LGNZ welcomes national standards for freshwater management

Local Government New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s National Objectives Framework for freshwater management released yesterday.

LGNZ Regional Sector Chair, Fran Wilde, said the framework is intended to sheet home some environmental “bottom lines” for the management of freshwater resources.

“Local government sees strong value in a national framework to support communities setting freshwater management measures.

“Continual debate through multiple planning processes regarding the adequacy and suitability of numbers proposed for the protection of water is costly for all participants – not just regional councils,” says Ms Wilde.

LGNZ’s regional councils have been well represented in the process to develop the framework and this partnership with central government is critical.

“The expertise and skills lie with LGNZ’s regional councils and we have brought this to the table as the draft framework has been developed.”

Ms Wilde says there is likely to be considerable discussion around whether the national compulsory values (bottom lines) are adequate to provide for water quality expectations of iwi and of New Zealanders generally. 

“Regional councils are well used to debate on water quality.  Much of the business of regional councils is associated with the management of freshwater resources, and having tools that are fit for purpose is essential.

“But the challenge ahead is to closely examine the workability of the framework, recognising that there are choices to be made.”

The framework will be delivered through amendments to the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management, which regional councils are currently putting into effect.

ENDS

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