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The Chathams Islands is a remote, awe-inspiring place
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As part of the Essential Freshwater package, farms over a certain size will require a certified Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP).
All farms with the following land uses will require an FWFP:
These regulations are expected to take effect in 2022, and a requirement for FWFPs to be certified will be phased in beginning mid-2022.
FWFPs(external link) are a tool designed to stop further decline in freshwater quality, make water quality improvements within five years, and begin to reverse past damage to our waterways.
FWFPs will identify practical on-farm actions to help improve local waterways. These will depend on the farm’s location, catchment, and local environment, and will provide a more flexible alternative to consents and one-size-fits-all approaches.
Your FWFP will need to include information on:
In 2020, the Government brought in legislation that requires regional councils to implement FWFPs. In 2021, it undertook a major consultation exercise to seek views on the details of how FWFPs should be implemented. The results of the consultation are now being evaluated and the detailed implementing rules and requirements for FWFPs are expected to be published in mid-2022.
Once these new rules and requirements for FWFPs are published, we will design and roll out a programme to implement FWFPs across the Chatham Islands.
We expect it will take several years to phase in FWFPs on all farms that need to have one, and we will be working closely with the farming industry to help farms navigate and implement the legal requirements of a FWFP.
If you have any questions about the new Essential Freshwater regulations contact 03 3050 033.