Update – 17 April 2025
Freshwater farm plan rollout paused
The coalition Government has paused the rollout of freshwater farm plans until improvements to the system are finalised.
Ministers have agreed to reduce the number of farms required to have a plan and to take a risk-based approach to certification.
The improvements are being progressed through the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform process and are expected to be in place by the end of the year.
About freshwater farm plans
Freshwater farm plans will provide a practical way to identify, manage, and reduce the impact of farming on waterways.
What are freshwater farm plans?
Freshwater farm plans will help farmers identify practical actions on-farm to improve local waterways.
Actions will be specific to each farm and will build on the hard work many farmers are already doing.
We have been working with industry, regional councils, and Māori to ensure the system is fit-for-purpose, flexible, and catchment-focused.
The requirements for certified freshwater farm plans are set out in detailed regulations under Part 9A of the Resource Management Act.
Resource Management (Freshwater Farm Plans) Regulations 2023 – New Zealand Legislation
Who will need a freshwater farm plan?
Under the current regulations, about 34,000 farmers and growers will eventually require a freshwater farm plan.
Farmers will need a freshwater farm plan if they have:
- 20 hectares or more in arable or pastoral use
- 5 hectares or more in horticultural use
- 20 hectares or more of combined use.
Farmers will hear from their regional council when they need to start developing a freshwater farm plan.
Goals of the freshwater farm plan system
To be effective, the system needs to be workable for regional councils and farmers.
It’s expected plans will work alongside other (non-mandatory) processes for continuous improvement in on-farm environmental management.
Each plan will look different, depending on:
- farm type
- catchment area
- local rules and issues
- community priorities
- industry and market quality assurance purposes.
Consultation on freshwater farm plans was held in 2021.
Read more in the Freshwater Farm Plan consultation discussion document [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Read the summary of submissions – Freshwater farm plan regulations
The rollout will take time
Freshwater farm plans are being phased in region-by-region.
The rollout began on 1 August 2023 in Waikato and Southland.
Pilot projects were run in these regions to test the freshwater farm plan process at a catchment level. These were joint projects between the relevant regional council, Māori, the Ministry for the Environment, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Further details, including when regulations will be activated in different parts of Waikato and Southland, are available on each council’s website.
Freshwater Farm Plans – Waikato Regional Council | Te Kaunihera ā Rohe o Waikato
Freshwater Farm Plans – Environment Southland Regional Council | Te Taiao Tonga
The rollout continued in parts of Otago, on the West Coast, and in Manawatū/Whanganui (Horizons) in early 2024.
Freshwater Farm Plans – Otago Regional Council
What is a FWFP and do I need one? – West Coast Regional Council
Freshwater Farm Plans – Horizons Regional Council
Farm operators will have 18 months from the date the regulations are 'turned on' in their area to engage a certifier and begin the certification process.
Farm planning support
MPI is helping strengthen the rural advisory sector to ensure farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners have access to high-quality farm planning support.
The careers pathway scheme is supporting employers to hire and train new primary industry advisers.
The integrated farm planning accelerator fund is investing in initiatives that increase a whole-of-farm approach to planning.
The integrated farm planning accelerator fund
MPI also has information and support on taking an integrated approach to farm planning.
Integrated farm planning work programme
The On Farm Support team helps to navigate requirements around climate, water and the environment.
On Farm Support: a service for farmers and growers
Find out more
Freshwater farm plans – Ministry for the Environment
Who to contact
If you have questions about freshwater or related programmes, email info@mpi.govt.nz
