Freshwater farm plans being phased in

Cabinet has confirmed the freshwater farm plan regulations, which are part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package, to improve freshwater health and management.

Over time, farmers and growers will need a freshwater farm plan if they have 20 hectares or more in arable or pastoral use, five hectares or more in horticultural use, or 20 hectares or more in combined use.

Legislation enabling freshwater farm plans was passed in 2020 as an amendment to the Resource Management Act. There has been extensive consultation with farmers since then, including successful piloting and on-farm testing across the country.

Resource Management (Freshwater Farm Plans) Regulations 2023 (SL 2023/113) – New Zealand Legislation