A working prototype of the Risk Index Tool for nitrogen loss has been tested with industry groups, farmers, councils, iwi groups, irrigation schemes, and farm advisors. The first public version of the tool is expected to be ready later this year.
The Risk Index Tool (RIT) is an online farm nutrient management tool that assesses the risk of nitrogen loss and suggests practical actions to reduce the risk. It was developed following the review of the Overseer nutrient management model and the Government response to the findings of the Overseer peer review report.
The RIT could help inform Freshwater farm plans (FWFPs) or council resource consent processing, but its use is not required under legislation.
Councils and users will need to interpret the risk scores alongside other information to determine what they mean in a specific catchment.
See Government response to the findings of the Overseer peer review report.
Phase one of the RIT will provide:
N.B.: The RIT will not provide a figure for kg of nitrogen.
This will enable land managers to determine how land and practice management decisions impact nitrogen-loss risk. Areas of higher nitrogen-loss risk may need more work to improve freshwater outcomes.
A Technical Working Group of scientists and modellers provided technical and scientific oversight, guidance, advice, and leadership in the development of the Risk Index Tool. The Group consists of:
The Group developed technical documentation on the design and function of the RIT. These documents have undergone an independent peer-review.
Science and modelling experts from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries have supported the group throughout the process.
Read the contaminant loss risk index tool technical document.
A nominated group of regional councils were involved in the RIT development. This group consisted of representatives from:
The Reference Group ensured that the RIT was developed to meet council needs, with some members also involved in the RIT’s user acceptance testing.
Draft implementation guidance for councils has been published. The final implementation guidance, alongside other documentation, will be released with the tool.
Read the draft implementation guide.
To ensure you receive all future news and updates on the RIT, please email: riskindextool@mfe.govt.nz