Clean Water

The Government has released proposals to amend the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management. Submissions close 28 April and Water New Zealand will be making a submission. Attached is a copy of the consultation paper. In summary, this is the latest in the Government’s work programme to improve New Zealand freshwater management. Policy work is co-led by the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries. It builds on the introduction of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management in 2011 and its amendments in 2014 and earlier funds – Fresh Start for Fresh Water Fund, Irrigation Acceleration Fund and Te Mana o te Wai Fund.

This document sets out the Government's further work in the ongoing programme of water reform. The Government is:

• proposing a target of 90% of rivers and lakes swimmable by 2040
• seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
• inviting applications for the Freshwater Improvement Fund
• seeking feedback on the detail of policy proposals for excluding stock from waterways

A draft submission will be circulated in early April. In the meantime, if members have suggestions for areas where they would like the Association to focus, please email John Pfahlert ceo@waternz.org.nz