Message from the Ministers

This document marks an important milestone. It contains the Government’s proposals for the most comprehensive and positive reform of our freshwater management system for a generation.

It is the culmination of four years of tireless effort, generously given time, and goodwill of many people. The significant progress over the past four years of the Land and Water Forum, and the constructive relationship the Government has with the Iwi Leaders Group, has provided a clear pathway for improving New Zealand’s freshwater management system.

Fresh water is crucial to our way of life and our economy. It sustains the things all New Zealanders value: our unique natural environment; our well-being and prosperity; our lifestyle, recreation and culture; our cities, farms and businesses; and New Zealand’s international reputation. Managed wisely, this precious natural resource offers us significant potential for economic growth. But this will only happen if we use and manage water carefully within environmental limits.

Our abundant freshwater resource is our greatest natural asset. Although it is replenishable, it is not unlimited. We know that water quality is declining in some areas. We need to start putting in place a coordinated nationwide plan of action now to make the improvements necessary to secure our future and protect what Māori call te mana o te wai – water’s most important intrinsic qualities. Addressing the current challenges with the existing freshwater management system and setting a new direction starts today.

Beginning the water reforms is a priority for 2013, but not everything can or will happen right away. We need to get the first steps right because other important decisions in the system flow from them.

These reforms are about the Government supporting communities to make decisions, plan, set freshwater objectives and limits, and then meet the challenges over time of managing our land and water use within these limits. Greater direction and guidance from central government is crucial to enabling and assisting councils, communities and water users to manage our water well. The future New Zealand needs can’t be achieved by any one of us alone. It can only be reached by working together.

Hon Amy Adams
Minister for the Environment

Hon Nathan Guy
Minister for Primary Industries