About this consultation
This is a joint consultation run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Ministry for the Environment.
We're seeking your feedback on freshwater farm plan regulations.
These regulations are needed to:
- specify the content required in a freshwater farm plans
- determine the certifier and auditor roles
- confirm the role of regional councils.
Have your say
All information about the proposed regulations, including the consultation document, a risk analysis, and how to make a submission are on the Ministry for the Environment's (MfE's) website.
Freshwater farm plan regulations – MfE
Related consultation
We are also consulting on proposed changes to the low slope map that are part of stock exclusion regulations. Details about the consultation and how to make a submission are on MfE's website. Submissions for both consultations close on 7 October 2021.
Stock exclusion regulations: Proposed changes to the low slope map – MfE
Background and further information
New rules to protect and restore New Zealand's fresh water came into effect on 3 September 2020. This included:
- the new National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM)
- the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F)
- stock exclusion regulations
- updates to the regulations which cover the measurement and reporting of water takes.
These regulations deliver on the Government's commitment to stop further degradation, show material improvements within 5 years, and restore our waterways to health within a generation.
Questions and answers about the freshwater farm plan regulations [PDF, 230 KB]
Government media release on freshwater farm plan consultations
Towards a certified Freshwater Farm Plan system
Submissions are public information
All or part of any written submission (including names of submitters) may be published on the Ministry for Primary Industries' website, or the Ministry for the Environment's website. Unless you clearly specify otherwise in your submission, the ministries will consider that you have agreed to have your submission and your name posted on their websites.
Contents of submissions may be released to the public under the Official Information Act 1982, if requested. Tell us if you do not want some or all of your submission released, stating which parts you consider should be withheld and the reasons for withholding the information.
Under the Privacy Act 1993, people have access to information held by agencies about them. Any personal information you send with your submission will only be used in relation to matters covered by this document. In your submission, indicate if you prefer that we do not include your name in the published summary of submissions.
