Govt to Amend Resource Management Act to Provide Clarity on Freshwater Plans

Amendment will restrict councils from notifying freshwater plans until the release of a new National Policy Statement, ensuring alignment with future regulations, say Ministers.

The New Zealand Government has announced an amendment to the Resource Management Act (RMA) Amendment Bill, which will restrict local councils from notifying freshwater plans until the replacement National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) is finalized. The amendment, aimed at reducing inefficiencies and costs, was confirmed by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.

Clarity and Cost Reduction for Farmers and Councils

The decision to add the amendment comes as part of the government's broader effort to streamline freshwater management policies. "This step provides the clarity that farmers need and ensures councils don't waste time and resources developing freshwater plans that will soon be outdated," said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

The Labour Government's 2020 National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) has been widely criticized for being overly complex and costly for both farmers and councils to implement, while not achieving the desired outcomes for freshwater quality across the country.

Preventing Unnecessary Costs

"The 2020 NPS-FM imposed significant burdens on councils and farmers, which is why last year the Government gave councils an additional three years to notify their freshwater plans," Minister Chris Bishop stated. "The amendment we are introducing will ensure that councils and the primary sector can move forward with certainty, preventing wasted efforts and costs."

McClay emphasized that this amendment is also about protecting ratepayers, ensuring that their money is not wasted on plans that will be rendered obsolete once the new NPS-FM is gazetted.

Flexibility for Essential Projects

While the amendment delays the notification of freshwater plans in general, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds clarified that councils would still have avenues to progress plans in certain circumstances. "Councils can apply for approval from the Minister for the Environment if notifying their plans sooner would expedite critical projects, such as housing or infrastructure developments," she explained.

The government aims to ensure that New Zealand's freshwater resources are managed efficiently and that planning aligns with future national objectives. According to the ministers, the replacement NPS-FM will be more streamlined and effective than the current framework.

Future Development and Collaboration

The government will work alongside regional councils in the development of the new NPS-FM, with more details expected early next year. "We look forward to collaborating with councils to create a policy that is future-focused and better suited to the needs of New Zealand's freshwater resources," said Simmonds.

The amendment ensures that farmers, councils, and ratepayers will not be left in limbo, giving them the certainty needed to align their efforts with national policies moving forward. The change reflects the government's ongoing commitment to addressing the complexities of freshwater management while supporting the primary sector.