Update for the rural community - April 2023

New Zealand’s farmers and growers have been leading the way in good farming practices including fencing and cleaning up waterways, planting along rivers and protecting and reviving wetlands.

For many in rural Tairāwhiti, Hawke’sBay, Northland and other areas affected by the February floods, it will be devastating to see the impact of flooding on their land.

We will continue to provide advice and support for farming communities, iwi, and councils as part of the recovery, and for freshwater farm plans as they are rolled out in other regions.

We are taking the time to listen to locals so that freshwater regulations are easier to put into practice.

From my own regional council experience, I know how hard it can be to make improvements to freshwater.

However, I've also seen great results in waterways and wetlands when communities get motivated.

Most of our regulations aimed at improving freshwater quality are already in place. Many farmers and growers will already have some sort of environment management plan through their primary sector group. These are a great start for the freshwater farm plan system when the time comes.

Healthy freshwater supports healthy communities, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy – Te Mana o Te Wai. The Essential Freshwater reforms were introduced in 2020 after several years of engagement and consultation with farmers, industry, iwi and hapu, community members, as well as regional councils (which have a key role in implementing the regulations in their areas).

Freshwater farm plans are a key part of the Essential Freshwater reforms and the last part of the package to be implemented from this year.

We recognise that one-size-fits-all often doesn’t work on farm. Freshwater farm plans will provide flexibility for farmers to meet freshwater goals.

We’ve taken the time needed to ensure the regulations are practical and that people have what they need once implementation starts.

Benefits of freshwater farm plans

Freshwater farm plans will encourage mitigations directly related to a farm’s environmental impact – a clear cause and effect. They will provide farmers the flexibility to find the right solution for their farm and catchment.

Many farmers and growers have, over the past few years, already put in place a farm environment plan or are part of an industry
programme.

Freshwater farm plans will build on that great work – existing plans and/or programmes will continue to be used under the new regulations, and improvements made where necessary.

A freshwater farm plan will also bring together many existing requirements and allow for better recognition of on-farm work to improve freshwater.

When will the regulations apply?

Any farming enterprise with 20ha or more in arable or pastoral use, 5ha or more in horticultural use, or any combination of more than 20ha will require a plan.

Freshwater farm plans will be phased in over the coming years, starting in mid-2023, with Waikato and Southland as the first regions, with full implementation by the end of 2025.

The regional councils in Waikato and Southland have been working with the government to get ready for freshwater farm plan implementation.

Key milestones over the next few months

• May – regulations likely to be publicly notified
• July/August – regulations apply in parts of Waikato and Southland
• Waikato and Southland regional councils start implementation (may be catchment by catchment)

We’ll provide more information on the timing in other regions in our next update.

Most farmers and growers will eventually need a freshwater farm plan. While it could be months, or even years, before they come into effect in your region, there are plenty of things you can do to get prepared.

If you already have a farm environment plan or are part of an industry assurance programme, keep doing what you are doing – we have been working with industry groups and providers to help them update their programmes.

Make sure you understand your local waterways, not only on your farm but also within your catchment

• What are the key features?
• What are the pressures on freshwater?
• What effects or risks do your farming activities have on freshwater.

Taking action now to address effects/risks will be rewarded when you develop your freshwater farm plan:

• There are plenty of on-farm actions you can do now to address impacts.
• Think about what data and information you have, or can record, on your current actions to protect freshwater.
• Existing information, support and people are available to help you get started on your farm planning journey.
• Utilise your existing industry, catchment group, regional council and advisor networks.