Freshwater farm plan regulations

Closed 7 Oct 2021

Opened 26 Jul 2021

Results updated 5 Apr 2022

From 26 July to 7 October 2021, the Ministry for the Environment consulted on proposed freshwater farm plan (FWFP) regulations and received a total of 172 public submissions.

Thank you to all who made a submission.

Read the summary of submissions [PDF, 2.2 MB]

Overview

Freshwater farm plans were introduced as part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package. They are intended to provide a practical way for farmers to meet the freshwater standards and to reduce regulatory burden. 

Why we consulted

We sought feedback on the implementation and transition of all farmers to the freshwater farm plan system including:

  • content of freshwater farm plans
  • what outcomes could be achieved
  • how plans could be certified, audited and amended.

Read our discussion document on Freshwater farm plan regulations [PDF 1.1MB]

Read the summary of the discussion document [PDF 285KB]

We consulted, at the same time, on Stock exclusion regulations: changes to the low slope map. We sought feedback on the balance between using the low-slope maps and freshwater farm plans for identifying areas for stock exclusion.

Webinars

View a webinar recording