He Ārahitanga mō Te Anga Whāinga ā-Motu o te NPS-FM Guidance on the National Objectives Framework of the NPS-FM
This guidance will help councils and others working to implement the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (amended 2023).
Note: In implementing the NOF, councils will need to consider the existing allocation of freshwater resources. Councils can expect no new national direction on freshwater allocation before the 2024 planning deadline.
Work is currently underway to deliver the resource management reforms based on recommendations of an expert panel, which includes the Natural and Built Environment Bill. Among other recommendations, the Panel recommended how decisions on resource allocation (including freshwater) should be made. Councils will need to continue to implement the current RMA system, including the NPS-FM 2020 (amended 2023), and address pressing environmental matters in their regions and districts.
This guidance will help councils and others working to implement the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (amended 2023).
Note: In implementing the NOF, councils will need to consider the existing allocation of freshwater resources. Councils can expect no new national direction on freshwater allocation before the 2024 planning deadline.
Work is currently underway to deliver the resource management reforms based on recommendations of an expert panel, which includes the Natural and Built Environment Bill. Among other recommendations, the Panel recommended how decisions on resource allocation (including freshwater) should be made. Councils will need to continue to implement the current RMA system, including the NPS-FM 2020 (amended 2023), and address pressing environmental matters in their regions and districts.
The Government has updated the Essential Freshwater 2020 regulations to support their effective implementation, and in response to consultation feedback.
Read a summary of the changes.
It is important that you read this guidance alongside the NPS-FM Amended December 2022.
For enquiries email freshwater@mfe.govt.nz.
Hei tuatahitanga, ka arotahi te ārahitanga ki ngā wāhi NPS-FM e waiwai ana mō te whakatutuki i te NOF i runga i te angitu. Kei roto nei ngā whakaritenga o Te Mana o te Wai, ngā wawata paetawhiti mō te wai māori, te whai wāhi a te tangata whenua, te whakahaere kōmitimiti, me te whakamahi i ngā mōhiohio tino pai rawa e wātea mai ana. Me tutuki rawa ēnei i tēnā, i tēnā wāhanga o te NOF.
Kātahi ka whakatakoto te aratohu i ngā hipanga o te NOF. Kei roto ko te whakamāramatanga o te takune kaupapa here me ngā huatau mō ngā mahi papai rawa mō te whakapūmau tepenga ki te whakamahinga o ngā rawa, te tautohu rerenga taiao me ngā tepenga mō te rahi ka tangohia.
This guidance will help councils and others working to implement the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM). The guidance clarifies the policy intent and expectations for applying the NOF. It also identifies the important links and interactions between the fundamental concept of Te Mana o te Wai and other key requirements in the NOF and the wider NPS-FM.
This guidance clarifies the policy intent and expectations for applying the National Objectives Framework (NOF). The NOF sits within Part 3, subpart 2 of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (amended 2023) (NPS-FM).
It is mainly aimed at councils implementing the NPS-FM and those they work with to implement the NOF, but is useful for anyone involved in regional freshwater management. In particular, the NPS-FM includes processes for more involvement of tangata whenua, including in decision-making processes, to the extent they wish to be involved.
This guidance identifies the important links and interactions between the fundamental concept of Te Mana o te Wai and other key requirements in the NOF and the wider NPS-FM.
It also covers common interpretation queries about NOF policies.
The Ministry for the Environment has worked with experts, and consulted with a targeted group of councils, environmental organisations, mātauranga Māori experts and iwi technicians to write this guidance.
What this guidance does not cover
- Every requirement in the NPS-FM: councils must give effect to all other parts of the NPS‑FM, as well as the NOF.
- Guidance on specific technical methods: this is being developed separately.
- Applying the NPS-FM to resource consents: this guidance is currently being considered.
Legal status
This guidance has no legal status.
Although guidance from the Ministry cannot provide legal interpretation on Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) national instruments, or overrule legal decisions, it clarifies the policy intent of those instruments as originally intended. Updates may be made to the guidance in response to legal decisions, but you should always seek your own legal advice to ensure you are up to date.
Contact us
If you have queries in relation to this guidance, please email freshwater@mfe.govt.nz.
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He Ārahitanga mō Te Anga Whāinga ā-Motu o te NPS-FM Guidance on the National Objectives Framework of the NPS-FM
April 2023
© Ministry for the Environment