This morning, the Government announced its plan to tackle water
quality issues in New Zealand, with a focus on stopping further
degradation and loss, reversing past damage, and addressing water
allocation issues.
You can read about the Government's Essential Freshwater
work programme, here: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/node/24402
What you need to know
There are three key changes signalled by the Government, which
will likely have a significant impact on local authorities. These
include an amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater
Management, a new National Environmental Standard for Freshwater
Management 2020, and further amendments to the Resource Management
Act 1991.
Six workstreams have been identified in the Government's
Essential Freshwater work programme, as follows:
