Freshwater in New Zealand
Freshwater is an essential part of everyday life.
The government is working to modernise New Zealand's resource management system and simplify freshwater regulations while enabling primary sector growth.
In mid-2025, it sought feedback on proposals to improve national rules and policies for freshwater.
The aim is to make it easier and more affordable for people to do the right thing.
Why freshwater rules and policies are changing
Freshwater legislation aims to:
- improve degraded water bodies
- maintain or improve all others
- avoid further loss or degradation of wetlands and streams.
Find out more
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management – Ministry for the Environment
Freshwater farm plans
A key tool for freshwater protection is the freshwater farm plan system.
These plans support farmers and growers to manage the specific freshwater risks on their land.
We're improving the freshwater farm plan system.
Farmers who already have freshwater farm plans can expect their existing work to be recognised and built on under the updated system.
Find out about changes to freshwater farm plans
Resource management reform
The government is taking action to modernise the resource management system.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) will be replaced by 2 new bills:
- the Planning Bill
- the Natural Environment Bill. (This will be the legislation that affects most farming activities.)
The government introduced both bills to Parliament in December 2025. They're expected to become law in mid-2026.
Read more about the Government's resource management reforms – Ministry for the Environment
Guidance and support
We can help councils, farmers, growers, and advisers understand and apply New Zealand's freshwater regulations.
On Farm Support
MPI's On Farm Support is a free service that works with farmers and growers in the regions.
About On Farm Support, including contact details
Good farming practice guidance
To support on-farm actions that improve water quality, you can also get practical farming guidance from other organisations like Dairy NZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
