Council responds to Government’s RMA announcement

Waikato Regional Council acknowledges the Government’s planned Resource Management Act changes and the implications for Plan Change 1, a policy developed to address the degraded water quality of the Waikato and Waipā rivers and support the long-term restoration of these nationally significant waterways.

In response, Waikato Regional Council Chair, Warren Maher, said: “While it is good to finally have clarity on the Government’s intentions as we work to set our future budgets, we are disappointed discussions were had with a number of parties but our advice or input was not sought.” 

The groundbreaking plan change to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers – commonly known as Plan Change 1 or PC1 – was developed by a collaborative stakeholder group representing sector, industry and community interests in response to government direction and the findings of an independent audit from the Office of the Auditor General.

A significant milestone in the 14-year process of the plan’s development was marked in June, with the Environment Court issuing its final decision on the plan change, subject to agreement on 20 specific changes being made by the council and appeals to the High Court.

Chief Executive Dr Chris McLay said, “While the devil will be in the detail, based on the information released so far, the signalled deferral of consenting and farm plan requirements relates only to some PC1 provisions. Until we have seen the legislation, we’ll be unable to provide clarity for those in the catchments.

“However, it is clear those operating lawfully can continue to do so until 2032 when the responsible authority will transition PC1 into the new planning system. It raises questions for the people who have operated unlawfully,” he said.

“The announcement does not impact the Environment Court and High Court processes. 

“PC1 has been one of the most significant and complex planning processes undertaken in the Waikato region. It represents almost $30 million of ratepayer investment and many years of scientific analysis, community engagement, hearings and legal processes. The council and all appellants have continued to have constructive discussions through the Environment Court process with a focus on pragmatic solutions.”

“We hope this unexpected development in the PC1 journey will not add more costs to those expenses incurred to date by all parties.”

He added that significant changes had already been made to operations by farmers, growers and industry in preparation for Plan Change 1 and, in many respects, were ahead of much of New Zealand in adopting practices aimed at improving water quality.

PC1 was developed as the first step in an 80-year journey to help give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, the legislated Vision and Strategy for restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for current and future generations.

Dr McLay said the Government’s announcement did not alter the significance of Te Ture Whaimana or the long-term aspirations it sets for the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

He said the collaborative effort behind PC1 had strengthened relationships across the region and demonstrated the scale of partnership required to address complex freshwater challenges.

“The lessons learned and evidence gathered over the past 15 or so years provide a strong foundation that will continue to inform future freshwater management decisions in the Waikato.

“Water quality is one of the region’s most significant environmental concerns, reflecting its importance to community wellbeing, cultural values, recreation and the region’s economic resilience. Waikato Regional Council remains committed to working alongside central government, iwi, communities, farmers, growers, industry and other stakeholders to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and Waipā rivers.”