Freshwater farm plan implementation update - December 2022

Early next year we intend to run a targeted process to test an exposure draft of the regulations and make sure they are clear and appropriately reflect the policy intent. This will include representatives from regional councils, tāngata whenua, the agricultural industry and eNGOs.

We expect the regulations to be completed and to come into effect in the first regions (Southland and Waikato) in the second quarter of 2023. 

MfE recently took part in an online session, aimed at the rural sector, to provide some reassurance to farmers.

The session was co-hosted by:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp (Sarah’s Country)
• Duncan Humm (NZ Farming)
• Rowena Duncum (The Country).

With a panel of guests from:

• the Ministry for the Environment
• regional councils
• farm advisors and farmers.

Find out more about the online session [Sarah's Country website]

If you are a farm operator or employee and wondering what to do to get ready for the introduction of freshwater farm plans in your region, our advice is to keep managing on-farm environmental effects and risks and continue with your existing farm or environmental management plan. In addition: 

• Start building an understanding of the freshwater farm plan requirements, including whether you will need a freshwater farm plan, and if so, when that is likely to happen – click here to find out more.
• Start thinking about what actions you already have in place to mitigate the risk of your on-farm activities to freshwater, as well as what might be missing.
• Understand your catchment and freshwater environment by checking what information and resources your regional council has available online.  Talk to others, including local catchment groups and industry support staff, about what resources and advice they have available.

In our next update, scheduled for February 2023, we’ll answer more of your questions. If you have something you’d like to ask please email freshwaterfarmplans@mfe.govt.nz and we’ll get back to you directly.