A Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) is designed to be your tool for managing environmental risks on your farm. It helps you identify potential risks and create practical plans to manage and reduce those risks.
Your FWFP will outline on-farm actions to improve local waterways, tailored to your farm’s unique location, catchment, and environment. This means a more flexible, practical approach compared to one-size-fits-all rules or resource consents.
Right now, Central Government is working to improve the freshwater farm plan (FWFP) system, and is exploring ways to make the system more cost-effective and practical for farmers while acknowledging the good work they are already doing.
Some changes have already been made, including updates to the threshold size for farms that require a freshwater farm plan.
The updated thresholds are:
Other changes include:
Freshwater farm plans are seen as a key tool for managing risks to freshwater. Farmers who have already invested time and effort into developing their farm plans can expect to see that work recognised and built upon under the improved system.
The improvements are being progressed through the Government’s wider RMA reform process, with the updated system expected to be in place by later in 2026.
For now, nothing changes in Tasman, as the FWFP regulations are not yet in effect here. However, the review will influence how and when they are applied in the future.
One thing is clear: FWFPs aren’t going away. They’ll still be part of the picture, and we’re waiting for more details on what the final version will look like.
Even though the FWFP rollout is on pause while the review takes place, your efforts shouldn’t stop. Every step you take now, from improving nutrient management to protecting waterways, will make the transition smoother when FWFPs come into effect.
There’s already a lot of great work happening across our catchments to reduce risks to freshwater, and that effort really matters. Farmers and Catchment Groups are leading the way with practical solutions, and these actions will pay off in the long run.
The Catchments and Landuse Team, through their Catchment Advisors, will keep you up-to-date with news and events.
More information: Freshwater farm plans | Ministry for the Environment
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Catchment Context, Maps and DataOur Catchment Advisors are working hard behind the scenes to prepare all the spatial mapping layers and information you’ll need from Council to complete your Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP). Once ready, everything will be available right here in an easy-to-use format. You’ll be able to download mapping layers for your farm, including:
Pick the information you need, apply it to your farm, and use it to manage or reduce impacts on freshwater. In the meantime, check out Tasman's Environmental Map Viewer for a sneak peek! Help with navigating the map📽️ This video provides guidance on how to use the map viewer. |
