Government Revises Freshwater Policy
The New Zealand farming community has expressed relief and support following the government’s decision to replace the controversial National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that work on developing a new policy will begin immediately, with an expected completion timeline of 18 to 24 months. This process will involve comprehensive consultation with various stakeholders, including iwi and the public.
DairyNZ’s Positive Outlook
DairyNZ has shown keen interest in collaborating with the government on the revised NPS-FM. Dr. David Burger, DairyNZ’s General Manager of Sustainable Dairy, remarked that dairy farmers are particularly pleased with this development.
He noted that the previous NPS-FM was overly complex and had unrealistic implementation timeframes for the changes desired by communities. Burger emphasised that a more thoughtful approach to policy development would lead to better environmental and community outcomes.
Extended Timelines for Regional Councils
In the interim, the government has extended the deadlines for regional councils to notify new freshwater plans. The new deadline is set for December 31, 2027, aligning with the new NPS-FM. This extension aligns with the position advocated for by agricultural sector partners. Burger expressed satisfaction with this decision, noting it allows regional councils more time to develop fair and achievable regulations.
Farming Community’s Initial Reaction to NPS-FM
The NPS-FM, implemented in September 2020, has been met with criticism from the farming community. Many farmers felt that the policy did not adequately accommodate the diversity of farms across the country. It was particularly criticised for being unworkable in colder regions and on topographically diverse sheep and beef farms.
Beef + Lamb NZ’s Response
Kate Acland, Chair of Beef + Lamb NZ, welcomed the government’s confirmation of replacing the NPS-FM and the extension of deadlines for regional plans to late 2027. She emphasised the need for regional policy processes to reflect the existing legislation effectively.
Acland stressed the importance of providing farmers with certainty and the need for enduring solutions that protect freshwater while ensuring the economic viability of the agricultural sector and rural communities.
The decision to revise the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management has been met with approval from various sectors of the farming community. The extended timelines and commitment to thorough consultation and policy development reflect a positive step towards addressing the concerns of farmers and ensuring the sustainable management of New Zealand’s freshwater resources.
