The New Zealand government is embarking on a pre-Christmas legislative overhaul that includes revisiting the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS). Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has characterised the existing NPS as complex and costly to implement, leading to plans for its replacement.
Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard has announced that work on the new policy will begin immediately, with a comprehensive consultation process involving all stakeholders, including iwi (Maori tribes) and the public. The entire process is expected to take between 18 to 24 months.
In addition to the NPS review, other agricultural-related legislation is also set for changes, including the ute tax, electric vehicle subsidies, and the contentious Three Waters plans.
To align with the new NPS once it is unveiled, the government has extended the deadline for regional councils to notify their new freshwater plans until December 31, 2027. The NPS has previously aimed to establish baseline water quality levels, but its past releases have faced controversy. For instance, the 2020 release lacked specific nitrogen limits, a key element in addressing nutrient pollution.
Councils were tasked with maintaining nitrogen levels or improving them if deemed necessary by the community. Some nitrogen rules were adjusted, such as reducing nitrate toxicity levels from 6.9mg per litre to 2.4mg/L to protect waterway ecosystems. However, in certain catchments, farmers already had to farm below these levels according to previous council catchment plans.
The decision to revisit the freshwater NPS has been welcomed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Chair Kate Acland emphasised the need to simplify complex rules that often prove unsuitable for various catchments. While the NPS review is seen as a positive step, concerns remain about regional councils’ commitment to water quality plans independently of the review.
Dairy farmers have also expressed support for the government’s action. DairyNZ GM for sustainable dairying Dr. Dave Burger noted that the existing NPS is overly complex and features unattainable timelines for implementing changes. He welcomed the extension of time given to regional councils to establish fair and realistic regulations.
Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst anticipates that farmers need practical, affordable, and fair rules to support their water quality efforts. However, he pointed out that extending implementation dates might not be sufficient, as the NPS requires councils to adhere to the regulations “as soon as practicable.”
On a regional level, Otago Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council are among those considering the implications of these changes in relation to their existing water policies and plans.
