Current NZ Government Position on Freshwater Farm Plan Requirements

Rollout Paused for System Improvements
The New Zealand Government has paused the rollout of freshwater farm plans as of October 2024. This decision was made to allow time for improvements to the system, aiming to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers.

Regional Implementation
Some regions had already begun rolling out the requirements, including Waikato, Southland, the West Coast, Otago, and Manawatū-Whanganui. However, with the national pause, no new plans will need to be submitted for certification until the system improvements are finalised.

Improvements Being Made to the Freshwater Farm Plan System
The New Zealand Government is undertaking several key improvements to the freshwater farm plan (FWFP) system to address concerns about cost, complexity, and practicality for farmers and councils. The main changes under consideration or already announced include:

Reducing the Number of Farms Required to Have a Plan
The government intends to limit the requirement for freshwater farm plans to higher-risk properties, meaning fewer farms will need to complete a plan. This approach is designed to ensure that regulatory effort is focused where it will have the greatest environmental benefit, rather than applying blanket rules to all farm types and sizes.
Adopting a Risk-Based Approach to Certification
Certification and auditing requirements will be matched to the actual environmental risk posed by the farm. Low-risk operations, such as many sheep and beef farms, may be exempt or face lighter requirements, while higher-risk activities will be more closely managed.
Recognising Existing Industry Assurance Programmes
The system will acknowledge and integrate existing industry environment plans and assurance programmes that already deliver equivalent environmental outcomes. This will reduce duplication and administrative burden, so farmers do not have to complete multiple plans for different regulatory or market requirements.
Streamlining and Reducing Costs
The government is committed to making the process of developing, certifying, and auditing FWFPs less costly and time-consuming. The aim is for the cost and effort required to be proportionate to the risk and complexity of each farm, avoiding unnecessary red tape.
Providing Alternatives to Local Council Rules and Consents
Where appropriate, certified FWFPs may serve as an alternative to certain local council rules and resource consents, giving farmers more flexibility in how they meet environmental requirements and reducing the need for multiple regulatory processes.
Supporting Catchment-Level and Farm-Specific Solutions
The improvements will encourage more local, catchment-focused solutions, allowing plans to be tailored to the unique environmental challenges and opportunities of each area. Catchment groups may be given a greater leadership role in developing and implementing these plans.
Ongoing Collaboration and Consultation
Officials are working closely with industry groups, regional councils, and Māori to ensure the new system is practical, effective, and reflects the diversity of New Zealand’s farming systems. Further details and final regulations are being developed through this collaborative process.

QCONZ View
We welcome a low-cost, pragmatic approach that recognises farmers achievements to date and the incorporation of industry schemes. We support the principle of a risk-based approach, but the devil is in the detail – many of which have yet to be resolved.
Like many in the sector, we are concerned that without clear direction from the Government some of the great work, goodwill, and momentum achieved by catchment groups across the country could be lost. We hope these groups remain well supported going forward, as their collaborative nature has been proven to be a very effective approach to improving farm environmental practices.

More information:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/agriculture/farm-management-the-environment-and-land-use/protecting-freshwater-health/freshwater-farm-plans/