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Background information about the Sustainable Water Programme of Action

Through 2004 and 2005, officials working on the Sustainable Water Programme of Action consulted with local government, landowners, businesses, industry groups, sector groups, iwi, community organisations and individuals on issues facing freshwater management. The aim was to identify possible solutions and opportunities for the future.

Some common themes emerged about ways to improve freshwater management:

  • Greater strategic planning for water, nationally and regionally.
  • Clearer direction and guidance from central government.
  • Greater consistency in the way increasing demands on water resources are managed across the country.
  • A better framework for deciding between conflicting demands for water.
  • More effective Māori participation in water management.
  • Better management of the impacts of diffuse discharges on water quality.

Drawing on this feedback, Cabinet approved a package of proposed actions which were discussed and developed over subsequent months.

Development of the Sustainable Water Programme of Action

In April 2006 Cabinet agreed to the following principles which were used to guide the development of the Water Programme:

  • Water will continue to be managed as a public resource
  • Freshwater management will be improved under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)
  • Regional councils will continue to have primary responsibility for managing fresh water
  • Clear environmental limits will be set for water quality and the quantity available for allocation
  • Enhancements to existing mechanisms and the provision of incentives will improve efficiency of water use
  • Resource users will be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and will be given the flexibility to develop appropriate solutions
  • Nationally outstanding natural water bodies will be identified and better protected
  • The best available information will be used for decision-making processes
  • Māori and other community involvement – confidence in decision-making processes will be maximised, building on the opportunities for participation in the regional planning process.

Further information and resources

For more resources and documents relating to water, see the freshwater webpages.