B+LNZ has submitted a document on February 20 which is seeking substantial changes to the proposed NEB.
Chiefly, it raised concerns about the role and complexity of Freshwater Farm Plans (FW-FPs) management.
It warned that there were risks of regulatory duplication instead of streamlining environmental management.
“There are significant issues with the role of, and amount of detail required for, Freshwater Farm Plans, and farmers would also need a consent or permit as well as a Freshwater Farm Plan in many cases,” said B+LNZ chair Kate Acland.
The submission also opposed the introduction of systems where water can be bought, sold, or rented like a commodity.
“We also do not support the introduction of market-based allocation or levies for resource use and are concerned that the same farming activity will now fall between two Acts and make the process for farmers more complicated and costly.
B+LNZ argued that this could potentially lead to more issues such as water hoarding.
Same old issues
Acland also highlighted that the bill carries forward existing RMA provisions on stock drinking water without addressing known implementation issues.
“We’re also calling for other things to be fixed as part of the RMA reform, such as the current issues with the approach to stock drinking water. The legislation has simply brought across the existing RMA wording on this, meaning we’ll continue to see increases in stock drinking water being prohibited in plan changes. This needs to be changed to focus on the direct effects of takes that have a more than minor effect or be permitted.”
B+LNZ said that wording has already caused problems in some regions. In particular, some existing farmers have struggled to secure enough reliable water for their livestock, even though access to drinking water is essential for animal welfare.
‘Missing the mark’
The Resource Management Act (RMA) is a key piece of legislation that sets out how New Zealand manages its environment, including soil, water, and air. It outlines the limits and guidelines shaping how the agriculture sector functions.
B+LNZ, an organisation representing and supporting New Zealand’s sheep and beef farmers, has supported the reform of the 34-year-old legislation, which has become increasingly inefficient over the years.
While it agrees with its principles and goals for replacement of the RMA, Acland said its current drafting was not achieving its intended objectives and could leave farmers in a less favourable position.
“We welcome the intent to enable primary sector growth and development, reduce the need for consents, make more activities permitted and reduce litigation. However, as we have said since it was released, the way the legislation is currently written is missing the mark and farmers could be worse off.”
According to B+LNZ, its submission was backed by farmer feedback. Acland noted there was strong alignment across the agricultural sector on these issues.
“Freshwater health is incredibly important to farmers, rural communities and New Zealand. We need to get the framework for managing this right. Changes to the legislation are necessary but I’m confident we can get to an enduring framework that’s practical and achievable.”
