The Government provides clarity on freshwater plans.
The New Zealand Government has announced plans to amend the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, aiming to provide farmers and councils with much-needed clarity on freshwater management regulations. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay stated that this move is intended to minimize inefficiencies and duplication for councils, as well as prevent unnecessary costs for ratepayers.
According to RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Labour's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 is complex and expensive to implement, yet it falls short of delivering expected outcomes for freshwater in New Zealand. The Government has already legislated an extra three years for councils to notify their freshwater plans, with a commitment to reviewing and replacing the NPS-FM.
The amendment will ensure that regional councils are equipped to manage freshwater resources efficiently and effectively, aligned with the Government's future-focused goals. This move provides certainty for farmers, allowing them to plan in sync with national direction. While councils will still have an avenue to progress their plans under certain circumstances, they will need Ministerial approval. The Government looks forward to working alongside councils as it develops a replacement NPS-FM, with further information expected early next year.