirements to demonstrate they can certify and audit plans, which will be outlined in regulations.
Goals of the freshwater farm plan system
Farm plans are designed to work alongside farmers’ voluntary efforts to continue improving environmental practices.
Each plan will be farm-specific, depending on:
- farm type and size
- catchment area
- local rules and issues
- community priorities
- industry and market quality assurance purposes.
We held a consultation in 2021 about freshwater farm plans.
Freshwater farm plan consultation discussion document [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Find out more
Freshwater farm plans – Ministry for the Environment
Farm planning support from MPI
MPI is helping to support the rural advisor profession so that farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners have access to high-quality farm planning support.
The careers pathway scheme is supporting employers to hire and train new primary industry advisers.
The integrated farm planning accelerator fund has funded initiatives that increase a whole-of-farm approach to planning.
The integrated farm planning accelerator fund
MPI also has information and support on taking an integrated approach to farm planning.
Integrated farm planning work programme
The On Farm Support team helps to navigate requirements around climate, water and the environment.
On Farm Support: a service for farmers and growers
Who to contact
If you have questions about freshwater or related programmes, email info@mpi.govt.nz
