Essential Freshwater Information Sheets
Essential Freshwater Information Sheets
Timeline
We have mapped out the Essential Freshwater Regulations over 2020 – 2030 and aligned this with our own policy response. Want to find out more? Check out the timeline in more detail here – Essential Freshwater Changes Timeline
Sphagnum Moss Harvesting
In 2020, the Government introduced new national regulations for freshwater, including activities in or adjoining natural wetlands. These regulations are called the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020. The regulations control many activities that may occur in or alongside natural wetlands including harvesting of sphagnum moss. Natural wetland definitions, rules for harvesting sphagnum moss and a Sphagnum Moss harvesting Plan are included in the link below.
Information sheet - Sphagnum Moss Harvesting
Stock Exclusion From Lakes, Rivers and Natural Wetlands
In September 2020 the Government introduced national regulations to exclude some livestock from lakes, rivers and natural wetlands. These regulations are called the Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Regulations 2020 and they apply to dairy and beef cattle and farmed deer and pigs throughout New Zealand.
Information sheet - Stock Exclusion
Water Metering and Reporting
The 2010 government regulations for Measuring and Reporting Water Takes requires anyone with a resource consent to take water (at a rate of 5 L/s or more) to measure and record their water take to an accuracy of plus or minus 5%. In September 2020, an amendment was made to this regulation requiring users to electronically send their water usage data to Council as it is captured by data loggers/information recorders. This can be achieved using telemetry. Abstractors must comply with the Regulations for Measuring and Reporting Water Takes by the following dates:
20 litres / second or more - By 3 September 2022
10 litres / second or more - By 3 September 2024
5 litres / second or more - By 3 September 2026
Information Sheet - Water metering
Feedlots and other stockholding areas
New rules around feedlots came into effect on 3 September 2020. On 1 July 2021 new rules will come into effect for stockholding areas other than feedlots. These new rules are part of the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 (NES-F). If you use feedlots, or other stockholding areas, it is important to consider the new rules and whether you will need to apply for a resource consent. NOTE: For the purpose of the NES-F, standoff pads and wintering areas are considered stock holding areas.
Information Sheet - Feedlots and other stockholding areas
Intensive Winter Grazing
New rules around intensive winter grazing come into effect on 1 May 2022, as part of the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 (NES-F). If you intend to undertake intensive winter grazing, it’s important to consider the new rules and whether you’ll have to apply for a resource consent. NOTE – That the time for these rules to come into effect has been pushed out 12 months. However, we encourage all farmers to move to these requirements as soon as practicable.
Information Sheet - Winter grazing
Application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser
New government rules for the application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser come into effect from 1 July 2021. These rules apply, as well as the rules in the Regional Land and Water Plan. If you intend to apply synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, we recommend you check whether you will need a resource consent. From 1 July 2021 there will be a cap of 190kg/ha/year on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser on land used for pastoral farming. You will need a resource consent if you want to apply more. From July 2022 dairy farmers must provide to Council information relating to their use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser every year.
Information Sheet - application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser
Intensification of land
Fish Passage, Culverts
Fish passage, culverts
Wetland Rules
Currently under development:
- NPS-FM - Identifying Wetlands
